"This is a continuation of the work we've done in the last legislative session. This is an issue that affects every corner of Massachusetts; it's in every city and town. I think that the commonsense measures taken in this legislation will provide some tools to help decrease the prevalence of this in our society. An important piece of this bill is to raise public awareness and to recognize the symptoms of addiction," stated Senator Flanagan.

"When drugs like these are responsible for more accidental deaths in Massachusetts than motor vehicle accidents, you know we've got a problem," Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. "I said at the beginning of this legislative session this would be a top priority. The abuse of these drugs has devastating effects on individuals and families of every socio-economic background. The costs are high, both to families and the economy, not to mention the significant impact on public safety. This bill will help save lives and keep us all safer."

"This bill recognizes the quiet epidemic that has struck families all across this Commonwealth, and with practical, cost-effective measures steps up our fight against one of the main causes of the epidemic – prescription painkillers," said Senator John F. Keenan (D-Quincy) lead sponsor of the bill.

BOSTON – The Senate on Thursday passed legislation establishing new employment rights for victims of domestic violence that will help victims keep their jobs and increase long-term economic productivity Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan (D-Leominster) announced today. The vote was 34-0. The bill has wide support from advocacy organizations and the business community.

"Domestic violence has unfortunately increased across the Commonwealth and in my District. This legislation will go a long way in alleviating fear of losing a job because of a circumstance at home. Victims of this senseless act need as many tools as possible to remedy their situation; we have added some stability to an often unstable situation," stated Senator Flanagan.

BOSTON – The Senate on Tuesday took decisive action to end mismanagement and financial abuses at the Commonwealth's education collaboratives, which help teach children with special needs. With a unanimous vote, the Senate passed legislation that establishes strict oversight and accountability of the state's 30 institutions.

"This is another step taken by the Senate to increase transparency in state government. It's so disheartening when we hear about misuse of taxpayer money. We are continuously cutting services and fighting for every dollar these days; I'm so proud to have voted in favor of another piece of legislation that makes these much needed reforms. Children who are educated in the collaborative system deserve the highest integrity in those who are employed to oversee them," Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan (D-Leominster).

State officials and the public called for immediate action after investigations last year by the state auditor and inspector general uncovered a serious misuse of funding at the Merrimack Special Education Collaborative and other collaboratives around the state.

BOSTON – Wednesday, December 21, 2011 -- Governor Deval Patrick today signed S. 1741, "An Act Designating a Certain Bridge in the City of Leominster as the Jonathan Roberge Memorial Bridge." The bridge is being named after Jonathan Roberge of Leominster, a 22-year-old private first class in the United States Army, who was killed in action near Mosul, Iraq on February 9, 2009.

"I am proud to honor a young man who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Commonwealth, our country and our freedom," said Governor Patrick. "This is just a small measure of our gratitude for Jonathan Roberge, his family and his community."

Governor Patrick signs S. 1741, “An Act Designating a Certain Bridge in the City of Leominster as the Jonathan Roberge Memorial Bridge.” Photo credit: Governor’s Office/Eric Haynes

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Legislature yesterday gave final approval to expanded gaming legislation allowing three resort casinos in separate regions of the state and one openly-bid slot facility. The legislation could provide 10,000 to 15,000 long-term jobs in the Commonwealth and generate hundreds-of-millions of dollars a year for the state.

"The passage of this legislation has been long-awaited here in Commonwealth," said Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan (D-Leominster), chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. "Thousands of jobs will be created for the citizens of Massachusetts, and I am very proud that the Legislature has moved forward on this very important issue. The Legislature has worked diligently to ensure a sound, transparent piece of legislation that will benefit citizens across the state."

BOSTON – Anyone involved in the organization of forced labor and sexual servitude would face tough criminal penalties under new legislation given final approval yesterday by the House of Representatives and the Senate. The crackdown on human trafficking, which is being hailed as the toughest legislation of its kind in the nation, also establishes important protections for victims and children to help them access necessary services.

"It is so sad that many people don't even realize this is happening right here in Massachusetts," Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan (D-Leominster) said. "I was very proud to have served on this vitally important conference committee. We are sending a very stern message with this legislation that this type of activity will not be tolerated. Again, I am so proud of the Legislature for acting on this bill and for sending it to the Governor."

BOSTON – Salary spiking and other manipulations of the pension system that lead to excessive costs to the state would be shut down under final legislation approved yesterday by the Senate and the House of Representatives. The legislation, which now goes to the Governor for his signature, is projected to save the Commonwealth more than $5 billion over 30 years.

"I am pleased that we have taken another positive step at reforming our pension system. These are commonsensical approaches to saving the Commonwealth's taxpayers money while adding more credibility back into the public sector. I am proud of the Massachusetts Legislature for tackling pension reform for a second time," stated Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan (D-Leominster).

LEOMINSTER - Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan (D-Leominster) announced today that Massachusetts residents will be able to properly and safely dispose of any unused or expired prescription drugs at more than 200 drop-off sites statewide on Saturday October 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the 3rd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Both the Ashby and Westminster Police Departments will host Prescription Drug Takeback programs.

The Take Back program, coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in cooperation with local police departments, municipal offices, and medical facilities, was started last year in response to the growing need to provide safe ways for people to dispose of their prescription medications. So far, more than 305 tons of prescription drugs have been turned in nationwide at Take Back days held last fall and this past spring. The service is free and anonymous; drugs can be turned in with no questions asked.

The bridge will be dedicated at a public ceremony on Saturday October 8th at 11am in Davis Hall located in the First Parish Church of Bolton.

State Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow) and State Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan (D-Leominster) are proud to announce that their bill naming the bridge on I-495 over Route 117 in Bolton, The Harold Brown Jr. Memorial Bridge was signed into law by Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray.
The bridge will be dedicated at a public ceremony on October 8th at 11am in Davis Hall located in the First Parish Church of Bolton. This ceremony will honor Harold Brown Jr. who gave his life serving his country as a member of the Central Intelligence Agency in Khost, Afghanistan. Brown, a native of Bolton, spent 20 years in service to his country before he was killed by a suicide bomber in December of 2009.