News from Beacon Hill

SENATOR RESOR NAMED MMA LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR

Boston, MA (January 13, 2007) - The Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) presented Senator Pam Resor (D-Acton) a Legislator of the Year Award for her leadership on municipal zoning, water management, open space, and affordable housing reform.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Senator Resor.  “I was a Selectwoman before I was a legislator, and so I know how municipal leaders have an important role. I have worked very hard with my colleagues in the Legislature to make community matters a priority.  The support of the Massachusetts Municipal Association has provided important leadership for improving state support for municipalities.”

Geoffrey Beckwith, Executive Director of the MMA, presented Sen. Resor with the award at the organization’s Annual Meeting and Banquet in Boston. “Senator Pamela Resor has been a long-time MMA ally, championing a variety of local government priorities, including education financing, zoning issues and a variety of environmental laws,” said Beckwith. “Her efforts to bring together state agencies, environmental organizations and water managers are an example of her leadership. Her goal has always been to balance the needs of communities with the ever-important need to ensure sufficient clean water supplies for generations to come.”

“Senator Resor was a strong and calm voice in bringing opposing parties to the table seeking to achieve consensus on a particular issue,” continued Beckwith. “Over the past twelve months, she and her staff have championed a compromise bill aimed at streamlining the Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B land conservation laws. The issue, which had languished for several years, was finally resolved thanks to the Senators’ dedication and leadership.  With over 40 acres of land lost to development every day in the Commonwealth, it will go a long way to benefit landowners and communities while protecting valuable natural resources.”

The legislation closes many loopholes in Chapter 61 of the General Laws which assesses valuation of productive lands including forestry, agricultural and recreational lands.  It was signed into law by then Governor Mitt Romney on December 22, 2006 and becomes affective early this spring.

SENATOR RESOR NAMED TO NEW COMMITTEE ON GLOBAL WARMING

Boston, MA (March 1, 2007) - Calling it a necessary state response to a growing global threat, Senate President Robert E. Travaglini today announced the creation of a new Senate Committee charged with studying the impact of climate change on the Commonwealth and formulating public policy to help reduce greenhouse gasses.

“I am pleased to be named Vice-Chair of this important Committee,” said Sen. Resor. “Global warming is moving to the forefront of the nation’s most pressing issues and I am proud that the Massachusetts Legislature is approaching this proactively. Climate change is something that affects everyone and every part of our lives including health, economy, and the air we breathe.”

The mission of the Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change is to analyze climate change, raise awareness and investigate new technology and methods to reduce the use of fossil fuels.  The committee will have the authority to conduct hearings, review legislation, produce policy reports, and present comprehensive legislative solutions.

“I expect that this new committee will be able to develop affective practical solutions to address global warming in the Commonwealth,” said Resor.  “I look forward to working on this further with my colleagues and the new administration on this pressing issue.”

Senate President Travaglini appointed Senator Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) as chair and Senator Pamela P. Resor (D-Acton) as vice-chair of the new committee.  Pacheco recently underwent training at the Climate Project, a grassroots movement to educate citizens about global warming and was certified to present lessons on climate change to groups around the state.  Resor, a lead advocate of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, is the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture.

Other members named to sit on the committee are Senator Michael W. Morrissey (D-Quincy), Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen), Senator John A. Hart, Jr. (D-South Boston) and Senator Robert L. Hedlund (R-Weymouth).

RESOR FILES LEGISLATION PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT, LAND PRESERVATION, & PUBLIC SAFETY

Boston (January 10, 2007) - In preparation for the General Court’s next legislative session, Senator Resor worked hard filing legislation that reflects the priorities of the communities and the people she serves.  Legislation for the 2007-2008 session focuses on municipal governing, public safety, and several long term environmental priorities. Some highlighted pieces of legislation Senator Resor filed include:

§   An act relative to phosphorous in household cleaning products

This bill would include detergent for automatic dishwashers in the current law that limits the levels of phosphorous currently allowed in household cleaning products.  

§   An act to reduce carbon dioxide emissions

This bill would require that the Commonwealth adhere to the principles set forth in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a regional pact to stem levels of harmful gas emissions starting in the year 2009 and reducing emissions by 2011.

§   An act to promote renewable energy

This bill will allow incremental and new hydro to be included in the renewable portfolio standard. It will also require utilities to sign long term contracts with renewable energy sources providing financial stability which will encourage their development in the Commonwealth.

§   An act to protect natural and historic resources

This bill requires that if public lands are used for development then open land must be purchased to replace it. This would prevent loss of open space to development.

§   An act that aims to reform land use standards in Massachusetts

This bill would reform the antiquated zoning laws of the Commonwealth and give municipal officials greater control over the zoning process in their cities and towns.

§   A bill that would close a hole in the current restraining order statute 

This bill will address a dangerous gap in protection for victims of stalking, rape & criminal harassment by providing a civil remedy requiring the offender to stay away from and refrain from contacting the victim.  Specifically, this bill adds protections for victims who may not have a relationship with the offender.

Senator Resor stated she is “hopeful that the new administration is ready to tackle some tough issues. I am looking forward to the next legislative session and the opportunity to continue working with my colleagues in the Senate and the House to serve the people of the Commonwealth.”

For up to date coverage of recent legislation and other district news please check out the following links:

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