May 28, 2010

As I continue to advocate for the district, our economic forecast keeps improving. Homes sales are up for the 10th straight month and 19,000 more residents were employed in April. I'm hopeful we are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel, but we still have to focus on ways to find efficiencies and improve the operations of the Commonwealth. To help this effort, the House worked on prescription rebate and CORI reform legislation and I continued my visits to small businesses in the district. I also continued my constituent outreach, hosting a meeting with area town administrators and attending many events across the district.

This week I joined my House colleagues in passing an important bill that reforms the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system. The bill, based on solid research on rates of recidivism, reduces the time period in which records can be accessed, helping former offenders reintegrate into society. In our current system thousands of people are prevented from getting jobs or housing because of old or inaccurate criminal records. The bill also broadens access to CORI records for employers and state agencies with employees that serve vulnerable populations in order to better protect them. As part of this legislation, I cosponsored an amendment to enact the Governor's plan to reform the probation system. We have all heard about the egregious abuses in that department and I am determined to enact quick, effective reforms.

Earlier in the month, we passed a bill allowing consumers to take advantage of prescription drug discounts. This smart legislation will lower medical costs for seniors and working families and help thousands afford their prescription drugs.

Small businesses are the engines of growth for our economy and I have been working with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to meet with local small business owners in order to better advocate for them on Beacon Hill. This month I toured the Phoenix Park business complex in Shirley and held a meeting with the owner of the park and owners of small businesses located in the park. I consistently hear about the many strains on small business and continue to work with my colleagues to offer relief and smart solutions to these problems.

I am committed to working with local officials in order to better serve our communities. When I took office I organized a District Advisory Group with representatives from the Boards of Selectmen and School Committees in each of the district towns. This has worked so well that I have started holding meetings with the town administrators from each of the towns. These meetings help bridge the gap between state and town government and also allow the town officials to coordinate and share ideas. After each meeting, I bring ideas back to my colleagues as we continue to work to provide support for our towns.

The district has been busy with celebrations, from the Mount Wachusett Community College graduation to the opening of Shirley's beautiful new Senior Center and the 25th Anniversary of the Indian Hill Music Center. I toured Atlantic Union College in Lancaster and spoke at the No Place for Hate anti-bullying forum in Acton. I also avoided the rain at Harvard's Apple Blossom festival and am looking forward to seeing many of you as we remember those who have served in our armed forces at this weekend's Memorial Day events.

I look forward every month to hearing from all of you. You can stop by my office hours in Acton the first Monday of every month from 4:30-6 at Sweet Bites Bakery and Cafe. My office in Lunenburg is also staffed Mondays from 9-4. You can always contact my Boston office at 617.722.2130. Please also check my website for additional news and resources www.jenbenson.org and stay up-to-date by joining me on Facebook or following me on Twitter.