The Barrett Report
Swearing In
Mike gets sworn in for his second term as Senator of the 3rd Middlesex District.
Oil’s swoon creates the opening for a carbon tax
The Washington Post
Neat to agree with Larry Summers on something. Tip of the hat to Wayne Davis for spotting this.
Crushing debt part of cycle of poverty, according to report by Crittenton Women’s Union
State House News
“Barrett said there is no evidence that a person’s credit score indicates what type of employee they will make, and he wants to outlaw the practice of employers checking scores. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has filed similar legislation at the federal level.”
Towards a new legislative session
Walden Pond Visitor Center Groundbreaking
The new Walden Pond Visitor Center will showcase the pond’s truly amazing legacy. Earlier this year, the state Legislature authorized $2 million in funding. The groundbreaking kicked off Phase I.
Pricing Carbon in Massachusetts
One day there will be a national price on carbon. Let it start here in Massachusetts.
Under Pressure From Uber, Taxi Medallion Prices Are Plummeting
The New York Times
So here’s my take: Cab fares are in the cross-hairs today but that’s just the beginning. Starting with Millennials, car-service apps can jumpstart carpooling, redefine ride-sharing and undercut the logic of single-occupancy driving. Here’s hoping Uber’s Bad Boys don’t turn people off, because Massachusetts needs to encourage these new services — while stoking competition among them and setting minimum safeguards for customers and drivers. The prize is lowering the CO2 costs of passenger trips, a big win in the fight against climate change. Thoughts?
Climate Change Threatens to Strip the Identity of Glacier National Park
The New York Times
One of my favorite National Parks sees its defining glories melting away. Time to put a “price on carbon” — to tax pollution.
Barrett recognized for children and families work
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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