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Legislative News Watch
April 2019 - Issue 1
Produced by the Indivisible-RISE Newburyport
Legislative Watch Team
Following Legislators and Issues in Essex 1st & 2nd Communities
Citizens Have Huge Impact on Legislation

Our legislators have told us that constituent contact has a real impact. They encourage us to call or email their offices (and the Committees shaping important legislation) with support or opposition to bills and amendments. This newsletter will help educate you on important local issues and give you ways to take action or express your views. Read on to learn more!
Abortion Rights threatened in Massachusetts

Massachusetts rules regarding a woman’s right to choose are less progressive than many other states. For example, they require a 24-hour waiting period and parental permission for those under 18, which could prove prohibitive for some women. Two important bills aim to remove obstacles and ensure access, S.1209 and H.3320, which is co-sponsored by 1st Essex Rep. James Kelcourse.

The Mass GOP under the leadership of Jim Lyons is mounting significant opposition to this important legislation. We contacted Rep. Kelcourse’s office and his legislative aide affirmed his continued support. We urge constituents to email Rep. Kelcourse at james.kelcourse@mahouse.gov to acknowledge his support and urge him to do what he can to get this legislation passed in the current session.
DiZoglio prompts action on Sewage in Merrimack River

State Senator Diana DiZoglio has taken the lead on addressing the problems of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) by pulling together other legislators, municipal officials, and environmental groups to focus efforts on this issue. DiZoglio has filed S.457, a Senate bill which establishes a task force comprised of key stakeholders. The group will explore all facets of this critical issue and make recommendations to the General Court. She has also filed S.458 to establish a reliable notification system to alert communities along the Merrimack River to potential swimming, boating and household water hazards. A public meeting is scheduled for May 17th at UMass Lowell. More details to follow.
Substance Abuse having huge impact in Essex County

More than half of adults in Massachusetts have trouble finding treatment options in the face of drug addiction and 1 in 8 end up in the emergency room. And this hits close to home. Essex County has one of the highest rate of opioid deaths - and a time when our state is cutting back on healthcare spending. We are following two substance abuse bills, both filed by State Senator Diana DiZoglio, one to create recovery programs (S.1140) and one to investigate best practices for alcohol and drug free housing (S1141).
Did you know?

On March 15th, there was a Combined Sewage Overflow into the Merrimack River. On March 18th, a notification came out saying that nobody should have contact with the water for 48 hours. This well intentioned warning was too late. We need to have more timely notifications, especially as we enter the busy spring and summer season.

School transportation funding is a huge issue Rep. Mirra promises to tackle this legislative session. He has three regional schools in his district: Triton, Pentucket and Masco, so his constituents should closely follow his efforts on this front.

All four of our local legislators recently attended a meeting of the Merrimack Valley Beach Alliance to brainstorm ideas to preserve and protect Plum Island and Salisbury Beach. We will keep on top of this issue but be sure to show your support as well.
A Heads Up on some Important Legislation
 
Fair Share Act to raise revenues for education and transportation

The Fair Share Amendment is a proposal to amend the MA Constitution, creating an additional tax of four percentage points on any portion of a person’s annual income above $1 Million. This new revenue, approximately $2 billion per year, would be spent on public education, public colleges and universities and the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation. Contact our Senator and Representatives to express your views on this issue, or attend the State House hearing on April 11, 2019.
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S16
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H86

Promise Act on education funding

Senate bill S238 filed by Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz proposes changes to the formula for education funding to reflect the current needs of schools, which are burdened by high health insurance and special education costs. While there are many good aspects to this legislation, it directs significant funds to Boston at the expense of the multiple regional schools in our districts. Contact the Joint Committee on Education to express your views on this issue and let them know the funding formula needs to distribute funds more equitably.
For information on State Representatives Kelcourse and Mirra, and Senators DiZoglio and Tarr, visit the Legislative Watch page on the I-RISE website. Remember to check out our “Score Cards” for each legislator.

To learn more about the Legislative Watch Team, or join our efforts, contact us at: indivisible.rise.newburyport@gmail.com.
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Political action · High St. · Newburyport, MA 01950 · USA

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