Senate Debates Limits on Cell Phone Use While Driving

Last week, the Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a series of proposals to restrict cell phone use while operating a vehicle. A number of possibilities were discussed, including banning text messaging while driving, requiring hands-free headsets, and a full ban on cell phones while behind the wheel. During the hearing, we heard a heartbreaking testimony from Melissa Martin, whose 17 year old daughter died tragically in 2007 in an accident caused by texting while driving. Most members of the committee were in agreement that texting while driving is not safe. At the hearing, I argued passionately that while cell phones can be dangerous behind the wheel, we need to do a better job of reminding people that when they are driving, it is their responsibility to focus on the road. Often times it is not so much the phone itself that causes accidents, but the distraction that the conversation creates.

Baddour Receives Perfect Marks from Leading Environmental Group

The Massachusetts Audubon Society recently awarded Senator Baddour a 100% voting record on environmental issues, recognizing him as one of the leading "green" voices on Beacon Hill.
"It's an honor," said Baddour (D-Methuen.) "There are so many important issues that we deal with on a regular basis, but few are as important to the future of our planet and to the next generations as the environment."
Mass Audubon Society, consisting of over 100,000 members, is the largest conservation organization in New England.

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Baddour leads the way as Senate passes transportation reform bill

Last week, the Massachusetts State Senate overwhelmingly passed a comprehensive transportation reform bill, fundamentally overhauling the way in which we transportation services are delivered in the Commonwealth. The bill eliminates waste and inefficiencies, and is a testament to lessons learned from the Big Dig with built-in reporting and transparency requirements. The bill eliminates the turnpike authority, streamlines communication, and has the potential to save the Commonwealth up to 6.5 billion dollars over the next 20 years. It is the most comprehensive transportation bill the Senate has seen in generations.

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Baddour attends opening of Mark Richey Turbine

"I think it's generational," state Sen. Steven Baddour joked after saying his young children were not overly impressed by the turbine.

Baddour was the first speaker at the ceremony that culminated in all podium guests cutting a red ribbon prior to the turbine being turned on.

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Senator Baddour discusses the gas tax on Newsnight with Jim Braude

$5,600 Approved for Methuen Wind Project

Senator Baddour was pleased to annouce that the state's Renewable Energy Trust has approved $5,600 for a study to determine the feasibility of using the former Methuen Ski Hill Site and its potential for energy regeneration.

"Using this site as a source for renewable energy would be terrific for Methuen," Baddour said.

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Baddour flat out rejects 27 cent gas tax increase

"I have consistently stated that we need reform before revenue and the current discussion to raise the gas tax - particularly to this unprecedented level - without any accompanying changes to the current system is totally unacceptable," said Senator Baddour. " We cannot throw more money into a broken system and expect things to magically improve. The transportation reform bill that I filed last week is the most comprehensive transportation reform bill filed in decades."

Institute of Transportation Engineers present Senator Baddour with 2008 Transportaion Leadership Award

Citing his overall leadership in the field of transportation, the Institue of Transportation Engineers awarded Senator Baddour with their 2008 Transportation Leadership award. President Sudhir Murthy and Vice President Jeffrey Dirk presented Senator Baddour with the plaque, which read "Intitue of transportation Engineers Transportation Leadership Award 2008 Presented to Senator Steven A. Baddour, For leading the Massachusetts Legislature toward comprehensive transportation reform: Measuring system performance, streamlining project contstruction, and ensuring infrastructure maintanence.

Baddour creates transportation blog to get input from citizens

In order to create an open and honest dialogue regarding the transportation situation in Massachusetts, Senator Baddour announced the creation of his new blog, Mass Trans for Tomorrow. Please feel free to visit and share your thoughts.

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Baddour discusses transportation on Newsnight with Jim Braude

Baddour gains reputation as team-builder

State Sen. Steven Baddour likes to think he and Rep. Mike Costello are running unopposed because people respect the jobs they are doing.

While balancing soccer practices and swimming meets for his two daughters, ages 6 and 5, and serving in the Senate, Baddour says his job will be even harder in the next two years in light of economic hardships, but he believes he has the energy to move forward.

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Baddour announces improvements to Salisbury Beach

"The new lifeguard command center and shade shelter provides a balanced approach to enjoying the ocean and sun for thousands of visitors to Salisbury Beach.", said Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen). "I’d like to thank DCR for their commitment and attention to preserving one of the best beaches in our state."

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Lowell Sun Story

Administration announces Police Detail-Flagger Regulations

The new regulations strike an appropriate balance between public safety and spending, and will go a long way towards restoring public confidence in the way we spend transportation dollars.

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Eagle Tribune Story

Governor approves Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund

The creation of the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund will help ensure that residents and business owners will not have to rely on one-time or special state funding year-to-year to repair any damages, or to preserve and maintain the beach on a regular basis. The new funding, combined with regular maintenance funds from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, will allow us to begin the long-overdue process of protecting this natural treasure.

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Baddour and Costello announce funding for airquality monitoring and odor management at the Newburyport Crow Lane Landfill

Senator Baddour and Representative Costello announced that they have secured $1 million for air quality monitoring and odor management at the Crow Lane Landfill in the City of Newburyport.

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Baddour pushes for comprehensive child protection legislation

Senator Baddour recently met with Mark Lunsford, father of Jessica Marie Lunsford, a 9-year old girl who was abducted from her home and brutally raped and murdered by a convicted sex offender. Following his young daughter’s death, Mr. Lunsford pursued new legislation to provide more stringent tracking of released sex offenders that requires tighter restrictions on sex offenders (such as wearing electronic tracking devices) and increased prison sentences for some convicted sex offenders. To date, 33 other states have enacted some form of Jessica’s Law into law. The Massachusetts Senate passed H. 4811 An Act Futher Protecting Children on July 15th - the bill will soon go before the Governor for his signature.

For More Coverage:
Boston Herald story: "Quest for justice hits cruel reality"

Boston Herald Editorial: "No simple strategy for protecting kids"

Attorney General Martha Coakley Letter of Support on H. 4811:

Statement by Attorney General Martha Coakley on H. 4811:

Massachusetts District Attorneys Association Letter of Support on H. 4811:

Senator Baddour welcomes Jacqueline Connolly of Haverhill to the State House

Jacqueline Connolly, 9, of Bradford, was named the winner of the Soap Box Derby for ages 9 through 13. She will represent Massachusetts in the National Championships, July 26, in Akron, Ohio.

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Senator Baddour announces the creation of the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund

Dedicates a portion of the revenue collected from beach-goers to long-term beach maintenance to help ensure that residents and business owners will not have to rely on one-time or special state funding year-to-year to repair any damages, or to preserve and maintain the beach on a regular basis.

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Article from Eagle Tribune.

Senate unveils Fiscal Year 2009 Budget

Click here for a summary and a brief overview of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means fiscal year 2009 budget recommendations. Throughout these recommendations are commitments to the health, safety, education and overall well-being of the Commonwealth's residents.

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Review the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's preliminary analysis of the Senate budget.

Baddour invites DOR Commissioner Bal to answer questions pertaining to Governor Patrick's Corporate Tax Policy Initiatives

Senator Steven A. Baddour is happy to announce that Department of Revenue Commssioner Navjeet Bal will be giving a presentation to businesses at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill. Commissioner Bal will be speaking to business owners about how Governor Patrick's Corporate Tax Policity Initiatives will affect their business.

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Invitation Flyer

Read Associated Industries of Massachusetts' Letter to the Editor about Corporate Tax Loopholes

Governor signs Baddour booster seat legislation into law

On Friday, April 11, 2008, the Governor signed legislation sponsored by Senator Baddour that would require the use of booster seats for children through age 7 or four-feet-nine-inches tall, whichever comes first. The law this replaces targets children up to the age of 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds.

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Story from the Boston Globe

Story from the Eagle Tribune

Baddour joins Governor, Senate President and Speaker in announcing transportation bond bill

Senator Baddour joined Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi and Governor Deval Patrick in announcing a transportation bond bill on Thursday, March 27.

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One-pager on proposals included in bond bill

Governing Magazine's report card giving Massachusetts as C overall and a D+ on infrastructure

Story from Boston Globe

Baddour advocates for casino gambling in Eagle Tribune

Senator Baddour argued in favor of casino gambling in a recent editorial in the Eagle Tribune.

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Baddour chairs oversight hearing on MVRTA

Senator Baddour is joined by Rep. Harriett Stanley (L) and Sen. Bruce Tarr (R ) as he hears testimony at an oversight hearing of the Merrimack Valley Transit Authority. Senator Baddour called the hearing as a result of multiple complaints by local residents and Councils on Aging regarding the service.

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Press release
Story from Eagle Tribune

Rep. Mike Costello adds his support to Senator Baddour's booster seat bill.

Senator Baddour speaks at a press release announcing Public Safety Committee Chair Mike Costello's support of his child booster seat bill. Senator Baddour and Rep. Costello were joined by representatives from the State Police and AAA, who are also supporting the bill.

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Press release

Senator Baddour and Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone file new legislation reforming sexually dangerous person statute.

Senator Steve Baddour joins Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone (center) and Senator Steve Panagiotakos (D-Lowell) (right) at a press conference announcing their intention to file new legislation reforming the sexually dangerous person statute in the Commonwealth. The new legislation would shift power regarding placement of sexually dangerous persons in communities away from judges and into the hands of jurors.

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Press release announcing legislation
Story from the Boston Globe regarding the legislation

Baddour joins Kerry and Kennedy in announcing local Appropriation Bill.

Senator Baddour joined Senator John F. Kerry, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas in announcing Congressional passage of the federal appropriations bill, which includes approximately $4 million for local projects throughout the Merrimack Valley. Included in that bill is funding for the Methuen-Arlington Neighborhood Association.

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Press Release

Senator Baddour hosts appreciation event for veterans and their families.

Senator Baddour hosted an event for approximately 150 veterans and their family members to show his support and appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Baddour was joined by other local legislators and elected officials, as well as Robert Antell, a veteran of World War II who lives in Amesbury (pictured above).

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Veterans Press Release
Eagle Tribune Article

Senator Baddour at the opening of the Comeau Bridge in Haverhill.

Senator Baddour helps unveil the sign for the new Comeau Bridge in Haverhill with Governor Deval Patrick and Secretary of Transportation Bernard Cohen.

Senator Baddour joins Governor Deval Patrick in announcing Massachusetts Mobility Compact.

Senator Baddour with Governor Deval Patrick on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 as they announce the new Massachusetts Mobility Compact.

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Massachusetts Mobility Compact
Mobility Press Release

Senator Baddour joins other senators in calling for debarment of Big Dig contractor.

Senator Baddour speaking at a press conference held with Senator Pacheco (left) and Senator Tarr (right) where they called for the debarment of Bechtel Parsons/Brinckerhoff on July 11, 2007.

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Boston Globe Article
NECN Video Clip

Senator Baddour co-hosts regional hearing of the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill.

As a member of the new Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change, Senator Baddour welcomed committee chair State Senator Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) and State Senator Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester) to Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill for a regional hearing regarding the very pressing issue of the environmental and health impacts of climate change.

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Press Release on Global Warming

Senator Baddour joins forces with advocates to strenghten safety legislation for children.

Senator Baddour hosted an event along with AAA Southern New England to highlight a bill calling for a booster seat law in the Commonwealth.

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Press Release on Booster Seat

Governor Patrick Thanks Senator Baddour for Vote on Marriage Amendment.

Governor Patrick Thanks Senator Baddour for Vote on Marriage Amendment.

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Thank you letter

Senator Baddour receives Outstanding Leadership Award from the National Mutliple Sclerosis Society.

Senator Baddour receives Outstanding Leadership Award from the National Mutliple Sclerosis Society.

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Press Release on National MS Society Award

Senator Baddour joins local elected officials in praising Governor for action on local flood relief.

Senator Baddour is please to announce that Governor Deval Patrick has made a request to President Bush to declare a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance in order to expedite financial aid to the local cities and towns of Essex, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Berkshire Counties impacted by the Nor'easter, beginning on April 15, 2007. Governor Patrick also requested assistance from the Small Business Administration for Essex County.

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Joint press release from Senator Baddour and Representative Costello
Letter from Senator Baddour to MassHighway
Joint letter from Senator Baddour and Representative Costello requesting beach replenishment

Federal Highway Administration grants preliminary approval to I-93/Lowell Junction Interchange Justification Report.

Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen) announced that the Federal Highway Administration granted preliminary approval to the state's request to move forward with the IJR for the I-93 project proposed in the Andover, Wilmington and Tewksbury area. This announcement allows the IJR to move forward to the next phase of the project, an environmental impact study. Senator Baddour met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters (pictured top left) and urged her to support this project when he participated in a Transportation Leadership Summit at the White House in February.

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News
April 19th story from Lowell Sun

Senator Baddour and Haverhill legislators donate to local Textbook Project.

Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen), Representative Brian Dempsey (D-Haverhill), and Representative Harriett Stanley (D-West Newbury) have joined forces to help support the "Textbook Project" sponsored by the Haverhill School Committee to help fund the purchase of new textbooks for public school students in Haverhill. The legislators are splitting the cost of textbooks for an entire class - $1,625 in total. They presented the check to Dr. Raliegh Buchanan, Superintendent of the Haverhill School District.

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News

Senator Baddour welcomes Children's Miracle Network Massachusetts Ambassador from Newburyport to the State House.

Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen) and Representative Michael A. Costello (D-Newburyport) were happy to welcome Brady and his family to the State House for a reception including a visit from Wally the Green Monster of the Boston Red Sox and Dr. James Mandell of Children’s Hospital in Boston.

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News

Senator Baddour announces that he will not run for Congress in the Fifth District.

Stating that "In the end, I realized that while any one can be a Congressman, I am the only one who can be a father to my two daughters," Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen) announced today that he will not seek election to Congress in the Fifth Congressional District.

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News
Senator Baddour's statement on his decision
Story from the Eagle Tribune on Senator Baddour's decision

Senator Baddour named to new Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change.

Calling it a necessary state response to a growing global threat, Senate President Robert E. Travaglini today announced the creation of a new Senate Committee charged with studying the impact of climate change on the Commonwealth and formulating public policy to help reduce greenhouse gasses. Senator Steven A. Baddour is one of six legislators named to work on the new Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change.

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- Press Release

Senator Baddour and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters at the White House Transportaiton Leadership Summit on February 9th.

Senator Baddour met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, and used the opportunity to discuss pressing local transportation matters including the Junction/I-93 interchange project. He also focused his time on advocating for funding for critical transportation infrastructure needs throughout the Commonwealth.

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- Press Release

Sen. Baddour stumps for Deval Patrick at Methuen Rallyn

Senator Steven Baddour introduced Deval Patrick at a campaign rally in Methuen on October 29. Patrick won election as the state's first African-American governor less than two weeks later, on November 7, 2006. Senator Baddour's support helped carry many towns and cities in the Merrimack Valley for Deval Patrick. In the 2002 election, the Merrimack Valley had voted heavily for Republican Mitt Romney.

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- Press Release

Baddour helps bring high-tech jobs to Methuen

Senator Steven Baddour tours the Parlex Offices in Methuen. Senator Baddour helped Parlex win a waiver from the City to complete the relocation of more than 40 jobs to Methuen from Rhode Island. Senator Baddour has actively worked to streamline the permitting process for businesses to help bring well-paying jobs to Methuen.

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- Press Release

Senator Baddour meets with Forth-Graders from the Timony School in Methuen

Senator Steven Baddour met with Fourth-Graders from the Timony School in Methuen on November 15, 2006. The students toured the State House, learning about the history of the Commonwealth and the importance of the democratic process. Senator Baddour frequently meets with students of all ages from the First Essex District and enjoys the chance to participate in their education.

Sen. Baddour publishes new newsletter

Senator Steven Baddour published a newsletter announcing his most recent work and accomplishments for residents of the First Essex District. In the newsletter, available in Adobe Acrobat pdf format below, Senator Baddour announced successful work in cracking down on repeat drunk drivers, extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting sex offenders and vital increases in local aid for residents of the Merrimack Valley. For a print copy of the newsletter or to find out more information about Sen. Baddour's ongoing work, send an email to steve@stevenbaddour.com.

Newletter

Bill Proposes Increased Accountability

Sen. Baddour sponsored legislation with Sen. Bruce Tarr, Sen. Marc Pacheco and Inspector General Greg Sullivan which would increase oversight on public construction projects. The proposal is a direct response to try and prevent another tragedy like the Big Dig Collapse from happening again.

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- Stories
- Press Release
- Bill summary

Sen. Baddour Denounces Healy Campaign Ad, Reiterates Support for Patrick

In a statement to the press, Sen. Baddour said, “You can imagine my surprise then when I woke up yesterday to find my image and words from the bill signing splashed across a political ad for Kerry Healey. I am simply shocked that the Lieutenant Governor would attempt to use this event for political gain. This event was a bipartisan effort to celebrate the passage of a critical bill to protect children. It was not to celebrate Kerry Healey. It wasn’t supposed to be about politicians at all. It was a day for victims and children.”

For More Coverage:
- Press Statement
- Boston Globe Article
- CBS4 Story

Sen. Baddour debates on NECN

Sen. Baddour spoke for Tom Reilly on News Night with Jim Braude. Sen. Baddour defended Tom Reilly’s promise to provide tax relief, and talked about Tom Reilly’s record of proven results as Attorney General.

See the Video Clip

Sen. Baddour sponsors new RTA law

Sen. Baddour was the primary sponsor of a new law which adds a representative from the disabled community to the Regional Transit Authority boards. One representative from the disabled community will serve on one RTA board in the Commonwealth, rotating each year throughout the state. "This legislation is a first step in recognizing the previously unmet needs of the disabled community," said Sen. Steven Baddour, D-Methuen. "Adding a representative of the disabled community to the RTA Advisory Boards was absolutely necessary."

Eagle-Tribune lauds Baddours independence and Big Dig oversight

State Sen. Steven Baddour, D-Methuen, has taken campaign donations from contractors, lawyers and lobbyists involved in the Big Dig.

But the co-chairman of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Transportation is no tool of construction companies. Quite the contrary. His record indicates he has taken a hard line on the contractors whose shoddy work has turned the Big Dig into a national laughingstock.

The Baddour example illustrates the fallacy behind much of campaign finance reform. It takes money to run political campaigns. Unions, corporations and "special interest" groups should have as much right to make political donations as individuals do. Reformers have focused on shutting off the money and limiting political speech. But it is not the money itself that is corrupting. It is the possibility that politicians can find ways to hide their sources of funding that is troubling.

Read the Eagle-Tribune’s editorial praising Steve