All News

CPR Bill passed in Senate

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 4:06pm

On Tuesday, the Senate passed legislation (S2109) that would require all coaches to have certification in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).  My bill (S261) was filed at the beginning of the legislative session, this bill along with similar ones filed by my fellow legislators were the basis for passing this legislation. 

Many coaches maintain this certification voluntarily. However, I am excited to see this legislation move forward to make it a requirement. It is important that individuals who work with our children and youth are prepared to respond to an emergency siltation, especially those working in athletic departments.

The bill requires that all coaches have a current certification from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross or a similarly approved agency.  The bill also stipulates that the school districts in which the coach is hired are not responsible for any costs associated with the certification.

It now moves onto the House of Representatives for further consideration.

 

 

 

Senator Welch Approves Storm Response Legislation

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 4:18pm
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Today, the Senate passed a bill to address emergency service response of public utility companies in Massachusetts as a result of the widespread power outages in communities across the state during Tropical Storm Irene in August and the snowstorm in October, Senator Welch announced. 

 

Senator Welch calls for funding to support homeless students’ transportation costs

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 3:39pm

Senator Welch has requested that Governor Patrick and Legislative Leadership allocate $11.3M in funding t to cover FY12 transportation costs of sending homeless students to school in their community of origin.  The State Auditor’s Office completed a study that confirmed this practice is an unfunded mandate.  The data collected by the Auditor’s office showed that Springfield, Chicopee and West Springfield are among the highest of the 200+ cities and towns that have been supporting these costs.   

Attached is a copy of the letter that was submitted to the Governor and Senate Leadership.

Senate Passes Legislation to Combat Prescription Drug Abuse

Fri, 02/03/2012 - 1:22pm
 
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With the abuse of prescription pain killers having reached epidemic levels in Massachusetts, the Senate on Thursday unanimously passed legislation for strict oversight of the drugs. The bill will reduce the excess supply of pills and require physician registration in the state’s Prescription Monitoring Program to prevent patients from “doctor shopping” for highly addictive medications such as OxyContin and Vicodin.

Boston Road office open and ready to serve the community

Wed, 02/01/2012 - 9:00am

Constituent service has always been the priority of this office. Opening a second office provides greater access to those who may not have been able to visit the West Springfield office or office hours previously. Constituents from all over the Hampden District can contact either the Springfield or the West Springfield office for assistance.

Please come by and visit us at 510 Boston Road or call us at 413-737-7703.

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Senate Passes Reform Legislation to End Mismanagement

Thu, 01/12/2012 - 9:53am

The Senate on Tuesday took decisive action to end mismanagement and financial abuses at the Commonwealth’s education collaboratives, which help teach children with special needs. With a unanimous vote, the Senate passed legislation that establishes strict oversight and accountability of the state’s 30 institutions.

“Education Collaboratives are a great way for towns and cities to maximize educational resources,” stated Senator Welch.  “However, we need to be sure they are appropriately managing tax payer dollars.”

Summary of Legislative Accomplishments in 2011

Fri, 11/18/2011 - 10:15am
 
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During this first year of session, the Legislature has enacted key pieces of legislation to better serve the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and help its residents in these difficult economic times. 

Senate cracks down on habitual offenders

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 7:23pm

Last Thursday, the Senate unanimously passed a tough and balanced sentencing bill that cracks down on habitual offenders and provides new tools for law enforcement to make the streets and citizens of the Commonwealth safer.

Senate passes New State Senate Districts; Hampden District will be a Minority-Majority District

Fri, 11/04/2011 - 9:40am
 
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The Massachusetts Senate on Tuesday approved new State Senate districts as part of the decennial redistricting process. Under the proposed plan, 92 percent of Massachusetts residents will remain in their current state Senate districts, fewer counties and communities are split, and districts are more compact.

Senate Approves Expanded Gambling Bill; Focus on Jobs and Revenues

Fri, 11/04/2011 - 9:23am

After six days of session and more than 16 hours of public debate, the Senate voted 24-14 to approve expanded gambling legislation that authorizes three resort casinos in separate geographic locations of the state and one open-bid slot machine facility.

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