Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen) took strong action today to bring accountability, transparency and respect for the law to the Essex Regional Retirement Board (ERRB).Senator Baddour co-sponsored legislation with colleagues in the Northeast Legislative Caucus to address the widespread allegations of improper acts by the board through a series of reforms, including the requirement that the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) appoint a receiver to oversee and direct the operations of the board.The bill was developed by state Senate Assistant Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) with the collaboration of numerous caucus members.
The bill is co-sponsored by Senator Thomas McGee ( D-Lynn), and Representative Robert Fennell (D-Lynn), who chair the caucus with Tarr, and Senators Susan Tucker (D-Andover) and Fred Berry (D-Peabody), and Representatives Brad Hill (R-Ipswich), Mary Grant (D-Beverly...
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.
March 9, 2010 - Senator Baddour recently joined the FOX25 Morning News from their Beacon Hill studio. Watch Kim Carrigan's interview for his thoughts on Safe Driving, Nursing Home Safety, and Big Dig Guardrails.
Earlier this week, Laurie Myers, President of Community VOICES, wrote the following piece for the Lowell Sun on keeping children safe. Her column referenced Senator Baddour's work on the Massachusetts version of Jessica'a Law, which called for mandatory minimum senteces for the worst crimes against children. (Senator Baddour is pictured above with Mark Lunsford, father of Jessica Lunsford, whom Jessica's Law was named after.)
Keeping children safe from offenders
The Lowell Sun
By Laurie Myers
We hear the horror stories about children like Jessica Lunsford, abducted from her bedroom, raped and murdered by a repeat sex offender in Florida. We see the photos of kids like 12-year-old Alyssa Presti murdered in her bedroom by level 3 sex offender Michael Bizanowicz after he brutally raped her mother in the living room of their Woburn home. And Massachusetts will never, and should never forget Jeffrey...
Recently, Senator Baddour honored the service of veterans from across the Merrimack Valley at his 3rd annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast. Over 100 veterans attended.
"I was thrilled that so many veterans from the area came out," said Baddour. "They have sacrificed to much for us, the least we can do is take a little bit of time to stop and say thanks."
Recently, Senator Baddour, along with Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone testified in front of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary in support of a bill filed by Baddour to allow the state to request a jury trial in order to determine if a sex offender still presents a danger to the public.
Baddour filed the bill after a convicted sex offender allegedly attempted to rape a six year old boy in New Bedford last year.
"These are the worst of the worst and they should be behind bars, said Baddour (D-Methuen.) "If that means going before a jury, then juries should be deciding."
To read coverage of the hearing from the Lowell Sun, click here.
On Friday, April 11, 2008, the Governor signed legislation sponsored by Senator Baddour that would require the use of booster seats for children through age 7 or four-feet-nine-inches tall, whichever comes first. The law this replaces targets children up to the age of 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds.
Last week, the Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a series of proposals to restrict cell phone use while operating a vehicle. A number of possibilities were discussed, including banning text messaging while driving, requiring hands-free headsets, and a full ban on cell phones while behind the wheel. During the hearing, we heard a heartbreaking testimony from Melissa Martin, whose 17 year old daughter died tragically in 2007 in an accident caused by texting while driving.
Most members of the committee were in agreement that texting while driving is not safe. At the hearing, I argued passionately that while cell phones can be dangerous behind the wheel, we need to do a better job of reminding people that when they are driving, it is their responsibility to focus on the road. Often times it is not so much the phone itself that causes accidents, but the distraction that the conversation creates.
Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen) teamed up with fellow Methuenite Representative Linda Dean Campbell to petition the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to oppose New Hampshire's plans to build new toll plazas on Interstate 93. Click here to read more.
“1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts” is a new cultural tourism program that celebrates what is unique about our state, its communities, and its people, and also to stimulate...
In July 2007, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a comprehensive identity theft prevention bill which went into effect on October 31, 2007.This new law provides that Massachusetts consumers must be notified of any breach of their personal information that creates a substantial risk of identity theft or fraud as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay after a breach occurs, except when a law enforcement agency determines that notice may impede a criminal investigation.
The Senate and House on passed an innovative education reform bill that establishes a new category of public schools, provides options to improve existing school districts that are underperforming, and puts the Commonwealth in better position to secure federal grant money to help all public schools in Massachusetts. Click on the following to read:
The Amesbury Transportation Center has been sent out to bid by the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, State Representative Michael A. Costello and State Senator Steven A. Baddour announced today. The 18-month construction period for the project is expected to begin in late spring. Click here to read more. And click here to read the Newburyport Daily News article.
Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen) today announced that the City of Newburyport and the Town of North Andover have each been awarded $22,429.29 and $16,578.13, respectively, from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust for projects that furthers the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals. Details on the Newburyport award can be found here; and for North Andover's award click here. Learn more about clean energy assistance available for Massachusetts towns and cities by visiting DOER’s Green Communities website: ...
As we face the prospect of further budget cuts and program elimination, we should be looking for ways to improve the value and efficiency of the state programs and services that will remain, as well as begin to lay the foundation for recovery so that we don't simply go back to restoring funds for every program that was cut or reduced. We need to have a means to evaluate existing programs as well as any that might be restored to make sure that we are giving our taxpayers the best value for their hard-earned dollars. Senator Baddour has co-sponsored a package of bills aimed at providing the mechanism for improving state government efficiency and economy. Click here for the press release.
Senator Baddour has been an outspoken supporter of legislation that would address the fitness of elderly drivers, and increase safety on the road. Below is Senator Baddour's statement on House Bill 3287, An Act Relative to Safe Driving.
"This comprehensive bill creates a new process to address concerns of driving fitness of older drivers, targets historically dangerous drivers of all ages, and considers the limited resources of the RMV", said Senator Steven A. Baddour. "This bill strikes the right balance between public safety and fairly protects the privilege of driving for many older citizens."
Click here to read the full text of the bill, and here for a summary.
Recently, Senator Baddour sent the above letter to Represenative Michael Costello and Senator James Timilty, co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Safety. Senate Bill 910 would establish a missing children clearing house, or centrally coordinated repository for information on missing children. This would prevent information on missing children cases from getting lost between jurisdictional systems, and streamline the process of helping them return home safely.
Please click here to read Senator Baddour's letter.
"I am deeply saddened by Senator Kennedy's passing,” said State Senator Steven Baddour. “This is a tremendous loss for the Commonwealth and for the nation as a whole. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched throughout his extraordinary career."
Recently, Senator Baddour visited senior citizens at the Methuen Senior Activity Center for a lively discussion on the issue of senior driving tests. The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation, which Baddour co-chairs, has taken up this issue in recent weeks.
To read more about Baddour’s visit, click here for coverage from the Eagle Tribune.
Today, Senator Baddour joined a bipartisan coalition of Senators in urging Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles to implement regulations of the Clean Energy Biofuels Act of 2008.
To read the letter to Secretary Bowles, click here.
Seantor Baddour has a been a strong and consistent voice on environmental issues, and recently spoke at the opening of Bay State Bio Fuels in North Andover.
Earlier this week, Senator Baddour filed legislation on behalf of Attorney General Martha Coakley, that will help crack down on human trafficking, money laundering, and other serious crimes. To view a summary of the bill, click here.
This week, the City of Newburyport celebrates the 52nd Annual Yankee Homecoming.The week-long activities include a parade, fireworks, and many other family-friendly activities.
For more information and a full schedule of the week’s events, please visit the Yankee Homecoming website.
Last week, the Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a series of proposals to restrict cell phone use while operating a vehicle. A number of possibilities were discussed, including banning text messaging while driving, requiring hands-free headsets, and a full ban on cell phones while behind the wheel. During the hearing, we heard a heartbreaking testimony from Melissa Martin, whose 17 year old daughter died tragically in 2007 in an accident caused by texting while driving. Most members of the committee were in agreement that texting while driving is not safe. At the hearing, I argued passionately that while cell phones can be dangerous behind the wheel, we need to do a better job of reminding people that when they are driving, it is their responsibility to focus on the road. Often times it is not so much the phone itself that causes accidents, but the distraction that the conversation creates.
Senator Steven A. Baddour is happy to announce that Department of Revenue Commssioner Navjeet Bal will be giving a presentation to businesses at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill. Commissioner Bal will be speaking to business owners about how Governor Patrick's Corporate Tax Policity Initiatives will affect their business.
In a statement to the press, Sen. Baddour said, “You can imagine my surprise then when I woke up yesterday to find my image and words from the bill signing splashed across a political ad for Kerry Healey. I am simply shocked that the Lieutenant Governor would attempt to use this event for political gain. This event was a bipartisan effort to celebrate the passage of a critical bill to protect children. It was not to celebrate Kerry Healey. It wasn’t supposed to be about politicians at all. It was a day for victims and children.”
Senator Steven Baddour met with Fourth-Graders from the Timony School in Methuen on November 15, 2006. The students toured the State House, learning about the history of the Commonwealth and the importance of the democratic process. Senator Baddour frequently meets with students of all ages from the First Essex District and enjoys the chance to participate in their education.
Just one week after passing landmark pension reform, the Legislature continued its aggressive reform agenda by filing final legislation that completely overhauls the state’s transportation system. The consensus bill dissolves the Turnpike Authority and consolidates multiple agencies into a unified, independent agency, eliminating waste and producing billions of dollars in short- and long-term savings. The new agency would begin operating November 1, 2009. For a summary of the bill, please click here and for a brief presentation on the bill click here.
The Massachusetts Audubon Society recently awarded Senator Baddour a 100% voting record on environmental issues, recognizing him as one of the leading "green" voices on Beacon Hill. "It's an honor," said Baddour (D-Methuen.) "There are so many important issues that we deal with on a regular basis, but few are as important to the future of our planet and to the next generations as the environment." Mass Audubon Society, consisting of over 100,000 members, is the largest conservation organization in New England.
Last week, the Massachusetts State Senate overwhelmingly passed a comprehensive transportation reform bill, fundamentally overhauling the way in which we transportation services are delivered in the Commonwealth. The bill eliminates waste and inefficiencies, and is a testament to lessons learned from the Big Dig with built-in reporting and transparency requirements. The bill eliminates the turnpike authority, streamlines communication, and has the potential to save the Commonwealth up to 6.5 billion dollars over the next 20 years. It is the most comprehensive transportation bill the Senate has seen in generations.
Senator Baddour was pleased to annouce that the state's Renewable Energy Trust has approved $5,600 for a study to determine the feasibility of using the former Methuen Ski Hill Site and its potential for energy regeneration.
"Using this site as a source for renewable energy would be terrific for Methuen," Baddour said.
"I have consistently stated that we need reform before revenue and the current discussion to raise the gas tax - particularly to this unprecedented level - without any accompanying changes to the current system is totally unacceptable," said Senator Baddour. " We cannot throw more money into a broken system and expect things to magically improve. The transportation reform bill that I filed last week is the most comprehensive transportation reform bill filed in decades."
Citing his overall leadership in the field of transportation, the Institue of Transportation Engineers awarded Senator Baddour with their 2008 Transportation Leadership award. President Sudhir Murthy and Vice President Jeffrey Dirk presented Senator Baddour with the plaque, which read "Intitue of transportation Engineers Transportation Leadership Award 2008 Presented to Senator Steven A. Baddour, For leading the Massachusetts Legislature toward comprehensive transportation reform: Measuring system performance, streamlining project construction, and ensuring infrastructure maintanence.
In order to create an open and honest dialogue regarding the transportation situation in Massachusetts, Senator Baddour announced the creation of his new blog, Mass Trans for Tomorrow. Please feel free to visit and share your thoughts.
State Sen. Steven Baddour likes to think he and Rep. Mike Costello are running unopposed because people respect the jobs they are doing.
While balancing soccer practices and swimming meets for his two daughters, ages 6 and 5, and serving in the Senate, Baddour says his job will be even harder in the next two years in light of economic hardships, but he believes he has the energy to move forward.
"The new lifeguard command center and shade shelter provides a balanced approach to enjoying the ocean and sun for thousands of visitors to Salisbury Beach.", said Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen). "I’d like to thank DCR for their commitment and attention to preserving one of the best beaches in our state."
The new regulations strike an appropriate balance between public safety and spending, and will go a long way towards restoring public confidence in the way we spend transportation dollars.
Senator Baddour and Representative Costello announced that they have secured $1 million for air quality monitoring and odor management at the Crow Lane Landfill in the City of Newburyport.
Senator Baddour recently met with Mark Lunsford, father of Jessica Marie Lunsford, a 9-year old girl who was abducted from her home and brutally raped and murdered by a convicted sex offender. Following his young daughter’s death, Mr. Lunsford pursued new legislation to provide more stringent tracking of released sex offenders that requires tighter restrictions on sex offenders (such as wearing electronic tracking devices) and increased prison sentences for some convicted sex offenders. To date, 33 other states have enacted some form of Jessica’s Law into law. The Massachusetts Senate passed H. 4811 An Act Futher Protecting Children on July 15th - the bill will soon go before the Governor for his signature.
Jacqueline Connolly, 9, of Bradford, was named the winner of the Soap Box Derby for ages 9 through 13. She will represent Massachusetts in the National Championships, July 26, in Akron, Ohio.
Dedicates a portion of the revenue collected from beach-goers to long-term beach maintenance to help ensure that residents and business owners will not have to rely on one-time or special state funding year-to-year to repair any damages, or to preserve and maintain the beach on a regular basis.
Click here for a summary and a brief overview of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means fiscal year 2009 budget recommendations. Throughout these recommendations are commitments to the health, safety, education and overall well-being of the Commonwealth's residents.
The creation of the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund will help ensure that residents and business owners will not have to rely on one-time or special state funding year-to-year to repair any damages, or to preserve and maintain the beach on a regular basis. The new funding, combined with regular maintenance funds from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, will allow us to begin the long-overdue process of protecting this natural treasure.
Senator Baddour joined Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi and Governor Deval Patrick in announcing a transportation bond bill on Thursday, March 27.
Senator Baddour is joined by Rep. Harriett Stanley (L) and Sen. Bruce Tarr (R ) as he hears testimony at an oversight hearing of the Merrimack Valley Transit Authority. Senator Baddour called the hearing as a result of multiple complaints by local residents and Councils on Aging regarding the service.
Senator Baddour speaks at a press release announcing Public Safety Committee Chair Mike Costello's support of his child booster seat bill. Senator Baddour and Rep. Costello were joined by representatives from the State Police and AAA, who are also supporting the bill.
Senator Steve Baddour joins Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone (center) and Senator Steve Panagiotakos (D-Lowell) (right) at a press conference announcing their intention to file new legislation reforming the sexually dangerous person statute in the Commonwealth. The new legislation would shift power regarding placement of sexually dangerous persons in communities away from judges and into the hands of jurors.
Senator Baddour joined Senator John F. Kerry, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas in announcing Congressional passage of the federal appropriations bill, which includes approximately $4 million for local projects throughout the Merrimack Valley. Included in that bill is funding for the Methuen-Arlington Neighborhood Association.
Senator Baddour hosted an event for approximately 150 veterans and their family members to show his support and appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Baddour was joined by other local legislators and elected officials, as well as Robert Antell, a veteran of World War II who lives in Amesbury (pictured above).
Senator Baddour helps unveil the sign for the new Comeau Bridge in Haverhill with Governor Deval Patrick and Secretary of Transportation Bernard Cohen.
Senator Baddour speaking at a press conference held with Senator Pacheco (left) and Senator Tarr (right) where they called for the debarment of Bechtel Parsons/Brinckerhoff on July 11, 2007.
As a member of the new Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change, Senator Baddour welcomed committee chair State Senator Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) and State Senator Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester) to Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill for a regional hearing regarding the very pressing issue of the environmental and health impacts of climate change.
Senator Baddour is please to announce that Governor Deval Patrick has made a request to President Bush to declare a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance in order to expedite financial aid to the local cities and towns of Essex, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Berkshire Counties impacted by the Nor'easter, beginning on April 15, 2007. Governor Patrick also requested assistance from the Small Business Administration for Essex County.
Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen) announced that the Federal Highway Administration granted preliminary approval to the state's request to move forward with the IJR for the I-93 project proposed in the Andover, Wilmington and Tewksbury area. This announcement allows the IJR to move forward to the next phase of the project, an environmental impact study. Senator Baddour met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters (pictured top left) and urged her to support this project when he participated in a Transportation Leadership Summit at the White House in February.
Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen) and Representative Michael A. Costello (D-Newburyport) were happy to welcome Brady and his family to the State House for a reception including a visit from Wally the Green Monster of the Boston Red Sox and Dr. James Mandell of Children’s Hospital in Boston.
Stating that "In the end, I realized that while any one can be a Congressman, I am the only one who can be a father to my two daughters," Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen) announced today that he will not seek election to Congress in the Fifth Congressional District.
Calling it a necessary state response to a growing global threat, Senate President Robert E. Travaglini today announced the creation of a new Senate Committee charged with studying the impact of climate change on the Commonwealth and formulating public policy to help reduce greenhouse gasses. Senator Steven A. Baddour is one of six legislators named to work on the new Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change.
Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen), Representative Brian Dempsey (D-Haverhill), and Representative Harriett Stanley (D-West Newbury) have joined forces to help support the "Textbook Project" sponsored by the Haverhill School Committee to help fund the purchase of new textbooks for public school students in Haverhill. The legislators are splitting the cost of textbooks for an entire class - $1,625 in total. They presented the check to Dr. Raliegh Buchanan, Superintendent of the Haverhill School District.
Senator Baddour met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, and used the opportunity to discuss pressing local transportation matters including the Junction/I-93 interchange project. He also focused his time on advocating for funding for critical transportation infrastructure needs throughout the Commonwealth.
Senator Steven Baddour tours the Parlex Offices in Methuen. Senator Baddour helped Parlex win a waiver from the City to complete the relocation of more than 40 jobs to Methuen from Rhode Island. Senator Baddour has actively worked to streamline the permitting process for businesses to help bring well-paying jobs to Methuen.
Senator Steven Baddour introduced Deval Patrick at a campaign rally in Methuen on October 29. Patrick won election as the state's first African-American governor less than two weeks later, on November 7, 2006. Senator Baddour's support helped carry many towns and cities in the Merrimack Valley for Deval Patrick. In the 2002 election, the Merrimack Valley had voted heavily for Republican Mitt Romney.
Senator Steven Baddour published a newsletter announcing his most recent work and accomplishments for residents of the First Essex District. In the newsletter, available in Adobe Acrobat pdf format below, Senator Baddour announced successful work in cracking down on repeat drunk drivers, extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting sex offenders and vital increases in local aid for residents of the Merrimack Valley. For a print copy of the newsletter or to find out more information about Sen. Baddour's ongoing work, send an email to steven.baddour@state.ma.us.
Sen. Baddour sponsored legislation with Sen. Bruce Tarr, Sen. Marc Pacheco and Inspector General Greg Sullivan which would increase oversight on public construction projects. The proposal is a direct response to try and prevent another tragedy like the Big Dig Collapse from happening again.
Sen. Baddour was the primary sponsor of a new law which adds a representative from the disabled community to the Regional Transit Authority boards. One representative from the disabled community will serve on one RTA board in the Commonwealth, rotating each year throughout the state. "This legislation is a first step in recognizing the previously unmet needs of the disabled community," said Sen. Steven Baddour, D-Methuen. "Adding a representative of the disabled community to the RTA Advisory Boards was absolutely necessary."
Sen. Baddour spoke for Tom Reilly on News Night with Jim Braude. Sen. Baddour defended Tom Reilly’s promise to provide tax relief, and talked about Tom Reilly’s record of proven results as Attorney General.
On July 20th, Senator Baddour, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, became one of the first Legislators to tour the Big Dig tunnels closed following the tragic death of Milena Del Valle. Since the accident, Senator Baddour has called for the resignation of Turnpike Chairman Matt Amorello and supported legislation granting Governor Romney the power to conduct a comprehensive safety review of the entire project. Above all, Senator Baddour feels the project needs to be de-politicized as soon as possible: “We need to come up with a commission,” Baddour said. “No politicians, no elected officials, just experts in construction and engineering.”
State Sen. Steven Baddour, D-Methuen, has taken campaign donations from contractors, lawyers and lobbyists involved in the Big Dig.
But the co-chairman of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Transportation is no tool of construction companies. Quite the contrary. His record indicates he has taken a hard line on the contractors whose shoddy work has turned the Big Dig into a national laughingstock.
The Baddour example illustrates the fallacy behind much of campaign finance reform. It takes money to run political campaigns. Unions, corporations and "special interest" groups should have as much right to make political donations as individuals do. Reformers have focused on shutting off the money and limiting political speech. But it is not the money itself that is corrupting. It is the possibility that politicians can find ways to hide their sources of funding that is troubling.
On Friday, October 28, Senator Baddour stood beside the families of victims of repeat drunk drivers as Governor Romney signed Melanie’s Bill, a piece of legislation to punish and deter repeat offenders, into law. Throughout the bill’s progression, Senator Baddour fought for the strongest penalties available. Thanks in part to his efforts, Massachusetts now has what is arguably the toughest repeat offender law in the United States.
Attorney General Reilly spoke about the immenent renaissance of Salisbury's greatest resource - the beach - and the importance of securing public financing to encourage the transformation of the beach business district from its current mix of tourist attractions to a year-round commercial and residential village that would resemble downtown Portsmouth, NH and Portland, ME.
. End of Year Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, June 8, 2005
A project of community collaboration, the T.O.P.S. program provides a wonderful opportunity for early childhood providers to access professional development. T.O.P.S. is an Associate Degree program offered in collaboration with the Community Partnerships for Childrens Program, Northern Essex Community College, Community Service Block Grants, and the Building Careers Grant funded through the Department of Education.
Senator Baddour has been an outspoken supporter of legislation that would address the fitness of elderly drivers, and increase safety on the road. Below is Senator Baddour's statement on House Bill 3287, An Act Relative to Safe Driving.
