The month of July proved to be extremely busy on Beacon Hill.  The Senate worked on various legislative proposals and many budget items.  Within this busy month, I teamed up with the Caucus of Women Legislators to host a food drive at the State House that provided about 15 large bags full of food that was packaged up and sent to our troops overseas.  Many elected officials contributed as well as their staffers!  I was delighted to see such a positive response from my colleagues who reside all across the Commonwealth. 

Just one week after passing landmark pension reform, the Legislature on Thursday continued its aggressive reform agenda with approval of final legislation that completely overhauls the state’s transportation system. The consensus bill dissolves the Turnpike Authority and consolidates multiple agencies into a unified, independent agency, eliminating waste and producing billions of dollars in short- and long-term savings. The new agency would begin operating November 1, 2009.

In a key development, the final bill requires all active and retired MBTA workers to join the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) by January 1, 2010 – the earliest date the GIC could accommodate given the challenge of moving up to 10,000 employees and retirees. An earlier proposal for an actuarial study was dropped during conference negotiations due to new information from a Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report that verifies significant savings under GIC.

LANCASTER - Education Secretary Paul Reville was on Saturday one of the honored guests at the Perkins School Annual Recognition Day Ceremony. Secretary Reville and three other individuals were granted the awards as part of the school's end of the school year service.

Secretary Reville was granted the Distinguished Service Award in the Field of Education. In presenting the award, Perkins School Executive Director Dr. Charles P. Conroy said Secretary Reville has "truly made a mark on our profession."

"Mr. Reville is being recognized for his dedication and commitment to education at all levels," Dr. Conroy said. "He serves as a model for his colleagues in higher education, public and private education, and special education."

Continuing the Legislature's ambitious reform agenda, the Senate and House on Thursday approved landmark legislation that will eliminate the worst offenses in the state pension system. The final bill, which now goes to the Governor for his expected signature, shuts down loopholes in current law, saves taxpayer money, and helps restore public trust in the state oversight of public pensions.

Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan (D-Leominster) stated, "Since I began serving in the Senate this past January, we have undertaken serious reforms on Beacon Hill. I was proud to vote in favor of this legislation today and look forward to working together to restore faith in how the Commonwealth does business."

Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said the bill is a major step forward.

The Spring Mass Value Pass starts today, just in time for School Vacation Week. Check out great deals on Massachusetts lodging, restaurants, attractions and retail at www.massvacation.com.

When you visit the site, you’ll see hundreds of newly discounted things to do – all across the Commonwealth. Just download the wallet-sized “Mass Value Pass” and take advantage of discounts that start at 25% off. These offers expire on June 30, 2009.

Have fun and support our local businesses!

Senator Jen Flanagan will testify in front of the tLegislature’s Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy at a public hearing on April 1, 2009 at 1pm in room A2 of the State House. She will be testifying on six bills she filed in response to the ice storm of December 2008.

These bills are proposing to allow the Department of Public Utilities to take harsher steps against any utility company that fails to live up to their responsibilities to rate payers. Senator Flanagan is also proposing to mandate staffing levels, inspections, preventative maintenance, and tree trimming.

Senator Flanagan's Legislation being considered