July, 2024 My Fellow Valley Patriot Readers, My office just released a safety and performance audit report of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). This report is the first in a series of reports that my office will be releasing to examine safety and performance at the MBTA. In 2007, the MBTA began employing internal […]
By: State Senator Pavel Payano – July, 224 In a decisive move aimed at tackling Massachusetts’ ongoing housing crisis, the Massachusetts Senate has unanimously passed S.2834, also known as the Affordable Homes Act. This legislation marks a significant step forward in addressing housing affordability, availability, and equity across the state. The Affordable Homes Act is […]
By: State Rep. Estela Reyes – July, 2024 June declares the official start of summer, and in the Massachusetts State House, the beginning of the end of Session. This month the House passed significant pieces of legislation which will be of great benefit to the residents of this state. Continue reading as I dive into […]
July, 2024 Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio has been on a personal mission since her days as a legislative aide on Beacon Hill back in 2011. That mission is to hold lawmakers accountable for the money they spend, the backroom deals they make, and the secrets they keep from the voters they are supposed to […]
By: State Rep. Francisco Paulino 6-24 Dear Constituents, I am writing to share a significant update on our efforts to transform healthcare in Massachusetts. As your State Representative, I have been working tirelessly to ensure that our healthcare system is equitable, efficient, and effective. Recently, I addressed the House of Representatives, advocating for […]
By: State Rep. Estela Reyes 6-24 “Another Spring month has gone by in a flash. The Massachusetts House of Representatives met several times this month to work through the remaining bills before the end of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session. The process to pass a bill into law requires negotiation and a final agreement from the […]
By: Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio 6-24 Hello Valley Patriot readers, During the darkest days of 2020, when the economy was freefalling and we were all learning to stay healthy, Congress passed the CARES Act to provide measured relief. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) distributed these emergency funds to each […]
By: State Senator Pavel Payano – 6/24 In a landmark decision, the Massachusetts Senate has unanimously passed a budget totaling $57.999 billion for the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). This significant decision followed three days of robust and bipartisan debate, resulting in the adoption of over 400 amendments and 43 roll call votes. The Senate added […]
By: Katie Cook – 6/24 Service clubs truly are the heart of the Merrimack Valley! Typically, these clubs are professional men & women coming together to provide service to our communities, in line with their national organizations mission. They are neighbors, friends, and leaders volunteering their skills and resources to solve issues and address […]
By: State Rep. Ryan Hamilton – 6/24 Last week, I proudly voted to pass a comprehensive Bill to enhance veterans’ benefits. The Massachusetts Legislature has gone forward with Bill H.4661, comprehensive legislation aimed at bolstering benefits and support for veterans across the state. This bill encompasses many changes, from increasing tax credits for businesses hiring […]
6-24 A 26-page racism lawsuit filed against the Methuen Police Department by Methuen Police Sgt. Charles DeJesus reads like a 1970’s undercover Ku Klux Klan exposé. detective dejesus lawsuit (2) Accusations within the lawsuit seem so outrageous that it’s almost impossible to believe police officers and police superior officers would dare think – much less […]
By Maureen Rooseboom People love to come to the SeVmar Mediterranean Bistro at the corner of Main Street and Shannon Road in Salem, N.H. because it’s a cozy fun place to eat. Jocelyn Maroun says she worked in this Salem restaurant (formerly called the Salem Kabob) her parents owned when she was in high school […]
By: State Rep. Estela Reyes – 5/24 April is always a special month. First, there’s Earth Day, which reminds us to appreciate the trees that are beginning to bloom, and we get a taste of the warmer weather to come. In the Massachusetts House of Representatives, April is a notable month as well, as it […]
By: State Rep. Ryan Hamilton 5-24 I’m happy to report that the House Budget has been passed and that Methuen and Haverhill did well in this year’s house budget. In Chapter 70, Methuen received 68.62 million, while Haverhill received 87.97 million. In Unrestricted local aid, Methuen received 6.56 million, and Haverhill received 11.87 million. For […]
State Senator Pavel Payano 05/24 This month, the Massachusetts Senate passed three important consumer protection bills aimed at safeguarding our community members from unfair practices across several sectors. The passage of S.2738 is a milestone in curbing the deceptive practices of third-party electric suppliers. This legislation prevents these entities from enrolling new residential customers, protecting […]