November 2010
1 post
THANK YOU!
Just a quick note (at 2:20 AM!) to thank the residents of the 4th Plymouth District for providing me the honor of representing you for a second term on Beacon Hill.
Being a State Representative has been my greatest professional honor — and my greatest professional challenge. I sincerely enjoy the work of a State Representative and hope I can always maintain your trust and...
October 2010
2 posts
Some good coverage of the Governor’s business round table discussion in Marshfield last Thursday … For those who want to get the substance of the discussion the video is here: http://ht.ly/2TRzP
Marshfield Mariner:
Photo courtesy Townson Photography
Gov. Deval Patrick greets Village at Proprietors Green residents.
By Benjamin Brown Wicked Local Marshfield
Gov. Deval Patrick...
Spoke this past Monday night at the Marshfield Selectman’s meeting about efforts to promote job creation and retention in Marshfield and Scituate, including the recent announcements about new business growth in Marshfield, scheduled improvements for Rte 139, the $425,000 improvements to the commercial fishing pier, and a proposal for a Marine and Environmental Education Center in Scituate....
July 2010
1 post
was honored to attend a most poignant and patriotic 4th of July ceremony yesterday. Met with Joe and Karen Kelley, who lost their son, Michael, in Afghanistan, and spoke to US Army Chief of Staff General George Casey about the challenges facing our military. The words of the Declaration of Independence have such greater meaning when you remember the folks who have made the ultimate sacrifice to...
April 2010
6 posts
“Cash for Appliance” Program begins TOMORROW. If you are in the market for a new dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, or clothes washer, I just came across news of this program: http://www.masssave.com/residential See the story from our friend, Bob Preer, below …
http://www.boston.com/realestate/news/articles/2010/04/21/appliance_rebates_could_go_fast/
Cantwell earns bi-partisan support in Scituate
In contrast to recent events where political candidates critiqued each other from rival podiums, our local Representative, Jim Cantwell, brought together leaders from both parties to discuss the needs of our south shore communities — and to receive bi-partisan support for his re-election.
Cantwell hosted a “Community Coffee” last Sunday at PJs Country House in Scituate and...
Court case worth paying attention to
This is a court case that is worth paying attention to: Governor Patrick’s effort to rein in the increase of health insurance rates is being challenged this Thursday by insurance providers looking for rate increases for as much as 32% this year!
See the link below:
http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2010/04/06/health_insurers_sue_to_raise_rates/
“Health insurers sue...
March 2010
1 post
Advocating for fairness for our fishing industry...
Recognizing that our commercial fishing fleet in Marshfield & Scituate account for over 150 small businesses I was pleased to participate Monday in a substantive round table discussion with representatives from the fishing industry, federal and state officials to discuss numerous challenges facing the industry. The conference was organized by US Senator John Kerry as an opportunity to discuss...
February 2010
4 posts
Cantwell Corner: 'We're all in this together'
One of the most significant responsibilities of my job is to connect residents in our towns with the extremely talented and dedicated folks who provide various social services. Last winter I co-hosted a program entitled “We are all in this together”: a forum that detailed numerous ways that folks can receive assistance in these difficult economic times. The program is to be re-broadcast on...
SCITUATE ST PATRICK's DAY PARADE ON MARCH 14
Help the Scituate Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee raise funds to keep the Parade Tradition! This Saturday, February 6, from 7 PM - Midnight is The “Mad Hatter’s Ball” at the Scituate Country Club. Tickets are $40. The parade is a signature event for the South Shore that will take place on Sunday, March 14, 2010, so long as the Parade Committee can raise the required...
Safe Driving Bill to be debated this week
House Bill 4238, An Act Relative to Safe Driving, is on the docket for our formal session this week. I expect several amendments for the bill but you can see the original version by clicking this link: http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/186/ht04pdf/ht04238.pdf
The bill requires that an applicant for renewal of a driver’s license age seventy-five or older must pass an examination,...
January 2010
3 posts
"Of the WalMart, by the Enron, and for the Phillip...
Most folks involved in politics would agree that we need to REDUCE the ability of a select few special interests to influence elections. Today’s 5-4 ruling by the Supreme Court is a major setback to this goal. I’ve heard it said that we risk losing what Abraham Lincoln espoused (government of the people, by the people, and for the people).
What do you think???
See the attached...
Here's a good first step for the fishing industry...
The Governor is urging the New England Fishery Management Council to reconsider its recent decision limiting scalloping, due to of questions surrounding the science that has been used to claim that seafood stock is greatly depleted. The issue of an unbiased review of the science behind all decisions relating to our local fishermen is in order, as we prepare for a new regulatory scheme for our...
Ceremonies for over 650 National Guard Soldiers who are leaving for Iraq and Afghanistan:
Has been a sobering yet inspirational weekend as I attended two separate events to send off local & state National Guard Soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan. We all owe a great debt to these folks for leaving family and friends to defend our way of life. Many of the 650 soldiers were to leave...
December 2009
2 posts
Help for Homeless Families:
Recognizing that present economic challenges are causing more families with children to become homeless, and that temperatures may fall to near zero degrees tonight, I am pleased that the legislature was able to pass legislation today that can assist families who would be otherwise homeless with emergency shelter.
Passage of this supplemental budget had to be unanimous and have bi-partisan...
Advocating for greater transparency and disclosure...
As a member of the legislature’s Financial Services Committee I am pleased to have joined with Treasurer Joe Connolly, Congressman Steven Lynch and four fellow State Representatives in advocating for greater transparency and disclosure in the financial markets, specifically with the derivatives market. Considering the tremendous damage that has been done to our economy in the recent past by...
November 2009
7 posts
We could all use some good news about the economy....
“Fed more bullish on recovery
Central bank raises economic growth forecast, trims unemployment rate estimate.”
http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/24/news/economy/fed_minutes/index.htm
“Economic Rebound Might Be Here to Stay”
WASHINGTON—A flurry of good news this week — including falling jobless claims, stronger consumer spending and higher new-home sales — suggests...
Sign Up For State House Updates!:
If you are interested I write an email newsletter to detail my work on Beacon Hill and/or on the South Shore. The newsletters also often ask for feedback about an issue of the day. If you’d like to receive the newsletter (written and emailed about once a month) or if you have some questions/advice on a matter important to you please email me at james.cantwell@state.ma.us
As a quick FYI...
Update: Governor Gives Thumbs Up for Rte. 139...
The decade long wait for work to commence for improvements to Rte 139 is nearing another significant milestone! During formal comments to the South Shore Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon yesterday, Governor Patrick announced that his administration is committed to making the Rte 139 expansion proceed as expeditiously as possible, with the pending release of the necessary funds to complete...
Veteran's Day 2009.
“Patriotism… is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” ~ Adlai Stevenson
Was honored to speak today at the dedication of the Marshfield Town Hall Flag Pole to the Carten Family, to speak at the Marshfield Veteran’s Day Festivities at Veteran’s Memorial Park, and to meet with members of Scituate’s...
New Veteran's Legislation Signed into law Today
I am proud that legislation passed by the Mass. House and Senate that extends benefits to Massachusetts soldiers has been signed into law today by Governor Deval Patrick. The bill has five major sections:
(1) it provides that families of soldiers killed in action will receive the newly created Medal of Liberty, (2) it includes an additional financial bonus for military personnel who serve an...
Safe Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals:
will be providing testimony tomorrow to the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture regarding legislation to prohibit the manufacturing, sale or distribution of any toy or child care device that is intended for use by a child under three years of age and which contains “bisphenol”, a chemical linked to a series of illnesses, including prostate and breast cancer,...
October 2009
8 posts
Registry of Motor Vehicles Responds To Concern Re:...
Folks may remember that I spoke out back in January when the RMV decided that, due to budget reductions, they would no longer mail notices to residents when their licenses were due to expire. Eliminating this service has been a concern to me, as many residents could unwittingly be found to be violating the law, with resulting legal and insurance implications.
I am pleased to note that we have...
Requiring Health Insurance Companies to Pay for...
There’s a great editorial in the Globe (see link below) written by Doug Flutie in support of a bill that I have co-sponsored, An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism, House Bill 3809(ARICA). The bill will require health insurers in Massachusetts to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, which currently affects 1 in every 91 children....
Nice coverage of the Inspector General's visit to...
Micah Flores did a great job covering the IG’s visit to Marshfield to discuss numerous areas where 40B needs to be reformed. See the story at … http://www.wickedlocal.com/scituate/news/x366048201/Inspector-general-cites-waste-fraud-and-abuse-in-40B
Talking Information Center (TIC):
Announced the receipt of a grant for the Talking Information Center from the Mass Arts Council tonight along with State Senator Bob Hedlund. The TIC is a Marshfield based non-profit that provides news services to over 20,000 Massachusetts residents who are visually impaired or who cannot read on their own.
Following the grant announcement Ron Bersani and I discussed the programs of the...
Am Proud That The House Improved and Passed...
The MA State House of Representatives greatly improved upon legislation that addresses the need for a coordinated response of public health officials in a time of a declared state of emergency. (There will be no “Brownie, you’re doing a heckuva job …” in our future …)
In a post 9/11 and Katrina world we can all agree that there is a need for better coordination of...
Exploring Proven Methods to Save 20% of...
was pleased to welcome Eileen McHugh of the State’s Division of Energy Resources and to speak at tonight’s Selectman’s Meeting in Marshfield about programs that will help the Town save 20% of its energy use each year — for a projected annual savings of $250,000. Marshfield’s all volunteer Energy Committee deserves a great deal of credit for making progress toward...
Marshfield AMVETS:
Congratulations to Mike Egan and the Egan family for co-organizing a successful fundraiser today to help our region’s veterans with some everyday necessities of life. Next event November 15 at Courtney’s Pub.
Joe Connolly for State Treasurer!
… I was happy to introduce close friends to both Jen and I, Joe and Elaine Connolly, to Democratic leaders at this weekend’s Plymouth County Democratic League awards ceremony. Joe Connolly is an exceptional public servant, has worked for the late Congressman Joe Moakley, has served Weymouth as a City Councilor, and has been a successful steward of a $520 million retirement fund as...
September 2009
19 posts
What ideas do you have for improvements to the...
I testified today on behalf of a bill to make improvements to the CPA (providing a guarantee 75% match to communities for funds raised, and amending eligibility of projects for recreational projects). Considering that Marshfield and Scituate have a number of properties being considered for acquisition it was a timely debate! What ideas do folks have for CPA changes?
Methodical progress for Rte 139 Improvements:
was pleased to welcome Skip McCourt, Regional Director for Mass Highway, to Marshfield Town Hall last Friday to meet with DPW professionals from Marshfield and Scituate. Reviewed the next steps in a long process for improving Rte 139, addressed improvements for the Rte 3A Rotary in Scituate, and addressed main DPW priorities for both towns. At the meeting it was announced that the 139 Project...
Post 9-11 Security Planning:
was very impressed today to review the Mass Department of Transportation Operations Center to see the sophisticated technology that is in place to make sure that professionals can tackle routine happenings (accidents, car fires, etc. in the turnpike tunnels and on major highways) and can prevent potential threats to major infrastructure as well. For all the criticism state employees receive we...
am proud to have taken part in tonight’s opening of the new Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at South Shore Hospital. Folks will be amazed at the new technology and tremendous services afforded at this Center. It’s great to see this kind of investment and 1st rate health care facilities on the South Shore! Check out www.dfbwcc.org/southshore for more...
Gambling In Massachusetts ...
will be spending the next few weeks researching the pros and cons of votes to allow expanded gambling in Massachusetts, with expected votes this Fall. I am open to a resort-style casino, but am concerned about the social costs, especially in the case of slots. What are your thoughts???
Interview with David Skill:
I’ll be on WATD (FM 95.9) today at 9:00 AM discussing activities from this week at the State House.
New Driver Testing Requirements
am reviewing proposals from the Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee for new cognitive and physical ability tests for drivers over the age of 75. What new rules/tests do you think should be required, and at what age?
Email list
We’re updating our emailing list. If you’d like to be added, please visit the url below and type in your email. You can unsubscribe at any time. http://jimcantwell.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=118&Itemid=67
40B and "Right to Repair"
Will be testifying today in support of bills that I have co-sponsored to (a) reform the 40B statute and to (b) provide local auto repair businesses a level playing field with the large auto dealers (by requiring all have access to computer codes necessary to repair today’s technologically driven vehicles). The 40B reform effort is gaining more traction in an effort to protect the character...
Hearing on 40B Reforms is tomorrow:
am working with our South Shore delegation today as we prepare for a Housing Committee Hearing tomorrow to debate numerous reforms for the 40B statute. See my web site www.jimcantwell.com for my earlier speech on the issue of 40B cost certification. If you are interested in attending tomorrow’s hearing it is at 10:30 at the State House, in hearing room B-2 (just outside of my office, which...
It’s nice to have some good news for construction projects in Massachusetts! I was pleased to cut the ribbon for the new Union Street Bridge in Marshfield yesterday, finished by MassHighway under budget (by a factor of 10%) and way ahead of schedule (the projected opening date was originally set for August 2010). The only debate yesterday was whether a few of us were going to return to our...
Memorial for victims of 9/11/01 attack
… Was honored to speak at a moving service to remember the firefighters, police, and civilians who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. We all know where we were when the planes first struck and the Twin Towers fell. It’s our collective role to make sure the folks who protect our public safety know that their everyday acts of heroism are appreciated … and that we will never...
Twitter
Hello folks, just wanted to let you know I’ve set up a new twitter account (repjimcantwell). Please drop me a tweet and check it out.
