Press Releases

Sentencing reform gains steam

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Advocates packed the State House recently to back legislation to reduce the length of prison sentences for a host of drug-related offenses. State Senator Mike Barrett, D-Lexington, supports the reforms, calling excessive prison terms a “huge drain of taxpayer dollars” with “no added deterrent effect” on those eventually released.

Massachusetts spends more than $46,000 per year to imprison each non-violent offender, many of whom have mental health and substance abuse problems. Oftentimes, Barrett says, they should instead be in treatment clinics where they can get help, an alternative that is not only more effective but costs less money.

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Barrett backs program for low-income parents

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Thanks to the efforts of state Senator Mike Barrett, D-Lexington, the Massachusetts Senate’s recently passed state budget includes additional funding for the Secure Jobs Initiative, a statewide program geared towards assisting low-income parents.

Barrett’s amendment increased funding for the initiative by 25%. The program helps parents in temporary living situations get connected with job training services and find employment.

“When you’re in very tough financial shape, you and your kids likely need both a roof over your heads and help finding work,” Barrett said. “But the state seldom brings together housing and job training for the same person. Secure jobs is that rare coordinated approach.” Read more →

Barrett bill pushes back against cycle of poverty

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Press Release

On the heels of a new report backing the idea, State Senator Mike Barrett, D-Lexington, has refiled his bill to prevent employers from running credit checks on job applicants. Crittenton Women’s Union (CWU), which authored the year-long study, named Barrett’s legislation as a top way to stop the cycle of poverty associated with severe debt.

CWU — a group that advocates for low-income women — said in its report that the practice of employers checking credit scores of job applicants “is not a proven indicator for future job success” and one that “places undue hardship on low-income job seekers.”

“This idea is gaining serious momentum,” Barrett said. “Ten other states have passed bills restricting this practice. Massachusetts should be next.” He directed praise at U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who is leading the charge on the federal level.

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Barrett honored by advocates for the blind

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Press Release

At a recent State House gathering of constituents who are blind and their advocates, state Senator Mike Barrett, D-Lexington, was named Legislator of the Year for his commitment to people who are blind or visually impaired. Barrett recently served as Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

“Senator Barrett has made it a priority to reach out to all groups of people with disabilities, including those with blindness and deafblindness,” said Kim Charlson, Director of the Perkins Library. “He’s a true advocate and a real friend to people with disabilities.”

Charlson, Barrett, Abely
Sen. Barrett named Legislator of the year for his commitment to people who are blind or visually impaired. (L-R) Kim Charlson, Perkins Library Director and president of the American Council of the Blind, Sen. Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), and Joe Abely, President of Carroll Center for the Blind. PHOTO CREDIT: Anna Miller of the Perkins School for the Blind.
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New Senate rules to boost transparency, openness

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Press Release

The State Senate has adopted new internal rules governing the body to increase access to information and allow for more open debate.

The rule changes reflect the priorities that newly elected Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, D-Amherst, promised in his inaugural address to the Senate last month.

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Barrett to Chair Senate’s Oversight Committee

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Press Release

State State Senator Mike Barrett has been selected to head the State Senate’s Post-Audit and Oversight Committee, a unique body charged with overseeing implementation of all state programs run by the Governor and his appointees.

“This is a huge chance to shape policy for the district and the entire state,” Barrett said. “It means digging deep into how government operates day to day — and how it can do better. I’m honored and challenged by the assignment.”

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Barrett recognized for children and families work

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Press Release

State Senator Mike Barrett, D-Lexington, was recently recognized for his “outstanding leadership for children and families in Massachusetts.”  Youth Villages, which presented Barrett with its Champion Award, partners with the state Department of Children and Families (DCF) to provide in-home support for families and for children with emotional and behavioral challenges.

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