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.

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).