May 14, 2007

Representatives Eldridge and Peisch form Suburban Legislative Coalition


BOSTON – Representative James Eldridge (D-Acton) and Representative Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley) have stepped forward to establish the Suburban Legislative Coalition in the House of Representatives, and held the coalition’s first meeting on Wednesday, January 31st.

Representatives Eldridge and Peisch are establishing this caucus of legislators in order to better represent the interests of suburban communities in the Legislature, and educate all members of the House of the particular needs and viewpoints of suburban communities.

“Given the growth that most suburban communities are experiencing, it is critical that suburban legislators work together to ensure that the needs of every municipality are served by Massachusetts state government,” emphasized Representative Eldridge. “The Suburban Legislative Coalition will work to bring together all of these communities to do just that.”

Rep. Peisch quote:

At the first meeting, legislators agreed that the Suburban Legislative Coalition will direct its energies to increasing Chapter 70 and other forms of education aid, cost savings for municipalities, protecting the environment, open space and state parks, increasing affordable housing while reforming Chapter 40B, improving public transportations and roads and bridges, and fast-tracking Home Rule petitions through the Legislature.

The Suburban Legislative Coalition will also be reaching out to the currently existing caucuses, in order to gain support for important programs like the Special Education Circuit Breaker, the Senior Citizen Circuit Breaker, school transportation reimbursement, local option taxes [?], and Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) funds.

“This coalition cuts across a number of different legislative caucuses, which will complement any efforts to improve the quality of life for suburban communities, and their residents,” said Representative Peisch at the coalition meeting.
Those interested in learning more about the Suburban Legislative Coalition should contact Representative Eldridge’s office at Rep.JamesEldridge@hou.state.ma.us or (617) 722-2060 or Representative Peisch’s office at Rep.AlicePeisch@hou.state.ma.us or (617) 722-2080.