Reminder: Media Alert: On the Air with Fox 25

On Monday morning I will once again be a special guest on the Fox 25 Morning News segment “Monday Morning Quarterbacks,” with former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger. Scott and I will join News Anchor Gene Lavanchy in a discussion regarding the various political topics of the day. Please tune in Monday morning at approximately 7:55 AM for what will be a lively discussion.

Media Alert: On the Air with Fox 25

On Monday morning I will once again be a special guest on the Fox 25 Morning News segment “Monday Morning Quarterbacks,” with former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger. Scott and I will join News Anchor Gene Lavanchy in a discussion regarding the various political topics of the day. Please tune in Monday morning at approximately 7:55 AM for what will be a lively discussion.

Beach Safety Bill Passes Senate

Today I distributed the following press release regarding “Caleigh’s Bill”, which was passed to be engrossed during yesterday’s formal Senate Session:

Tarr Beach Safety Bill Passes Senate

Bill Seeks to Honor the Memory of 2-year-old Caleigh Harrison

BOSTON – Yesterday the Massachusetts State Senate took a major step forward by unanimously engrossing a bill sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) that seeks to create a color-coded flag warning system to promote safety at the state’s public beaches.  Senate Bill 2247, also known as “Caleigh’s Bill”, was crafted due to the tragic case of Gloucester 2-year-old Caleigh Harrison, who was last seen on Rockport’s Long Beach on April 19, 2012 and is believed to have been swept out to sea.

            “Caleigh’s Bill provides a great public safety and awareness tool for the public beaches across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Tarr.  “This bill honors Caleigh, and through this measure, there will be greater consciousness of the dangers that the ocean presents, and that will ultimately save lives.”

In an effort to promote beach safety, Senate Bill 2247, An Act creating uniform beach warnings, would:

·         Require the Department of Conservation and Recreation to develop a uniform warning and safety flag program to be used at all public beaches maintained by DCR, by providing a uniform size, shape, color, and definition for each warning and safety flag; and

·         Allow a municipality to adopt the uniform flag warning and safety program by requiring a vote by a city council, town council, or town meeting.

            “Caleigh’s Bill”, which is also supported by Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester), was first developed by Caleigh’s uncle, David Harrison, Jr., who was on a business trip to Panama last year when he learned about the country’s color-coded flag system which is used to warn the public about the dangers of tides and riptides.  Alabama, Florida, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Texas and several other states utilize a similar program, and the Harrison family is seeking to implement the same safety measures in Massachusetts.

“My family and I are pleased to hear of the news that Caleigh’s bill has now passed the Senate and is in the final stages of becoming a reality! Our vision of helping to prevent other tragedies like the one that we live through every day seems to be very close to happening! We would like to thank Sen. Bruce Tarr along with Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante for their hard work in making all of this possible,” said David Harrison, Jr.

 

            The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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Media Alert: On the Air with Fox 25

Tonight I will once again be a special guest on the Fox 25 Evening News 5:00pm broadcast, where I’ll be discussing a juvenile 1^st degree murder bill that is expected to be debated on during tomorrow’s formal Senate session.

Currently, the bill would set parole eligibility for juveniles convicted of first degree murder at 20-30 years, but does not apply retroactively to those who have already been convicted of the crime.  To learn more about a recent U.S. Supreme Court case and a Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court case on the matter, click here to read an earlier blog post.

Please tune in at 5:00pm to watch tonight’s broadcast.

Happy Independence Day!

“The United States is the only country with a known birthday. All the rest began, they know not when, and grew into power, they know not how. If there had been no Independence Day, England and America combined would not be so great as each actually is. There is no "Republican," no "Democrat," on the Fourth of July — all are Americans. All feel that their country is greater than party”. ~James G. Blaine

Today, we proudly celebrate the birth of our great nation. Americans everywhere will be united in spirit as we commemorate the ideals of liberty and justice our country was founded on. My hope is that among our festivities this Independence Day, we all take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices the brave men and women of this nation have made and continue to make in order to ensure a life of freedom for their fellow Americans, and a hope for freedom for the world.

Have a happy and safe 4^th of July!

Animal Safety Tips for the July 4th Weekend

As we all look forward to our July 4^th celebrations, the Animal Rescue League and Boston Veterinary Care remind us that our pets do not share our excitement. The two organizations urge pet owners to keep several things in mind this Independence Day.

First, the 4^th of July, a day of barbeques, fireworks, and parades, can be a cause for potentially dangerous overstimulation for dogs. With all of the additional activities happening over the weekend, it may increase the risk of biting and other aggressive behavior in your dog. ARL president Mary Nee suggests leaving pets at home if possible, or putting them on a leash if they must be outside.

Second, fireworks startle and cause severe anxiety for pets. Keeping your pet in a room with the television or radio on may serve as a distraction for the animal.

Because of the day’s excitement, many animals may run away to avoid the terror-inducing stimuli. It is recommended that your animal is identifiable with either a collar or microchip just in case.

Lastly, in accordance with this summer’s brutal heat, Boston Veterinary Care reminds us to never leave our pets in a parked car, due to the dangerous intensity of the heat within vehicles on hot summer days.

For more animal summer safety tips, please click here.

Media Alert: On the Air with Fox 25

Tonight at 6:30pm, I will once again be a guest on the Fox 25 Evening News where I’ll be discussing the status of an animal cruelty bill that contains important provisions of the PAWS Act.  The bill, H.1182, was recently released from the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and would:

·       Increase the fine of committing animal abuse from $2,500 to $5,000;

·       Raise the maximum time in prison from 5 years to 7 years;

·       Require veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse (similar to the requirement of medical staff who suspect child abuse); and

·       Create a special taskforce of experts in law enforcement, animal protection, veterinary, and legal professionals to review methods to prevent animal abuse and punish those who commit animal abuse.

Also, earlier today, I, along with the MSPCA and the Animal Rescue League of Boston, met with members of the media to discuss the release of H.1182 and the potential the bill has to becoming law during this legislative session.  Tune in to NECN, Channel 5, and Fox 25 during tonight’s broadcasts to see today’s interviews.