MA State Senate makes history, votes carbon pricing

senmikeb
Press Release

In passing a major clean energy bill today, the Massachusetts State Senate voted to authorize the most comprehensive carbon pricing program in the country.  Its author, State Sen. Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), told his colleagues, “In taking a fresh run at combating climate change, you’re putting Massachusetts state government at the forefront — right where our constituents want it to be.”

The action made history, in that the Senate became the first legislative body in the U.S., either federal or state, to approve revenue-neutral fees as a carbon pricing option.  If the policy survives intact after debate in the Massachusetts House and is signed into law, the Commonwealth will also become only the second state, after California, to extend the concept of carbon pricing to transportation.

Read more →

Mass. Bill would let Taxpayers Aid Countries Hit by Climate Change

senmikeb
Washington Times

BOSTON — A state lawmaker wants to let Massachusetts residents donate to poorer countries hit hardest by climate change when they fill out their tax returns.

Sen. Mike Barrett said his bill is in part a reaction to President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris accord meant to address climate change.

The bill would add a line to state tax forms to let taxpayers make a donation over and above their regular payment.

Read the Washington Times article

A Year After Trump Nixed Paris, Senator Pushes a Novel Response

senmikeb
Press Release

On the first anniversary of the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, State Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington) is promoting innovative legislation that would change Massachusetts tax forms and let taxpayers direct voluntary contributions, over and above their regular payments, to poverty-stricken countries hit hardest by climate change.

The full title of Barrett’s bill is An Act enabling taxpayer donations to the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), an initiative of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Read more →

Senators and retailers wrap up work

senmikeb
Press Release

Boston – With local State Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington) as a member, the Massachusetts Senate Task Force on Strengthening Local Retail today unanimously approved its final report.  The Task Force was charged with assessing the economic health of the Massachusetts retail sector, and identifying challenges and opportunities facing retail communities.

Welcoming the report, Barrett said, “People in my district are really into nurturing the business centers of their communities. When it comes to making policy, I wanted a seat at the table on their behalf.”

Read more →

Barrett & Haddad honored at Massachusetts Clean Energy Day at Statehouse

senmikeb
Taunton Daily Gazette
Barrett & Haddad honored at Massachusetts Clean Energy Day at Statehouse

BOSTON — Dozens of clean energy businesses convened at the Statehouse recently to showcase the growing vitality of the clean energy industry and to call for expanded clean energy polices during the Northeast Clean Energy Council’s seventh annual Massachusetts Clean Energy Day.

Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson delivered the keynote address for the event, in a speaking program that included Steve Pike, CEO of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Melissa Kemp, Northeast Policy Director of Cypress Creek Renewables, as well as other legislative and clean energy industry leaders. Sen. Michael Barrett and Speaker Pro Tempore Patricia Haddad were honored by NECEC as 2018 Clean Energy Champions for their leadership in advancing the Commonwealth’s clean energy economy.

Throughout the day, the clean energy business community met with lawmakers to emphasize the importance of consistent policy support in catalyzing the state’s economy and ensuring the continued growth of the clean energy industry.

Read the Taunton Daily Gazette article

Bridge over Carlisle Road dedicated to two Bedford soldiers killed in Iraq

senmikeb
Bedford Minuteman

“These are personal moments, these are people who got permission from their families to go off and serve us, in horrific and terrible places, and we should never forget that,” Gov. Charlie Baker said, as he addressed the crowd Friday afternoon.

The crowd gathered at the Bedford boat ramp on Carlisle Road, for the official dedication of the bridge that spans the Concord River in the name of Pfc. John Hart and Lance Cpl. Travis Desiato, two Bedford natives who were killed while serving in Iraq.

Read the Bedford Minuteman article

Barrett adds funds for Waltham initiatives

senmikeb
Waltham News Tribune

During recent debate on the state budget, the Senate adopted several provisions offered by State Senator Mike Barrett, D-Lexington, including funding for programs in Waltham that work with vulnerable young people, homeless individuals, and families suffering from housing instability.

Read the Waltham News Tribune article

Barrett Bill will Protect Personal Biometric Data

senmikeb
Press Release

Boston –The Massachusetts Senate has unanimously approved new legislation to protect consumers facing hacked thefts of their fingerprints, facial profiles, retinal images and other aspects of their unique personal biology. 

The bill is a priority of State Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington).  An already existing law requires businesses and government to protect personal information and to notify people in the case of security breaches.  This law has resulted in the identification of thousands of breaches, including as many as 947,000 Target customers compromised in late 2013. 

Read more →

Hart-Desiato bridge dedication ceremony taking place Friday in Bedford

senmikeb
Bedford Minuteman

On Friday, May 25, two Bedford High School graduates will be memorialized when the bridge spanning the Concord River on Carlisle Road will be named after PFC John Hart and Lance Cpl. Travis Desiato, who died within 14 months of each other while serving in the armed forces in Iraq.

“The families of these two heroes will be surrounded by friends, family and their Bedford neighbors as we unveil the new name for this recently repaved bridge,” said State Rep. Ken Gordon. “The Commonwealth is proud to dedicate this lasting reminder that we stand with our troops, and honor their sacrifice.

Read the Bedford Minuteman article