An update on the Senate debate of the $1.5 billion education funding reform bill.

The state Senate has continued to debate the Student Opportunity Act. There are 69 amendments to the bill offered by members.

Data Driven Decision Making

I have requested data sets used to create the Senate education funding reform bill. Prior to debate it is incumbent on all of us to consider the most accurate and reliable data in the context of this bill.

A comprehensive set of information and statistics about the bill’s impact on our school districts, and the 951,000 public school students served by them, should be made widely available.

State officials announce 8th EEE horse case in Massachusetts

Personal protection measures continue to be essential 

BOSTON (October 2, 2019)—The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that laboratory testing has confirmed the 8th horse infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus this year. The horse was stabled in the town of Spencer in Worcester County, a community already considered at high risk for EEE.

No change in risk levels is indicated. There are 35 communities now at critical risk, 53 at high risk, and 121 at moderate risk for the EEE virus in Massachusetts. A map of the state’s current EEE risk levels can be found here.

“We continue to emphasize the need for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “Although mosquito populations are beginning to decline, risk from EEE will continue until the first hard frost.”

There have been 12 human cases of EEE this season in Massachusetts and nine confirmed cases of EEE this year in animals - eight horses and a goat.

State officials continue to remind residents throughout the Commonwealth to take personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Residents can learn more about EEE and ways to protect themselves on DPH’s website.

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE occurs sporadically in Massachusetts with the most recent outbreak years occurring from 2004-2006 and 2010-2012.
EEE virus has been found in 426 mosquito samples this year, many of them from species of mosquitoes capable of spreading the virus to people. An additional 76 mosquitos have tested positive for WNV.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours
The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites
Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

STRONG MEN DON’T BULLY

Today we gathered together at Gloucester City Hall to recognize the 20th anniversary of the dedication of the STRONG MEN DON’T BULLY billboard on Railroad Avenue and to continue our efforts to bring an end to domestic abuse, sexual assault and dating abuse.

We invite others to join us in taking steps not only to raise awareness of domestic violence but also to join us in making commitments to act.

I had the pleasure of welcoming to the State House some very bright 8th grade students from Rockport yesterday. Whitney Swanberg, their Social Studies teacher organized a field trip to Boston to jump-start their understanding of the foundation of our nation from securing our independence to establishing our Constitution. Given that Massachusetts lead the way to independence and shaping the components of what our system of government should look like - including establishing civil rights, a visit to the State House seems like a great way to illustrate of that and more for these students.

I am so glad to have had the opportunity listen to, and talk with, them about our system of government and our great tradition of open, citizen-led, government.

With Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante.

Domestic violence is a critical health issue that impacts thousands of families in our state and across the nation. We must continue to raise awareness to prevent these kinds of acts from occurring & support those who need help. Together, we can end relationship violence.

#DVAM

Wilmington's 15th Annual Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk

The Wilmington Tewksbury Chamber of Commerce's Annual Road Race was a great success this Sunday with lots of volunteers and participants who put one foot in front of the other and repeated until the cheers and smiles greeted them at the finish line.

More than 500 people ran, walked, helped and spectated this year and all helped make this the Chamber’s signature annual fundraising event. The Chamber works to support local businesses and it also champions the community through scholarships and donations.

Congratulations and thanks to race organizer Nancy Vallee and her team for their great work. With Representative Dave Robertson.