Carolyn Dykema - Precinct 2
Office of
Representative Carolyn C. Dykema
Contact: Leah Robins, Legislative Aide
Office of Representative Carolyn Dykema
(617) 722-2210
leah.robins@state.ma.us
Representative Dykema Comments on Recently Passed Education Reform Bill
Representative Dykema Comments on Recently Passed Education Reform Bill
Boston, MA - On Thursday evening I joined my colleagues in the House and Senate in supporting passage of an education reform bill, an Act Relative to the Achievement Gap. This new law provides tools to improve struggling schools and creates a limited number of new charter schools in underperforming districts. Notably, the law will also put Massachusetts in a strong position to access up to $250 million in federal education funds. During debate, I co-sponsored a number of amendments to address concerns I have heard from our schools, and I am pleased that the final bill included a number of provisions that will help the schools in my district.
First, it requires the state to make an assessment of the true cost of a high quality education. Educators have contended for many years that there is a mismatch been our expectations for our students and the funding provided to meet them. This evaluation will assess resources available to schools, seek to understand how they’re spent, identify cost effective best practices, and provide the data needed to maximize the value of every education dollar.
Second, the law begins to address charter school funding concerns. The current method of funding charter schools drains needed dollars from public schools which are already facing tight budgets. Although only a first step, the new law provides some additional funding to public schools to offset the fiscal impact of charter school transfers.
Third, the bill protects regional school transportation funding. This year, I and other legislators who represent regional schools helped prevent transportation funding cuts that would have disproportionately affected regional schools. The new law will ensure these funds are protected in the future.
We can never be complacent when it comes to education, and we need to continually challenge ourselves to be better, even in the face of financial constraints. With this new law, the Commonwealth has taken an important step forward in providing for the education of our children and our future.
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Rep. Carolyn Dykema represents the 8th Middlesex district which includes Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway (pct. 1), Southborough (pcts. 2,3) and Westborough (pct. 2)
Representative Dykema and Senator Karen Spilka Announce Passage of Bill to Aid Towns
Representative Dykema and Senator Karen Spilka
Announce Passage of Bill to Aid Towns
Boston - Representative Carolyn Dykema and Senator Karen Spilka today announced the passage of An Act Extending the Deadline for Mailing Quarterly Tax Bills.
The bill will allow municipalities that have not yet set a tax rate, including the Towns of Holliston, Medway and Southborough, a one-time, one month extension for mailing quarterly tax bills.
“The signing of this bill is a tremendous help to the Town of Holliston,” said Kathryn Peirce, Town Assessor. “It allows continuity of the administrative process without placing an additional financial burden on the Town, and ensures that the tax payers will not be caused unnecessary financial stress in an already stressful economy.”
“With our cities and towns facing such tight budgets, passage of this bill will ensure that 135 communities are spared potential cash flow concerns,” Rep Dykema (D-Holliston) said. “I’m pleased that working together, the assessors and the legislature were able to ensure that our Towns and residents are relieved of additional fiscal pressure.”
“It is imperative that the state do all we can to help relieve the pressure on municipalities and homeowners during these tough fiscal times.” Senator Spilka (D-Ashland) noted. “The swift passage of this bill is a great example of the Senate and House taking that responsibility seriously and acting together to help provide some stability amongst uncertainty. I commend my colleagues in the Legislature for their work on this bill on behalf of our cities and towns.”
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State Representative Carolyn Dykema represents the towns of Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway (pct. 1), Southborough (pct. 2 & 3) and Westborough (pct. 2).
State Senator Karen Spilka represents the towns of Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton and Natick (pct .1- 5 & 8) Franklin, (pct. 1 &5–8), and Medway.
Small Business Owners Invited to Roundtable Discussion - Framingham, Nov 19
Roundtable Discussion with the
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business
This is a great opportunity for MetroWest small businesses to voice their opinions, challenges and suggestions directly to the committee on which Representative Dykema serves.
November 19, 2009
4:00 pm
Memorial Building
150 Concord St.
Framingham, MA 01702
For more information, contact leah.robins@state.ma.us in Rep. Dykema’s office or kate.souza@state.ma.us with the Committee on Community Development & Small Business.
A Day to Thank Our Veterans - by Rep. Dykema
A Day to Thank Our Veterans
Whether your schedule finds you working, doing errands or enjoying a day with family, please make the time to thank a veteran on Veteran’s Day.
This Veteran’s Day, take a moment to reflect on our daily freedoms and remember the men and women willing sacrifice everything to protect them. Today we’re reminded that the American ideals we celebrate on the 4th of July are only possible because of those who risk all to defend them.
One of the most important ways to thank our veterans is by providing support and opportunity when they return home. As a member of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, I was proud to represent our district and join my colleagues last week to pass legislation to do just that. The legislation will create opportunity for returning veterans by giving disabled veteran-owned businesses a leg up in competing for state contracts. It will make some military training transferable for state certification requirements. The legislation also creates a Commonwealth Medal of Liberty to honor Massachusetts service members killed in action. There is plenty of work to be done to fulfill our duty to veterans, but this legislation is an important step forward. Its passage honors Massachusetts veterans of every generation.
From the war of our independence to today’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Commonwealth’s soldiers have answered the call to protect us and our liberties. They and their families continue to make enormous sacrifices on our behalf and today we express our gratitude and our thanks.
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State Representative Carolyn Dykema represents the towns of Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway (pct. 1), Southborough (pct. 2 & 3) and Westborough (pct. 2).
Representative Dykema Addresses Massachusetts Grange Convention
Representative Dykema Addresses Massachusetts Grange Convention
Boston, MA - Representative Carolyn C. Dykema addressed the 137th annual Massachusetts State Grange Convention on October 23, 2009, speaking of the need to support the agriculture economy in the Commonwealth.
“Local farming is part of our history and our future. We need to work for policy that balances our need for housing and development with our need to protect a sustainable and safe food supply,” Representative Dykema told farmers assembled at the Doubletree Hotel in Milford.
“As demand for locally grown products increases, it’s even more important that the voice of agriculture is heard at the State House,” said Dykema whose comments were followed by those of Scott Soares, Commissioner of the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources.
Rep. Dykema is a member of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. She recently submitted testimony in opposition to a bill that would open the door to increased local regulation of farms and make it more difficult for farms to remain economically viable.
The National Grange is the nation's oldest general farm and rural public interest organization. The Massachusetts State Grange was founded in 1873. Grange members provide service to agriculture and rural communities on a wide variety of issues, including economic development, education, family endeavors, and legislation.
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October 31, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Leah Robins, Legislative Aide
Office of Representative Carolyn Dykema
(617) 722-2210
leah.robins@state.ma.us
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