Rep. Carl Sciortino’s Blog

Corporate Tax Credit Transparency

Posted on July 1, 2009 by Carl Sciortino
Filed Under Rep. Carl Sciortino | Leave a Comment

Senator Eldridge and I are working together to restore a corporate tax credit transparency provision to the state budget. In short, companies receiving literally hundreds of millions of dollars of our state tax dollars are not currently required to disclose anything about themselves or how effectively the tax credits work at spurring job growth or economic development.

We currently have no way of measuring the effectiveness of the tax credits, but that is easy to fix. To read more, go to http://www.bluemassgroup.com/diary/16142/help-us-restore-tax-credit-transparency.

Ethics & Sunshine

Posted on June 25, 2009 by Carl Sciortino
Filed Under Rep. Carl Sciortino | Leave a Comment

The long-awaited ethics reform bill is up for final passage in the House & Senate today. These have been challenging months, but this is a significant step forward. Is there more that needs to be done? Always. But I’m happy to have a bill I can vote for that I’m proud to put my name on.

This from Common Cause about the bill:
“This is a serious, thoughtful, and comprehensive bill that deserves passage by the full legislature tomorrow. In fact, it is the most significant ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance disclosure reform in decades.”

All that, and yes, the sun is shining outside the building as well… At last!

If you’re interested in watching the debate, session is scheduled to start at 1pm, www.masslegislature.tv.

Gambling Addiction

Posted on June 23, 2009 by Carl Sciortino
Filed Under Rep. Carl Sciortino | Leave a Comment

We had a briefing today for legislators and staff by the Mass Council on Compulsive Gambling. There were some really difficult personal stories shared about the impact of gambling addiction. As someone who has family members who suffer from gambling addiction, the conversation was very powerful.

This fall, we expect another debate on casino gambling. One of the problems with this is that proximity to casinos, and in particular slot machines, creates an increase in prevalence of people with gambling addictions. In fact, slot machines are designed to be addictive. Even though only a small percent of people might become addicted, we are certain to have an increase in Massachusetts residents who will face problems such as foreclosure, bankruptcy, and increased suicide, all associated with compulsive gambling.

Regardless of your views on casinos, one thing is certain: if you know someone who has a problem with gambling, you should know there is help available. If you want more information about this addiction, or need referrals or services, go to www.masscompulsivegambling.org, or call their helpline at 1-800-426-1234.

Want to install solar panels?

Posted on June 16, 2009 by Carl Sciortino
Filed Under Rep. Carl Sciortino | Leave a Comment

There is a great program tonight on how to afford installing solar panels on your own home! Here’s the information from the Somerville Climate Action Network:

“Solar Made Simple, a SEMINAR with Alteris Renewables & SunRun and sponsored by Somerville Climate Action (SCA) on Tuesday June 16th @ 6:30pm at the Somerville Growing Center at 22 Vinal Ave (near union Square), and again on Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn how to install solar panels on your own home for as little as a
$1000 initial investment. Thereafter, you pay for the electricity as you would to the local utility, often at a lower rate. And there is no need to maintain or repair the panels – the provider will manage them.

Is solar right for your home?
Yes!… If you have 300+ sq ft of southern roof space with 6+ hours of sun for more information, please see www.alterisinc.com or www.somervilleclimateaction.org.

Phonebook Delivery - Want to Opt Out?

Posted on June 2, 2009 by Carl Sciortino
Filed Under Rep. Carl Sciortino | Leave a Comment

There have been active discussions in Somerville about whether and how to address the problem of excess phonebook deliveries, including proposed city ordinances by Aldermen Gewirtz, Desmond, White, and Sullivan. There have also been some interesting articles about how the issue is popping up as a concern around the country (for example, see March 08 Arizona Republic article, “Bulky phone books a big waste hang-up”)

In January I filed legislation addressing the issue, “An act relative to telephone directories,” (H. 3123). This bill gives consumers the ability to reduce waste by opting out of delivery of unwanted phone books. The bill directs phone book manufacturers and distributors to maintain “do not deliver” lists and provide consumers with a means to be added to the list. That bill is set for a public hearing tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the phonebook industry has taken some steps to self-regulate to address consumer complaints. You can find out how to opt out of deliveries from individual companies that deliver to your zipcode by going to www.yellowpagesoptout.com.

New Lechmere Station Plans

Posted on May 14, 2009 by Carl Sciortino
Filed Under Rep. Carl Sciortino | Leave a Comment

In order to extend the green line to Somerville and Medford, Lechmere Station needs to be relocated closer to the commuter rail tracks.

The Executive Office of Transportation has just posted the drawings for the proposed new Lechmere station. You can check out the plans online under the “Lechmere Station” section.

Rep. Tim Toomey is hosting a community meeting about the relocation at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at the Kennedy-Longfellow School, 158 Spring Street Cambridge.

House Budget

Posted on April 18, 2009 by Carl Sciortino
Filed Under Rep. Carl Sciortino | Leave a Comment

The House Ways & Means Committee budget has been released. The full House of Reps will debate the budget, along with the nearly 1,000 amendments filed by myself and other members of the House.

I wish I could highlight some great aspects of this budget, but the reality is that it is pretty depressing. But we have been through this before as a state, and we’ll get through it again. It is my belief that in order to fill the multi-billion dollar deficit, we should be taking a cautious but honest look at the need for new revenues.

If you want to read any aspect of the House budget, go to mass.gov/legis/10budget/house. The Governor’s budget site, mass.gov/budget also has a lot of useful information if you want to learn more.

$3.4 million in Funding for Local Affordable Housing

Posted on April 6, 2009 by Carl Sciortino
Filed Under Rep. Carl Sciortino | Leave a Comment

Very exciting news… Governor Patrick & the Dept. of Housing and Community Development are prepared to release over $3.4 million in affordable housing subsidy funds specifically targeted to Clarendon Hill Towers. This funding will be used to help preserve more than 400 units of affordable housing in our community.

Last session, the Governor filed, and the legislature passed, an affordable housing bond bill that significantly increased state support for affordable housing, including housing stabilization, capital improvement preservation, transit-oriented development, housing innovation and home modification programs.

Given the state of the economy, and its strain on so many families, it is all the more important for us to be investing in the preservation of existing affordable housing. Kudos to the Governor and his administration for agreeing and for investing in our community!

Elder Services - Your taxpayer dollars well invested

Posted on March 25, 2009 by Carl Sciortino
Filed Under Rep. Carl Sciortino | Leave a Comment

This morning I attended a presentation put on by Mystic Valley Elder Services, and joined by Somerville Cambridge Elder Services. These two agencies provide an invaluable service for seniors, helping them live safely in their homes independently, with support and dignity. It’s not only an option that gives seniors the ability to stay in their homes, but it is more cost-effective than nursing home placements. This is a great example of your taxpayer dollars being well used.

Take a look at this compelling video about their services.

Today’s Debate: The exciting world of swaptions

Posted on March 19, 2009 by Carl Sciortino
Filed Under Rep. Carl Sciortino | Leave a Comment

Today in the House of Representatives we will be debating the issue of swaptions, and how to protect the Mass Turnpike from heading into bankruptcy. This is a short-term fix as we continue to evaluate the Governor’s transportation reform legislation.

Not sure what swaptions are? Just a little bit curious? Check out this column written by one of my incredibly bright new colleagues, Rep. Lori Ehrlich from Marblehead, “Swaptions: A train wreck coming down the Pike.”

And as always, if you’d like to watch the debate live, go to http://masslegislature.tv/. We’re scheduled to start the debate at 1pm.

keep looking »