Representative Don Humason



MASSACHUSETTS ON THE MOVE By State Representative Don Humason, Jr. January 26, 2008 It seems like we’re back in the full swing of things this week. Last Saturday was the 140th anniversary of the Westfield Athenaeum’s Founder’s Day. I am proud to serve on the Board of Trustees of the library, as well as being a Friend of the Library and a Corporator. I delivered a citation from the House of Representatives and Governor Patrick on the occasion of the celebration of the Athenaeum’s 140th birthday. I was joined by Senator Knapik, Mayor Boulanger, and Agma Sweeney from Congressman Olver’s office. The Transportation Committee held a lengthy oversight hearing Tuesday on the Governor’s proposed Transportation Bond bill, H. 4409, An act financing improvements to the Commonwealth’s Transportation System. On Wednesday, the Patrick Administration released their version of the budget for Fiscal Year 2009, which begins July 1. This document is called House 2. You can go online and look at it for yourself at www.mass.gov/bb/h1/fy2009h1/msg2_09/hdefault.htm. That same day the House of Representatives met and again took up the issue of banning hand held communication devices such as cell phones. The bill passed and was engrossed by a vote of 107 to 47. I was one of the 47 who voted against the bill. You can read my reasons why by going to www.donhumason.org and reading my column from last Saturday. The bill still needs to go before the state Senate for their deliberation and vote. Then it has to be signed by Governor Patrick before it can become law. Thursday the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs association held a legislative luncheon in the Great Hall of the State House to meet and speak with legislators about their public safety agenda for the upcoming year. Westfield Fire Chief Tom Kane came to Boston with his brother chiefs and I was pleased to sit at his table and break bread. Thursday evening Governor Patrick gave his first State of the State address. The room was full of legislators, Constitutional Officers, mayors, sheriffs, judges, district attorneys, and supporters. Westfield was well-represented at the Governor’s speech. Senator Mike Knapik was there. Mayor Mike Boulanger sat in my seat in the House Chamber next to me. Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Rick Sullivan was there. Jeff Daley, who works for the Commissioner was in attendance. One of my predecessors, Steve Pierce, who now serves as the Chief Justice of the Boston Housing Court, was there too. Governor Patrick even mentioned Westfield in his address when he talked about the Great River Bridge project as part of the investment the state has made in infrastructure. His theme was “Massachusetts is on the move” and he focused on schools, jobs, and civic engagement. Governor Patrick is an excellent speaker. He is passionate, inspiring, and eloquent. It would be hard to argue with any of the things he had to say. So I’ll simply say this, albeit tongue in cheek, “the Deval’s in the details.” The Legislature is ready to work with the Governor and his administration wherever possible, practical, and affordable. Finally, this Saturday is the 4th annual Penguin Plunge to benefit the Amelia Park Children’s Museum. I am a veteran Penguin Plunger. As I have for three years before, since the beginning, I will be jumping into the icy waters of the Congamond once again. Come out to the beach behind the old Brass Rail Restaurant in Southwick to wish us well and watch us take the plunge. Have a warm week! + + + Representative Don Humason and his new aide Sarah Latour may be reached at their Westfield District office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085, 568-1366. Their Boston address is State House Room 542, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2803. Email address: Rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.state.ma.us
This Site Designed and Maintained by: The Barre Group

MASSACHUSETTS ON THE MOVE

By State Representative Don Humason, Jr.

January 26, 2008

It seems like we’re back in the full swing of things this week.

Last Saturday was the 140th anniversary of the Westfield Athenaeum’s Founder’s Day.
I am proud to serve on the Board of Trustees of the library, as well as being a Friend of the Library and a Corporator. I delivered a citation from the House of Representatives and Governor Patrick on the occasion of the celebration of the Athenaeum’s 140th birthday. I was joined by Senator Knapik, Mayor Boulanger, and Agma Sweeney from Congressman Olver’s office.

The Transportation Committee held a lengthy oversight hearing Tuesday on the Governor’s proposed Transportation Bond bill, H. 4409, An act financing improvements to the Commonwealth’s Transportation System.

On Wednesday, the Patrick Administration released their version of the budget for Fiscal Year 2009, which begins July 1. This document is called House 2. You can go online and look at it for yourself at www.mass.gov/bb/h1/fy2009h1/msg2_09/hdefault.htm.

That same day the House of Representatives met and again took up the issue of banning hand held communication devices such as cell phones. The bill passed and was engrossed by a vote of 107 to 47. I was one of the 47 who voted against the bill. You can read my reasons why by going to www.donhumason.org and reading my column from last Saturday.

The bill still needs to go before the state Senate for their deliberation and vote. Then it has to be signed by Governor Patrick before it can become law.

Thursday the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs association held a legislative luncheon in the Great Hall of the State House to meet and speak with legislators about their public safety agenda for the upcoming year. Westfield Fire Chief Tom Kane came to Boston with his brother chiefs and I was pleased to sit at his table and break bread.

Thursday evening Governor Patrick gave his first State of the State address. The room was full of legislators, Constitutional Officers, mayors, sheriffs, judges, district attorneys, and supporters.

Westfield was well-represented at the Governor’s speech. Senator Mike Knapik was there. Mayor Mike Boulanger sat in my seat in the House Chamber next to me. Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Rick Sullivan was there. Jeff Daley, who works for the Commissioner was in attendance. One of my predecessors, Steve Pierce, who now serves as the Chief Justice of the Boston Housing Court, was there too.

Governor Patrick even mentioned Westfield in his address when he talked about the Great River Bridge project as part of the investment the state has made in infrastructure.

His theme was “Massachusetts is on the move” and he focused on schools, jobs, and civic engagement. Governor Patrick is an excellent speaker. He is passionate, inspiring, and eloquent. It would be hard to argue with any of the things he had to say.

So I’ll simply say this, albeit tongue in cheek, “the Deval’s in the details.” The Legislature is ready to work with the Governor and his administration wherever possible, practical, and affordable.

Finally, this Saturday is the 4th annual Penguin Plunge to benefit the Amelia Park Children’s Museum. I am a veteran Penguin Plunger. As I have for three years before, since the beginning, I will be jumping into the icy waters of the Congamond once again. Come out to the beach behind the old Brass Rail Restaurant in Southwick to wish us well and watch us take the plunge.

Have a warm week!

+ + +

Representative Don Humason and his new aide Sarah Latour may be reached at their Westfield District office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085, 568-1366. Their Boston address is State House Room 542, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2803. Email address: Rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.state.ma.us

This Site Designed and Maintained by: The Barre Group