Unemployment Insurance Rates for Construction Firms

One of the more complex issues currently before us is the rate structure for unemployment insurance. One of the major features of the Senate’s recently passed bill was a shift in rates that would charge more to companies who routinely layoff workers on a seasonal basis. This is only fair to other businesses — it’s …

Watertown Town Council weighs in on bus service issues

The Watertown Town Council has transmitted a letter to the MBTA expressing concerns and offering collaboration for service improvement. Letter to MBTA, 03-20-2014 Representatives Hecht and Lawn and I have been in close contact with the Town Council. In addition to 71 and 73 issues, the council is also concerned about the 70 and the …

Improvements to 71/73 Bus Service?

Many have provided feedback on this site about the bus service to Belmont and Watertown from Harvard Square. Together with Representatives Hecht, Rogers and Lawn, and the Watertown Town Council, I’ve been giving the service issues a lot of attention. The MBTA and the City of Cambridge have both responded very diligently to our expressed …

Legislation on Sea Level Rise Passed

Last year, I filed Senate 344 to jump start planning to address the storm surge risks created by rising sea levels. I’m pleased to report that the legislation was passed as part of last week’s supplemental budget measure. Representatives Rushing and Livingstone cosponsored the budget language on the House side. Representatives Walz, Ehrlich, Lewis, Khan, …