Retiree Health Care Benefits

One of the critical issues before the Public Service Committee this year is retiree health care benefits. We recently held a hearing on the issue which Anne Landry has summarized — see below. I will be working closely with my colleagues to study the issue over the weeks to come. I welcome your thoughts and …

Storrow Drive Lane Closures

Below, please find the main text of a press release dated November 1 from DCR about Storrow Drive Lane Closures. =========================== WHAT: Beginning Monday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m., the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will implement an alternating single lane closure on Storrow Drive westbound at the Longfellow Bridge. The lane closure is being …

Senate Passes Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence

Below please find the official Senate press release dated October 24 pertaining to legislation the Senate passed unanimously last week. ======================= BOSTON – The Senate on Thursday unanimously passed legislation to strengthen penalties for strangulation, enhance protections for victims of domestic violence and establish new employment rights that will help victims keep their jobs and …

Senate Passes Bill to Regulate Compounding Pharmacies

Below find the official Senate press release regarding improved regulation for compounding pharmacies.  I feel that the legislation will add important protections in an area of previously under-regulated activity. =========== BOSTON – To ensure patient safety, the Senate on Wednesday passed legislation by a vote of 38-0 to increase regulatory oversight of compounding pharmacies in …

The Software Tax has been Repealed

As previously promised, both branches have now voted to repeal the software tax. It will shortly be laid upon the Governor’s desk and signed. The repeal is fully retroactive: If people have collected it from customers, they should return it. If they have remitted payments to the Department of Revenue, they can apply for the …

Software Tax will be Repealed

Legislative leaders announced today that they support the repeal of the software tax. The Governor made the same announcement yesterday. I am relieved by this announcement — it means a mistake will be fixed and we will avoid much future controversy. I had become convinced last month that the tax (a) was simply not computable …