Jen Benson represents the people of the 37th Middlesex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. She first took office on January 7th, 2009 and was re-elected and sworn in for a second term on January 5th, 2011. Jen served as a member and Chair of the Lunenburg School Committee before running for State Representative. She grew up in a working-class family in Rochester, NH and lives in Lunenburg with her husband and three children.

• Strengthening the Economy Jen helped save small businesses $391 million dollars by freezing the unemployment insurance rate schedule and she will continue to work for strategic, targeted investments to create new jobs.
• Showing Independence Jen voted against House leadership and her party when the budget did not provide adequate funding for local aid. She will continue to stand up for your interests over special interests.
• Protecting Consumers Jen worked to write and pass consumer protection legislation to hold utility companies accountable after the 2008 ice storm.
• Supporting Public Schools Jen worked to protect local aid and regional transportation funding from drastic cuts. She also wrote legislation to help school districts and families with special needs children.

Bill includes Benson's amendment on school nurses

January 24, 2012

BOSTON – State Representative Jen Benson joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives in passing legislation on Tuesday that will improve the governance, financial accountability, and state and local oversight of regional education collaboratives.

The legislation establishes new procedures that will increase transparency and oversight of these education collaboratives, including new ethics requirements for board members and personnel, more oversight by the Attorney General, State Auditor, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and more strict reporting requirements on programs, services, and progress.

Includes funding for Adult Day Health and Home Heating Assistance

January 19, 2012

BOSTON – State Representative Jen Benson joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing a supplemental budget for FY'12, including additional funding for the Adult Day Health and Low Income Home Energy Assistance programs.

"As the Co-Chair of the legislature's Elder Caucus, I am particularly pleased that this budget includes much needed funding for Adult Day Health and home heating assistance," said Benson. "These programs have been drastically cut over the past few years and this additional assistance will go a long way in providing necessary services for our elders. I am grateful to Speaker DeLeo for recognizing these needs and advocating for these crucial programs."

January 6, 2012

As we enter a new presidential election year it is hard not to get carried away in the partisan rhetoric that constantly saturates daily news coverage. It often seems as if we are in two polarized camps lobbing grenades back and forth as the media gleefully covers each destructive explosion. But I entered into public service—first as a volunteer, then on my town's School Committee, and now as a State Representative—because I wanted to get things done, working with anyone who shares the common goal of making our community a better place. I am happy to say that, despite all of the rhetoric, our last legislative session was remarkably productive and bipartisan. It is clear that there are many in the Legislature who are willing to work together to bridge the partisan divide.

The recent Beacon Hill Roll Call round up of important legislation passed in 2011 profiled ten important bills. Of those ten bills it is quite remarkable that five were passed unanimously by Democrats and Republicans in the House: Freeze Unemployment Insurance Tax Rates (S 8), $200 million for Local Road and Bridge Repairs (H 3324), Changes in Trial Court and Probation Department (H 3395, S 1907), Major Changes in Alimony Law (H 3617), and Approve Changes in Pension System (S 2018). These unanimous votes on a wide range of issues are a testament to our ability to come together and effect positive change.

Homecoming Initiative for Troops

January 4, 2012

It has recently come to our attention that a Battalion of armed service men and women who have served our country overseas will be returning home in the upcoming weeks. For security reasons, their identity and the specific details with regard to their arrival cannot be divulged. However, it has also come to our attention that budget constraints are making it difficult to adequately welcome these brave men and women home.

As I am sure many of you believe these brave men and women deserve an appropriate celebration in recognition of their service as they return, I am asking for your help. Operation Patriot Pride is going to provide this Welcome Home reception for these service men and women, as well as their families.

November 1, 2011

October has been a busy month at the State House and around the district. We also experienced our first snowstorm of the year, leaving many without power for up to a week. I have already called for oversight hearings of our public utilities and will work to hold them accountable. Hopefully, this is not a harbinger of the winter to come. Aside from the storm, I have also been to numerous events across the district and worked with my colleagues to pass a supplemental budget, a pension reform bill, and a plan creating new legislative districts. This newsletter contains a snapshot of these events.

Changes Will Help Secure the State's Financial Future

November 3, 2011

BOSTON — Representative Jen Benson joined her colleagues in the House today in passing groundbreaking pension reform legislation, which will save Massachusetts an estimated $6.4 billion.

"In my three years of service I have heard from many constituents who had questions and concerns about the pension system," said Benson. "I believe this further reform addresses actuarial changes and closes loopholes while still serving the needs of the dedicated public employees of the Commonwealth. We must ensure the system is sustainable to protect the needs of all residents moving forward."

Last month, Standard & Poor's increased the state's bond rating from A- to AA+, stating "Standard & Poor's believes that Massachusetts' active management of future cost pressures is important." The passage of the current legislation puts Massachusetts in a position to maintain this new bond rating and strengthen it in the future.

October 31, 2011

LOWELL — Representative Jen Benson spent the day at UMASS Lowell as part of the Public Higher Education Caucus' visits to several public higher education campuses across the Commonwealth. Over the next month, many Massachusetts legislators will be visiting campuses across the state to meet with administrators, faculty members, and students as part of a project to raise awareness of and appreciation for public higher education. The project, organized by the state legislature's Public Higher Education Caucus, will see state senators and representatives traveling to one of the Commonwealth's 29 community colleges, state universities, or UMASS campuses to learn about the strengths and needs of each campus.

"As a graduate of a public college, I appreciate the important role they play in educating our students," said Benson. "I am grateful for UMASS Lowell's hospitality and enjoyed learning about their innovative work."

Brings towns up to FY'11 local aid levels

October 27, 2011

BOSTON — House Ways and Means Committee Chairman, Brian Dempsey, said that the state will make additional local aid payments by the end of the month, as a result of recent higher than expected revenue collections. State Representative Jen Benson indicated that this will include an additional $394,910 for towns in the 37th Middlesex District.

"I am pleased that our economy is performing better than expected, allowing us to return additional revenue to our cities and towns," said Benson. "Our communities have faced severe budget cuts for the past few years and these unexpected funds will help them restore vital local services."

Project will help create affordable housing and jobs

October 20, 2011

LUNENBURG — Continuing their investments in infrastructure, job creation and local communities, the Patrick-Murray Administration today joined State Senator Jen Flanagan and State Representative Jen Benson to announce funding for phase II of the TriTown Landing affordable housing project in Lunenburg. The project is part of a $64.5 million statewide investment in expanding affordable housing options and creating construction jobs across Massachusetts.

Great Bridge Properties will receive $439,475 in federal low-income housing tax credits and $1,465,000 in DHCD housing subsidies to create 33 additional affordable units for families, including at least four reserved for extremely low income families. It is expected to create 37 jobs.

"I am thrilled to support this investment in housing infrastructure. This public-private partnership will help keep communities and families strong by providing more housing options and greater employment opportunities. The Patrick-Murray Administration should be commended for their unending commitment to working families across Massachusetts," said Representative Jen Benson.

October 5, 2011

BOSTON — The House Ways and Means Committee released the final deficiency budget for fiscal year 2011 today. State Representative Jennifer Benson, along with her colleagues from the region, successfully lobbied to have critical funding for ice storm relief maintained in the budget.

"We have been working to get this final portion of funding to cover towns' ice-storm costs since the winter of 2008," said Benson. "I am so pleased that both the Governor and the House recognized the importance of making these towns whole again. Speaker DeLeo, House Ways and Means Chairman Dempsey, and the Administration have heard the needs of this region and responded."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency previously distributed funds to cover 75% of the storm related costs for the affected towns, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency provided an additional 12.5%. The final deficiency budget released this week allocates $6.2 million to cover the final 12.5% of the cleanup costs and is scheduled for a vote in the House on Wednesday.

September 27, 2011 — Lunenburg Ledger

Buying local products and using local services is an important and effective way to support our community and to ensure the economic viability of our region. I was reminded of this as I joined Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner, Scott Soares, in celebrating the 3rd annual Apple Day at Lanni Orchards in Lunenburg on September 7th. I thoroughly enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes tour of Lanni's facility and seeing how they produce a wide variety of fresh and delicious products for the residents of our area.

Working farms have wide-ranging, positive effects on our region: protecting open space from development, economic support to our towns in the form of property taxes, economic support to other local businesses, protection of the environment by avoiding food transportation from other states and other countries, and often providing a healthier and less-processed product that is better for you.

Representative Benson says state grants totaling $34,220 will go to schools and nonprofit cultural groups in this district

September 23, 2011

Boston, MA — Representative Benson announced today that grants totaling $34,220 have been awarded to cultural organizations, schools, and communities in her district by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). The grants support a variety of cultural activities that benefit local residents. The announcement was made as part of a statewide funding program by the MCC.

"These grants will help support the arts and education across the district," said Benson. "I am thrilled that the MCC recognized the important role our Cultural Councils and the awardees play in enriching our communities."

August 1, 2011

As summer heats up, I have continued to be busy at the State House and in the district. I joined my colleagues in debating a number of important pieces of legislation, and I have had fun seeing many of you at events across the district. I am also pleased to announce that Massachusetts has started a new fiscal year with a balanced, responsible budget. I hope this newsletter finds you well and that you enjoy the updates on some of my recent activities.

I stood with a number of my colleagues and advocates in support of updating the state's bottle bill. This proposal would expand the 5 cent deposit on bottles and cans to include sports drinks, water bottles and juices. The current bottle bill has helped decrease litter and increase recycling of covered drinks by 80%. I hope we can enact this smart legislation and help keep our streets and parks clean.

The House and Senate also finalized the FY'12 budget process by overriding a few of Governor Patrick's vetoes and approving a sales tax holiday for August 13-14. During this weekend, the sales tax will not be applied on purchases up to $2,500. This is a great opportunity to support our local retailers and to save money on some of those big ticket items you may want to buy! While our budget stayed largely the same, one of the veto overrides will allow certain state-run facilities, like nursing homes, to return or recycle unused prescription drugs. This will help save the state save money on expensive medications.

June 21, 2011

BOSTON — State Representative Jen Benson today joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in unanimously passing legislation to reform guidelines for determining the form, amount and duration of alimony payments.

"This thoughtful piece of legislation was written in collaboration with all the parties involved in alimony," said Benson. "The result offers clear guidelines that will help parties live independently as soon as possible and I am glad that the House offered its unanimous support."

The bill creates four new categories for alimony: "general term alimony," "rehabilitative alimony," "reimbursement alimony," and "transitional alimony." Each is designed to give payors and recipients a clear understanding of how long alimony payments will be made or received in a given circumstance.

Inclues muni-healthcare amendment lauded by towns and unions

June 11, 2011

BOSTON — Representative Jen Benson joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature today in finalizing changes to the FY'12 budget. The legislature adopted Governor Patrick's amendments including four that strengthen the municipal health care reform section of the budget.

"The administration, legislature, labor, and municipal officials have worked hard to produce this thoughtful solution to our rising municipal health care costs," said Benson. "I am pleased we were able to come to this middle ground and create a solution that will offer needed relief to taxpayers while still preserving a voice for employees and retirees. This is leadership at its best; representatives from all sides sitting down and working out a solution together."

Promotes Cautious Spending and Increased Efficiency

June 5, 2011

BOSTON — Representative Jen Benson joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature last week in passing a $30.59 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2012 aimed at increasing government efficiency, cutting costs and shielding essential services. The budget reduces the state's FY12 Stabilization Fund draw by $15 million and closes a $1.9 billion budget gap with funding reductions, ongoing revenue initiatives and one-time revenues.

"I am pleased that we have finished a balanced, responsible budget that focuses on our priorities for the Commonwealth and includes many provisions important to the district," said Benson. "Through innovative reforms and cost saving measures, we were able to close the budget gap while still maintaining the services our residents rely on."

June 27, 2011

As school ends and summer begins, I wanted to update you and some of my recent work in the Legislature.

The Senate passed their version of the budget at the end of last month and it is now in conference committee, where my fellow legislators will reconcile the House and Senate versions. There are several line items of interest to my district that were included in both the House and Senate budgets. The amendments I sponsored included $500,000 in aid for cities and towns hosting prisons and $300,000 in bonus aid to support newly formed regional schools, like the Ayer-Shirley district. In this very difficult budget climate it is still critical to adequately fund education. My colleagues and I secured an extra $500,000 in the House budget to fund autism services for low-income families and dramatically increased early intervention funding, which in the long run can lead to reduced need for special education programs and lower overall spending.

In May, we also passed the human trafficking bill, which increases the punishment for persons who deal in the abominable practice of imposing sexual servitude and forced labor upon victims. It raises the age at which a person is still considered a minor in issues of sexual conduct from age 14 to age 18. This protects teens and young adults from facing charges after being coerced or forced into service, and makes them more likely to seek help in such terrible situations. I was proud to join my House colleagues in unanimously passing this bill.

June 2, 2011

BOSTON — State Representative Jen Benson today joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in unanimously passing legislation aimed at fighting human trafficking in the Commonwealth. The bill creates crimes for human trafficking offenses such as trafficking persons for sexual servitude and trafficking persons for forced services.

"This bill moves our state in the right direction of addressing the abominable practice of human trafficking," said Benson. "Law enforcement officials are now better equipped to combat these detestable crimes."

The bill creates punishments of imprisonment for up to 15 years or a fine of up to $25,000, or both for the new crimes of trafficking person for sexual servitude and trafficking persons for forced services.

Creates Civilian Court Administrator; Brings Real Reform to Probation Hiring

May 11, 2011

BOSTON — State Representative Jennifer Benson joined her colleagues Wednesday in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in unanimously passing landmark court reorganization legislation aimed at improving efficiency in the state's court system and bringing transparency to hiring and promotion at the Department of Probation.

The legislation, passed by a vote of 152-0, signals strong collaboration between the legislative and judicial branches to provide a streamlined system of justice and restore public trust in the state's Probation Department. "This proposal goes a long way in increasing transparency and efficiency in the court system," said Benson.

Following the recommendation of the Monan Commission Report, the bill creates an Office of Court Management and a Chief Justice of the Trial Court to divide the responsibilities currently held by the Chief Justice for Administration and Management. The Chief Justice of the Trial Court will serve as the judicial head of the Trial Court, responsible for planning, policy, assigning judges, judicial discipline, and all other inherently judicial functions.

Representative Benson secures funding for prison mitigation and regional school aid

April 28, 2011

BOSTON—Representative Jennifer Benson joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in overwhelmingly passing a budget for Fiscal Year 2012. The balanced budget includes no tax or fee increases and reflects a reduction in federal financial aid.

In advocating for her constituents, Representative Benson secured funding for towns hosting prison facilities, aid for newly formed regional school districts and language establishing a commission on Lyme Disease. Amendments sponsored by Rep. Benson and adopted by the House included $500,000 for cities and towns hosting state prisons and $300,000 in bonus aid to help newly formed regional school districts with their first year of operation. The House also accepted an amendment co-sponsored by Rep. Benson establishing a commission to investigate the causes, cures and prevention of Lyme Disease. Lyme is an increasingly serious problem in the 37th Middlesex District and across the commonwealth.

As a strong advocate for education, Rep. Benson also sponsored amendments for autism services, early intervention and the Education Department-Department of Disability Services (DESE-DDS) program. These amendments, adopted by the House, included an additional $500,000 for autism services for low-income residents, $2.5 million for early intervention services and language to support the DESE-DDS program for special needs students transitioning from school based to adult services.

April 26, 2011

BOSTON—Representative Jen Benson (D-Lunenburg) joined her colleagues on the House Post Audit and Oversight Committee, under the Chairmanship of David P. Linsky (D-Natick) to announce the release of a report today entitled: Lyme Disease in Massachusetts; A Public Health Crisis, a detailed report outlining the issues facing the state surrounding Lyme disease as well as the Committee's recommendations to address this increasing epidemic.

The Committee's recommendations include establishing a commission to bring together experts to compile further information on the disease and to propose possible solutions for the Commonwealth, legislation mandating insurance coverage for long-term antibiotic treatment for chronic Lyme, state appropriated funding for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) in order to ensure that more educational outreach is done, and that the MDPH look into the possibility of combining tick control efforts with state mosquito control efforts.

April 27, 2011

Boston, MA - In recognition of Donate Life Month in Massachusetts, Representative Jen Benson attended Donate Life Day at the State House to help encourage organ and tissue donation in the Commonwealth. The event highlighted the organ donation effort in Massachusetts including implementation of the online registry at the Registry of Motor Vehicles website where drivers can easily elect to register as organ donors. Currently, 99% of organ donors register through the RMV and the new system is generating many new donors.

"Organ donation is an incredible gift that helps individuals and families in unimaginable ways," said Benson. "I encourage everyone to consider joining me in taking the few easy steps to register as an organ donor."

April 25, 2011

As I write this, the House is preparing to debate our budget proposal for fiscal year 2012. While it is not yet finalized, I wanted to let you know more about the path we are following in order to ensure a balanced budget.

In January, House, Senate and Administration leaders agreed on a consensus revenue estimate of $20.525 billion for FY'12. This is a modest increase over the previous 2 years, but is still well below our pre-recession levels. To make matters even more difficult, this is our first year without the increased federal resources previously used to minimize the impact of the budget deficits. With the House committed to not raising taxes or fees, this budget is based on a total operating budget of just over $30 billion and addresses an approximately $1.5 billion gap between the projected revenues and operating expenses for the next fiscal year.

Throughout the late winter and early spring, Representative Brian Dempsey, Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, met with legislators, advocacy groups, business executives and economists to gain insight into the current needs of the Commonwealth and the health of the economy. The budget he presented earlier this month works to protect education and local aid to cities and towns and goes a long way to fund programs for the young, elderly and most needy. But there were significant cuts across the board, and unfortunately that will impact many. But this budget did not only rely on cuts, it also introduced several areas of reform, increasing efficiencies and producing savings.

April 5, 2011

It was another busy month working for the people of the 37th Middlesex District. I worked with my colleagues to pass a supplemental budget, met with many constituents, and attended a number of informational seminars.

This month, I joined my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass a supplemental budget for fiscal year 2011. The $325 million spending bill is paid for from increased funding we received from the federal government and higher than expected revenue. After setting aside $100 million for the state's Rainy Day Fund, we allocated, among other items, $50 million to cover unexpected snow and ice removal costs, $180 million for state hospitals and $30 million to pay Trial Court employees. This bill will hopefully cover all of our unanticipated costs for the remainder of the fiscal year as we begin discussing next year's budget in earnest. The same day, we also passed a $200 million bond bill to provide funding for cities and towns to make needed repairs to municipal roads. This will serve as a job creator, give a boost to our recovery and provide a solid foundation on which our local businesses can grow and prosper.

March 2, 2011 — Press Release

FITCHBURG — Representative Jennifer Benson submitted testimony calling on the Department of Public Utilities to deny Unitil's request for a rate increase last month. As part of the public hearing process, Benson sent a letter to the DPU outlining her opposition to Unitil's application.

"This rate increase is unnecessary and uncalled for," said Benson. "Unitil should not be recouping their losses on the backs of the people they treated so poorly during the December 2008 ice storm. We don't deserve this treatment as ratepayers and I am strongly urging the DPU to reject any and all rate increases."

The DPU will hold three public hearings before making a determination on Unitil's case. Any rate increases would go into effect in August 2011.

The text of Benson's Unitil testimony: Unitil_rate_case_testimony.pdf

Protects employers from large per-employee assessment increase

February 17, 2011 — Press Release

BOSTON — State Representative Jennifer Benson joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in unanimously passing legislation to halt a scheduled increase in the unemployment insurance assessment that all employers pay.

"This legislation recognizes that many businesses are still struggling to grow and recover from the recession," said Benson. "By reducing some of the financial burden on companies we hope that they will continue to expand and increase hiring."

Continues on Education Committee, Becomes Vice-Chair of Personnel and Administration

January 29, 2011 — Press Release

BOSTON — State Representative Jen Benson of Lunenburg announced her committee assignments today after they were presented to House members at the State House yesterday. Benson will serve as Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Personnel and Administration and as a member of the Joint Committee on Education, the Joint Committee on Revenue, and the House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight.

"I am ready to hit the ground running during my second term and work to make a difference for people of the 37th Middlesex District," said Benson. "My top two priorities are to work to improve our economy and create jobs, and to ensure a quality education for the children of our Commonwealth."

January 21, 2011 — There is a deadline at the beginning of each legislative session for bills to be considered during that session. Rep. Jen Benson filed the following bills for the 2011-12 legislative. Please contact our office if you have any questions on this or other pending legislation.

An act providing for the public disclosure of quality indicators for the developmentally disabled
This legislation would require all private agencies, group care facilities and group care residences serving persons with developmental disabilities to file information with DDS which will be made available to the public in an easily accessible format. This will enable persons with disabilities and their families to make informed decisions about the providers and agencies they plan to use.

An Act relative to criminal penalties for resisting arrest
Last year, one of Lunenburg's police officers was severely injured on duty while attempting to arrest a suspect. This legislation would recognize the dangers police officers face very day, and create harsher penalties for causing severe bodily injury to a police officer while resisting arrest. Violators would face up to 5 years in jail or 2 1/2 years in a house of corrections and/or a fine of $5,000.