Massachusetts Legislature

Mass. Advocates, Lawmakers Want Action on Mental Illness in Next Session

Lucas Willard — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 23:25:00 +0000

In the weeks following the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn, politicians and pundits across the country have been searching for a solution to help prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future – and in the neighboring state of Massachusetts, lawmakers and advocates are hoping that a discussion on mental health issues can be made a priority in the next legislative session. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Lucas Willard has more...

Massachusetts Legislative Session Seen As Business Friendly

Paul Tuthill — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:30:00 +0000

The Massachusetts Legislature during the course of its just concluded two year session passed some key measures affecting businesses. On the whole the session was seen as beneficial to the state’s business climate. WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports

Bill Would Reform Massachusetts' Troubled Youth Guidance Laws

Lucas Willard — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 22:04:42 +0000

Lawmakers have approved a bill that would overhaul Massachusetts’ system of case laws for troubled youth.

The bill, recently passed by lawmakers, would make big changes to the Children in Need of Services system – or CHINS system. Under current law, which is similar to a contract, a child issued to the CHINS system by a judge is required to meet specific guidelines to solve problems. Depending on the case, a troubled youth could receive counseling, educational guidance, or other human services, including being placed in a foster home.

Activists Campaign For Bottle Bill Update In Massachusetts

Paul Tuthill — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:25:00 +0000

Environmental and consumer rights activists are hopeful of getting a bill that would update the Massachusetts bottle deposit law through the legislature after 14 years of frustration. Opponents are pushing a new argument, claiming an expanded bottle deposit is a tax. WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.