Submitted by Sen. Mike Barrett, (D) Lexington
Spurred by State Senator Mike Barrett, D-Lexington, the Legislature has voted to override a gubernatorial veto of funds to test the water quality of three local rivers, including the Concord River in Bedford.
Barrett sponsored the successful $25,000 amendment during Senate budget debate. The Governor then nixed the item. In response, Barrett called for the funding to be reinstated. Barrett says his job was to convince colleagues to undue the Governor’s action, noting that a veto override requires two-thirds approval in both branches. His efforts paid off, as the funding was restored.
Currently the three waterways — the Concord, Assabet, and Sudbury — fail to meet certain quality benchmarks set by state and federal law.
“These rivers are treasures — hot spots for local recreation and storied settings for Massachusetts history,” Barrett said. In 1999 the federal government designated parts of the waterways as “wild and scenic” for their ecological features and cultural importance. As it happens, they’re the closest “wild and scenic” rivers to a major metropolitan area in the entire U.S.
“Excellent non-profits have been doing the hard work of keeping our rivers clean and beautiful,” Barrett said. Specifically, Barrett commended OARS, the local organization expected to do the water quality testing. “I’m glad we were able to provide some support for its efforts.”
On a matter of statewide interest, the House and Senate voted to add back $500,000 in funding for a detention diversion program run by the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps. Barrett originally added funding for the program during the Senate budget process. He then successfully called for an override of a gubernatorial veto.
The aim of the initiative is to prevent young people from re-entering the juvenile justice system. Justice Policy Institute research suggests “the detention experience may increase the odds that youth will recidivate.”
The detention diversion program provides community-based support and supervision. Barrett notes that program workers provide 24/7 case management, including coordination with probation staff, face-to-face communication and curfew checks, and weekly family check-ins.
The Governor also nixed funding for a state climatologist. But the Legislature rebutted his veto. Barrett has been pushing for funds to hire a state climatologist to advise government on the impacts of global warming. “Climate change is definitely happening and means rising oceans, extreme temperatures, and wilder storms,” Barrett said. “A climatologist will provide enormous help to state and local officials.”
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