News from State Senator Thomas P. Kennedy

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

2011-04-08T14:51:00.000-04:00

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

2011-03-29T11:39:00.000-04:00

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.

For decades, wakes and funeral services were conducted in the decedent’s home, where food and refreshments were served to attending mourners. However, that tradition has undergone changes over the past generation. The custom of family and friends gathering together in a wake setting has continued, only in a different venue – funeral homes. What needs to be prominent in your deliberations is the fact that these substitute locations should always be looked upon as a surrogate home in which the deceased family can relocate for the purposes of bidding farewell to their loved ones. Just as one would extend hospitality of food and drink to visitors in their residence, so should they be able to extend the same courtesies to visitors at their chosen funeral home.

In order to dispel some misconceptions about the ideas behind this bill, I want to assure the Committee that the intention would be to allow family members – some of whom spend six, seven or eight hours at a time at the funeral home – to exit to an adjoining room for the purposes of having light refreshments. At no point did I intend for my bill to be looked upon as an affront to the deceased – merely as a way to help comfort family members and mourners at an already difficult time, nor was it intended to mandate that funeral directors provide these amenities – only that the prohibition be lifted.

I look forward to continuing the dialogue about this bill and hope it is passed favorably this session and is signed into law by Governor Patrick.

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

2011-03-25T10:49:00.002-04:00

(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.

Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. today joined state, federal and local officials at Massasoit Community College to celebrate the projects, which are among more than 300 clean energy initiatives across Massachusetts financed through nearly $70 million in ARRA funds since the program took effect in February 2009. Massasoit Community College received $925,700 for a 300 kilowatt (kW) roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system.

View a full list of Recovery-funded projects in Southeastern Massachusetts.

"The Patrick-Murray Administration's strategic and innovative investment of Recovery Act dollars in diverse projects across the region has helped make Massachusetts a national clean energy leader," said Secretary Sullivan. "From solar panels at a Mass Audubon sanctuary on Martha’s Vineyard, and a wind turbine at UMass Dartmouth, to energy efficiency projects in schools, police stations, municipal buildings and private businesses, southeastern Massachusetts is fully engaged in a clean energy future."
Recovery Act projects in the region are also leveraging additional public and private clean energy investments of $106.5 million.

"The results of the Recovery Act effort here in Massachusetts are impressive," said Jeffrey A. Simon, Director of the Massachusetts Recovery and Reinvestment Office. "Nearly every part of state government has been involved. We’ve invested in education, in broadband access, alternative energy, water and wastewater plants. Housing projects that will be home to over 63,000 have been funded and 95 road and bridge projects are either complete or underway. Most importantly, 70,000 people in Massachusetts have received a Recovery Act-funded paycheck over the last two years. It should come as no surprise that Massachusetts is leading the country out of the recession."

"Real investments like those we’ve seen develop in the past two years in southeastern Massachusetts will help us harness our $6 trillion energy economy and create the clean energy technology jobs of tomorrow that will put people to work and keep our state on the cutting edge," said U.S. Senator John Kerry.

"The Patrick-Murray Administration has made using these ARRA funds for clean energy a high priority, and I commend them for it," Rep. McGovern said. "Southeastern Massachusetts has tremendous potential for continued growth, and clean energy should be a part of that future," said Congressman James McGovern.

"The Recovery funds invested in clean energy initiatives have been a huge win for the 10th Congressional District," said Rep. William Keating. "Half of the projects are in our district, and the $3.9 million dollars we received for them translates into jobs and a boost to our local economy. More importantly, the benefits of clean energy technology are not limited to the local level. These investments move us forward as a country by keeping us competitive in the global marketplace and reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources."

"From Canton to Wellfleet and in over three dozen cities and towns in between, the Patrick-Murray Administration’s investment of federal Recovery dollars is revitalizing the regional economy with cutting-edge energy projects that save companies and taxpayers money and improve the environment of southeastern Massachusetts," said Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia.

"In 2007, I signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment and, as such, have made a commitment to reducing the college’s carbon footprint," said Massasoit Community College President Dr. Charles Wall. "Massasoit Community College is very excited about having five of its buildings on the Brockton campus equipped with solar photovoltaics."

Statewide since 2009, DOER has invested ARRA funds through a number of programs that support the Patrick-Murray Administration's goals for a clean energy future. These programs include High Performance Buildings ($16.2 million) to demonstrate innovative solutions for long-standing challenges to substantial improvement of energy performance in various building types; Solar Stimulus ($17 million awarded through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and DOER) to create 16 MW of additional solar capacity across the Commonwealth; and Leading by Example ($14.55 million) to enable savings of tens of millions of dollars in annual energy savings across state-owned facilities – including expected savings of up to 15 percent through an Enterprise Energy Management System that helps state facilities managers identify energy-saving operational improvements through real-time energy monitoring.

DOER also awarded $14.7 million in ARRA funds to Massachusetts cities and towns through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants program, including $12.2 million for clean energy and energy savings projects, energy code training, technical assistance for implementing projects, and development and implementation of a web-based tool for cities and towns to track their energy consumption.

"It is always welcome news to any legislator when one hears of public investments in their district. It is especially pleasing to know that these funds will help advance the Commonwealth’s clean energy policies in academic and business settings," Sen. Thomas Kennedy.

"I am absolutely thrilled to see so many wonderful clean energy projects being funded in Southeast Massachusetts,” said Rep. Christine E. Canavan. “Massachusetts continues to put its best foot forward in the use of clean energy and I look forward to our continued work in furthering our progress."

"I am grateful that Massasoit is a recipient of this grant to promote green technology. It represents a major step forward in the use of environmentally sound initiatives. I thank Secretary Rick Sullivan, Undersecretary Phil Guidice, Commissioner Mark Sylvia and all others who have made this possible, and I look forward to working with you again as we continue to improve our community colleges," said Rep. Michael D. Brady.
"It is important to focus on green and sustainable development, and I’m glad to see that our Commonwealth is making these types of projects a priority by helping Brockton become a leader in clean energy development," said Mayor Linda M. Balzotti.

Investment in clean energy is a critical component of Governor Patrick's Massachusetts Recovery Plan, which combines state, federal and, where possible, private efforts to provide immediate and long-term relief and position the Commonwealth for recovery in the following ways:

Deliver immediate relief by investing in the road, bridge and rail projects that put people to work today and providing safety net services that sustain people who are especially vulnerable during an economic crisis;
Build a better tomorrow through education and infrastructure investments that strengthen our economic competitiveness, prepare workers for the jobs of the future, and support clean energy, broadband, and technology projects that cut costs while growing the economy; and
Reform state government by eliminating the pension and ethics loopholes that discredit the work of government and revitalize the transportation networks that have suffered from decades of neglect and inaction.

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Easton and Hanover Receive Affordable Housing Funding

2011-02-16T15:29:00.003-05:00

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).

A brief description of each project is below:

Ames Shovel Works (Easton)
Beacon Communities will use $619,940 in federal low-income housing tax credits, $1,262,712 in state issued low-income housing tax credits, and another $1,000,000 in DHCD program subsidies to support the conversion of historic industrial buildings into 119 units of mixed-income rental housing. 30 units will be affordable; 12 will be set aside for extremely low-income families. The project is expected to create 251 jobs.

Barstow Village (Hanover)
EA Fish Development and the Planning Office of Urban Affairs will use $1,000,000 in federal low-income housing tax credits and an additional $2,300,000 in DHCD program subsidies to construct 66 new units of affordable rental housing for residents 62 years of age or older. 10 of the units will be reserved for extremely low-income households. It is expected to generate 72 jobs.

Click here for Governor Patrick's press release regarding all of the funded projects.

2011 Brockton Mayor's Youth Summit Information Now Available

2011-02-10T14:30:00.001-05:00

(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!

This year, we are offering youth participants and volunteers a chance to apply online!!

Click here for an online Youth Participant Registration!

Click here for an online Volunteer Application!

Recruits Sought for 2011 Police Officer and Transit Police Officer Exam

2011-02-09T10:44:00.001-05:00

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.

Click here for a detailed description of the entrance requirements and application procedures, and here to view a recruitment poster/hand-out. Applications must be filed or postmarked no later than April 1, 2011. Applications and information about eligibility requirements, application fees, and the examination process are available at the Human Resources Division, One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 or by calling the Examination Hot-Line at (617) 878-9895 or toll-free at 1-800-392-6178. You may also apply on-line at www.mass.gov/civilservice

Metro South Chamber Seeks Restaurants and Food Vendors for Upcoming Event

2011-02-08T13:45:00.000-05:00

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.

Community Rowing Inc and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Partner to offer Innovative Exercise Program for Community with Disabilities

2010-12-09T09:39:00.001-05:00

(This post is a product of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network)

CONTACT:
Tim Sullivan, Communications and Media Relations
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Office (617) 573-2918, Cell (617) 501-5985 tsullivan11@partners.org

Tom Palmer, Tom Palmer Communication
Community Rowing Inc
tompalmer@rcn.com (Cell) 617.755.7250

Community Rowing Inc and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Partner to offer Innovative Exercise Program for Community with Disabilities

FES Rowing has shown significant cardiovascular and bone improvement for persons with disabilities in research studies.

Boston, MA- As the twin epidemics of obesity and inactivity grow to encompass almost two thirds of adults, one high risk population has received little attention; persons with disabilities, specifically those with some form of spinal cord injuries. Services available for this high risk group have been limited despite the significant incidence of cardiovascular health issues.

Recent research conducted by Dr. Andrew Taylor at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital combining functional electrical stimulation (FES) and the sport of rowing achieved impressive results for this population. Based on this success, Spaulding established the Exercise for Persons with Disabilities (ExPD) program at its main facility to high demand. To provide greater access to this innovative technology, the ExPD program partnered with Community Rowing Inc. (CRI) to add another location at CRI. Recently Spaulding, CRI and the ExPD program celebrated the installation of two more FES rowing machines at the CRI Boathouse in Brighton.

“The goal of the program is to provide effective methods of exercise to increase overall health and wellness to an under-served and at risk population, the community with disabilities. The installation of these machines at CRI will enable the program to expand its ability to reach this population in the Boston area in an engaging and active environment,” said Dr. Andrew Taylor, Director, Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

Since the ExPD program’s initial launch over a year ago the program has grown to have over 40 participants. Many participants not only report increased cardiovascular health but improved muscle definition in their legs and improved quality of life.

“As a quad, I was so pleased to hear about Spaulding’s partnership with Community Rowing Inc. Their joint venture is testament to both organizations’ commitment to enhancing the life experiences of persons of all abilities, and I am excited about the possibility of entering the program myself someday,” said State Senator Thomas P. Kennedy.

The FES is a technology allows paralyzed muscles to contribute to whole body exercise. In this way both the paralyzed legs and innervated arms are under voluntary control and higher exercise intensities can be reached and sustained. In fact, some FES-rowers have achieved unprecedented work rates comparable to those of able-bodied rowers.

“Spaulding is proud to play a role in bringing important evidence based programs like this to the broader community. As a leader in rehabilitative care, we feel strongly that our role is to continue to push for novel ways to improve the quality of life for the communities we serve. This partnership with CRI is another way we will be able to do that,” said David E. Storto, President, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

"Embedding a major rehabilitation initiative in the community is an exciting and powerful addition to Community Rowing's programs and mission, which is making rowing accessible to everyone. We're delighted to partner with Spaulding and lead the way with this new technology," said Bruce Smith, CRI Director.

Participants in the ExPD program must be at least 18 years of age and have had a spinal cord injury. Participation in the program involves a full assessment and a nominal equipment rental and exercise fee. Locations for the program are at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital main campus on Nashua Street and the CRI Boathouse. For more information contact Glen Picard via phone 617 573 2786, email expd@partners.org or visit spauldingrehab.org/expd.

About the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network

A member of Partners HealthCare, The Spaulding Rehabilitation Network includes Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital its main campus, a 196-bed facility, located in Boston, as well as Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod, two long term care facilities Spaulding Hospital Cambridge and Spaulding Hospital North Shore and two skilled nursing facilities, as well as twenty three outpatient sites throughout the Greater Boston area. Spaulding is a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School as well as the official rehabilitation hospital of the New England Patriots. Spaulding is the only rehabilitation hospital in New England continually ranked since 1995 by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Hospitals survey with a #4 ranking in 2010. For more information, please visit www.spauldingrehab.org.

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State House Hosts Students from the Center of International Engagement at Bridgewater State University

2010-12-08T10:06:00.003-05:00

The work of a State Senator can be very time-consuming and burdensome, schedule-wise, but Senator Kennedy makes a point to ensure that his State House guests have the best experience possible, as seen in the photo below taken on December 2, 2010.

From left-to-right: Harold Tavares, Assistant Director of the Center for Internation Engagement at Bridgewater State University; Xiaoye Yan, scholar from Shanghai, China; State Representative and Dean of the House of Representatives, David L. Flynn (D-Bridgewater); Amilcar Aristides Monteiro, graduate student from Cape Verde; Senator Kennedy; and Bridgewater State University's Government Relations Coordinator, Sasha Link

Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board (BAWIB) Announces Employer Workforce Training Fund Workshop

2010-11-18T15:42:00.000-05:00

The following message was sent to Senator Kennedy by Sheila Sullivan-Jardim, Executive Director of the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board regarding a Workforce Training Fund seminar for employers in the Brockton region being held November 19th and 20th:

In collaboration with Massasoit Community College, the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board (BAWIB) is sponsoring a workshop on the Workforce Training Fund for employers in our region, please see the attached flyer. Every employer who pays Unemployment Insurance has 6% of their contribution added to this fund specifically for training of incumbent and future employees. Statewide, there was over $3 million distributed during the July 2010 awards, unfortunately, none of that was allocated to our region. Please help us spread the word on this seminar so that our region is aware of this opportunity and has the chance to take advantage of the training funds available to them.

Event Flyer and Registration Form

Department of Industrial Accidents Safety Grants Awarded to Two Brockton Entities

2010-11-05T14:22:00.002-04:00

Information used in this release was provided to Senator Kennedy’s office by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development – Joanne F. Goldstein, Secretary

Last week, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced that Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents safety grants were awarded to BAMSI ($8,827.50) and Brockton Day Nursery ($2,018.77). These monies will provide workplace safety and training that will promote safe and healthy conditions in the workplace through training, education, and other preventative programs for employees and/or employers of industries operating within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and whose entire staff is covered by the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Laws (M.G.L. c. 152), sole proprietorship, d/b/a or self-insured.

The Department of Industrial Accidents is the only Massachusetts state agency whose primary function is to provide financial assistance for the prevention of occupational injury, illness and death in the workplace.

Brockton’s TRA Adult Students Guests of Senator Tom Kennedy & Representative Michael Brady at Evening Visit to State House

2010-11-01T11:02:00.002-04:00

(Press Release composed by Alison Long of the Training Resources of America in Brockton.)

Thirty-five adults from Training Resources of America (TRA) in Brockton spent Thursday evening hosted and toured by Senator Thomas P. Kennedy and Representative Michael Brady, both of Brockton. Sen. Kennedy explained that Speaker Robert DeLeo agreed to the first-time-ever evening visit thanks to the willingness of freshman Rep. Brady to advocate for the unique visit. TRA South Shore Regional Manager Barbora Hazuková led the group.

Bused from TRA headquarters at 231 Main Street, the group fought traffic and arrived at the Bowdoin Street entrance by 6:45, where they were met by Al DeGirolamo, aide to Rep. Brady. They shuffled through security and rode elevators to the third floor, where Sen. Kennedy met them and explained the history of the chamber. He had been a representative for 26 years before being elected senator in 2009.

Students stood around him in the well of the House as he explained the history of the Sacred Cod, a gift in 1784 from John Rowe, a prosperous merchant who had made his fortune from fishing. He then pointed out the method of voting and the traditional separation of powers, more pronounced in Massachusetts than in most states. Here, a senator cannot enter the House without an invitation from a representative and vice versa. Even a governor must be invited to enter either chamber. A further courtesy requires that anyone who “has the floor” (is speaking) cannot be forcibly interrupted while he or she is speaking, but may choose to yield the floor to someone else.

All 8,000 bills typically filed by legislators and residents (with the assistance of a legislator) must have a public hearing and a vote every year. To become law, a bill must be agreed upon by a total of four votes in each house and the governor. Few proposals make it all the way through that process, which normally includes endless modifications. Many people can and do express their encouragement or concerns. The process follows the Massachusetts Constitution, ratified in 1780. It was the blueprint for our national Constitution.
From the House of Representatives, the voters walked in groups to the Senate, pausing to read the name on a statue or the information on a mural from our national history. The Senate chamber is a more quietly elegant room and originally was the House of Representatives. The building was designed by Charles Bullfinch to rise well above the city on land donated by John Hancock. Boston grew up around it. A century later, in 1898 and again in 1917, the building expanded to the one we know today. The 160 members of the House moved to a larger chamber and the 40 members of the Senate took over the round room they use today.

No loudspeaker system is used in the Senate, as it must be in the House, but microphones and cameras do allow the public to watch the proceedings. Members all have equal power. In order to emphasize that equality, their chairs are adjusted so all members are at eye level. They are literally surrounded by leaders from our past. Almost all are Massachusetts leaders; even Benjamin Franklin was born here. Both Presidents George Washington and then-Congressman Abraham Lincoln visited here, the only State House to host both.

The Marquis de La Fayette is the third non-local. At 19, believing in independence from royal power, he came to fight on the side of the American Revolution. He was a French aristocrat and military officer who taught farmers and shopkeepers how to fight, provided much of the military materiel required, and even spent his personal fortune on food for the cold, hungry fighters at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-78. He was wounded three times. Sen. Kennedy said that Lafayette returned as an old man to lay the cornerstone for the Bunker Hill Monument in 1825. He wanted someday to be buried in America. Unwilling to break generations of tradition by shipping his body to Boston, his family instead came to get some soil, so he is literally buried in Boston soil – in France.

It was thus the efforts of Lafayette and Franklin, who convinced the French court to support us against England, that allowed the early would-be Americans to defeat the greatest army of late-18th century Europe.
Drifting out of the Senate chamber, students were invited to stand out on the front balcony, overlooking Boston Common and the night sky of the city. There in the early years stood Boston merchants, able to see the Harbor Islands in those days and waiting – literally – for their ships to come in.

On the other side of the Lobby is a beautiful, formal room mostly used today for meetings and “events.” Paintings of prior Senate presidents line the walls. They, along with Horace Mann, the Father of Public Education, overlooked the visitors. (Massachusetts was the first state to require free, universal, public education in 1852.) The central table shows “pie wedge” marks symbolizing the first 15 states. New York is largest and Massachusetts nearly so as it included all of Maine at the time. A tiny wedge inside “Massachusetts” represents Rhode Island. Next year, this room will revert to its original purpose as the Senate Chamber while the current one is rehabbed and returned to its original condition.

The unique tour ended as students and faculty overlooked paintings of Paul Revere’s ride warning “The British are coming! The British are coming!,” James Otis arguing against “taxation without representation” with royal judges who owed their livelihood to King George III, and the Boston Tea Party as they protested the same issue. The group descended the Grand Staircase to check out the bronze memorial statue to Civil War nurses in the Nurses Hall. Before they headed home, they peered through now-dimmed lights at reliefs of long-ago soldiers and busts of yesteryear’s leaders, some of whose descendents are active in public affairs today. They circled the Hall of Flags – American, Massachusetts with Massasoit in the center, and the black and white POW-MIA one which reminds us never to forget.

Few who were there Thursday night are ever likely to forget this personal tour conducted by Sen. Kennedy and organized by his and Rep. Brady’s staffs.

Kennedy Voices Support for Belmont Street Road Project

2010-10-28T16:32:00.003-04:00

Last night, Senator Kennedy had the privilege of being a main testifier at a very important hearing of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Engineering Division, held at Brockton City Hall. There, he gave his full support for a planned redesign and rebuilding of Brockton’s Belmont Streets (Route 123) from Manley Street to Edinboro Street. If completed, the proposal would result in major improvements in traffic flow, left-hand turn corridors, the widening of travel lanes, the creation of a four-foot wide shoulder, and a complete rebuilding of traffic signaling along the street.

The project has an estimated preliminary price of $3.3 Million with 90% of the costs covered by the federal government, and 10% being covered by the Commonwealth.

Kennedy, a long-time advocate for the widening of that particular stretch of Belmont Street told the panel their proposal was welcomed with open arms.

Previously, while Vice-Chair of the Massachusetts House Committee on Ways and Means, Kennedy had obtained substantial funds for a similar project in a transportation bond bill that then-Governor William Weld failed to implement.

Senator Tom Kennedy supporting small business growth in Brockton with Lt. Governor and Housing and Economic Development Secretary

2010-10-22T09:23:00.004-04:00

PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES FIRST PROJECT TO RECEIVE SUPPORT THROUGH MASSACHUSETTS GROWTH CAPITAL CORPORATION

Newly created MGCC to provide capital and advice for small businesses to create new jobs statewide

BROCKTON - Thursday, October 21, 2010 - Continuing the Patrick-Murray Administration's commitment to supporting small businesses, long-term economic growth and streamlining government services, Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray today announced that Montilio's Baking Company in Brockton will be the first company to receive financing through the newly created Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC).

"From day one we have been focused on putting people to work and managing state funds efficiently," said Governor Deval Patrick. "The MGCC provides us with a tool to make timely investments in small businesses that will unlock new jobs and help out economy on its continued recovery."

The MGCC will provide Montilio's with $60,000 in short-term financing to assist the company with equipment procurement that will support its expansion by allowing it to take on new corporate accounts. The company initially turned to the state for assistance after it was unable to obtain conventional financing to help it recover from a fire that severely damaged one of its retail locations. The company has been operating in Massachusetts since 1947.

"The creation of the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation will allow us to support job creation and address the needs of small businesses across the Commonwealth," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "Our Administration is proud to partner with such a long-standing Massachusetts-based business for the inaugural MGCC event."

“This financing from the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation will allow Montilio’s to expand our operations and reach a new level of clientele,” said George Montilio, owner and operator of Montilio's Baking Company. “I thank the Patrick-Murray Administration for its continued commitment to supporting local businesses like ours.”

The creation and $35 million capitalization of the MGCC was formed to serve as a one-stop resource for small businesses seeking capital and advice. By consolidating the Community Development Finance Corporation (CDFC) and The Economic Stabilization Trust (EST), two state entities previously responsible for debt and equity financing and business advice, businesses now have a centralized resource at the state-level that will be able to offer working capital, loan guarantees, grants and financial guidance -- including one-on-one mentoring services.

The purpose of the MGCC is to create and preserve jobs at small businesses, women and minority owned businesses, and promote economic development in underserved, gateway municipalities and low- and moderate-income communities.

"It is a pleasure to see local businesses such as Montilio's Bakery, that add much to the culture and economy of our community, receive financing to help them grow and develop. I greatly appreciate the positive attention that Lt. Governor Murray and Secretary Bialeki bring to Brockton with this announcement and movement to revive our economic situation," said Senator Thomas P. Kennedy.

"I am pleased Montilio's was selected as one of the first recipients of this award," said Mayor Linda M. Balzotti. "It emphasizes just how important small business is to a community. Supporting small businesses through assistance programs like this, is vital to both Brockton's and the Commonwealth's economy."
On August 5, as part of the Administration's efforts to promote job growth and long-term economic recovery, the Governor enacted an economic development act designed to help small businesses create jobs by providing access to capital through the MGCC, streamlining the Commonwealth's economic development activities and agencies, providing more transparent and equitable bond financing terms for educational and health care facilities and approving a sales tax holiday for retailers and consumers.

Capitalization for the MGCC came from a $20 million capital bond authorization and through a $15 million transfer from MassDevelopment's Emerging Technology Fund. This funding will allow MGCC to continue its revolving loan fund program, expand its annual loan volume and provide technical assistance to small businesses. The MGCC will have broad authority to use its resources to leverage private capital for small businesses, including loan guarantees.

Senator Tom Kennedy pleased to join Patrick-Murray Administration with welcoming new auto dealership to future Brockton location

2010-10-21T17:42:00.004-04:00

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Department
Office of Governor Deval L. Patrick
Press Release
Contact: Juan Martinez, Kim Haberlin, Heather Johnson – 617-725-4025;
Kofi Jones (HED) 617-788-3652

Patrick-Murray Administration Celebrates Groundbreaking for Brockton's New Bernardi ProjectProject one of more than 50 construction projects supported by the Administration that will break ground in 2010; will create over 125 new jobs plus immediate construction jobs

BROCKTON – Thursday, October 21, 2010 - Continuing the Patrick-Murray Administration's efforts to promote job growth and long-term economic recovery, Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki today joined with Bernardi Brockton, LLC for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of new Honda and Hyundai automotive dealership+ps that will create over 125 permanent jobs and immediate construction job opportunities in Brockton. The project was jumpstarted by a $16 million Recovery Zone Facility Bond, issued to the company on the state's behalf by MassDevelopment, along with conventional financing.

"This project is an excellent example of the critical collaboration and investment that leads to new job creation and long-term economic success," said Governor Patrick. "The Recovery Zone Facility Bond Program offers the state an ideal opportunity to jumpstart private investment, development and opportunity throughout the state."

"This kind of project will help put people back to work as we focus on Massachusetts' economic recovery," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "We are excited about today's announcement and look forward to seeing this project support economic development, sustainability and growth for the region and the Commonwealth."

"This is great for the City of Brockton, the Bernardi Group, and the state. I am pleased that this project has come to our community. Bernardi will not just add to our commercial tax base, but it will also bring needed new jobs to Brockton," said Mayor Linda M. Balzotti.

"Bernardi Auto Group is proud to partner with the City of Brockton and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the development and construction of our two auto dealerships at
300 Manley Street," said Bernardi President and Owner Jim Carney. "Bernardi Honda and Bernardi Hyundai will invigorate the marketplace as a destination drawing visitors to Brockton from near and far. We will introduce 125 new job opportunities for a wide-range of skills and experience when our doors open, with additional positions available as our businesses mature and expand. We are honored to be welcomed to the City of Champions."

The state Recovery Zone Facility Bond funds were used to help Bernardi purchase a recently demolished, 204,000-square-foot building, and will help them reconstruct, furnish and equip two new commercial buildings on Manley Street. The Honda and Hyundai franchises will operate on site once construction is finished, with the possibility of a third franchise moving into the facility in the future. MassDevelopment issued the bond on behalf of FURT LLC, a limited liability company created to own, operate, manage and develop real estate used by Bernardi Brockton. Middlesex Savings Bank purchased the bond.

"Recovery Zone Bonds enable the Commonwealth's businesses to move forward with construction projects and put people back to work," said MassDevelopment President and CEO Robert L. Culver. "By creating hundreds of new jobs in Brockton, Bernardi is making a difference in this Gateway City and Economic Target Area."

"I am always happy to join our good friend, Lieutenant Governor Murray in helping inaugurate a new business that indicates progress and commerce in the City of Champions," said Senator Thomas P. Kennedy.

"The City of Brockton has not seen such a large scale investment of over 22 million dollars in at least 10 years. Not only have the thousands of travelers coming up Route 24 seen construction over the past few weeks, but they see a facelift for Brockton - a new energized community, because of the investments like Bernardi Auto Group. I'm glad that Bernardi has found Brockton a great place to bring a business," said Representative Michael D. Brady.

This project is one of more than 50 housing and economic development projects, both renovation and new construction, expected to break ground this year, totaling more than $1 billion in development investments in the Commonwealth. Each of these projects has been initiated by an investment from the Patrick-Murray Administration. Together, they will create thousands of jobs throughout Massachusetts.

Announced by the Patrick Administration in October 2009 and authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Recovery Zone Bonds support public and private development efforts by offering favorable borrowing rates for projects within designated "Recovery Zones." The Administration has identified existing Economic Target areas as Recovery Zones.

The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Executive Office for Administration and Finance allocate the bonds to eligible applicants. MassDevelopment issues Recovery Zone Facilities Bonds, which private investors purchase.

MassDevelopment, the state's finance and development authority, works with businesses, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2009, MassDevelopment financed or managed 229 projects statewide representing the investment of nearly $1.2 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are supporting the creation of 1,488 new housing units and 8,232 jobs: 3,362 permanent and 4,870 construction-related.
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Senator Kennedy visits Brockton Neighborhood Health Center with Lt. Governor Tim Murray to announce grant

2010-10-21T15:44:00.002-04:00

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Department
Office of Governor Deval L. Patrick
Press Release
Contact: Juan Martinez, Kim Haberlin, Heather Johnson – 617-725-4025;
Jennifer Kritz (HHS) 617-573-1612

PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION HIGHLIGHTS $44 MILLION GRANT TO COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS THROUGHOUT MASSACHUSETTS
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act federal funding will provide access to health care for an additional 30,000 patients and create 166 new jobs

BROCKTON - Thursday, October 21, 2010 - Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray today highlighted a $44 million Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) federal grant awarded to eight Massachusetts community health centers across the state. Following a tour of Brockton Neighborhood Health Center's ongoing expansion project, the Lieutenant Governor joined state and local officials, as well as staff from the Center, in recognition of its individual award.

U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently announced PPACA federal grant awards of $727 million to 143 community health centers across the country to address immediate construction and renovation needs, and to expand access to quality health care. Among these awards, Massachusetts received $44 million directed to eight community health centers throughout the state. As a result, Massachusetts will be able to provide affordable care to more than 30,000 additional patients and create166 jobs in construction and community health care across the Commonwealth.

"The announcement of this investment by the Obama Administration in support of eight Massachusetts community health centers is welcome news," said Governor Deval Patrick. "These centers are essential parts of our health care system and the communities they serve deserve this support. Less than a year after our efforts resulted in $80 million being invested in eight other community health centers in our Commonwealth, we welcome the jobs and economic development that will come as a result of this new commitment. I congratulate each of these centers and thank Secretary Sebelius and the Obama Administration for its ongoing support."

"By partnering with our congressional delegation, we're pleased that health care centers across the state will receive resources to improve the quality and affordability of care while also creating immediate and permanent jobs for the Commonwealth," said Lieutenant Governor Murray. "During today's tour of the Brockton facility, I saw first-hand how these resources will support residents in the city as well as the surrounding communities in the region."

Today, Lieutenant Governor Murray met with state and local officials, as well as staff and doctors at the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center to announce that the center received $11.4 million in funding. In a roundtable discussion, the group also discussed how Brockton's health center will use the funding. The Lieutenant Governor also toured the facility and saw firsthand where capital improvements will be made.
"Our community health centers are literal lifelines to the hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents who rely on them to provide high quality health care," said Senator John Kerry. "This critical funding will create jobs, expand and improve service, and help these institutions continue to serve their communities regardless of a family's ability to pay."

"I am pleased that the Lynn Community Health Care Center and the North Shore Community Health Center in Salem are among those health centers in Massachusetts that will receive funding through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to renovate and expand their facilities. Increasing the accessibility of quality care is one of the primary functions of this law, and this funding will enable health centers in my district and others across the Commonwealth to serve additional patients in need," said Representative John Tierney.
The Brockton Neighborhood Health Center will apply its award to renovating and expanding departments including, radiology, dentistry and optometry/ophthalmology, among others. Funding to Brockton's health center will also help serve an additional 17,000 patients, more than half of all new patients that will have greater access to health care as a result of these grants in Massachusetts. The Brockton Neighborhood Health Center will also expand by 26,000 square feet by summer 2012.

"This expansion of the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center will provide important health care services not only to Brockton residents, but also residents from the surrounding area. This investment will bring with it improvements to our downtown area, not just in terms of construction, but by creating jobs," said Mayor Linda M. Balzotti.

"Brockton Neighborhood Health Center is honored to have Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray visit us to learn about our expansion plans in light of our $11.3 million federal Capital Development grant. This grant will enable us to add an additional 24,000 square feet to our building, which will help us serve thousands of new patients in the coming years. It is a thrill to have the opportunity to show Lieutenant Governor Murray our health center as he and Governor Patrick have been such strong supporters of services community health centers provide to Massachusetts residents throughout the state," said Sue Joss, Executive Director of the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center.

"This grant exemplifies the extraordinarily positive impact of national health care reform on Massachusetts," said Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. JudyAnn Bigby. "The eight grants will support community health centers in their ability to provide access to quality care."

"This is continued good news for the great City of Brockton - a community that is working hard to provide quality local services - including health care - to its residents. Brockton Community Health Center has been an excellent resource for those in need of medical services, and I'm pleased to offer my congratulations upon it receiving this expansion grant," said Senator Thomas P. Kennedy.

In addition to the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, seven other Massachusetts centers were awarded PPACA federal funding, including: Community Health Center of Cape Cod, Inc. in Mashpee ($6 million); Great Brook Valley Health Center in Worcester ($6.4 million); Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester ($7.95 million); Outer Cape Health Services, Inc. in Wellfleet ($3.6 million); Lynn Community Health Center, Inc. in Lynn ($6.9 million); North Shore Community Health, Inc. in Salem ($750,000); and Duffy Health Center, Inc. in Hyannis ($461,991).

Community health centers throughout the nation serve nearly 19 million patients, about 40 percent of whom have no health insurance. Community health centers deliver preventive and primary care services at more than 7,900 service delivery sites around the country to patients regardless of their ability to pay; charges for services are set according to income.
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Senator Kennedy and Congressman Stephen Lynch Visit Caffrey Towers

2010-10-18T16:50:00.003-04:00

Today, Senator Kenendy had the privilege of accompanying Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-South Boston) to the Caffrey Towers in Brockton to listen to him speak about health care, housing and the allocation of federal funds to be directed toward improving the public areas in the B building.

Broadway Street Bridge in Hanover and Hanson Re-opens

2010-10-13T14:46:00.005-04:00

October 8, 2010
Press Release
Contact: Adam Hurtubise (617) 973-8093

Patrick-Murray Administration Opens Hanover/Hanson Bridge Ahead of Schedule
$1.4 Million Accelerated Bridge Program Project Replaces Deficient Bridge

BOSTON - October 8, 2010 - The Patrick-Murray Administration announced today that the Broadway Street Bridge over the Indian Head River connecting Hanover and Hanson opened today 20 months ahead of schedule. The project is part of Governor Deval Patrick's historic Accelerated Bridge Program to reverse years of neglect and significantly reduce the state's backlog of structurally deficient bridges.

"I am pleased to see another success story as we work overtime to repair and replace the bridges that suffered from years of neglect during the construction of the Big Dig," said Governor Patrick. "We've streamlined the construction process in order to deliver projects like the Broadway Street Bridge ahead of schedule - and that attention and efficiency really matters to the communities of Hanover, Hanson and countless others across Massachusetts."

"I want to commend Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray for having the vision to create the Accelerated Bridge program, which has made our roads and bridges safer than they were three years ago," said MassDOT Secretary & CEO Jeff Mullan. "Our strategic transportation investments are also putting people to work and providing economic benefits in towns and cities across the Commonwealth."

"The early, under budget completion of the Broadway Street Bridge project that, once again, links Hanover and Hanson is certainly welcomed news for area residents and those who travel these roads regularly. I appreciate the efforts of the Administration, the Department of Transportation and all those involved with expediting the reconstruction of this bridge, and am pleased that constituents have one less detour during their morning and afternoon commutes," said Senator Tom Kennedy.

The project replaced the existing deteriorated bridge built in 1907 and rebuilt in 1930. The original completion date for the $1.4 million project was May 2012. Last fall, MassDOT offered local officials and legislators a proposal to shorten the construction schedule and save $200,000 by changing to a precast bridge structure that eliminated construction in phases in favor of closing the bridge with detour. The work began in April and was completed in seven months, 20 months ahead of the original schedule.

Since the Patrick-Murray Administration filed legislation approved by the Legislature creating the $3 billion Accelerated Bridge Program (ABP) in 2008, the number of structurally deficient bridges has dropped from 543 to 482, a decline of more than 10 percent. As a result of ABP alone, 24 bridge projects are already complete, with a total of 62 bridge projects scheduled for construction this season. Over the course of the program, at least 200 bridges will see active construction.

Together, the Patrick-Murray Administration's investment in roads and bridges has grown to $1.085 billion in fiscal year 2010 and will support more than 10,000 jobs on 385 separate projects across the state. At the same time, MassDOT reduced the time from construction contract advertisement to construction start by more than 43 percent - a drop from 218 days in 2008 to 124 days in 2009. For federal stimulus-funded projects, the timeline from construction contract advertisement to notice to proceed was reduced to 48 days, allowing MassDOT to put people to work on construction projects faster than ever before.

MassDOT is the new, unified transportation organization created in 2009 under the historic reform legislation passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Patrick. MassDOT's four divisions are focused on delivering safe and efficient transportation services across the Commonwealth.

For transportation news and updates, visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot, the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.
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Senator Tom Kennedy District Hours for October

2010-10-12T16:54:00.003-04:00

Monday– October 18th

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Halifax Town Hall

499 Plymouth Street

Great Hall

And

Monday – October 25th

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

BROCKTON TOWN HALL

45 School Street

GAR Room