|
HI folks, just sharing a few updates:
/w.
P.S. Below is the AI Generated summary or the topics covered in the "ask me anything" meeting. We'll do another one soon.
Criminal Justice Reform
-
Massachusetts dramatically reduced prison populations from ~12,000 to half that through comprehensive 2018 reforms
-
Changes included: eliminating some crimes, easier diversion from system, bail reform, reduced mandatory minimums, earned time programs
-
Currently discussing consolidation of 14 county sheriff systems and Houses of Corrections
-
Ongoing debates about probation/parole conditions and reentry support
Transportation & Safety
-
Electric vehicles/scooters: Major constituent concern about delivery vehicles and personal transportation devices
-
Proposed solutions: automated enforcement for red lights/speeding, requiring driver's licenses for delivery workers
-
Commission working on classifying vehicles by mass and speed rather than vehicle type
-
MBTA bus service reliability issues, though subway service has improved
Energy & Environment
-
Discussion of Mass Save program (utility-run energy efficiency program)
-
House proposed cutting $1 billion from $4.5 billion program; Senator opposes such deep cuts
-
Typical customer pays over $400/year for environmental priorities in electric bills
Immigration Enforcement
-
State funding legal representation for detained individuals
-
Working on Safe Communities Act to limit local police cooperation with ICE
-
Proposed "reverse 1983" legislation allowing civil lawsuits against federal officers who violate rights
Other Issues
-
Public records law potentially extending to legislature (mixed feelings)
-
Human remains disposal methods (hydrolysis) - supports allowing it
-
Compassionate choice/aid-in-dying legislation - personal priority, but faces obstacles
The meeting was informal, allowing constituents to ask questions directly on topics of concern to them.
Will Brownsberger, State Senator
|
