Representative Driscoll in the News and Media

 
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House passes bill prohibiting bullying   
Braintree — State Rep. Joseph R. Driscoll (D-Braintree) joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation that would prohibit bullying and cyber-bullying while requiring schools to develop a bullying prevention plan and integrate bullying prevention instruction into their curriculum. 
(Full story) 

Driscoll backs bill updating victims bill of rights   
Braintree — Representative Joe Driscoll (D-Braintree) offered his support for legislation that would update the Victims Bill of Rights for the first time in almost 15 years. The bill, An Act to Protect and Enhance the Rights of Child and Adult Victims and Witnesses of Crime, seeks to increase victim and witness awareness of their rights, as well as the support services available to them. 
(Full story) 

Braintree Rep. Driscoll co-sponsors bill to protect kids from online predators   
Braintree — State Rep. Joseph Driscoll (D-Braintree) has co-sponsored legislation to update the law regarding the dissemination of harmful material to minors to include various types of electronic communications. 
(Full story) 

Driscoll co-sponsors legislation addressing repeat domestic violence offenders   
Braintree — State Rep. Joseph Driscoll (D-Braintree) has co-sponsored legislation to update the law regarding the dissemination of harmful material to minors to include various types of electronic communications. 
(Full story) 

Group backs harsh retail crime laws   
(This past weekend, thieves almost stole $520 of athletic gear at the Foot Locker at Braintree’s South Shore Plaza.  But a sharp-eyed clerk thwarted those plans, when he noticed that the stack of 20-dollar bills in front of him were counterfeits. “They got caught,” said South Shore Plaza Security director John McCune. 
(Full story) 

Movement to make organized retail crime a federal offense   
(NECN: Ally Donnelly, Braintree, Mass.) - Lawmakers and law enforcement around the country, and here in New England, are joining forces to address the increasing issue of organized retail crime, described as when rings of thieves steal items to sell everywhere from flea markets to the internet. (Full story) 

Retailers, Lawmakers Battle Organized Retail Crime BOSTON (WBZ) ―While downturns in the economy are blamed for dramatic rises in shoplifting, like the recent theft of nearly $3,000 in sunglasses at South Shore Plaza, nine out of 10 retailers say they were victims of organized retail crime this year, according to the National Retail Federation. "It's individuals that are well-funded, well-organized and they're out here to steal specifically merchandise that they've targeted and they're using that as a criminal enterprise," says R.J. Gaites, a lead investigator for Target. (Full story) 

Driscoll, a Holbrook state representative, opposes cuts in domestic violence prevention programs 
Holbrook - State Rep. Joseph Driscoll, who represents all of Braintree and District 1 in Holbrook, has sent a letter to Gov. Deval Patrick indicating his strong opposition to cutting state funding for domestic violence prevention programs, programs for rape prevention, and victim services. (Full story) 

Driscoll urges continued funding for programs to fight domestic violence. 
BRAINTREE — State Rep. Joseph Driscoll, D-Braintree, is urging that programs to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault and help the victims of those crimes be spared from further state budget cuts. 
(Full story) 

Braintree Rep. Driscoll testifying for motel license bill 
Braintree — State Rep. Joseph Drisco ll, who represents Braintree, is scheduled to offer testimony at a Sept. 9 hearing on legislation he filed which would enable a community to revoke the license of a motel or hotel if police are called to it three or more times within a calendar year for a crime. (Full story) 

Motel 6 in Braintree to submit redevelopment plan 

Sacrifices of war dead recalled in Randolph 
State Rep. Joseph Driscoll, D-Braintree, said remembering the nation’s war dead should not be limited to a single day each year. “We think of the sacrifice the few have made on behalf of the many,” Driscoll said.
The observance began with ceremonies at the war memorials in front of town hall, speeches and a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial outside the Turner Free Library. (Full story) 

Braintree pays tribute to armed forces dead 
Braintree — The commander of the 350th Electronic Systems Group at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford spoke about the history of Memorial Day and his belief that the United States is “a reluctant empire” during Braintree’s May 24 service honoring all deceased members of the armed forces.  Among those in attendance were state Sen. Michael Morrissey, state Rep. Joseph Driscoll, Town Council President and Councilor at Large Leland Dingee, Councilor at Large Harold Randolph, Councilor Charles Kokoros of District 1, Councilor John Mullaney of District 2, Councilor Thomas Bowes of District 3, and Councilor Paul “Dan” Clifford of District 6. (Full story) 

Bills to help veterans filed 
QUINCY — A Braintree lawmaker has filed two bills aimed at improving the lives of military veterans and their families.  “These bills stress our obligation to the courageous men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country,” state Rep. Joseph Driscoll said. “No words or measures can truly express the gratitude we owe these brave individuals.”  Driscoll, a Democrat, said one of the bills he filed allows the granting of tax abatements for qualifying soldiers. (Full story) 

Lawmaker wants cap on credit card fees 
“This bill looks after consumers and their families by returning equity to them,” state Rep. Joseph Driscoll said. (Full story) 

Repairs approved for South Middle School 
Braintree - The board of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has approved a grant that will result in significant renovations for South Middle School. Superintendent of Schools Peter Kurzberg expressed appreciation to state Rep. Joseph Driscoll, Mayor Joseph Sullivan, and the town council for their assistance and support in securing the necessary funding from both the state and the town. (Full story) 

Driscoll named to ways and means committee 
Braintree - State Rep. Joseph Driscoll has been selected to serve on the House committee on ways and means during the 2009-2010 legislative session, as well as the committee on financial services and the committee on revenue. (Full story) 

Three silent cheers for sound wall 
After reams-of-paper-worth of letters passed back and forth between Braintree Rep. Driscoll, Braintree officials, the State House, and the MBTA, the matter was finally resolved when Gov. Deval Patrick took office and released $2 million in funding to construct the sound wall.
The project was finished Friday, Jan. 23.(Full story) 

Front Street sound wall completed at last 
Braintree - State Rep. Joseph Driscoll is delighted about the Jan. 23 completion of a sound wall on Front Street as part of the revival of the Greenbush commuter rail line.

“For me, this is the culmination of four years of work,” he told the Forum. “I’m very pleased that it’s been done.”. (Full story) 
  
Representative Driscoll Aims to Toughen Penalties Against Drug Dealers 
Proposed Legislation Increases the Sale of Marijuana from a Misdemeanor to a Felony. (Full story)

DRISCOLL ANNOUNCES PASSAGE OF BILL WITH TOUGHER SENTENCES FOR DOMESTIC BATTERERS 
BOSTON – Representative Joe Driscoll (D-Braintree) announced the passage of a bill that doubles the potential penalties for domestic abusers and includes a provision to send batterers to state prison. (Full story)

Driscoll wins re-election in a landslide 
BRAINTREE — Incumbent legislator Joseph Driscoll of Braintree easily won re-election to another two-year term in Tuesday’s election. (Full story)

Braintree may get state money to replace school windows
S. Middle on short list to receive $500,000 for improvements 
“I felt it was necessary to have an onsite meeting to impress upon the authority how important this reimbursement is,” Driscoll said. “My expectation is that we will have good news shortly.” (Full story)

Driscoll, Moran square off in only debate
State rep. hopefuls both oppose ending income tax
BRAINTREE — Incumbent state Rep. Joseph Driscoll and challenger Richard Moran squared off Thursday in their only debate, touching on the proposed repealing of the state income tax and current Wall Street woes. (Full story)

HOUSE AND SENATE OVERRIDE GOVERNOR’S VETO OF POLICE FUNDS 
BOSTON – As the final formal session of the 185th General Court came to a close, Representative Joe Driscoll (D-Braintree) and Senators Michael Morrissey (D-Quincy) and Brian Joyce (D-Milton) announced that both the House and Senate overwhelmingly overrode the veto of the money appropriated to assist the Braintree Police Department with the replacement of its outdated communications console, which runs the local emergency 911 system. (Full story)
 
DRISCOLL SECURES WIND TURBINE FUNDS IN BOND BILL 
BOSTON – Representative Joe Driscoll (D-Braintree) announced an ambitious plan to address the costs associated with constructing a new water treatment plant to service Holbrook, Randolph and Braintree. Joined by his colleagues representing these communities, Driscoll along with Representatives Mariano, Ayers and Timilty secured $1.5 million in an Environmental Bond Bill for the purpose of constructing a wind turbine to provide power for the operation of the plant.  (Full story)
 
DRISCOLL SECURES FUNDING IN BOND BILL
BOSTON – Representative Joe Driscoll (D-Braintree) announced that the House of Representatives has unanimously approved a $3 billion general government bond bill which addresses many capital and infrastructure needs, including information technology and courthouse repairs. Included in the bill passed by the House is funding for several local projects in Braintree, totaling $1.5 million. The local items include money for improving town buildings and historical sites as well as funding technology for an innovative pilot program. (Full story)
  
HOUSE PASSES BILL REFORMING CHILD PROTECTION
BOSTON – Representative Joe Driscoll (D-Braintree) announced today that the House of Representatives yesterday gave final approval to a bill that will toughen the laws meant to protect our most vulnerable children from abuse and neglect and ensure that the protection of children is at the top of the state’s agenda. (Full story)
 
NATION-LEADING ENERGY REFORM PACKAGE SIGNED INTO LAW
BOSTON – Representative Joe Driscoll (D-Braintree) and Senators Michael Morrissey (D-Quincy) and Brian Joyce (D-Milton) today announced that a comprehensive, best in the nation energy reform bill that will reduce the Commonwealth’s use of foreign oil, increase use and production of cleaner, more renewable energy and help save costs at a critical time for consumers has unanimously passed the House and Senate and became law Wednesday with the signing of Governor Deval Patrick. (Full story)

House Brings Municipal Relief For Property Taxes Through Significant Health Care Savings
BOSTON – State Rep. Joseph R. Driscoll (D-Braintree) this week announced that the House of Representatives approved by a near-unanimous margin a bill granting significant financial relief to cities and towns across the Commonwealth by allowing municipalities to enroll workers in the state health insurance system. (Full story)
 
DRISCOLL ANNOUNCES MWRA RATE RELIEF IN HOUSE BUDGET
BOSTON – Representative Joe Driscoll (D-Braintree) announced that the recently passed House budget for Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) included $20 million for the state-wide Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund (Debt Service Assistance). (Full story)
  
DRISCOLL SECURES FUNDING FOR TOWN, POLICE AND LIBRARY
BOSTON – As the House of Representatives completed its deliberations on the Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) state budget, Representative Joe Driscoll (D-Braintree) announced that he was successful in securing three separate appropriations benefiting Braintree. (Full story)
 
DRISCOLL SPONSORS FUNDING FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS 
BOSTON – As the House of Representatives continued it’s deliberations on the Fiscal Year 2009 state budget, Representative Joe Driscoll (D-Braintree) announced that he was successful in securing funding for the Massachusetts Special Olympics. (Full story)
 
HOUSE AND SENATE REACH ACCORD ON LOCAL AID
BOSTON – Representative Joe Driscoll (D-Braintree) and Senators Michael Morrissey (D-Quincy) and Brian Joyce (D-Milton) today announced that the House and Senate’s top budget writers have agreed to increase state aid to cities and towns in the FY09 budget by $223 million, a 4.43 percent hike over last year, in the three major categories of local aid – Chapter 70 funding for public schools, lottery aid and additional assistance. (Full story)
 
Driscoll Supports Tax Deduction for Organ Donors
BOSTON - State Representative Joseph R. Driscoll (D-Braintree) announced his support for legislation that will grant an income tax deduction to organ donors. Senate Bill No. 1800 (S.1800), An Act establishing an income tax deduction for individuals who donate a human organ, is being referred to as The Gift of Life Act. 
(Full story)
 
Driscoll Announces That House Again Brings Municipal Relief For Property Taxes 
Boston- State Rep. Joseph R. Driscoll (D-Braintree) today announced that the House of Representatives approved a bill granting significant financial relief to cities and towns across the Commonwealth by allowing the consolidation of underperforming local and county pension boards into the state Public Retirement Investment Trust board (PRIT).  (Full story)
 
Driscoll Secures Much Needed Money for Government Transition
BOSTON – State Representative Joseph R. Driscoll (D-Braintree) announced today that the House of Representatives passed a Fiscal Year 2008 budget today that includes $100,000 to assist the Town of Braintree in transitioning to a new form of government next year.  (Full story)
 
House Approves $5 Million Increase in MWRA Ratepayer Relief
BOSTON – Holbrook State Representatives Ronald Mariano and Joseph Driscoll are pleased to announce a $5 million increase in rate relief for MWRA ratepayers was approved by the House of Representatives during debate on the fiscal year 2008 state budget.  (Full story)
 
Driscoll to host Lt. Governor Murray on Cable Show
BRAINTREE – Representative Joe Driscoll announced today that Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray will be in Braintree next week to tape the latest installment of Driscoll’s local cable access show, The Beacon Hill Report. (Full story)