Massachusetts Legislature Passes Bill to Assist Municipalities with Road and Bridge Repairs

Yesterday the Massachusetts Senate passed a $200 million bill aimed at helping cities and town repair local roads and bridges that have been weathered by the brutal winter of 2010-2011. If signed by Governor Deval Patrick, the bill would allow for the following amounts to be apportioned to the following communities in the Second Plymouth/Bristol District for fiscal year 2012 (beginning August 1, 2011):

• Brockton: $2,037,379
• East Bridgewater: $379,839
• Easton: $730,868
• Halifax: $259,235
• Hanover: $514,492
• Hanson: $326,012
• Whitman: $330,393

The legislation authorizes a municipality to appropriate money for road projects up to the amount that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation ("MassDOT") determines it is entitled to under authorization per Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 ("c.90"). MassDOT uses a weighted formula based on road miles, population and employment.

The bill establishes a reimbursement model. When a city or town requests reimbursement from the commonwealth under the c. 90 authorization, it must include certification to MassDOT that expenses have been incurred, and that the project has been completed to the satisfaction of the municipality (and in conformance with applicable laws). Once the request is submitted, MassDOT has 30 days to reimburse the city or town.

If you have any questions about this, or any other piece of legislation, please don’t hesitate to contact Senator Kennedy’s office at 617.722.1200.

 

A Message About Senate Bill 1111, Relative to Food and Refreshments at Funeral Homes

Today, at a hearing on the Joint Committee on Public Health, Senate Bill 1111, An Act Relative to Funerals, will be heard. It is a bill that has garnered much media attention as of late, and I wanted to let the public know a little bit more about the bill.

This bill, which I have filed for the last several years, seeks to allow licensed funeral establishments to provide food and liquid refreshments during hours of operation. In the past, it has been said that a health hazard would exist should food and drink be allowed in the same vicinity as a corpse. In light of the fact that a great number of funeral homes across the Commonwealth are also private residences, however, I find this argument to be less than persuasive. Obviously, should this bill be passed, reasonably prudent steps would be taken in order to ensure complete public safety and security relative to the separation of areas where food and beverages would be served from any dangerous chemical substances used in the course of business.

Massachusetts Announces Recovery-Funded Projects at Massasoit Community College and with RD Matthews Construction Company, Inc.

(Below is a press release issued on March 24, 2011 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs)

Patrick-Murray Administration Celebrates 78 Stimulus-Funded Clean Energy Projects in Southeastern Massachusetts

Marking the two-year anniversary of the federal Recovery Act, Brockton event highlights energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in 41 cities and towns

BROCKTON - The Patrick-Murray Administration today marked the two-year anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) by highlighting investments of nearly $10 million in 78 clean energy projects in cities and towns throughout southeastern Massachusetts. The Administration's investments in the region are financing projects that have employed over 200 people and are expected to yield approximately 8.4 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy capacity, saving enough energy to power and heat more than 1,300 homes.

Easton and Hanover Receive Affordable Housing Funding

Today, Governor Patrick and the Department of Housing & Community Development announced funding for two affordable housing projects in Senator Kennedy’s district (Ames Shovel Works in Easton, and Barstow Village in Hanover).

2011 Brockton Mayor's Youth Summit Information Now Available

(Message from the Brockton Mayor’s Office)

Mayor Linda M. Balzotti is proud to announce that the 11th Annual Mayor’s Youth Summit will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Massasoit Community College, 8AM-4:00PM.  Each year, the Summit brings over 400 youth together to discuss the issues that they are facing as a young person growing up in Brockton.  It offers youth participants a chance to gain leadership, empowerment, and support for their efforts to make Brockton a better, safer, and supportive city to grow up in; and every year, over 40 volunteers dedicate their time and energy to promote this opportunity.  This year, we are hoping to increase our youth participation numbers and we need YOUR help to do that!

Recruits Sought for 2011 Police Officer and Transit Police Officer Exam

A recruitment campaign is under way for the upcoming entry-level Civil Service Examination for Police Officer, cities and towns and Transit Police Officer, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The examination will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011.  The Massachusetts Human Resource Division is looking to fulfill the commitment of recruiting a qualified and diverse applicant pool for this important public safety examination.

Metro South Chamber Seeks Restaurants and Food Vendors for Upcoming Event

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce is seeking restaurants and vendors for its upcoming Taste of Metro South, being held on March 23rd at the Shaw's Center in Brockton.

Please see the event flyer for more information.