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FROM THE OFFICE OF
SENATOR JOAN B. LOVELY
2nd Essex District
Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem, and Topsfield
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Dear Constituent,
I'd like to take this opportunity to update you on my work since the start of the new year. For some of the latest developments here at the State House, I have included a Legislative Updates section in this e-mail. In addition, below you'll find information regarding my site visit to Danvers hotels and motels, my remarks to businesses in Peabody, my preview of the Salem Diner, and more! Thanks for reading.
Joan B. Lovely
State Senator |
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Local Inaugurations
At the start of January, I attended inaugural ceremonies in Beverly, Peabody, and Salem. Congratulations to Mayor Cahill, Mayor Bettencourt, Mayor Driscoll, and all the city officials who were sworn in this past month. I wish you and your offices the best in this new year!
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Danvers Hotel/Motel Site Visits
On January 13th, I went to Danvers to meet with Representative Ted Speliotis and officials from local organizations, state agencies, and non-profits to review Massachusetts's practice of housing homeless families in vacant hotel rooms. We visited both the Econolodge and the Extended Stay Suites, where I had the opportunity to speak directly with homeless families and listen to the challenges they face while trying to pursue affordable and permanent housing.
Read the full press release |
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Peabody Business Reception
On January 15th, I attended a reception for Peabody business leaders in Centennial Park, hosted by Mayor Bettencourt. I spoke about the importance of growing our local economy and providing employment opportunities.
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North Shore Community College Legislative Breakfast
On January 10th, I attended the first North Shore Community College Legislative Breakfast with new President Dr. Patricia Gentile. The breakfast gave me a chance to listen to both President Gentile and my legislative colleagues share their ideas on the role of North Shore Community College in improving higher education in our region.
Congratulations, President Gentile, on your new position and I look forward to working with you and your staff at North Shore Community College in the future.
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North Shore Chamber Meeting with Senator Daniel Wolf
This past month, I invited representatives from the North Shore Chamber of Commerce to the State House to discuss minimum wage law and unemployment insurance reform with Senator Daniel Wolf, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, and me. The meeting gave me a chance to listen to the North Shore Chamber's thoughts on the local business climate and to hear Senator Wolf explain the current proposals under the committee's consideration.
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North Shore Community Action Programs Ribbon Cutting
On January 7th, I attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for North Shore Community Action Programs' (NSCAP) new office at 119 Rear Foster Street in Peabody. Thank you to the NSCAP staff for providing me with a tour of the new office.
NSCAP offers a wide variety of programs and services to residents on the North Shore. To learn more about NSCAP, you may visit their website.
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This past month I had the opportunity to preview the re-opening of the Salem Diner. Congratulations, Salem State University, it's great to see the diner back in business!
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An Act Relative to Juvenile Life With Parole
On January 23rd, I joined my colleagues to co-sponsor legislation that would raise the minimum prison term to 35 years for juveniles convicted of first-degree murder. I co-sponsored this legislation because I believe it will provide a greater sense of justice and security to victims' families and our communities.
If you would like to follow actions taken on this bill or any others, you may do so on the Massachusetts General Court Website.
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Election Reform
On January 16th, the Senate voted 37-1 to pass legislation reforming the Commonwealth's election laws. Among other provisions, the proposal authorizes early voting for state and federal elections and primaries, allows residents to register to vote on Election Day and creates an online voter registration system. To read the legislation in its entirety, you may click here. To reconcile the differences between the Senate bill and the House bill, a conference committee has been formed to produce a compromise bill for final passage and consideration by the Governor.
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District Hours
Beverly City Hall, February 7th, 9:00AM-10:00AM
Danvers Town Hall, February 14th, 9:00AM-10:00AM
Peabody City Hall, February 21st, 9:00AM-10:00AM
Salem City Hall, February 28th, 9:00AM-10:00AM
Topsfield Town Library, February 28th, 12:00PM-1:00PM
Please call (617) 722-1410 to schedule an appointment with my office.
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