Lobster Buoy Bill

Signed into law by the Lt. Governor in Dec. 2011, this legislation filed both by Jim and his colleague -- state Representative William Straus of Mattapoisett -- simply updates existing statutes so that permit numbers on lobster traps can be “marked rather than “branded or cut.” The original wording was applicable when wooden traps and wooden buoys were used.Currently, wire traps and plastic PVC buoys are used.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under:
- Legislation

Regulating Lobster Parts


In the spirit of Massachusetts Lobster Day, Jim filed a bill making it easier to sell lobster in parts – claws and tails – here in Massachusetts.  While processed lobster parts from elsewhere can come into Massachusetts, due to some outdated statutes these lobster parts cannot be legally processed or sold here.  Working in conjunction with the state’s Division of Marine Fisheries, the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association has endorsed the concept of updating the state’s statutes and regulations to enhance sales of lobster products in the state.

 

 

 

Filed Under:
- Legislation

Seafood Commission -- SIGNED INTO LAW

The Boston Globe recently investigated the widespread practice of fish mislabeling, disguising one species as another, usually to increase profit.  As you may recall, Jim successfully passed into law his first term legislation creating a special Massachusetts seafood commission comprised of industry leaders -- ranging from fishermen and retailers and restaurants -- to develop a unique brand of locally harvested Massachusetts Seafood.  In a related matter, Jim filed and passed an amendment to legislation that requires local schools to give priority to family farms and Massachusetts fresh seafood on menus at schools.  Whether a state marketing program could stabilize the declining state of the region’s commercial fishing industry is a main goal for now, as the Seafood Commission is now in the process of getting up and running.  Addressing this widespread abuse of mislabeling will also be explored.

 

 

 

Filed Under:
- Legislation

Green Energy/Hydrokinetics

As wind and solar initiatives continue to grow in popularity, Jim has been pushing to make one of the state’s oldest energy sources new again by encouraging research and investment in hydrokinetics – which is the harnessing of energy from moving water.  Massachusetts is poised to be a serious global contender in this emerging field as energy experts have calculated that there is more untapped hydrokinetic energy off our coast than what can be generated by 10 coal-fired plants.  Recognizing this potential Jim has introduced legislation encouraging research and investment in hydrokinetic and marine renewable energy technology.  Meanwhile, Jim is proud to have helped secure $6 million in bonds for Scituate and Marshfield that that were used to promote creation of a solar energy site in Scituate, and which funded an energy conservation program in Marshfield.  Jim is also a proponent of local control on zoning decisions for wind energy facilities.  Experience in Hull, and soon Scituate, demonstrates that communities will support creation of turbines in sensible areas.

 

 

Filed Under:
- Legislation

Protecting E-911 Ambulance Care

Jim is pleased to have been working with Kevin Robinson, Marshfield’s Fire Chief and former President of the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association, to protect the integrity of the emergency 911 ambulance system.  At issue is policy implemented late in 2010 by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts whereby they are no longer paying the ambulance provider for emergency services but rather send a reduced check to the patient him/herself.  In practice this policy is reducing payments to municipalities – or their ambulance providers – by over 20%, providing an unacceptable threat to the viability of our E-911 ambulance services.  For more information on this issue log on to www.protectems.org.

Filed Under:
- Legislation
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Paid for by the Cantwell Committee, Darlene Hale Treasurer