Support Municipal Building Construction
SD.1035, An Act creating a Municipal and Public Safety Building Authority

Small towns in western Massachusetts and around the state don’t have the tax base or borrowing ability to build new or upgrade existing public safety and municipal buildings. My bill (SD.1035, An Act creating a Municipal and Public Safety Building Authority) creates an independent public authority, similar to authorities that help finance municipal school buildings and libraries, to provide matching funds for local public safety and town office buildings.

Relieve Small Towns from Paperwork Burden
S.2284, An Act relative to the Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund municipal reporting requirements

A state fee on Uber and Lyft rides provides some of the funds collected back to the city or town where the ride originated, to be used for local transportation needs. The law also requires annual reports from the local community on how the money is used, even if the amount received is 60 cents. My bill (S.2284, An Act relative to the Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund municipal reporting requirements) allows cities and towns to consolidate reports for 5 years on amounts they receive from the fee on Uber and Lyft rides if the amounts total under $25,000. This will relieve a paperwork burden imposed on small towns, particularly in our region where there is very little revenue being returned to our towns.

Reduce Speeds in our Neighborhoods
S.2283, An Act promoting safety by permitting municipalities to reduce speed limits

In many neighborhoods, people drive too fast but there is nothing the local authorities can do. State law currently does not allow local authorities to set speed limits on many local streets. My bill (S.2283, An Act promoting safety by permitting municipalities to reduce speed limits) allows local officials reduce speed limits by 5 mph on local streets.

Support Our Rural Communities
S.2029, An Act advancing equity for rural communities receiving state grants

Greater distances and lower population density mean rural communities face increased costs to deliver services. Small tax bases and flat population growth mean rural communities do not see increases in revenue or from state funding formulas, making grant programs a unique lifeline for infrastructure needs. My bill (S.2029, An Act advancing equity for rural communities receiving state grants) directs state agencies administering grant programs to give preference to rural communities, particularly those that intend to use funds to regionalize or share services.