| LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS |
Author of Green Jobs Act of 2008 - investing millions in training programs for dislocated workers, the poor and other disadvantaged workers. Training in "green" fields like solar panel installation, home retrofitting, energy auditing, etc.
Championed passage of Broadband Bond - authorizing $40 million to ensure universal access to high speed internet for unserved and under-served communities of Western Massachusetts.
Senate lead on Municipal Health Insurance Reform - allowing municipalities to purchase health insurance through GIC, potentially saving millions. Pittsfield has entered the GIC and seen significant savings already.
Advocated for and crafted the Clean Energy Biofuels Act of 2008 - creating incentives for biofuel use and production, helping to boston the fast growing clean energy sector.
Supported Dairy Farms by voting for legislation to ramp up marketing efforts and allowing Department of Agricultural Resources to offer technical assistance and loans to farmers.
Served on Governor Patrick's Public Integrity Task Force whose recommendations were the basis sweeping ethics reform passed by the legislature and championed by Senator Downing.
Voted for massive overhaul and reform of transportation agencies, taking to the Senate floor to vote against various gas tax hike proposals, speaking in favor of "reform before revenue"
Advocated for and supported pension reform that closed long standing egregious loopholes in the Commonwealths public pension system at all levels.
Proposed comprehensive legislative package to enhance economic development efforts in Gateway Cities. Including homeownership rehab tax credits and other incentives to assist in the revitalization of Pittsfield and other Gateway Cities.
BUDGET ADVOCACY
Supported full funding of regional school transportation in every budget starting in FY2008.
Worked to increase funding for Meals on Wheels, Councils on Aging and other senior related programs.
Offered successful amendment to increase senior volunteer property tax relief.
Successfully fought for funding & authorization of local projects, such as: the Center for Science & Innovation at MCLA, improvements to the Berkshire Community College campus, the Hadley Overpass in North Adams, and various local road projects.
Supported increased funding for BRTA and reforms in state relationship with RTAs to improve access to public transportation in western Massachusetts. Including advocating for forward funding and allowing RTAs to borrow more efficiently.
Supported amendments to ensure food banks can provide for needy in emergencies.
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