Jobs/Economic Development:
• Worked with Massachusetts Life Science Center and Sen Spilka/Rep
Richardson in securing $7.7 million for Genzyme expansion
(wastewater); helped turn MW into major life science hub (Cytoo)
• Worked with colleagues in House and Senate to urge Congressional
delegation to support expanding and extending FMAP
• Worked with DHCD to support their renovation of Musterfield housing
development through mixed used financing and stimulus funds
•Introduced language to House budget that will let Framingham borrow
$10 million from HEFA for construction of new dorm
•Filed bill to reform unemployment insurance in MA. Similar bill
passed House this year
•Co-sponsored Restaurant Rejuvenation Amendment in FY2011 budget
(passed), let restaurants serve alcohol on Sunday morning, will pump
$30 mil into MA economy.
Transportation:
•Passed transportation reform, eliminated the MA Turnpike authority,
consolidated transportation agencies
•Worked with MW caucus in preventing dramatic toll increases
•Worked with town leaders and Framingham delegation to get 126/135
crossing on the TIP
•Framingham AAA office will offer license and registration renewals in
July this year
Ethics/Transparency:
•Passed ethics reform, banning legislators from accepting gifts and
imposing stiffer penalties on violators
•Voted with colleagues to support budget transparency amendment in
FY2011 budget, creating online searchable database of budget
expenditures and requiring public disclosure of all tax credits
Pension Reform:
•Eliminated pension abuse including 23-and-out (ability to collect
pension after 23 years of service regardless of age) and king-for-a-
day (getting credit for a year’s worth of public service after working
one day) rule
Disabilities:
•Worked with budget conference committee to change the name of the
Department of Mental Retardation to Department of Developmental
Services
•Introduced Self Determination bill that was signed by the Governor
that will implement a model where money will follow the person
•Preserved millions in HWM FY10 to Family Support account, got $2.2
million to Turning 22 in FY2009
Education:
• Passed education reform, reformed charter schools and gave school
district tools to improve under performing schools
•Worked with Sen. Spilka to introduce adequacy study language to
education reform bill
•Introduced language to House budget that will let Framingham borrow
$10 million from HEFA for construction of new dorm
•Passed bullying bill, impose stiffer penalties on school bullies and
provide tools and training to school districts
•Inclusive concurrent enrollment, bold new model for special education
Mental Health
•Worked with DMH and community leaders to save Jail Diversion Program
