Hingham Rep. Bradley Gives Winter 2013 Beacon Hill Update

The following is an op-ed from Hingham State Rep. Garrett Bradley: 

As we begin a new year and legislative session, I wanted to take this opportunity to keep you informed on a number of issues that the Legislature will soon be taking up.  Chief among these is the Commonwealth’s fiscal year 2014 budget.  The Governor recently released his budget and the House will soon follow suit. I will be reviewing both very carefully.  The continuing difficulties being faced by so many families as a result of the economy are sobering and are uppermost in my mind as I debate how I will vote on these pieces of legislation.  I hear from constituents every day who are unemployed or underemployed and who are struggling to make ends meet.  As a husband and father, I understand the sacrifices people are making and remain dedicated to finding solutions.

I believe in being as accessible as possible to my constituents and with this in mind I want to invite you to visit either my State House or district office.  I am also happy to discuss any issue of interest or concern via the phone or e-mail.  Additionally, I conduct monthly senior office hours and welcome your thoughts and feedback.

As part of that effort, on Thursday, March 7 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm I will be holding hours at my district office located at the Hingham Sons of Italy Lodge, 88 Chief Justice Cushing Highway.  Please enter the door on the Route 3A-side of the building.  I look forward to seeing you there.

I may also be reached by calling either the State House at 617-722-2520 or the district office at 781-749-3331.  Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.  You may also send me a message via email at Garrett.Bradley@MAHouse.gov or through my Facebook and Twitter accounts.

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Thousands of residents and businesses were severely impacted by the blizzard of February 8 / 9.  Power outages, burst water pipes, flooding, and other property damage occurred, requiring ongoing cleanup.  A telephone hotline is available by calling 2-1-1 for non-emergency issues.  You may also contact my office with questions and concerns, and I will try to provide whatever assistance or information I can.  During the immediate aftermath of the storm, I joined Governor Deval Patrick, my colleague Rep. James Cantwell and local officials in touring parts of Scituate to highlight the need for action and assistance for residents and small businesses.

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For the 2013/2014 Legislative Session, I filed a total of 73 pieces of legislation dealing with a variety of subjects from education and public safety to local aid funding, Chapter 40B housing developments and health insurance.  Over the coming weeks and months, I will highlight a selection of bills through regular submissions to this newspaper.  The following is a sample of several such pieces of legislation:

Increasing penalties for hit and run drivers - Under this proposed bill, those convicted would be sentenced to not less than 6 months nor more than 2 and one half years in jail or at least two and one half years, up to 10 years in a state prison, and by a fine of not less than $2,500 nor more than $10,000.  This bill was filed in response to a local constituent who was severely injured after being hit by a drunk driver who then failed to stop.

Standardizing zoning appeals process – Amends the Chapter 40B law to give local officials additional power to regulate proposed affordable housing developments.  Provisions include requiring developers to file a single comprehensive permit with the city or town, to be reviewed by the planning board, which would have 65 days (rather than current 30) to hold a public hearing.  The local board would then have up to 90 days to render a decision.  Permits issued under this procedure would lapse within 2 years if the developer had not started construction.

Increasing penalties for assault and battery on a police officer - Makes assault and battery on a police officer, firefighter, or emergency medical provider a felony punishable by imprisonment for not less than 3 nor more than 5 years, or by imprisonment for not less than 1 year nor more than 2 and one-half years in a house of correction and a fine of between $5,000 and $10,000.  This legislation was suggested by a former police officer from Hull. 

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Autism Commission Update

As one of two House members appointed by Speaker DeLeo to the Autism Commission I am looking forward to next month’s release of the Commission’s report.  The Commission, whose 31 members bring vast knowledge and expertise in the area of Autism/ Aspergers Syndrome, represent various organizations and state human services agencies. This Commission has been working diligently for close to three years to investigate and study current supports and services, identify gaps in service and make recommendations that will result in improvement of supports and services across the lifespan of individuals with autistic spectrum disorders.   With one in seventy-five children born with autism, it is critical that individuals receive the full support and services they require to be able to function productively and contribute to society to their fullest capabilities. 

On behalf of the Autism Commission I am pleased to be the lead sponsor for several of their priority bills which I filed for consideration during the new legislative session.  Legislators have been very supportive with 70 legislators signing on as co-sponsors of the Commission’s top priority bill.

I am genuinely honored to serve as your representative to the General Court.  I am humbled by your faith in me and will continue to listen and advocate for our communities as we get our economy back on track and ensure the best possible future for our children and grandchildren.

State Representative Garrett Bradley serves the Third Plymouth District, comprising the towns of Cohasset, Hingham, Hull and Precinct 3 Scituate.