So I casually toss out in a blog post that I'll buy the first two rounds to talk politics.  Big mistake.  Whether lured by the prospect of free beer or costly political policy, BMGers promptly accepted my invitation.  And I'm a man of my … [Read more...]

I won't make a habit to report on the progress of individual bills, but many BMGers helped me to advocate for this important reform for many families and individuals in Massachusetts.  I am pleased to report that Governor Patrick has signed … [Read more...]

It may or may not take a village to raise a child, but it certainly takes a village to enact legislation.  This afternoon, the Legislature gave final approval to House No. 4252, http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/187/House/H04252, and the … [Read more...]

Yes you.  The Massachusetts House Rules concentrate power in the hands of a few key players who determine which legislation makes it to the floor and which will die in committee.  For over 10 years, for example, the updated bottle bill … [Read more...]

I have been honored to take the oath of office in all three branches of state government. The Legislative branch is the only I have served where the clerical and office staffers--many of whom have worked in their jobs for decades--are not … [Read more...]

Here's a riddle:  When does a good idea, first proposed by a liberal Democrat (Barney Frank) and enacted into law by an overwhelmingly Democratic Legislature suddenly become a very bad idea?  If you only read newspaper headlines … [Read more...]

Judge Gertner has announced her retirement from the bench in September.  It will be a loss for the federal bench, where Gertner's passion for justice has made a difference in many people's lives.  She may retire, but I doubt Nancy … [Read more...]

Under the state constitution, the Governor must propose a balanced budget in January (if it's Governor Baker, the constitution extends the deadline a bit for an incoming Governor).  For this reason, the Fiscal Affairs Division (FAD) of … [Read more...]

I am proud to share that my campaign for the 9th Norfolk House district has been endorsed by the MA League of Environmental Voters.  Additional endorsements will be announced in the next weeks.  It's good to remember that the GOP … [Read more...]

The State Secretary's Election Division has posted the Primary election contests for Massachusetts on their website.  While there has been a healthy uptick in partisan contests, perhaps to the point where Massachusetts won't rank at … [Read more...]