Showing posts with label Rep Roy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rep Roy. Show all posts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Representative Roy Calls for Primary Seat Belt Law at the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts Advocacy Day

On February 4th, 2025, the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA) hosted their annual Brain Injury Annual Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House. They were advocating for bills requiring commercial health insurers to cover cognitive rehabilitation services for survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI), continued funding for the Statewide Head Injury Program, and State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy’s primary seat belt bill. 

Rep. Roy attended the Annual Advocacy Day to show his support and addressed the crowd about HD.1180 An Act establishing a primary seat belt law. As he noted in his remarks, “Seatbelts offer the best defense from injury or death in car crashes. Seat belts promote safety, save lives, and save money.”

Rep Jeff Roy addressed the crowd
Rep Jeff Roy addressed the crowd
In fact, statistics demonstrate that we could save 45 lives, prevent 500 injuries, and save $525 million over 5 years with a primary seat belt law in effect. According to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine, the single greatest opportunity to improve health and reduce premature deaths lies in personal behavior and seat belt use is yet another form of impaired driving that must be addressed. Massachusetts ranks 46th in the nation in seat belt use, lagging the national rate by nearly 10 percent, reinforcing the need for this legislation.

Held at the state house every year, the BIA-MA event provides information on legislative ambitions to constituents, survivors, and elected officials. The push for advocacy does not stop with their policy agenda, as the event is also provides a platform for survivors of traumatic brain injuries to share their personal story on the significant impact of TBI. 
(L-R) Ali Rheaume, Rep Jeff Roy
(L-R) Ali Rheaume, Rep Jeff Roy


During the event, Franklin’s Ali Rheaume, a traumatic brain injury survivor., shared her own experiences, stating, “Brain injuries are ‘invisible", meaning you cannot see what the impact is simply by looking at someone. I may look good, but you have no idea that I actually feel confused, foggy, or even in pain. 

“You may get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, drive to work, navigate work all day, and not have to think twice about any of those actions or decisions. For someone who sustained brain injury, every task is a big deal. Choosing your clothes, remembering a schedule, and problem-solving along with sudden issues that arise such as traffic, can all be extremely difficult. It takes cognition, which is affected by brain injury, and that is why we are strongly advocating for new laws, such as Rep Roy’s bill.”

The BIA-MA also presented attendees with an “Unmasking Brain Injury” exhibit. This offered compelling visual insight into TBI survivors’ everyday experiences through their artistic works. Through the speeches of Massachusetts Legislators, BIA-MA, MassAbility, and other survivors, the annual Brain Advocacy Day hopes to ensure stories like Rheaume’s are heard throughout the state. 

For more information on the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, please visit https://biama.org/.

Friday, February 7, 2025

State Rep Jeff Roy looks back on 2024 and ahead to 2025 (audio)

FM #1373 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1373 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeff Roy. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, February 3, 2025. 


We cover 

  • The recent Legislative session #193 of the General Court

  • Legislation filed for #194

  • Entertainment fee to offset cable cord cutting for local PEG channels 

  • Transparency and the Globe articles 

  • Changes at the Federal level can have impact to us


The recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1373-state-rep-jeff-roy-02-03-25/



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Jeff’s Representative profile page at MA Legislature =  https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JNR1  


Jeff Roy’s Twitter =  https://twitter.com/jeffroy  


Representative Roy’s Facebook page =  https://www.facebook.com/RepJeffRoy/  


Subscribe to Jeff’s newsletter -> https://jeffreyroy.com/newsletter/


BU Student generate project archive with the info on the development of the major MA climate legislation passed in 2022 by Gov Baker -> "Chapter 179, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind"

https://sites.bu.edu/masslaw/2023/02/10/chapter-179-an-act-driving-clean-energy-and-offshore-wind/ 



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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

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For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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Saturday, February 1, 2025

Tri-County RVTHS celebrated at State House for Small Voc School Football Championship (Part 2)

Tri-County Athletics shared 

"Thank you to our MA Representatives Roy, Scanlon, Philips, Arena-DeRosa, and Soter, along with Senators Feeney and Rausch who all visited with us.  
Your commitment to vocational education and athletics is helping us prepare the Commonwealth’s workforce of tomorrow! #savethetrades"

 

Thank you to our MA Representatives Roy, Scanlon, Philips, Arena-DeRosa, and Soter, along with Senators Feeney and Rausch who all visited with us
"Thank you to our MA Representatives Roy, Scanlon, Philips, Arena-DeRosa, and Soter, along with Senators Feeney and Rausch who all visited with us"

Shared from -> https://x.com/TriRvths/status/1885338128572915910

Part 1 was shared -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/tri-county-rvths-celebrated-at-state.html

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Representative Roy Among Climate Leaders Honored at the State House for their Work in Energy Efficiency

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) was among those honored at the 2024 Mass Save Climate Leaders ceremony held at the State House on Tuesday, January 21st.

The annual event, co-hosted by the Sponsors of Mass Save (National Grid, Eversource, Until, Berkshire Gas, Liberty, and the Cape Light Compact), celebrated 19 “Climate Leaders” across a range of industries for partnering with Mass Save to make substantial and innovative energy efficiency investments.  Representative Roy also received an award honoring him for his unwavering commitment to advancing energy efficiency in Massachusetts.

(L-R) Katherine Peters, Director of Residential Energy Efficiency at Eversource, Rep Roy and Chris Porter from National Grid, Director of Customer Energy Management at National Grid
(L-R) Katherine Peters, Director of Residential Energy
Efficiency at Eversource, Rep Roy
and Chris Porter from National Grid, Director
 of Customer Energy Management at National Grid

Collectively, the Mass Save Climate Leaders avoided 47,500 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to the amount of energy used by over 6,300 homes in one year.  The awardees represented industries across a wide array of sectors such as healthcare; municipalities; community organizations; cultural institutions; hospitality; industrial & agricultural energy efficiency; post-secondary education; developers; the food industry; and school districts.  

Among those honored was the Acton Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD). ABRSD Superintendent Peter Light, formerly Principal at Franklin High School, was at the ceremony on behalf of the district to receive the award.

The ABRSD was honored for their work as one of the first-ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools awardees.  Their Boardwalk Campus is a newly constructed, fully electric project that relocated two separate elementary schools into one energy efficient building.  With the help of their Mass Save partner Eversource, the project exceeded an Energy Use Intensity goal and installed energy-efficient measures such as ground-source heat pumps, enhanced insulation, demand-control ventilation, energy recovery, as well as a commercial-scale electric kitchen.

Representative Roy spoke at the awards ceremony along with Elizabeth Mahony, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, as well as leaders from Eversource and National Grid, each a Mass Save sponsor.

Representative Roy speaking
Representative Roy speaking


“I applaud the 2024 Mass Save Climate Leaders for undertaking innovative, climate-driven solutions to reduce their energy use and carbon footprint,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin).  “I especially want to thank the Mass Save Sponsors for honoring me with an award and for their strong partnerships with entities across the Commonwealth to facilitate tangible, measurable, and impactful climate action that moves Massachusetts forward into its clean energy future.”

 “I’m happy to be here to celebrate the Mass Save Climate Leaders and their good work to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy use through efficiency measures,” said Elizabeth Mahony, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. “The 2024 Climate Leaders are undertaking impressive projects including electrification, energy efficient upgrades, sustainable building projects, energy conservation, net zero buildings, and two all-electric geothermal schools.”

“It is our pleasure to recognize the 2024 Mass Save Climate Leaders, all of whom have distinguished themselves as true leaders in our collective missions to help Massachusetts achieve a net zero future,” said Tilak Subrahmanian, Vice President of Energy Efficiency at Eversource. “The impact each has had – individually and collectively – cannot be overstated.” 

“Thank you, honorees, for being leaders not just in your industries, but for the entire Commonwealth,” said Christopher Porter, Director of Customer Energy Management at National Grid. “Your commitment to innovation, sustainability, and climate action is a testament to what can be achieved when we all work together towards a common goal.”

In recent years, the Legislature has taken significant steps to help decarbonize the Commonwealth while maintaining affordability and energy reliability. 
In 2021, the Legislature set bold goals to reduce emissions with the Next Generation Roadmap Law, which required clean energy and climate “roadmap” plans every five years through 2050 to ensure the Bay State stayed on track.  
In 2022, they built on this work by creating clean energy policies and programs to help meet these limits. 

Recently, in 2024, the Legislature passed a climate bill which makes historic changes that streamline the state’s siting and permitting processes for clean energy infrastructure projects, and promotes clean energy, battery storage, and electric vehicle policies to build a robust charging network, among many other reforms. 

They also passed a climatetech bill which provides significant levels of funding and tax incentives to support the growth of the climatetech industry, making the Commonwealth a competitive hub for this innovative and critical sector. This bill was modeled after legislation that helped launch the successful life sciences industry in Massachusetts. 

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Boston Globe continues story on Rep Roy

"Representative Jeff Roy, who last year disclosed his relationship with a top lobbyist, said it had started only recently, after the two Bates College graduates met through the school’s alumni council. But a divorce filing, originally submitted by his wife a day after he disclosed the relationship in a letter quietly filed to the state House clerk, now suggests the romance may have been going on far longer.

In that filing, Maureen Roy wrote that she believed her husband and lobbyist Jennifer Crawford had been together since 2019, and that the Franklin Democrat had been showering her with vacations, expensive meals, and lavish gifts for years. Roy and his wife formally separated in November 2022, documents reveal, but their divorce proceedings — which began in July 2023 — are still ongoing.

The revelations about Maureen Roy’s allegations come after Globe reporting disclosed that Roy, who is chairperson of the House energy committee, and Crawford, who represents several clients regulated by that panel, were in a romantic relationship. Even under Roy’s stated timeline, their relationship coincided with his committee working on a sweeping climate bill that was sprinkled with priorities for some of Crawford’s clients."
Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscription maybe required) -> 

The initial article and Rep Jeff Roy's response can be found ->

Boston Globe continues story on Rep Roy
Boston Globe continues story on Rep Roy

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Boston Globe: Mass. lawmaker, lobbyist's relationship raises ethics concerns

State Rep Jeff Roy comments on the article:

"My relationship with Jennifer Crawford started in 2023. Since then, she has not lobbied me on any issue. Looking for a path forward after the relationship started, we each independently sought the advice of outside legal counsel to properly navigate the professional/personal dynamic. We have adhered to the legal guidance received regarding this relationship and complied with all applicable rules and regulations governing lobbyists and legislators. I shared copies of the legal opinions I received and urge folks to read them to get a clear understanding of the issues involved and steps we took to adhere to the rules.  

I remain passionate about and committed to the work I do and will continue to follow high ethical standards and maintain the firewall between our personal and professional lives. "

Jeff

---------------------------
"When State Representative Jeff Roy was sworn in for the sixth time last winter, he posed for a photo outside the House chamber with a high-powered lobbyist.

She wasn’t any ordinary guest.

She was Jennifer Crawford, a partner in the state’s highest grossing influence firm. He is the chairman of the House energy committee, with oversight over many bills and issues of keen interest to Crawford and her firm, especially a sweeping climate bill then chugging toward passage that was sprinkled with priorities for some of Crawford’s clients.
Mass. lawmaker, lobbyist's relationship raises ethics concerns
Mass. lawmaker, lobbyist's relationship raises ethics concerns

And the two are dating. The blossoming of their relationship is evident in photos on Facebook, and was officially and very quietly acknowledged by Roy in a letter to the House clerk that revealed he and a lobbyist at Smith, Costello & Crawford were in a personal relationship.

He didn’t name Crawford; he didn’t have to. The potential for conflict of interest is blatant, but it is all permissible in a state whose broad but porous ethics law requires only this minimal disclosure."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) ->

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Celebration of the 2024 MA Climate Bill held on Tuesday, Dec 3

Governor Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) posted Tue, Dec 03, 2024:
"We brought together labor and lawmakers, industry and advocates to end the years-long delays tying up clean energy infrastructure – and they got it done.

With this bill, we're cutting through the red tape and clearing the way for good jobs, cleaner air and lower energy costs for https://t.co/HijcirX8Ge"

Environmental League of Massachusetts (@EnviroLeagueMA) posted Tue, Dec 03, 2024:

"MA leads the way! @MassGovernor celebrated signing the 2024 #ClimateBill today, which will transform #CleanEnergy siting & permitting, improve community engagement & increase #RenewableEnergy access. 
We applaud the signing of this bill & its acceleration of a clean energy future. https://t.co/tMUpPsC1Ye
Celebration of the 2024 MA Climate Bill held on Tuesday, Dec 3
Celebration of the 2024 MA Climate Bill held on Tuesday, Dec 3

Franklin's Rep Roy captures a selfie at the event
Franklin's Rep Roy captures a selfie at the event

Rep Roy posted to his blog 


The formal, public bill signing happened on Tuesday, Dec 3 as noted above. The legislation did get signed earlier and the press release (including link to the actual legislation item) can be found here -> 
 

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Voices of Franklin: 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node says thanks to State Rep Jeff Roy

November 21, 2024


Dear Representative Jeff Roy,


We understand Governor Healey signed the climate bill today! We want to profoundly thank you and the climate conference committee for working so carefully and thoughtfully to create the robust, cutting-edge climate bill this legislative session! We appreciate that it was a challenge to write into law the necessary gradual transition from methane gas to clean electricity, making sure the balance is flexible, well thought out, and smooth. 


We also want to acknowledge that the process was longer and more difficult than anyone wanted, and was at times contentious. Trail-blazing legislation does take time and significant effort. We thank you and the whole conference committee for sticking with it to get to YES!


This bill represents another groundbreaking step toward a just, clean energy future for Massachusetts. We look forward to continued collaboration with you in the future as we fight together for climate action and climate justice!


With gratitude,

Carolyn Barthel and Steve Derdiarian, Coordinators


Mark Minnechelli

Voices of Franklin: 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node says thanks to State Rep Jeff Roy
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node
David Rittenhouse

Marissa Bovie

Rand Barthel

Ted McIntyre

Megan McCarthy

Ray Milici

Kate Warsing

Rachel Plukas


-----------------------

 
If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node says thanks to State Rep Jeff Roy
Voices of Franklin: 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node says thanks to State Rep Jeff Roy

Friday, November 22, 2024

Governor Healey Signs Climate Law to Advance Clean Energy Transition, Create Jobs and Lower Costs

Governor Maura Healey signed into law An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers. This legislation will accelerate clean energy development, improve energy affordability, create an equitable infrastructure siting process, allow for multistate clean energy procurements, promote non-gas heating, expand access to electric vehicles and create jobs and support workers throughout the energy transition.  

The reforms to the siting and permitting processes were based on the recommendations of Governor Healey’s Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting and also include environmental justice informed requirements for cumulative impact analysis for clean energy projects and establishing a fund for under-resourced organizations to engage in the siting process and in proceedings before the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), fulfilling a campaign promise.   

“Accelerating clean energy development will create good jobs, lower costs, attract more businesses to Massachusetts, and grow our climatetech economy,” said Governor Healey. “This legislation includes important provisions to lower energy costs for families and businesses, including expanding bill discounts to middle-class households and increasing access to clean energy measures that reduce customer expenses such as solar, heat pumps, and electric vehicles. These reforms will also end the years-long delays for solar, wind, and other critical electric infrastructure, which play a critical role in our ability to be a global leader in clean energy and climatetech. I’m grateful to Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Chair Roy, and Chair Barrett for their partnership on this important bill.” 

“By working together, we can deliver balanced solutions and drive meaningful change during the clean energy transition,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is grateful to the members of the Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting, including Chairs Roy and Barrett, for their time and efforts. The reforms enacted in this law are the result of months of meetings between stakeholders, sitting around a table hashing out our differences. Today, we can celebrate the results of those efforts and get to work on implementing this important law.” 

At the core of the bill are major reforms to the process by which wind, solar, storage, and other electric infrastructure like substations and transmission are sited and permitted. Based on the recommendations of the Governor’s Commission, the new law establishes a 12-month deadline for municipal permitting and requires municipalities to issue a single permit at the end of their process. Similarly, state permits will be issued together by the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) after a 15-month period. Appeals will be directed the state Supreme Judicial Court, ending the years-long appeals process that has delayed vital infrastructure. The law also directs the Department of Energy Resources to create site suitability criteria to ensure natural resources are protected in the siting process.  

“For decades, the siting and permitting process has been a major hindrance to the clean energy transition. I’m incredibly proud that we were able to find consensus and enact these historic reforms at such a critical time. This new infrastructure is going to strengthen the reliability of our grid, improve public health, grow our economy, and help us transition off polluting fossil fuels,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This law also makes major strides for environmental justice. Our environmental justice communities have hosted significantly more energy infrastructure. Now, we will have a strong framework to ensure that every voice is heard in the siting process and that these new facilities are sited equitably.” 

“Today, we have something to celebrate—a next generation climate law that sends a strong market signal that our future is healthy, clean, and low carbon,” said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. “I’m eager to get to work with DCAMM Commissioner Baacke in partnership with other administration officials and stakeholders to chart the Commonwealth’s course to reduce embodied carbon in our procurement supply chains.  By purchasing materials like steel, cement, wood, glass, and asphalt manufactured in new ways that emit far fewer greenhouse gases, we’ll achieve our net-zero goals and build critical infrastructure that is of the highest quality with a lower impact on our climate.” 

The law also makes improvements to equitable siting and the community engagement process, which has historically been challenging to navigate. Municipalities will be granted automatic intervenor status in EFSB proceedings. A fund to support municipalities, organizations, and individuals who lack the resources will benefit from a new fund to support their needs for qualified legal representation and expert analysis. The EFSB will also require a cumulative impact analysis for projects seeking to site in environmental justice communities, so that no neighborhood becomes overburdened with infrastructure that the entire state benefits from. The Office of Environmental Justice and Equity and the Division of Public Participation at the Department of Public Utilities – both established under Governor Healey – will be enshrined in law. 

An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers includes other important reforms to facilitate the transition to clean energy. Offshore wind tax credits are expanded, and the state will be authorized conduct a procurement process for storage and to join other states’ procurements of clean energy. The law also authorizes the administration to study and propose other reforms to the procurement process. As clean energy production ramps up, it will be important that the costs burdens associated with maintaining the gas system will be minimized and workers are supported. The law authorizes the gas utilities to sell geothermal heat and includes provisions that support energy workers. The DPU is given clear authority to adjust to how gas maintenance is financed and establish discount rates for moderate-income customers. Finally, the law also updates the appliance standards that apply to electric vehicle chargers and creates pathways for more to be installed. 

“This critical legislation builds on the work that is being done to modernize the Commonwealth’s energy grid, increase clean energy generation, and to combat the climate crisis while creating jobs in the process,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “The reforms related to siting and permitting of clean energy infrastructure will be crucial in the process of transitioning the Commonwealth’s energy grid away from fossil fuels over time. I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this bill into law, as well as my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for their hard work." 

“Today, Massachusetts has proven once again that we will take decisive action to address the climate crisis,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “With the Governor's signature, we move closer to our goal of net zero emissions by 2050 through codifying siting and permitting reform, expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and incentives, addressing the high cost and long lifespan of gas infrastructure projects, and protecting rate payers from bearing the costs of this transformational shift. I am proud that the Legislature prioritized such bold initiatives to address the existential threat of climate change, and I am particularly grateful to Senator Barrett for his thoughtful advocacy throughout this process. I would like to thank the Governor for her signature, Majority Leader Creem and my Senate colleagues for their efforts, and Speaker Mariano, Representative Roy and our partners in the House for getting this important bill across the finish line.” 

“For too long, it’s been extremely challenging for disadvantaged communities to participate in the energy decisions that impact their electricity bills and neighborhoods. I applaud the Legislature for passing and Governor for signing this impactful climate and energy legislation that includes a new intervenor support program, which will help the Commonwealth achieve a more just and equitable clean energy future,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. The intervenor support program, recommended by the Stakeholder Working Group convened by my office, will give communities the resources they need to meaningfully engage in and shape our clean energy future." 

“This bill has several important facets for sustainability and meeting our state's ambitious and legally enforceable goals to reduce carbon emissions,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “It provides a framework to accelerate the production and storage of renewable energy and includes powerful language to expedite the restoration of our wetlands, which are incredibly effective at sequestering carbon and providing coastal storm defense.” 

“This legislation advances critical updates for the siting and permitting of clean energy infrastructure, ensuring a supportive and reliable electric grid, and building out electric vehicle charging infrastructure, among so many other things,” said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “By overhauling outdated state permitting and siting processes, the Commonwealth aims to secure an equitable, accelerated buildout of clean energy generation and infrastructure that we need to reach our climate goals and power our electrified clean energy future. These reforms are coupled with measured steps to promote solar energy system development, ensure that our gas companies comply with climate targets, procure more clean energy and storage solutions, and use grid-enhancing technologies and advanced meters to increase efficiency, while ensuring that this transition balances consumer safety and system reliability with protections for union workers.” 
“This bill sets a balance,” said Senator Mike Barrett (D- Lexington).  "We need to upgrade the grid without swamping the household budget.  People want to keep the lights on but at a price they can afford.  And some day, if they haven’t done so already, they’ll want to drive electric vehicles.  In dozens of ways in this bill, and notably by restraining gas expansion as we pursue electric expansion, we make sure the future is green and clean and we also protect middle class and working class pocketbooks.” 

“This comprehensive law is a reminder of the power Massachusetts has to advance groundbreaking climate solutions—no matter who is in power in DC,” said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem, chair of the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change. “The law includes a wide range of policies that move us closer to net-zero emissions, including essential reforms to our gas system. By preventing gas investments that are both imprudent and contrary to our climate mandates, the bill will keep costs down and prevent wasteful spending of ratepayers’ hard-earned money.” 

"This legislation shows we're committed to creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for our Commonwealth," said Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn). "By streamlining permits, ensuring stakeholder input, and investing in new technologies, we're not just taking steps to meet our climate targets—we're continuing to position our state as a clean energy leader. This bill will help grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. I'm grateful for Chair Roy's hard work, Speaker Mariano's leadership, and all my colleagues' strong support.” 

“I’m so pleased that the legislature was able to come together to approve this most important bill.  This legislation is instrumental in providing the necessary tools to move the Commonwealth forward in greening our communities and embracing our clean energy future.” said Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton). “It is a win-win-win for everyone.  This legislation will help to create thousands of new jobs, lower the cost of energy and significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions which will improve overall public health.”   


Link to the legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2967

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Senator Ed Markey Visits Safe Coalition, Discusses Substance Use Crisis And Response

On Oct. 27, Senator Ed Markey visited SAFE Coalition in Franklin to discuss the state of substance use and mental health crises in the area and the organization’s proactive response strategy. State Representative Jeffrey Roy, a founding SAFE board member, also attended.  

SAFE, a nonprofit founded to combat the rising threat of opioid addiction and overdose in southeastern Massachusetts, hosted Markey for an in-depth discussion, exploring topics like the role public perception plays in access to substance misuse and mental health support. 

Senator Ed Markey Visits Safe Coalition
Senator Ed Markey Visits Safe Coalition


“The link between addiction and mental health must be destigmatized before people can get help,” Markey said. “No one can will their way out of it.”

The conversation highlighted SAFE’s initiatives, including regular Narcan trainings at Dedham Jail, early intervention educational small groups for local children, and support groups for individuals and families affected by substance use. SAFE’s approach to community-wide, wraparound care was notable for Senator Markey. 

“I understand the mission,” Markey said. “Because if one person suffers, everyone suffers.” 
Senator Ed Markey Discusses Substance Use Crisis And Response
Senator Ed Markey Discusses Substance Use Crisis And Response


The nonprofit’s CEO Jen Levine said SAFE helps many people who arrive at the office on one of the hardest days of their lives. 

“We are also here for them long before then, in small and straightforward ways,” said Levine, “so that if their worst day ever arrives, they know where they can turn.”

Many are first introduced to SAFE through services like the organization’s free diaper and car seat bank or community events like medication takeback and CPR trainings.

Markey has championed substance use intervention at the state and national levels throughout his political career. His first encounter with SAFE was at the 2015 National Prescription Drug and Heroin Summit in Atlanta, which he attended with President Obama.

SAFE now serves over 37 towns across the state with recovery and support groups, referral services, one-on-one nonclinical recovery support, resource connection, community trainings, educational programming for adolescents and schools, events like film screenings and talks, sober art and music nights, and trauma-informed yoga. SAFE also voluntarily advises opioid abatement funding boards in municipalities across the state.

For more information on SAFE’s services or collaboration opportunities, contact SAFE at (508) 488-8105 or info@safecoalitionma.org.

Saturday, November 2, 2024

State Representative Jeff Roy rolls out 2024 endorsements

United States Senator Ed Markey has endorsed Jeffrey Roy in his State Representative race in the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin and Medway). 
“I am proud to endorse Rep. Jeff Roy for re-election as the State Representative for Franklin and Medway. He has been a partner and champion on climate and energy issues, spearheading efforts to pass landmark climate and energy bills, as well as legislation to address substance use disorder, economic development, and civil rights. And he has consistently delivered critical local aid to Franklin and Medway. I look forward to continuing to partner with him."
United States Senator Ed Markey has endorsed Jeffrey Roy
United States Senator Ed Markey has endorsed Jeffrey Roy


In addition to Markey, Roy has been endorsed by Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Speaker of the House Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Massachusetts & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council, Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers & Scientists, Massachusetts Nurses Association, and 1999SEIU. He has also been endorsed by Franklin Town Council Chair Thomas Mercer; Franklin Town Council Vice-Chair Robert Dellorco; and Franklin Town Council Clerk Glenn Jones.

Governor Healey shared the following: 
“Representative Roy has been a highly effective and skilled legislator for more than a decade, advancing important laws addressing education, economic development, healthcare, criminal justice, and civil rights. In his role as Chairman of the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee, Jeff spearheaded efforts to pass landmark climate and energy legislation to legislation strengthening protections for survivors of abuse and exploitation. His district and the Commonwealth will benefit from his continued leadership at the State House."

Attorney General Campbell noted that Jeff 
“has been a partner in the work, including protecting our environment and addressing climate change. With significant local and state government experience, he is passionate about getting things done and having an impact on all of his constituents, including his seniors, students, and those often forgotten.”

In its endorsement, the Mass State Police Commissioned Officers Association President William “Duke” Donaghue remarked that MSP COA 
“deeply appreciates your past support for law enforcement and your commitment to public safety in the Commonwealth. Your proven leadership and dedication aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure the safety of our communities and the well-being of our members.”

Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch stated: 
“The Massachusetts AFL-CIO Executive Council has officially voted to endorse your re-election. On behalf of nearly half a million members across the Commonwealth, we are proud to support candidates like you who have demonstrated a commitment to the values and principles of the Labor Movement, and create an economy that works for working people.”

"I am absolutely thrilled to receive the support and endorsement from all of these groups and individuals," noted Roy. "In my years in the Massachusetts House I have built strong and lasting relationships and have partnered with them to make Massachusetts and our communities great places to live, work, and raise a family. With their continued support, I am confident we can continue to deliver results for Massachusetts."

You can view the complete list of endorsements and testimonials at https://jeffreyroy.com/testimonials/.

Since 2013 Jeff has been part of a legislative team that has addressed the issues of education, economic development, the coronavirus pandemic, health care, substance use disorder, criminal justice, civil rights and social equity, gun safety, climate change, energy, and the environment. In addition, he led efforts to:

Draft and pass the bill accelerating a responsible, innovative and equitable clean energy transition in 2024;
Draft and pass an act to prevent abuse and exploitation in 2024;
Draft and pass the clean energy and offshore wind bill in 2022;
Finalize the Roadmap Bill on climate change in 2021;
Draft and pass the Genocide Education Act in 2021;
Draft and pass legislation on Step Therapy and Patient Safety in 2022;
Draft and pass legislation relative to sexual violence on higher education campuses in 2021;
Draft and pass legislation increasing transparency and financial reporting requirements for higher education institutions in 2019;
Draft and pass legislation that increased transparency and civic engagement by creating a searchable online database of legal notices in 2015;
Pass legislation lowering thresholds on specialty license plates, making them available to smaller charities and causes in 2015; and
Pass legislation to create a Regional Dispatch Center for Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville in 2013.

He has also led efforts to bring millions of dollars in local aid for schools, roads, infrastructure, public safety, arts, recreation, substance use disorder, economic development, historical preservation, and food insecurity. He has also helped thousands of constituents with issues involving unemployment, health care, human services, and other matters with state agencies.

Roy is seeking re-election as the State Representative for the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin & Medway). He is the Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy and previously served as Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, and the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance. 

He is also the Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus, which promotes and encourages “Making It” in Massachusetts. Previously, he served as a member of the Franklin Town Council, and the Franklin School Committee where he held the position of Chair for 9 of his 10 years. He also chaired Franklin's Master Plan Committee from 2012 to 2013.

For more information on Jeffrey Roy, please visit http://jeffreyroy.com/