2) State Senate passes veterans bill
Somerville's two state senators—Patricia Jehlen and Sal DiDomenico—supported The Valor Act, a veterans bill that passed unanimously through the Massachusetts Senate last week, according to an announcement from the senators sent by Jehlen's office. The bill aims to increase support for returning veterans. It makes it easier for veterans to get education credit for their military experience; it makes it easier for children of military personnel to transfer school districts; it promotes certain veteran-owned businesses in public projects, and it expands eligibility for the Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund, among other things, according to the announcement.

In a statement, Jehlen said, "This bill will ensure that Massachusetts remains the national leader in supporting our veterans and military families." DiDomenico said, "The Valor Act honors their dedication and service to our nation by expanding benefits and increasing access to the services that our troops and families deserve."

The Massachusetts Legislature recently passed separate versions of a $1.3 billion dollar transportation bill, including amendments in both versions that would require further study of a proposed plan to transport increased quantities of ethanol via train through Chelsea and other affected communities.  This provision, sponsored by Senators Anthony Petruccelli and Sal DiDomenico in the Senate, and Speaker Robert DeLeo and Representatives Eugene O’Flaherty and Kathi-Anne Reinstein in the House, comes in response to a proposed plan by Global Petroleum to transport increased quantities of ethanol via MBTA commuter rail tracks, which run through a number of urban communities – including Chelsea – to their facility in Revere.  Global Petroleum recently filed an application for a Chapter 91 Waterway license with DEP to gain approval for the project.

Both the House and Senate amendment require the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to conduct a study to determine the impact of transporting ethanol by rail through Chelsea and other affected communities will have on public safety, which must be completed within 6 months of the enactment of the bill.   The Senate version also prohibits the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from issuing a license for transportation of ethanol through these communities until it has received the completed report.

Lt. Governor Tim Murray, Ed Lambert, the Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Representative Gene O’Flaherty, Senator Sal DiDomenico and a host of dignitaries, including the directors of the Charlestown Youth Hockey Association, were on hand with many others who came to celebrate the completion of energy saving elements at the Emmons Horrigan Rink Wednesday morning.

Rick Sullivan, the State’s Secretary of Energy and Environment – the former DCR director and the architect of energy saving measures in the skating rinks – delivered brief remarks praising the Lt. Governor, O’Flaherty, DiDomenico and the residents of Charlestown.