Obama Administration Defends Secure Communities

A key member of President Obama’s administration, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, gave a speech on Wednesday at American University defending the need for the implementation of the federal fingerprint sharing program known as the Secure Communities Program. The program in Suffolk County, the only law enforcement jurisdiction in Massachusetts to have implemented Secure Communities, has thus far arrested and removed 201 convicted criminal illegal aliens.

To read more of Secretary Napolitano’s comments please read a report by Kyle Cheney of State House News featured in today’s Boston Herald posted below.

Napolitano counters ‘Secure Communities’ claims embraced by Gov. Patrick

A Special Guest

I was pleased on Monday to welcome Newbury resident Rachel Welch, Miss Teen Massachusetts 2011, to the State House to recognize her for her accomplishments and representation of our Commonwealth. During her visit we had the opportunity to discuss many issues, including the challenges facing our state and our nation. Following our discussion I presented Rachel with an official Senate Citation honoring her success as Miss Teen Massachusetts.

Below are two photos of Rachel and me. The first is of me presenting Rachel with her Senate citation and the other is a picture of us on the balcony of the State House. Rachel will now travel to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA during Thanksgiving week to compete for the title of Miss Teen USA.

Shedding Light on the Oversight of the Fishing Industry

Today U.S. Senators Scott Brown (R-MA) and John Kerry (D-MA) hosted a field hearing with Chairman Begich (D-AK) of the United States Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard at the Massachusetts State House. The well attended hearing focused on the federal government’s oversight of the New England fishing industry.

Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Jane Lubchenco provided testimony and was questioned by the panel, which also included Massachusetts Representatives John Tierney, Barney Frank and William Keating, on the agency’s stance on catch limits, catch shares, enforcement tactics, and abuse of powers. Other thoughtful testimony was received from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth marine scientist Brian Rothschild, and Director Paul Diodati of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.

The hearing represented an important step in correcting significant problems with the federal management of fisheries in the Northeast, with a focus on groundfish.

Please tune in to tonight’s evening news broadcasts to see highlights of the hearing. Below are some photos taken at today’s hearing.

Expanded Gaming Debate

On Monday, September 26th the Senate began debating Senate Bill 2015, “An Act Establishing Expanded Gaming in the Commonwealth”. Thus far debate has been completed on 82 of the 182 amendments that have been filed regarding the bill. 28 of those were approved.

Some important amendments that passed include one that would provide a “cooling off period” of one year before a legislator who leaves office could acquire a position at a casino or an applicant for a casino license, another that would provide surrounding communities an avenue to express support or opposition of a casino site location, and one that would eliminate the ability for a council on aging to use state funds or property to support trips to and from an out-of-state casino. Amendments which I have filed that are awaiting floor action include provisions to use some proceeds from expanded gaming to reduce the sales and income taxes, and to reform education aid for our local school districts.

Debate for expanded gaming is expected to continue next week. To read the actual language of the bill and the status of the amendments please click here. A summary of the bill is posted below.

SWM 2011.09.16 Gaming as Redrafted

Happy Rosh HaShana

I would like to wish everyone in the Jewish community peace, prosperity and happiness for the year ahead! L’ Shanah Tovah!

Media Alert: On the Air with Jeff Katz, Fox25

With the Senate scheduled to begin its expanded gaming debate next week, I will be calling in to the Jeff Katz radio show on Monday morning to discuss some of the nearly 200 amendments to the bill that have been filed. Be sure to tune in just after 7:30 A.M. on Talk 1200 radio to listen to the discussion.

Also on Monday, I will be appearing live in the Fox 25 Beacon Hill studio to discuss a new illegal immigration bill set to be unveiled next week. The segment will air at approximately 8:15 A.M.

Monday Morning’s Conversation with Jeff Katz

On Monday morning I had the opportunity to discuss with Jeff Katz of the Jeff Katz Show on Rush Talk 1200AM Boston the upcoming expanded gaming debate in the Massachusetts Senate. To listen to our lively discussion please click here, and to read the actual text of the bill please click here.