The Paul Donato Report

Important Information...

2008-03-12T12:53:00.001-04:00

I am posting the following information for your information. As usual, your comments are welcome.
_______

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND
“BALANCING THE STATE BUDGET”
The third annual TOWN MEETING briefing on the
“Hows and Whys” of balancing the
Fiscal Year (2009) Massachusetts State Budget.
Learn how the decisions made impact YOU
and YOUR CITY/TOWN.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
7:00 – 9:00 pm
WEST MEDFORD COMMUNITY CENTER
111 Arlington Street, West Medford
DIRECTIONS: From Boston Avenue (heading west toward High Street): left at lights onto Harvard Avenue;
right onto Arlington Street. The Community Center is the 3rd building on the left.
ON-STREET PARKING
Sponsored by SENATOR PATRICIA D. JEHLEN
featuring panelists
DAVID SULLIVAN
Legal Counsel, Governor’s Office of Administration and Finance
and
NOAH BERGER
Executive Director of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center
Members of the audience will have the
opportunity to contribute ideas and ask questions.
Refreshments will be served.
For more information, please call Senator Jehlen’s office at (617) 722-1578.

Important Information...

2007-11-07T14:15:00.000-05:00

Here is some important information for my constituents:

Mandatory Health Insurance: Constituent Information and Enrollment Event

Do you need health insurance or know someone who does? Are you confused about the requirement that all Massachusetts residents have health insurance or face a penalty? Are you worried about the November 15 deadline? Do you need help figuring out what to do?
Part of Massachusetts’ new “universal” health care law requires that everyone over 18 have health insurance by Dec. 31 if they can afford it, or lose their personal deduction on this year’s taxes. That means a cost of about $219 per person. Because insurance plans start on the first of the month, you need to enroll by Nov. 15 to avoid the penalty.
On Nov. 13, you’re invited to learn more, and you can even enroll immediately at an event at the Mystic Activity Center in Somerville.

From 4 to 7:30 at 530 Mystic Avenue, specialists from the Cambridge Health Alliance will be on site to provide real-time enrollment for residents. To be prepared for the enrollment process, I encourage residents to bring identification and their two most recent pay-stubs. These documents will help determine what plans you qualify for.
We'll also have experts to explain the law and the plans.

More information is available at www.MAhealthconnector.org, or by calling 1-877-MA-ENROLL weekdays. Health Care for All is another helpful resource: hcfama.org, or 1.800.272.42

Tight vote looms on same-sex marriage...

2007-06-14T13:14:00.000-04:00

We are in Constitutional Convention today to vote on the issue of same-sex marriage. The vote of whether to allow voters to decide on this issue will be very close. I'll post an update later this week.

If you have any questions or comments you can contact me by email at RepDonato38@aol.com.

Update: Opponents of gay marriage lost. They got 45 of the votes needed to put the measure on the ballot. They needed 50.

You are invited...

2007-05-16T12:58:00.001-04:00

Come meet with Representative Paul J. Donato, Representative Carl M. Sciortino, Jr., Representative James Marzilli and Senator Patricia Jehlen regarding environmental legislation that will affect us locally. *

Find out about major environmental bills pending or being filed soon in the Massachusetts legislature by lawmakers representing Medford,Somerville, Arlington, Malden.*

Get a really gorgeous view of the Mystic River from six stories up.* Enjoy refreshments provided by Century Bank. When: Thursday, May 24Time: 6:30 pm (networking and refreshments); 7:00 (program begins)

Please join us for this free event coordinated by Susan Altman, a member of the Medford Environmental Alliance, Medford Climate Action Network, Medford Clean Energy Committee, Massachusetts Climate Action Network Board of Directors

Brief update...

2007-04-17T16:06:00.000-04:00

The FY08 budget will be debated the week of April 23. I'll be providing updates on this blog over the coming weeks. In the meantime if you have any questions send me an email. The address is Repdonato38@aol.com.

This past Wednesday we had a fundraiser at Montvale Plaza in Stoneham. Thanks to my many wonderful friends who supported this event.

Over the next few days I'll post information on a couple of news releases published by my office.

Update for Constituents...

2007-03-15T16:24:00.000-04:00

We are currently working on a bond transportation bill that will have important benefits for both Medford and Malden...and also for the Green Line.

We are working on a House Budget that we hope will be ready in two weeks.

May I take this opportunity to wish all constituents a Happy Saint Patricks Day. Drive safely!!

Update...

2007-02-05T08:41:00.000-05:00

This is to let constituents know that I've been re-elected as Chairman of the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling.

Op Ed - Bullying...

2007-02-05T08:27:00.000-05:00

Responding to what is emerging as an important social issue I recently authored the following Op Ed on bullying. I would welcome the comments of constituents. Send an email to RepDonato38@aol.com.

Here is the Op Ed in full:

Date: January 29, 2007

The time has come to take initiative and address a source of school trouble. Bullying in schools is a problem that has negative effects on school environment and on student’s ability to learn in a safe atmosphere without fear. Bullying can also have negative life-long consequences both for students who bully and for their victims. Bullying can be comprised of direct behaviors or more indirectly by causing a student to be socially isolated through intentional exclusion.

There are problems other than lack of money and opportunity that can make children troubled or desperate enough to lash out. Mental health difficulties, family problems, domestic violence are not just confined to the poor. Bullying happens in all schools- rich, middle-class, and poor. Sometimes we call it “teasing,” “taunting,” or “kids being kids,” but it is all the same thing- kids being abusive to each other.

Research shows that bullying and abuse are important causes of school violence. The studies of school assaults in the 1990’s established that fact. The good news is that bullying is one thing we can change – in any school, in any town, and in any community.

At the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center, kids tell us about the perils of standing by or laughing along while another student is being abused. They talk about not being an active bystander, because going along with abuse helps the bully and anyone can become a victim. In a way, though, we’re all bystanders – we all stand by while kids abuse each other, and maybe we don’t always try hard enough to change how kids and adults think about bullying. We know that sometimes parents of victims feel like they’re all alone in their struggles to help their child. Sometimes towns and schools don’t want to take a hard look at preventing bullying because they worry that it might mean they have a “bullying problem.” Does practicing fire drills mean that a school has a serious fire problem? No; fire kills, and we want to keep kids safe. Bullying kills too. Let’s practice bullying prevention, and keep kids safe.

Together, we can all make a difference. Tomorrow call your local State Representative or Senator and send a message saying “PLEASE SUPPORT ANTI-BULLYING BILL HD842”. Together, we can send a message loudly enough to make a difference and to begin the journey towards understanding that school violence doesn’t just happen “somewhere else” – it can be prevented everywhere.

Sincerely,

Rep. Paul J. Donato (D-Medford, Malden)
Chairman
Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling

and

Elizabeth Englander, Ph.D
Professor of Psychology
Director, Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center
Bridgewater State College
Bridgewater, MA 02325

Again, I welcome your comments.

A New Governor and a New Legislature...

2007-01-04T12:12:00.000-05:00

This morning I was sworn in as your State Representative for another term. Photo shows people gathered in front of the State House for the swearing in of our new Governor - Deval Patrick.

(Globe Staff Photo / David L. Ryan)

Best Wishes for 2007!

2007-01-02T13:02:00.001-05:00

May I take this opportunity to wish all constituents the very best for the coming year. May you be blessed with good health and prosperity!

We expect a busy hear at the State Legislature. I'll be using this blog to keep you updated. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments you can contact me at RepDonato38@aol.com.

Again, Happy New Year!!

Update:

Today is the last day of the current legislative session. We are meeting this afternoon to consider the Marriage Amendment. I'll provide an update later this week.

Update #2:

Here is the report from the Boston Globe webside on our meeting this afternoon:

BOSTON --Lawmakers in Massachusetts, the only state where gay marriage is legal, on Tuesday voted to advance a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, a critical step toward putting the measure the 2008 ballot.

The proposed amendment, which would define marriage as between one man and one woman but ban future gay marriages, still needs approval of the next legislative session before it can go onto the ballot.

Gay marriage supporters lost a bid to use parliamentary moves to reverse the vote, which came without debate immediately after Senate President Robert Travaglini officially opened the joint session.

Lawmakers recessed for an hour, returned and agreed to reconsider, but backers of the amendment still had plenty of support to move the proposal to the next session.

Season's greetings to all our friends...

2006-12-19T16:36:00.000-05:00

Rosann and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our constituents every blessing for this Holiday Season...and for the New Year.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my staff and the many volunteers who have supported my efforts over the past year. I look forward to working with the new Deval Patrick Administration for the best interests of all our constituents during 2007.

As always, I'm happy to hear about your interests and concerns. I can be reached by email at RepDonato38@aol.com.

Happy Holidays! And drive safely!

Brother's suicide compels wife of Speaker to testify at hearing...

2006-12-14T09:35:00.000-05:00

Deborah M. Dimes spoke on Beacon Hill on Tuesday of this week about her brother's death. At right was her husband, House Speaker Salvatore F.DiMasi. (Globe photo by MIchelle McDonald).
_____

Here is the story by April Simpson as it appeared in the December 14 edition of the Boston Globe.

Deborah M. Dimes coolly and confidently told state lawmakers that her brother lost his longtime battle with physical and mental illness earlier this year and took his life.

Dimes, wife of House Speaker Salvatore F. Dimes, said she was finally speaking publicly about losing 46-year-old Jeff Kinlin in late March in hopes of eradicating the "social stigma" attached to suicide and psychiatric illness.

She joined suicide prevention advocates, mental health specialists, relatives of suicide victims, and student leaders at a Beacon Hill hearing Tuesday. Dimes applauded legislators for appropriating $1.25 million for suicide prevention, but urged them to triple the amount to $3.75 million in the fiscal year starting July 1.

"Death in its coldness and finality is inevitably a source of sorrow and loss," Dimes told legislators. "But when death comes -- not from age nor accident nor illness -- but from a conscious decision to end one's life, then that sorrow and loss are compounded by the anguish of tragedy and regret."

In Massachusetts in 2004, there were 429 suicides, 4,277 attempted suicides, and 6,033 people who were medically treated for self-inflicted injuries, according to the state Department of Public Health. Of those who committed suicide, most had a diagnosable and treatable mental illness, and a number shared their intentions with another person, specialists testified.

Kinlin suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, a spokesman for the speaker's office said. He was a veteran of the US Army and the French Foreign Legion, said the spokesman.
DiMasi's daughter, Ashley Marchal, testified that eight days after her uncle's death, a friend from Needham High School committed suicide, one of four student suicides in 18 months.
Needham students said that in addition to the pressure to conform during adolescence, a "culture of expected success" has created a tense academic environment. The pressure to succeed has prompted Needham school officials to discontinue publishing the honor roll in a local newspaper.

"High school is hard enough to begin with, and when you have to deal with these things as well it becomes intolerable," said 17-year-old Nick Simmons.

Comment: This story helps raise consciousness of the terrible family tragedy involved in suicide. Send your comments to RepDonato38@aol.com.

Our Attorney General in action...

2006-12-01T11:13:00.000-05:00

Photo shows Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly speaking to reporters in Washington, DC, about the first global warming case heard by the US Supreme Court. Twelve states and 13 environmental groups are charging the federal Environmental Protection Agency with inaction.

Attorney General Reilly has also been active in seeking compensation for faulty work by Big Dig contractors. As all of you know, he'll be leaving office in January.

(Photo: Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

My wife and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all constituents a "Happy Thanksgiving." And as we celebrate this holiday we are particularly grateful that our neighbors in Danvers did not suffer loss of life as a result of the terrible disaster yesterday morning.

Sergeant Durham honored with Hanna Award...

2006-11-10T16:51:00.000-05:00

Here's an item of 'old news' that I forget to include earlier on this blog.

I was on hand at the Oct. 13 George L. Hanna Jr. Memorial Awards for Bravery to present Medford Police Sergeant Edward Durham with a State House Resolution for receiving a Hanna Medal of Valor for saving the life of a 5-week-old baby.

Named for the fallen Mass. State Trooper George Hanna, the awards are presented annually to members of the law enforcement who go above and beyond the call of duty and perform heroic acts of bravery when faced with life and death decisions. Now in their 23rd year, the awards have become a prestigious symbol of service within the commonwealth's public safety community.

My congratulations to Sergeant Durham for recieving this award.

Lawmakers recess without voting on constitutional amendment...

2006-11-10T07:59:00.000-05:00

The House and Senate, meeting in a special joint session yesterday, voted to recess before taking up a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would limit the legal definition of marriage to the union of one man and one woman. Lawmakers voted to adjourn the session until Jan. 2, the last official day of the session.

The 109-87 vote to recess dealt a blow to opponents of same-sex marriage looking to override the landmark court decision three years ago. The Supreme Judicial Court ruled in a 4-3 decision in 2003 that gays and lesbians could legally marry under the state constitution.

I'll keep you updated on this issue. If you have any questions or comments you can contact me by email at RepDonato38@aol.com

A big "Thank You"...

2006-11-08T07:36:00.000-05:00

I want to thank all who voted for me yesterday.

Be assured that I'll continue to work hard to represent the best interests of all the people in our District. I am honored to serve you!

May I extend congratulations to all the other candidates who were victorious in yesterday's election. A special word of congratulations to Deval Patrick for his landslide victory. We have many challenges confronting the Commonwealth and we'll all need to work together to address these challenges.

Again, I am always happy to hear from constituents. To contact my office send an email to RepDonato38@aol.com

Update on work in the Legislature...

2006-11-01T15:46:00.000-05:00

Over the past couple of months we have continued to work on a wide variety of issues. Of particular interest to some constituents will be the Constitutional Convention on November 9. We will vote on the marriage amendment. You can expect this gathering will get a lot of attention in the media.

As usual, I am always pleased to get input from people in my District. Send your feedback to RepDonato38@aol.com

Elections: State Ballot Questions...

2006-11-01T15:36:00.000-05:00

I am hoping that all constituents will go to the polls next Tuesday to cast their votes. You will have the opportunity to vote on some important ballot questions. Click on this link for information on each of those questions. If you have any particular questions send an email to RepDonato38@aol.com.

I'll be posting some more information on the election over the next few days.

Breakfast at Anthony's Restaurant in Malden next Sunday morning...

2006-10-16T12:02:00.000-04:00

The "Friends of Paul J. Donato" will be hosting a breakfast for Rosann and myself next Sunday morning, October 22, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

To obtain a ticket for this event please call one of the following members of the Committee:

Robert Rosselle, Chairman, 781-727-1688
Annette Hunt, Treasurer, 781-935-3318
John Citrano, 781-727-4922

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our many wonderful friends who have supported us over the years. I look forward to seeing you next Sunday morning.

Another fallen hero...

2006-10-07T08:55:00.000-04:00

We just learned that a young man from Malden, Marine Lance Corporal Edward M. Garvin, was killed in Iraq. The Boston Globe has this story.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family.

Blog publishing gaining in popularity...

2006-10-06T09:06:00.000-04:00

According to this article in today's Boston Globe Paul Levy, the Chief Executive of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has started publishing a blog. I also learned from this article that Cardinal O'Malley is publishing a blog.

I know most of my colleagues in the State House have Websites but I'm not aware of any that have yet started publishing a blog. That is likely to change as people realize this is a good communications tool.

As usual, I welcome your comments and questions. You can contact me by email at Repdonato38@aol.com.

Impressive win by Deval Patrick...

2006-09-20T10:12:00.000-04:00

This Boston Globe photo shows Deval Patrick addressing supporters at a Boston hotel after his landslide victory in the gubernatorial primary.

We can expect an exciting race between Patrick and Kerrey Healey. I hope all our constituents will plan to vote in the November General Election. This is democracy in action!

Final update on recent legislative session...

2006-09-15T10:44:00.000-04:00

As you may have noticed, I have been posting a summary of legislation passed in our recent session over the past few weeks. We got a lot accomplished!!

This week I am going to conclude these updates with a summary of legislation on a number of issues not previously covered.

In the area of housing we passed the following bills:

Housing bond bill
Education relief for "smart growth" cities and towns
Housing and homelessness funding.

For Veterans we passed the following bills:

Support for public employees on military duty
Welcome home bill
The Ed Connolly Military Enhanced Relief Individual Tax Plan

With regard to the environment we passed:

Energy efficient appliances
Comprehensive Mercury management
Modernizing Toxics Use Reduction Act

With regard to Consumer Choice and Privacy Rights we passed:

Interstate Wine Shipments
Protecting Drivers' Privacy Rights

Reform bills passed include:

New Committee Structure
Limiting Outside Sections
Comprehensive Welfare Reform

We had vigorous, open debate of many other issues of concern to citizens of the Commonwealth. If you have any questions about any of the legislation passed in our last session please email me at RepDonato38@aol.com.

I always look forward to hearing from people in my District.

Finally, a reminder that the Democratic Primary Election will be this coming Tuesday.

Tell your friends about this blog!!!

House passed legislation regarding Education...

2006-08-29T15:49:00.000-04:00

As you can see from my weekly updates of legislation passed in the recent session that we addressed many issues of concerns to all taxpayers. One area of particular concern to taxpayers is education. This week let me briefly touch on education issues that were addressed.

We enacted legislation on the following:

Universal pre-kindergarten program
Commitment to higher education
Inclusive high school graduation ceremonies
Professional teaching status for school nurses
Federal reimbursement for children with autism
Access to student records

As usual, if you would like any additional information on individual items of legislation you can email me at RepDonato38@aol.com.

In two weeks time I'll publish the final edition of these updates on recent legislation. I'll include a brief summary of legislation to do with Housing, Veterans, Environment, Consumer Choice and Privacy Rights and Welfare Reform.

Happy Labor Day Weekend, everybody! And drive safely.

More information on recent legislative session...

2006-08-24T12:30:00.000-04:00

If you are a regular visitor to my blog you know that I've been providing information on legislation passed in our recent session. While the regular media has covered some of this legislation their coverage misses a lot of the items addressed.

This week I'll highlight the public safety legislation passed. Next week I'll summarize legislation to do with education.

Briefly, legislation to do with public safety included laws passed to address the following:

witness intimidation program/Anti-gang funding
OUI Repeat Offenders ("Melanie's Law")
New Driver's License Requirements for Teenagers
Protecting Children from Sexual Predators
Strengthening Sex Offender Oversight
Support for Municipal Public Safety
Carbon Monoxide Detectors ("Nicole's Law")
Fire Safe Cigarettes
Interstate Compact
Public Defenders
Voluntary Firefighter & Public Safety Personnel Benefits
Emergency Central Artery Legislation
Protecting Children from Sexual Solicitation

For additional information on any of these laws you can email me at RepDonato38@aol.com .

Hope everyone is enjoying what is left of the Summer.

More information next week.

Why I publish a blog...

2006-08-16T14:42:00.000-04:00

I'm sometimes asked by colleagues in the State House why I publish a blog. From my conversations it's clear that some have concerns about political blog publishing.

First, a few words about why I decided to start publishing this blog. One frustration I had was the difficulty of keeping our Website updated. A Website that's not updated can become like an outdated newspaper. I also realized that over 70% of middle class homes now have access to the Internet...and an increasing number are getting their information from this source.

There's another reason for the decision to publish this blog. A major responsibility of any elected representative is to represent the interests of constituents. This involves engaging in "dialogue" with voters. An interactive blog is an ideal tool to do this. I can send you a hardcopy newsletter but it does not provide for easy feedback. On this blog you just have to click on my email address (www.repdonato38@aol.com )to give feedback...or you can post a comment by clicking on "comments" below.

Every State Representative is anxious to share his/her views with people in their District. I believe an interactive blog is a very useful tool to do this.

Some political representatives are a little apprehensive about publishing a blog because of stuff they have read on the newspaper or seen on television. The fact is that tomorrow's political leaders will be using blogs as a tool to communicate with voters. Look at what just happened in the Connecticut Democratic primary. Irrespective of who you supported in that election it is clear that the Lamont people effectively used blogs to get their message out.

I'm hoping that over the coming months this blog will reach more and more people in my District. If you read the blog and like the content I'm asking that you forward a link to friends and colleagues. All you have to do is to click on the envelope shaped icon below and type in the email address.

Thank you for your consideration.

Update:

You can bookmark my blog by simply typing the URL into your Address Book. The URL is www.repdonato.blogspot.com.

More Information on Legislative Session...

2006-08-15T13:18:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is having a good summer!

For the past couple of weeks I've been providing a summary of the legislation passed in the recently completed session. This week I'll provide some additional information. Next week I'll continue with these reports. As usual, send an email to RepDonato38@aol.com if you have any questions.

Here is a summary of some of legislation passed dealing with budgets and tax relief:

We provided an unprecedented level of local aid
Historic Chapter 70 Funding (Additional $216 million for education)
Passed on-time, balanced budget increasing funding for local aid, education, human services and affordable housing
Passed capital supplemental budget bringing reserve account to $1.7 billion
Provided tax credits for eligible seniors
Passed the sales tax holidays that many were recently able to take abvantage of
Passed commuter tax relief
Passed a $25 million appropriation providing MWRA rate relief
Passed the home energy assistance and tax relief act
We provided for repeal of the retroactive gains tax

Anyone who would like more details can contact my office in Medford. Next week I'll provide summary information on public safety legislation that was passed in the recent session.

Have a good week!

Update on Legislative Session (continued)...

2006-08-09T07:23:00.000-04:00

Last week I summarized health care legislation passed in the session just completed. This week I'll provide highlights of legislation passed that had to do with economic development. As usual, if you would like additional information you can email me at RepDonato38@aol.com.

Here is a list of legislation passed:

ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE
Following statewide job growth listening tour, House passed comprehensive stimulus package designed to make smart, bold investments in workforce training, infrastructure, technology and cultural facilities.

STREAMLINED PERMITTING
To combat excessive regulation the House passed legislation to streamline the state and local building approval process.

RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE
Legislature reaffirms commitment to commonwealth working families by giving long overdue pay increase to lowest wage earners.

BRINGING BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB TO MASSACHUSETTS
Beating out competitor states like North Carolina and New York, bipartisan Massachusetts effort persuades global drug giant Bristol-Myers Squibb to build a $660 million manufacturing plant in Devens.

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT INCENTIVE
New financing mechanism forges partnership between communities, state and developers in order to stimulate development and job growth across Massachusetts.

FILM TAX INCENTIVES
Seeking to further facilitate job growth and make Massachusetts competitive with other states and countries, House takes action to attract multi-million dollar movie industry to Massachusetts to create jobs, increase tourism and generate revenue for state and local communities.

MILITARY BASE PROTECTION & DEVELOPMENT
$261 million plan to expand and renovate Hamscom Air Base in Bedford and US Army Soldiers System in Natick keeps jobs in Massachusetts and bases open during 2005 BRAC review process.

STRENGTHENING CHILD LABOR LAWS
Legislature approves first comprehensive overhaul of child labor rules in 70 years by increasing criminal penalties and giving the attorney general authority to pursue civil charges against neligent employers.

DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS STATE LAND
House passes comprehensive legislation that restructures the process for the disposal of state property.

These are some of the key pieces of legislation that we passed. Check back next week for additional information on legislation passed.

Again, I am always happy to hear from constituents. Your feedback is welcome!

Update on Legislative Session

2006-08-03T09:55:00.000-04:00

Over the next few weeks I'll be highlighting the key pieces of legislation passed during the session just completed.

This week I want to highlight key legislation in the area of healthcare.

Here is a brief summary. Please send an email to RepDonato38@aol.com if you would like additional information.

HEALTH CARE REFORM
First in the nation health care reform law makes affordable, quality insurance accessible to 95% of the state's 500,000 uninsured residents within three years; Landmark law based on House principle of shared responsibility requires individuals, businesses and government to participate in remedy for skyrocketing costs and growing number of uninsured; Reforms promise to significantly lower insurance costs for working families and individuals.

GIVING SENIORS GREATER LONG-TERM CARE CHOICES
Redirects Medicaid spending to give more seniors and people with disabilities option of receiving care at home and in the community; Moving to referred, cost effective savings will save taxpayers $134 million in first five years and create greater awareness of community-based alternatives.

GENETIC PRIVACY ACT
Protects commonwealth citizens by prohibiting insurance providers from discriminating against prospective policy holders based on genetic testing results.

CAREGIVER RESISTERY
New statewide registry of personal care attendants will expand access to quality home care, allowing more seniors and people with disabilities to maintain their independent living where they are most comfortable.

LICENSING OF GENETIC COUNSELORS

New registration and licensing requirements for genetic counselors guarantees appropriate state oversight and patient protections in emerging medical field.

IMPROVING HOSPITAL PATIENT SAFETY
House-approved bill ensures baseline level of quality care for hospital patients by directing the Department of Public Health to study nursing staffing standards.

BLADDER CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM
Acknowledging that occupational exposure to hazardous materials makes professional and volunteer firefighters more prone to incidences of bladder cancer, legislation directs Department of Public Health to provide testing and screening and conduct educational program to encourage awareness and prevention.

Next week I'll summarize legislation passed that had to do with economic development.

A win for the state's environment...

2006-08-02T06:58:00.000-04:00

Last week I announced that the House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation to further reduce the use of toxic chemicals in Massachusetts. This measure will strengthen the Toxics Use Reduction Act. A big win for the state's environment.

You may have already heard that we overrode the Governor's veto of the minimum wage law.

I'll have more detailed information later this week on legislation passed in this past session that will benefit our District.

If you have any questions or comments send an email to repdonato38@aol.com.

Overide of minimum pay legislation...

2006-08-01T14:32:00.000-04:00

You may have already read that the legislature overrode the veto by the Governor of the minimum pay legislation we recently passed. The overide passed by unanimous majorities in both the House and Senate.

I'll have complete information later this week on the legislation that we overrode in the past few days. S0me of this legislation directly affects contituents in Malden and Medford.

Last week of formal sessions...

2006-07-25T09:57:00.000-04:00

This week will mark the end of formal sessions in the House. Today we will be debating the sales tax holiday bill.

Next week we will give you a summary of the highlights of this past session.

As usual, I am always glad to hear from constituents. Send email to RepDonato38@aol.com.

Update:

You will find a copy of my op ed on youthful drivers here.

Minimum Wage Bill Passed...

2006-07-20T16:35:00.000-04:00

Yesterday the House of Representatives passed a minimum wage bill bumping hourly pay for more than 300,000 workers in Massachusetts from $6.75 to $8 an hour over the next two years.

As a result of the bill we passed the minimum wage will increase 75 cents by January 1, 2007, from $6.75 to $7.50, and then up to $8 by 2008. The minimum wage will not be tied to inflation.

As you may already know, state legislators meeting yesterday in a Constitutional Convention, decided to put off debate on a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage. The issue will be debated after November's election. Some people were not very happy about this postponement. As usual, I will welcome your comments. Send an email to repdonato38@aol.com.

Our District Office...

2006-07-10T08:05:00.000-04:00

The photo shows the second floor of the Old Fellsway Theatre Building at 271 Spring Street in Medford where our District Office is located. The flags of the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts fly on the rooftop.

We can be reached at our District Office be calling 781-395-1683 or by emailing us at repdonato38@aol.com.

Update on Legislative work...

2006-07-06T11:20:00.000-04:00

This past week we have been focused on some technical overrides of Governor Romney's vetoes.

With this session due to end July 31st we have a very busy schedule for the next few weeks.

On Wednesday of this coming week we'll convene for a Constitutional Convention to discuss the issue of putting the marriage amendment on the ballot. As you know this is now a hotly debated question. Send an email to repdonato38@aol.com if you have any comments you would like to share.

Next Thursday we'll start the process of reviewing the vetoes that Governor Romney made on the Supplemental Budget and on the stimulus package.

As usual, your comments are always welcome!

We need better training, tougher penalties for young drivers...

2006-07-06T11:15:00.000-04:00

Recently the Medford Transcript published my Op Ed piece on junior operators. Chick here for the full text.

Legislator of Year Award...

2006-07-06T11:12:00.000-04:00

The Massachusetts Boating and Yacht Clubs Association will present me with the "Legislator of the Year" award on Saturday, July 8. The event will be held at the Volunteer Yacht Club in Lynn.

Holiday Celebration...

2006-07-06T09:49:00.000-04:00

Rosann and I enjoyed a quiet holiday with a backyard B-B-Que for family. Hope everyone had an enjoyable safe holiday.

Happy 4th of July!

2006-06-29T11:53:00.000-04:00

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in my District a happy and safe Fourth of July Holiday.

Rosann and I are looking forward to a quiet holiday with the opportunity to spend time in the backyard with the grandchildren.

Have a good holiday!

State Budget and Minimum Wage on agenda for coming week...

2006-06-29T11:47:00.000-04:00

When we convene after the 4th of July holiday we will have two major items on the agenda: the State Budget and the Minimum Wage.

The annual budget now stands at approximately $25 billion dollars.

I would be particularly interested in hearing from any constituents regarding the minimum wage. You can contact me by email at repdonato38@aol.com.

A busy week...

2006-06-29T11:37:00.000-04:00

This week we have been considering some of the bills vetoed by Governor Romney. Many of the vetoed bills have to do with delivery of human services to our communities. I believe it is important to override those vetoes that have a major negative impact on service delivery.

Update on Constitutional Convention...

2006-06-29T11:28:00.000-04:00

We are still scheduled to convene on July 12 but it is not clear if we will have the opportunity to vote on the question regarding the definition of marriage. If you have any views on this issue please send email to repdonato38@aol.com. I'll keep you updated.

A Word of Welcome...

2006-06-26T09:10:00.000-04:00

I am very pleased to welcome you to our online publication - The Paul Donato Report.

Check out the special features of this blog. On the right sidebar we have a list of links to useful resources. We'll add to this list as time goes on. You will notice the "comments" button below. Just click on this button and you can send us your opinions.

You will also notice an icon shaped like an envelope below. Click on this button and you can send the URL for this blog to friends and colleagues.

One more thing: since we will be constantly updating the information I recommend that you check back regularly. For convenience, add this URL to your Address Book: www.repdonato.blogspot.com

Dr. Ed Deevy, a nationally recognized communications specialist (and a native Irishman!), has been helping us with the launch and promotion of this online publication. House or Senate colleagues who wish to publish their own blog they should contact Ed at eddeevy@cs.com or call him on his cell phone at 857-389-2113.

Again, welcome! Come back and visit often.

Two major Issues on the agenda this week...

2006-06-26T09:05:00.000-04:00

We will be addressing two major issues in the State Legislature during this coming week.

The annual budget is on the agenda. In addition, the issue of the minimum wage is also on our agenda.

The House version calls for the increase in the minimum wage to $7.75 with no indexing to the cost of living. The Senate version calls for an increase to $8.25 with indexing to the cost of living.

If you have opinions on this legislation or any other legislation that we'll be addressing in this session I would welcome your feedback. You can click on the "comments" button below or send an email to repdonato38@aol.com.

Constitutional Convention - July 12

2006-06-26T08:50:00.000-04:00

I know that many constituents are interested in the issue that will be debated at our upcoming Constitutional Convention on July 12. The Question is as follows: Do you favor a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union of a man and a woman?

If you would like to give me your opinion on this question you can click on the "comments" button below or you can send an email to repdonato38@aol.com.

Congratulations to the Medford Chamber of Commerce...

2006-06-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

The Cruisin' on the Mystic antique car show at the Meadow Glen Mall on Sunday, June 18, was a big success. Congratulations to the Medford Chamber of Commerce and all involved in staging this community event.

Meet the Democratic Candidates for Governor...

2006-06-22T11:02:00.000-04:00

Photo shows Democratic gubernatorial candidates (from left) Thomas F. Reilly, Christopher F. Gabrieli, and Deval L. Patrick preparing to debate at WGBH-TV on Wednesday evening. Emily Rooney served as moderator as they exchanged views on the challenges confronting the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Photo: Pat Greenhouse/ Globe Staff. Courtesy of Boston Globe.

Low-number license plates...

2006-06-21T20:02:00.000-04:00

The low-number license plate lottery is coming. The Registry of Motor Vehicles is getting ready to give away over 200 license plates with low numbers. If you are interested in getting into the lottery the information can be found here.

A sad day for Massachusetts State Police...

2006-06-20T15:09:00.000-04:00

The funeral was held today for State Police trooper Paul F. Barry, 39, a father of seven from Franklin, who died last week when his cruiser hit a truck parked on I-495 in Wrentham.

Our sympathies go out to the Barry family.

Photo by David L. Ryan, courtesy of Boston Globe.