Energy and Climate Overview

Movement to a clean energy economy is a moral priority — uncontrolled climate change threatens future generations. This is an area of deep continuing concern for me. In the current legislative session, my top energy/climate goals are: Strengthening the MBTA Improving our preparation for sea level rise, including storm surges. For more about my work …

The MBTA in the 2013-4 legislative session

My top priority in the first leg of the 2013-14 session will be strengthening the MBTA. The maintenance backlog and service challenges of the MBTA have drawn wide attention. But we need to do much more than stabilize the existing system. We need to increase the capacity of the busiest routes on the system. Much …

H1433 and S1171, An Act to prevent shackling and promote safe pregnancies for female inmates

Senator Brownsberger submitted the following written testimony to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. I write in support of H1433/S1171, An Act to prevent shackling and promote safe pregnancies for female inmates. This bill would prohibit the shackling of pregnant women in state and county correctional facilities during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-delivery recuperation unless they …

Budget Outlook Positive for 2014-5

The state’s finances are looking up as the economy picks up — that was the main message at the annual “Revenue Hearing” today.  At the same time, all who spoke cautioned against over-confidence. Every December, lead budget writers for the Governor, the House and the Senate convene to hear presentations from leading experts on the …

S577, An Act regarding higher education opportunities for high school graduates in the Commonwealth

Senator Brownsberger submitted the following written testimony to the Joint Committee on Higher Education.   TO:                  Joint Committee on Higher Education FROM:            Senator William N. Brownsberger RE:                  Senate Bill 577, An Act regarding higher education opportunities for high school graduates in the Commonwealth, and House   Bill 1078, An Act regarding tuition equity for …