Senator Jarrett T. Barrios recently joined the domestic violence prevention group Emerge, Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral, and Danvers Police Lt. Jon Tiplady, to release a new tool in the fight against domestic violence.  The "Domestic Violence Danger Assessment and Safety Planning" DVD will help train local law enforcement and victim advocacy groups in assessing the dangerousness of an abusive situation.

"Feedback about the DVD from police, prosecutors and victim advocates has been entirely enthusiastic," said Emerge Project Director David Adams. "Viewers appreciate the DVD shows domestic violence first responders how assess danger when responding to domestic violence cases.  They also like that the DVD not only shows what questions to ask but how to ask them in a manner that is sensitive to victims who may be still experiencing trauma. Another feature of the DVD that audiences have liked is that it shows how to conduct danger assessments with perpetrators."

The DVD was premiered on January 19 in Boston when Sheriff Cabral, who narrates the DVD, and Lt. Jon Tiplady received Domestic Violence Leadership Awards.  At the event, Barrios spoke about his statewide initiative to strengthen domestic violence laws by giving police and prosecutors more ability to go after abusers and provide more support for victims of domestic violence. 

"No woman or man should have to live in a prison of fear because of a dangerous abuser," said Senator Barrios.  "My goal is to strengthen our state’s laws to go after abusers and protect victims in order to prevent additional violent -- and potentially tragic -- attacks."

Scenes on the DVD include:

• Police officer danger assessment interview of a victim in her home
• Victim advocate doing safety planning with this same victim
• Police officer doing danger assessment interview with a victim at her workplace
• Prosecutor and victim/witness advocate doing danger assessment with this same victim
• Police officer doing danger assessment interview with a perpetrator

Concern is mounting about the presence of cop-killer guns in Massachusetts’ urban neighborhoods. Last month the Boston Police Department said the safety of their officers was compromised because the Five-seveN handgun with armor-piercing bullets had appeared on Boston’s streets.

Senator Barrios has joined forces with law enforcement groups, the Million Mom March, Brady Campaign, and Stop Handgun Violence to ban the "cop-killer" Five-seveN handgun and its armor-piercing bullets from the streets of Massachusetts. On March 9th, Barrios’ Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee favorably released the bill he wrote to ban the gun, a signal that the bill is one step closer to a vote.

"Police put their lives on the line every day to keep our streets safe and they deserve the best protection we can give them," said Senator Barrios. "Guns that can pierce police body armor don’t belong on our streets and in the hands of criminals."

Check out the Boston Globe article.

Senator Barrios encourages veterans and their families to consider applying for the state’s new Welcome Home Bonus launched last month. The Welcome Home Bonus provides United States service members activated since September 11, 2001 with a tax-free cash payment to assist with housing, education and other expenses.

"The Welcome Home Bonus is one small way to express our gratitude to the thousands of veterans who have selflessly served our country since 9/11," said Senator Barrios.

The Welcome Home Bonus provides a one-time $500 or $1,000 tax-free payment to eligible service members in the military. Those who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq will receive $1,000, and those who have served domestically or in other foreign countries for a period of six months or more will receive $500.

To apply for the "Welcome Home Bonus" program, service members or their families must submit an application, which is available from Treasurer Timothy Cahill’s office, a Residence Certificate, a copy of Discharge Papers (DD214), and a W9 form.

Treasurer Cahill’s office also administers a bonus program for veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services administers a bonus program for Gulf War veterans.

For more information about applying for the Welcome Home Bonus program, or for an application, please visit the State Treasurer’s website or call 617-367-9333 x350 or x505.

With young people and families facing record tuition prices for colleges and universities, the Senate last month approved landmark legislation that invests $400 million over the next seven years to fully fund the state’s public universities’ annual operating costs. The goal is to help make public higher education affordable and accessible to everyone.

"Everyone, regardless of income-level, deserves the right to a quality, affordable education," said Senator Barrios. The bill is based on a blueprint crafted by the Senate’s Task Force on Higher Education which held hearings throughout the Commonwealth last year. The Task Force concluded that the future prosperity of the state depends on strengthening an innovation economy that comes from a highly educated workforce.
 

According to 2004 MBTA ridership estimates, rank the following modes according to their typical weekday ridership:

• Bus (Including Bus Rapid Transit)
• Heavy Rail Rapid Transit (Red, Orange, and Blue Lines)
• Trackless Trolley (electric buses)
• Boat
• Light Rail (Green Line, Mattapan High-Speed Line)

You can find out the answer to the trivia question here.

 

Senator Jarrett T. Barrios and Everett Mayor John Hanlon met last month to discuss the City of Everett’s budget priorities and how the two will work together to achieve those priorities. The two discussed state aid, funding for libraries, education and Everett literacy. In addition, the Mayor and Senator highlighted the importance getting the state to dedicate capital funding for reconstruction along Beacham Street, Santilli Circle and the Route 99 rotary to decrease traffic delays.

"I look forward to hitting the ground running with Mayor Hanlon," said Senator Barrios. "Together with Representative Connolly we’ll be united in working hard for the residents of Everett -- for better libraries, more education aid and a commitment to renovate our roadways."
 

Senator and Representatives from Somerville and Medford recently sat down with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to push for a renewed effort to restore the Mystic River. The legislators urged DCR to prioritize maintenance funding for dams along the river and plan to renew efforts to establish a state-run Mystic River Master Plan which will help guide conservation activities throughout the watershed. Senator Barrios is working with the other legislators to encourage more participation and involvement in the watershed by state agencies. To learn more about the Mystic River visit the Mystic River Watershed Association’s website.
 

The MBTA’s draft 2006 Service Plan included mostly sweet and some sour for the community of Chelsea, a community that has for too long been underserved by public transportation. The plan included service enhancements for the route 111 bus and included the launch of new service to connect Bellingham Square to Kendall Square. While this was great news for riders in Chelsea, residents along the route 112 route through Admiral’s Hill and Soldier’s Home were dismayed to read that the MBTA proposed to cut service. In the end, due in large part to pressure from residents, city councilors, Representative O’Flaherty and Senator Barrios the MBTA reversed its decision to cut service to route 112.

In response to the MBTA’s draft plan, Senator Barrios sent a letter to MBTA General Manager Dan Grabauskas praising the transportation improvements for Chelsea. Barrios also used the opportunity to push the MBTA to allow route 111 buses to use the Fast Lanes on the Tobin Bridge to speed up service. He also urged the MBTA to improve services for Spanish-speaking customers who call into the MBTA’s help telephone lines.
 

Founded by family members after a tragic case involving stalking, Feel Safe Again provides information and resources to victims of stalking. The organization, which just celebrated its second annual benefit dinner, provides forums for residents to learn more about stalking. To learn more visit their website.

One Family Program for Homeless Women

One Family is a not-for-profit organization devoted to ending family homelessness in Massachusetts and serves as a model nationwide. The One Family Scholars program provides college scholarships coupled with career development and leadership training for low-income and formerly homeless mothers. In April, One Family will be celebrating their Scholars, or "Mothers of Inspiration," with a special event. For more information on the event or to learn more about One Family visit their website.

The month-long open enrollment for prescription advantage, the state’s discount prescription drug program, begins March 15th, and the senior circuit tax break can provide savings if applied to this year’s tax filings.
 

Saving Money on Prescription Drugs with Prescription Advantage

Administered by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Prescription Advantage open enrollment will run from March 15th through April 28th. For more information or an application, please contact 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636) and press #1. Applications will also be available as of Wednesday, March 15th at www.mass.gov/elders and www.800ageinfo.com.

The new Prescription Advantage program complements the existing Medicare prescription drug benefit program by helping qualified individuals pay for all or part of the Medicare prescription drug plan’s premium, deductible and co-payments. The program will also provide an "out-of pocket" spending limit, so that once this limit is reached, Prescription Advantage will cover all drug co-payments for the remainder of the plan year.

For more information or assistance:

• Contact a local counselor about making prescription drug coverage decisions, such as SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders), or a MassMedLine staff member at 1-866-633-1617.

• Moe Gillen, Senator Barrios’ Constituent Services Director is available to help constituents understand the Prescription Advantage application process and answer any questions they may have. Mr. Gillen can be reached by calling 617-722-1650.

Saving Money with the Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief

The Circuit Breaker Tax Credit is "triggered," like an electrical circuit breaker, when property tax payments exceed 10 percent of a senior citizen’s annual income. Those who qualify will still be required to pay property taxes to their local communities, but they will receive a dollar credit for every dollar of their property tax, and certain water and sewer bills, that exceed 10 percent of their income of up to the $820 maximum.

Senior citizens who rent their homes can also take advantage of the same dollar for dollar, up to the same $820 maximum, if 25 percent of their annual rent exceeds 10 percent of their annual income. To receive the credit you must fill out a Massachusetts state income tax return before the April deadline even if you don’t owe any income tax.

For more information and/or assistance contact the Massachusetts DOR Customer Service Bureau at 617-887-MDOR (6367) or 800-392-6089, or via e-mail at speakerboard@dor.state.ma.us.

3rd Annual Walk to Prevent Homelessness in Somerville

The third annual Walk to Prevent Homelessness in Somerville will be held on April 30, 2006 at the Somerville High School. The walk covers 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) and will begin and end at the High School. Proceeds of the walk help those at risk of homelessness to secure housing. Sponsored by the Somerville Affordable Housing Organizing Committee. To learn more or to request a registration form call 617-776-5931.
 

First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity in Somerville

Applications for the Somerville Community Corporation’s Temple Street Condominiums are now available. The Temple Street location includes 15 untis of 2 and 3 bedroom condos in Winter Hill for low and moderate income first-time homebuyers only. For information on income limits and condo prices, or to download an application visit their website or call 617-776-5931 x241. Applications are also available at SCC's office. Initial applications are due April 21, 2006. The Housing Lottery will be held on July 11, 2006.

New Online Resource from Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services encourages residents to explore their online resources at www.eldercare.org. The website includes information and assistance relating to aging, caregiving and disabilities and contains information on services, volunteering, job openings, advocacy and issues. The website also contains information in Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian Creole. Check out the website at www.eldercare.org or call 617-628-2601 x3151.

 

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