By Senator Katherine Clark
A report out last week showed states are failing to make one of the best investments in our economic health and competitiveness. The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University found that state funding for early education decreased by over half a billion dollars last year, the largest one-year drop ever. In addition, the NIEER reported that after a decade of growth, enrollment in state-funded early education programs has stalled relative to population, marking the first time there was no increase in the percentage of children served. Average state funding per child fell to $3,841, which is more than $1,000 below the national average a decade ago.… [more]
States Must Invest in Early Ed
Senator Clark Chairs Hearing on Bill to Protect our Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2013
CONTACT: Jessica Leitz, 617-722-1206
BOSTON, MA—Today the Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing, chaired by Senator Katherine Clark (D-Melrose), to consider a series of important public safety bills. The Committee took up legislation to strengthen our system of oversight of convicted sex offenders and ensure that citizens, local law enforcement and relevant state agencies have the information they need to protect our children and communities.
An Act to protect our communities, sponsored by Senator Clark (S.656) and Representative Paul Brodeur (H.1232), has the bipartisan co-sponsorship of 27 members of the legislature and the strong support of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.
Families, advocates and law enforcement officials testified in support of the bill, including Wakefield Chief of Police Rick Smith, whose own community was stunned when John Burbine, of Wakefield, was charged with 100 counts of child abuse and sexual assault involving very young children. The deeply disturbing case highlighted the need to strengthen the Commonwealth’s laws and regulations to help prevent these horrific crimes in the future. This legislation does so fairly and judiciously.… [more]
Observances and Benefits: Marathon Bombing Victims
Friends,
Below please find a list of observances, funds and benefits in our district that are being held to honor and support the victims of the Marathon Bombings and the violent aftermath. This list will be continually updated. If you know of an event that is not on this list, please email me at katherine.clark@masenate.gov so we can add it.… [more]
Homeless Court: Justice for all, one person at a time
By Senator Katherine Clark
By some estimates, on any given night there are over 16,000 homeless individuals in Massachusetts. Thousands of families struggle with homelessness and inconsistent housing each year; and though the numbers are decreasing with much-needed reform, over 1,200 families are currently receiving emergency housing in motels.
Homeless individuals face a barrage of daily challenges: finding safe, consistent shelter; inadequate access to healthcare and mental health services; substance abuse; limited transportation and job training options; and the threat of violence and sexual assault.… [more]
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