Fighting for greater accessibility

senmikeb

Sen. Jo Comerford has been notching legislative wins for people with disabilities. I had the pleasure of introducing her at an event at which she was named a Legislator of the Year by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council and the Arc of Massachusetts. The event featured a live transcript — crucial for those with hearing loss — which you can see on either side of me. I have a bill that would require closed captioning on TVs in public areas to be turned on when requested. Just one example of the work we have ahead of us.

Senator Barrett speaking at the Arc of MA / MDDC legislative reception
Senator Barrett and Maura Sullivan from the Arc of Massachusetts
Senator Barrett speaking at the Arc of MA / MDDC legislative reception

Their disabled loved ones languished in state institutions. Now, they want the records.

senmikeb
GBH

Sen. Michael Barrett, a Lexington Democrat, told GBH News he sponsored the legislation — which would open Massachusetts’s state records after they have aged 75 years — in part because he worked at the Fernald School as part of a “buddy” program for disabled children decades ago when he studied at Harvard College. Barrett says he mentored a blind child who was housed in a ward with people who had “cognitive difficulties.”

“Did he belong there? We’ll never know until researchers can excavate the histories of the folks who were there and begin to determine why they were sent there and why they, in many cases, never found their way back into the community at all,” he said.

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Mass. Clean Energy Center completes $30 million deal for Salem port land to help build wind farms

senmikeb
Boston Globe

Offshore wind is coming through, delivering onshore jobs and clean power, despite topsy-turvy business conditions in the short term. Smart to stay the course and stick to the plan.

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I.R.S. to Crack Down on Corporate Jet Users Who Abuse Tax Code

senmikeb
New York Times

Developers of hangars out at Hanscom for super-polluting private jets for the super-rich, the IRS is dinging your business model. Massport, please get your head out of the bucket of money it’s buried in, and realize you’re morally tainted:

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Weston student wins major STEM award

senmikeb

Johan Coisman of Weston was just named a National STEM Challenge Champion. The 12-year-old was recognized for his research on fighting climate change. His winning idea centers on the concept of making clouds more reflective by changing the size and salinity of water droplets. If you’ve tuned into CBS News recently, you may have seen him demonstrate his project. Congrats Johan!

Local students and National Stem champs show off award-winning experiment

Massachusetts should ban third-party electric suppliers

senmikeb
Boston Globe

Customers typically have three options: stay on their utility’s basic service plan; opt into a municipal aggregation program if their town buys energy for its residents in bulk; or buy from third-party energy suppliers. One problem: Customers who sign up for third-party suppliers routinely get a bad deal. An Attorney General report found that from 2015-2021, third-party retailers overcharged customers by $525 million. Smart commentary by Attorney General Andrea Campbell and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu:

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State boosting EV charging with another $50 million

senmikeb
Boston Globe

These initiatives tackle huge issues, like the convenience of charging for condo and apartment dwellers, the greening of Uber and Lyft, the task of keeping chargers in good working order, and the electrification of heavy-duty trucks. Ambitious stuff.

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Boston’s Seaport has a big problem: climate change

senmikeb

Climate change poses a major risk to Boston’s Seaport district — a neighborhood acutely vulnerable to rising sea levels and intensifying storms. David Abel’s film “Inundation District” — which he screened at the State House — is an in-depth look at the issue. A terrific, as well as alarming, film that puts the climate crisis in perspective.

Senator Barrett addresses an audience at a screening of "Inundation District."
David Abel addresses an audience at a screening of his film, "Inundation District."

Addressing the housing shortage

senmikeb

The housing shortage is on everyone’s mind — and it’s a tough nut to crack. In Lexington, I joined legislative colleagues and concerned citizens to discuss possible solutions. The gov’s housing bond bill is a solid start. Shoutout to the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization for hosting and driving such a huge turnout.  

Senator Barrett speaks to a crowd of concerned citizens about the housing shortage.

Bracing for the costs of climate change

senmikeb

From 2011-2019, there were an average of four U.S. climate disasters per year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In 2023, there were 28. At a hearing on the costs and consequences of climate change, emergency planners spoke about the steps we’re taking to brace for extreme weather events as they become more frequent. Example: We’ve added hundreds of natural disaster responses to our climate adaptation plan. Hats off to Sen. Pacheco for chairing. 

Senator Barrett and colleagues hear from emergency planners at a hearing.