Senator Ross:April 2017 - State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, April 2017 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, It's hard to believe another month has passed and we are one step closer to summer. Throughout April, I have had the pleasure of meeting with various constituents including State House visits from both Bristol and Norfolk Agricultural High Schools. The first week of May is National Small Business Week, so be sure to read of the various Small Business Listening Sessions enclosed in this newsletter that are happening throughout the Commonwealth. Finally, I have been closely monitoring the progress of the FY '18 state budget that just passed the House of Representatives, and will be taken up by the State Senate at the end of May. Please read/share my monthly newsletter for new state house and district updates. It is a pleasure to serve you. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly at 617-722-1555. Sincerely, Senate Republicans Act to Protect Internet Privacy The Senate Republican Caucus has filed legislation to prevent internet service providers from using or selling customer information without their consent. The bill titled, "An Act ensuring Internet Security and Privacy" aims to protect the internet privacy of users. Federal legislation permits the unregulated collecting and selling of customer information without consent of customers. This situation serves as a threat to consumer privacy, an issue that is on the minds of many of my constituents. The new bill, if enacted into law, would specifically prohibit the collection and circulation of a consumer's personal information without the consent of the consumer. The measure would also prohibit internet service providers from imposing a charge on a consumer that did not provide consent. Lastly, if enacted, the legislation would prohibit a service provider from denying service to those who withhold consent. In order to prioritize the privacy of my constituents and people across the Commonwealth, I hope that this bill is moved forward. It was a pleasure to meet with teachers and students from Natick schools on behalf of the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO). METCO members from Wayland schools also visited to advocate for more opportunities to students in participating communities across the district. Plainville Eligible for Federal Highway Funds Autism: Beware of Dangerous Therapies Upgrading our transportation system is an ongoing challenge across the state, so I was pleased that after many meetings and discussions, MassDOT has determined that the reconstruction project of South Street in Plainville is eligible for Federal Aid highway funding. The DOT Project Review Committee estimates that the construction cost of this project is $6,400,000; the total project cost will consist of this estimated construction cost plus additional costs for project design, construction engineering, police details, and other costs associated with permits. The implementation of this project is contingent on successful completion of the project design and review process, securing all necessary right-of-way, and receipt of all appropriate permits. Mindful of so many constituents and families in my district living with autism, I was disheartened to learn that the FDA has had to crack down on false claims, products, and therapies that claim to treat autism or autism-related symptoms. The most important thing to know about autism is that there is no known cure. Such false claims and treatments may carry significant health risks. Some of these so-called therapies and treatments include "chelation therapies", hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and detoxifying clay baths. Other various products, including raw camel milk and essential oils, have been marketed as a treatment for autism or autism-related symptoms, but have not been proven safe or effective. If you are unsure about any products or treatments, talk to your health care professional. Read the full article here. Small Business Spotlight: Patterson Creations, Attleboro April 13, 2017 In an ongoing effort to recognize and promote small businesses in my district, I visited Patterson Creations, located in the heart of Attleboro. The owner, Jermaine Patterson, a longtime Attleboro resident and retired Attleboro Police Officer, was kind enough to give me a tour of his multipurpose space. Patterson Creations is an art gallery, event and music venue that caters to the areas of art, business and community. They also offer a full bar and a food options for events such as fundraisers, showers or business meetings. One of the most unique aspects of Patterson Creations is the art. If you're an artist trying to get your work out for viewing, Patterson Creations offers the perfect stage. Jermaine charges no rental fees for the space and a small commission on art sold.  He also offers discounted rates for custom framing. Since opening their doors three years ago, Patterson Creations has hosted many successful events, and Jermaine is always looking for more ways to expand in the community. Patterson Creations should soon offer a café, as well as potential outdoor event space in the near future. If you are interested in hosting an event with Patterson Creations, or have any further questions for Jermaine, please visit www.pattersoncreations.com. Senator Ross Announces Office Hours in May Senator Ross and his staff will be holding office hours at locations throughout the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District to provide constituents with an opportunity to meet Senator Ross and discuss any matters of importance to them. Constituents may contact Senator Ross' office at (617) 722-1555 or by email at richard.ross@masenate.gov to register for a meeting in advance whether in the district or at the State House in Boston.          Tuesday, May 2nd (Staff) Attleboro Council On Aging, 25 South Main Street, Attleboro 10:00am-11:00am Monday, May 8th (Staff) North Attleboro Council on Aging, 204 Elm Street, North Attleboro 10:00am-11:00am Tuesday, May 16th (Staff) Sherborn Town Hall, 19 Washington Street, Sherborn 10:00am-11:00am Tuesday, May 23rd (Staff) Natick Community Center, 117 East Central Street, Natick 11:00am-12:00pm Wednesday, May 31st (Staff) Needham Community Center, 300 Hillside Drive, Needham 11:00am-12:00pm Copyright © 2017 State Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, All rights reserved. This newsletter is a service to the people of the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District and for Informational Purposes only. Our mailing address is: Massachusetts State House 24 Beacon Street, Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov

State Senator Richard J. Ross · State House · Room 520 · Boston, Ma 02212 · USA

The newsletter was edited for publication here. To review the full set of contents, view this link in your browser