Update from Rep. Benson

As school ends and summer begins, I wanted to update you and some of my recent work in the Legislature.
 
The Senate passed their version of the budget at the end of last month and it is now in conference committee, where my fellow legislators will reconcile the House and Senate versions. There are several line items of interest to my district that were included in both the House and Senate budgets. The amendments I sponsored included $500,000 in aid for cities and towns hosting prisons and $300,000 in bonus aid to support newly formed regional schools, like the Ayer-Shirley district. In this very difficult budget climate it is still critical to adequately fund education.  My colleagues and I secured an extra $500,000 in the House budget to fund autism services for low-income families and dramatically increased early intervention funding, which in the long run can lead to reduced need for special education programs and lower overall spending.
 
In May, we also passed the human trafficking bill, which increases the punishment for persons who deal in the abominable practice of imposing sexual servitude and forced labor upon victims.  It raises the age at which a person is still considered a minor in issues of sexual conduct from age 14 to age 18. This protects teens and young adults from facing charges after being coerced or forced into service, and makes them more likely to seek help in such terrible situations. I was proud to join my House colleagues in unanimously passing this bill.
 
The House also unanimously passed probation reform legislation, improving hiring practices and increasing transparency at the Probation Department. Under the legislation, the civilian Court Administrator will review and approve the hiring of non-judicial employees and generally administer the Trial Court, while the Chief Justices will manage the Court’s core judicial functions. Probation and Court Officers will also go through a rigorous hiring and promotion process, including an entrance exam, interview and background review. By separating the court duties into newly defined jobs and streamlining the hiring and promotion process, the bill aims to decrease conflicts of interest and the possibility of corruption. I am dedicated to improving transparency and efficiency in all aspects of government, and this bill furthers that effort.
 
I also spent a lot of time in the district during May, meeting with constituents and town leaders. I had the pleasure of touring the Fort Devens Museum to learn about the base’s military history. I also met with school nurses in the area to discuss the challenges they face and celebrated the one year anniversary of the Shirley Senior Center opening. I also had the opportunity to join the Gun Owners’ Action League for a day of trap shooting at the 3rd Annual Firearms Safety and Education Day to learn about gun safety and the organization’s educational services. I was also happy to participate in the Chester Mossman Teen Center Fundraiser. I admire and support their goal to provide Lunenburg area youth with a safe place for recreation and learning. As always, I encourage all of you to keep in touch by contacting my office at 617.722.2017 or sending me an email at Jennifer.Benson@mahouse.gov.