Senate approves Lawrence finance bill

March 9, 2010 - The Massachusetts Senate approved a bill allowing the City of Lawrence to float up to $35 million in municipal bonds to help balance its budget.

The Senate bill, like a House bill approved last week, would appoint a state overseer to monitor the city’s ability to balance its books.  Under both bills, the overseer could call on the state to appoint a control board at any time if the overseer determines the city can’t get its fiscal house in order.

For more information, click on the following:

• Brief Summary
• Full Summary
• Bill Text
• Coverage of the Senate debate (including Senator Baddour's remarks at 32:30)

Baddour tours Woburn-based aerospace company, Terrafugia

March 8, 2010 - Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly (D-Arlington) and Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen) toured Terrafugia, a Woburn-based aerospace company developing the first practical flying car to the general aviation market.  Founded in 2006 by MIT aeronautical engineers and MBAs, Terrafugia’s mission is to provide innovative solutions to the challenges facing personal aviation. Taking advantage of new FAA regulations in the Light Sport Aircraft category, Terrafugia developed the Transition® Roadable Aircraft to provide pilots the convenience of a dual-purpose vehicle. Its unique design allows the Transition® to fold its wings and drive on any surface road with a modern personal airplane platform. Once at the airport, the wings extend and the aircraft is ready for take-off.

Senator Donnelly and Senator Baddour took the  opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with Terrafugia CEO/CTO Carl Dietrich and its leadership team about improving the regional and statewide business climate.