Medford Lawmakers Win Endorsements

Rep. Sciortino Wins Endorsements from Organizations Supporting Working Families

The Committee to Re-Elect Rep. Carl Sciortino today announced that Neighbor to Neighbor, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the National Association of Social Workers-Massachusetts Chapter, 1199 SEIU Massachusetts, SEIU Local 509, SEIU Local 888, and the SEIU Massachusetts State Council have endorsed Rep. Sciortino in his bid for re-election.

“The National Association of Social Workers, Massachusetts Chapter is proud to endorse Rep. Sciortino in his bid for re-election this November,” said Genevieve Coyle of NASW-MA. “Rep. Sciortino’s work on affordable health care, accessible senior housing, closing corporate tax loopholes, and the sustainable creation of jobs in this economy shows his commitment to the working families in his district.”

“Increasing the minimum wage, closing corporate tax loopholes, and bringing transparency to our state’s finances are just a few examples of what I’ve worked hard to accomplish,” said Rep. Sciortino. “I’ve also prioritized investments in local infrastructure and grants for local business to support the creation of local jobs. In my past three terms in the State House, I have fought for these issues and hope for the opportunity to continue fighting for the needs of working families in our community.”

Rep. Sciortino was a lead advocate of a budget transparency measure that passed this year. “Knowing where our money is going, and being able to measure the effectiveness of state spending, particularly on business tax incentives, is critical to ensuring the most efficient and robust job creation in the state,” said Rep. Sciortino. “Starting next year every dollar spent in every state agency and quasi-public entity like the MBTA will be online and searchable, in addition to detailed information about what businesses have received tax breaks intended to spur job growth.

“Rep. Sciortino has been a consistent fighter for working families since he first was elected to office,” said Harris Gruman, Executive Director of SEIU Massachusetts State Council. “Rep. Sciortino knows that investing in our community beats tax breaks for multi-national corporations as the best way to create jobs and opportunities for working families right here in Massachusetts. SEIU is excited to endorse Rep. Sciortino and looks forward to continuing our work with him.”

Rep. Sciortino has been also been endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers-Massachusetts, the Boston Teachers Union, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, MassEquality, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, Mass Alliance, the Victory Fund, the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, the Progressive Democrats of Somerville, the Bay State Stonewall Democrats, Clean Water Action, the Sierra Club, the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists, and the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters. He is running for re-election on November 2nd. To learn more or get involved, visit www.electcarl.org.

Rep. Donato Earns Multiple Endorsements

State Representative Paul Donato is pleased to announce the following endorsements for his reelection to the 35th Middlesex District:

Public Safety:
– State Police Association of Massachusetts
– Malden Firefighters Union
– Medford Firefighters Union
– Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts

Education:
– Massachusetts Teachers Association
– American Federation of Teachers
– Boston Teachers Union
– Retired Educators of Massachusetts

Workers:
– Massachusetts AFL-CIO
– Teamsters Local Union No.25
– SEIU Massachusetts State Council
– Local 151 of the Laborers’ International Union
– National Association of Government Employees
– Massachusetts Laborers’ District Council
– Laborers’ Local Union 22

Donato’s commitment to working men and women, public safety, and education was cited in these endorsements. Rick Brown, President of the State Police Association of Massachusetts stated “time and time again, you have shown yourself to be tireless advocate, willing to listen to all sides and act accordingly.”

“To be recognized and endorsed by these organizations for my daily work is both an honor and privilege,” said Donato.

Rep. Donato is pleased to announce that Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) has released its 2009-2010 Legislative Scorecard which shows the Representative’s commitment to economic growth and job creation.

According to the 2009-2010 Legislative Scorecard, AIM releases the Scorecard at the conclusion of each legislative session to “ensure that members know legislators’ records on key economic and public-policy issues, and to recognize lawmakers who understand the importance of a vibrant economy for all residents.”

“Improving jobs and the economic climate in the Commonwealth needs to be a major focus of the legislature,” said Representative Donato. “I am pleased to have worked on this important legislation and I am proud to have received this recognition.

Representative Garballey Receives a Score of 103 on Environmental Scorecard

The Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters comes out with an “Environmental Scorecard” for each legislative year. During this past legislative year, one major environmental bill along with two smaller bills were passed and signed into law. Several anti-environmental amendments were also defeated in the legislature.

Some examples of environmental successes include the passing of the Off-highway Vehicle Regulation (S. 2257), the Oil-Spill Prevention legislation (S. 4247), as well as the Creation of the Food Policy Council (H. 4568).

The MLEV Environmental Scorecard’s voting score is determined by calculating the number of pro-environment votes cast out of the total votes scored. Legislators could receive extra points for sponsoring or co-sponsoring environmental bills. Representative Garballey received a score of 103% for his outstanding record on environmental issues and legislation in the Commonwealth. Representative Garballey is proud of his score and will look forward to working with the environmental community and fellow legislators in the future to advance more environmentally friendly bills into law.

National Association of Social Workers MA Chapter Endorses Pat Jehlen

The National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Chapter – Political Action for Candidate Election (NASW MA PACE) has re-endorsed Pat Jehlen for State Senator for the Second Middlesex district. NASW MA Chapter is the largest social work organization in the state with 8,400 social worker members.

NASW’s core mission includes ensuring all people have access to healthcare, basic education and the opportunity to earn a fair wage. NASW’s political action arm endorses candidates with a solid and proven commitment to these values. Social workers advocate for policy priorities and legislation that strengthen the social work profession and strengthen the social safety net for vulnerable populations on the local and state level. During her time in office, Sen. Jeheln has demonstrated a strong commitment to these values and as a result has earned the re-endorsement of NASW MA PACE.

Genevieve Coyle, Chair of NASW MA PACE said, “Sen. Jehlen’s work in the Senate reflects her dedication to the social and economic justice values of social work. We know as Senator for the Second Middlesex district, Pat will continue to bring the vital perspective of social workers with respect to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities to the State House. NASW MA PACE is proud to endorse Pat Jehlen.”

– Information submitted by Representatives Donato and Sciortino and Sen. Jehlen and from Rep. Garballey’s website