On New Year’s Day, I was sworn into the Senate for the new legislative session. Here’s me and my wife, Nancy, in the Senate Chamber for the swearing-in ceremony.
Sworn in for the new session
Plan to expand airport for private jets runs into new Massachusetts climate law
Energy News Network
“I hope that Massport appreciates that what is done today on climate is inadequate, and I hope it also appreciates that the policies have changed,” Barrett said. “I don’t pretend to be able to predict particular outcomes on particular projects, but I do know that Massport needs to take this seriously.”
MA moves ahead, Washington notwithstanding
Governor signs major climate bill into law
After months of writing, rewriting, and negotiating a major climate bill, it was nice to take a victory lap with climate leaders as we gathered to watch the Governor sign it into law. (I’m the one on the left with the slightly misshapen head.) There are multiple pathways to clean energy, and the superpower of this legislation is that it’s bulked up and versatile. If climate bills were gadgets, this one would be a Swiss Army Knife. When the fossil fuel interests lock up one tool, we’ll flip open another and keep working. Credit to Josh Qualls for the photo.
Watch my remarks: https://www.youtube.com/live/FUjoio2rP7w?si=pV-2gf8NN9OHfzul&t=2010
A beaming senator
A beaming Sen. Barrett greets climate activists outside the Senate chamber minutes after the body’s final approval of the 2024 climate bill on Oct. 24. Credit to Steve Wenner for the photo.
For people with disabilities, the workplace can be tough. We must stay vigilant.
Honored to be named a Legislative Champion at an event promoting disability awareness in employment. Despite the progress, the particulars of the workplace can be tough for anyone, and one’s disability often leaves a person at an additional disadvantage. Your employers and your coworkers can believe that they’re behaving well, but bias and discrimination are insidious. The result, whether intended or not, can add considerable stress to the day-to-day of holding down a job. We have to stay vigilant and we have to be insistent on receiving reasonable accommodations.
Massachusetts may again lead on climate change. The state (finally, almost) has a sweeping climate bill.
Boston Globe
Months after the close of the formal legislative session, when lawmakers on Beacon Hill came oh-so-close to passing significant reforms only to fall short at the eleventh hour, House and Senate negotiators announced a comprehensive bill on Thursday that addresses the climate crisis and promotes more clean energy adoption. The legislation would again put Massachusetts near the front of the pack of state houses fighting climate change.
Marching for a good cause
Despite the rainy weather, it was all smiles at Minute Man Arc’s annual march in Concord. The event brought in over $160,000 for the 1,400 people with disabilities served by Minute Man. Big shoutout to everyone who helped make it happen.
Lexington Honors Quock Walker Ahead Of Massachusetts Emancipation Day
WBZ
The audacity of actually believing in the American Dream and the idea that all men and women are born free, we have Quock Walker to thank for that courage and for that persistence. Terrific job to all the folks in Lexington who helped commemorate the occasion.
