By: State Rep. Francisco Paulino -Feb, 2024 In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a troubling disparity exists that undercuts the very principles of fairness and equality we hold dear. As it stands, women earn only 82 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts for the same work. This harsh inequality not only undermines the […]
By: Diana DiZoglio – Feb. 24 Much of our focus in the State Auditor’s Office is on conducting audits and reports that identify ways state agencies and organizations can improve accessibility to government services and resources, while helping to ensure greater accountability and transparency across our state government. I’d like to share a bit about […]
2024 Every year The Valley Patriot newspaper hold an annual Charity BASH where we raise money for local students going to college. This year is our 20th Anniversary and we are raising funds for eight high school students in the Merrimack Valley going to college in the fall. The BASH is being held this year […]
By: Auditor DiZoglio – (01/24) Happy 2024! It’s hard to believe it’s been just about a year since I was sworn in as Massachusetts’ Chief Accountability Officer – State Auditor. I spent 2023 working toward fulfilling my commitments to you. This especially includes making sure Massachusetts delivers on the services and programs our residents rely […]
By: Bill Cushing – Jan. 2024 It’s that time of year again. That time when all TV people start thinking about the best shows that they watched over the past year. As usual, it was tough to leave some shows off the list, but here are my picks for the best TV had to offer […]
KANE’S KORNER ~ THE ADVENTURES OF KANE! Jan., 2024 On Sunday New Years Eve Day, Kane went for a woods walk with a group of resident shelter dogs and volunteers from the Lowell Humane Society. In his group was Tillie being walked by her amazing foster care dad and mom Brian and Isabel Surprenant […]
By: John Cuddy – Jan. 2024 His name is Charlie. Recently, a fellow Veteran, a US Army Ranger, Jack, who currently works as a policeman, told me the story of Charlie. Charlie is also a US Army Veteran, and he is currently homeless. As Jack told a small group of men and women, mostly Veterans […]
By: State Rep. Francisco Paulino Jan. 2024 The Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit is an essential element of Massachusetts’ support for its senior residents, particularly in the communities of Lawrence and Methuen. As the State Representative for the 16th Essex District and a member of the Massachusetts House Revenue Committee, I am committed to ensuring […]
By: State Rep. Ryan Hamilton One question I have received while out working during the month of December is: What do elected officials do when they are not in formal session? Throughout the past few weeks, the house has been out of formal session. Often, when not in a formal session, the media portrays Reps […]
State Senator Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence) Reveals Senate Priorities State Senator Pavel Payano – Jan 2024 On January 4th, 2024, the Massachusetts Senate made significant strides by unanimously passing three key pieces of legislation aimed at addressing public health concerns and enhancing consumer rights. The bills cover a range of critical issues, including harm reduction in […]
BOSTON – Today, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio released her tenure’s first annual fraud report. The fiscal year 2023 (FY23) Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI) annual report summarizes BSI’s work to help make government work better by investigating, under the law, fraud, abuse, and illegal acts involving public assistance benefits throughout the Commonwealth. This year, […]
January, 2024 It used to be that if an elected official said or did something blatantly racist – regardless of party affiliation – the leaders of the Democratic Party in Massachusetts would denounce them so viciously and so relentlessly that the offender would resign in disgrace and be completely unemployable. Now, they elect them to […]
By: Ken Willette ~ 12-23 Finally, a liberal at the Washington Post (WP) has called for the retirement of Joe Biden. You know that you are in deep trouble with the Democratic Party hierarchy when a WP writer– who has forever served as the message board of the Democratic National Committee (DNC)– begs you not […]
By: Estela Reyes ~ 10-23 I want to start this month’s column with a big ‘Thank You’! Thank you for reading into and engaging with the work of your elected officials. It is a joy of this job to hear constituents’ advocacy and carry their voices to the State policy-making level. I am thankful to […]
By: State Rep. Ryan Hamilton ~ 12-23 First, I’d like to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate. Let us all enjoy a time to get together and enjoy quality time with family and friends. I look forward to 2024 and building on all that was accomplished in 2023! In […]