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FROM THE OFFICE OF
SENATOR JOAN B. LOVELY

2nd Essex District

Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem, and Topsfield
Dear <<First Name>>,

Good morning!

I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the latest news from my Senate office. I am excited to announce that my State House office has relocated from Room 215 to Room 413A. All other contact information for my office remains the same. If you visit the State House, feel free to stop by my office, introduce yourself to my staff, and see our new space!

As you may know, the House of Representatives recently passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2016 state budget. The Senate will debate its version of the budget in the coming weeks and I look forward to advocating for the North Shore's budgetary priorities.

This email recaps some of the events, legislation, and local projects from the past month, including:
For more details about any of the items you see below, please feel free to call my office at (617) 722-1410 to speak with me or a member of my staff.
                                                              
                                                                      Thanks for reading,
                                                                              
                                                                      
                                                                      Joan B. Lovely
                                     

Connect with me on Facebook & Twitter!
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Early Retirement Incentive Program Legislation

On April 15 the Senate passed its version of an early retirement proposal. The bill provided the executive branch with a set of tools to achieve greater efficiencies within its branch of government. These tools may include the continuation of a current hiring freeze, buyouts, and retirement incentives. The early retirement proposal aims to generate cost-savings for the Commonwealth and its taxpayers for the upcoming fiscal year and reduce the likelihood of large-scale layoffs.

In March, the House of Representatives passed a similar bill establishing an employee retirement incentive program. On May 1, The Senate and House produced a compromise bill, which was passed and signed by the Governor on May 4.

If you have any questions about the bill and its legislative process, please feel free to contact my office. For specific questions about the implementation of the program, you may visit the link below.

State Board of Retirement: 2015 Employee Retirement Incentive Program
378th Anniversary of the First Muster
On April 11 the City of Salem celebrated the 378th Anniversary of the First Muster. This year I joined Governor Baker, Congressman Moulton, and Representative Tucker for the ceremony and parade to commemorate the anniversary! As you may remember, Congress officially designated Salem, Massachusetts as the birthplace of the National Guard of the United States in 2013.
Greater Beverly Chamber of Commerce Legislative Event
 
Recently, I joined Governor Baker, Representative Parisella, and Senator Tarr at the Greater Beverly Chamber of Commerce's legislative breakfast. In my remarks, I talked about my previous work with the chamber, including a Cabot Street business walk-through and a small business forum. I also discussed the Senate's Commonwealth Conversations initiative and the importance of collaborating with the North Shore business community. I enjoyed speaking with many of the chamber's members and hearing from the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature.
Peabody Rotary Club

On April 16 I spoke to the Peabody Rotary Club about my work in the Senate. Specifically, my remarks focused on my experience as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance abuse and explained the steps the Commonwealth has taken to address the opioid epidemic facing our communities. Additionally, I discussed the Legislature's actions since the beginning of the session, including new funding for road repairs, the Senate's Commonwealth Conversations initiative, and local grant awards.
Peabody Veterans Memorial High School Student Health Center
Early last month, I attended the grand opening of the Peabody Veterans Memorial High School Student Health Center, named in honor of my predecessor Senator Frederick Berry. The health center is a satellite program for the North Shore Community Health Center and will offer students certain primary care and behavioral health services.
Student Government Day
 
On April 10 over 400 students from across the Commonwealth participated in this year's student government day, hosted by the Senate Office of Education and Civic Engagement. The students are assigned roles and have the opportunity to replicate the activities of legislators, supreme court justices, or constitutional officers. It was great to see all the North Shore students from Beverly High School, Peabody High School, Salem High School, Salem Academy Charter School, and the Waring School participate. Congratulations and great job!
Salem State University Class Speaker
 
Recently, Salem State University's Political Science Department invited me to speak to its PO371 "Women in Politics" course. In my remarks to the class, I talked about my work on the commission to study postpartum depression, the pregnant workers fairness act, and the Legislature's recognition of "Equal Pay Day" on April 14. Thank you to Salem State and all the students in the class for giving me the opportunity to share my journey to becoming a state Senator!
Danvers High School Boys Basketball-Division II State Champs!

On March 14th the Danvers High School boys basketball team became Division II state champions after beating Marlborough by a score of 52-49. Earlier this month, Representative Speliotis and I had the opportunity to join the team for its celebration. To congratulate the team on its victory and commemorate its impressive undefeated season, Rep. Spelitios and I presented the players and coach with a joint resolution from the Massachusetts General Court. This marks the team's third state championship in four years! Congratulations on a tremendous season!

May District Hours
Beverly City Hall
May 1st, 9:00AM-10:00AM

Danvers Town Hall
May 8th, 9:00AM-10:00AM

Peabody City Hall
May 15th, 9:00AM-10:00AM

Salem City Hall
May 29th, 9:00AM-10:00AM

Topsfield Town Library
May 29th, 12:00PM-1:00PM

Please call (617) 722-1410 to schedule an appointment with my office.
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OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION
T: (617) 722-1410  
E: Joan.Lovely@masenate.gov  
F: (617) 722-1347