State Rep. Bob Koczera

I was pleased to speak with 5th grade students from the Alma del Mar School during their field trip to the State House this afternoon.

I was pleased to nominate Maria Giesta for the 34th Heritage Day of Portugal Award at today's celebration at the State House.

A big thank you to our State Representatives who signed on to support Mass in Motion, the HIP Program, and the MA Food Trust! Christopher Markey Paul A. Schmid Antonio F. D. Cabral and Bob Koczera

Thank you to our State Reps - Antonio F. D. Cabral Christopher Markey Paul A. Schmid and Bob Koczera - for supporting the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) and the Mass Food Trust!

At this morning's Gateway Cities Caucus meeting I introduced the Bay State Reading Institute, a program working with the Acushnet school system to increase student learning outcomes.

Opioid addiction is one of the greatest challenges we face. This morning I met with several program directors of High Point Treatment Centers to learn more about what is being done locally to combat addiction. We discussed budget priorities and how we can better support their work.

I recently met with my former colleague, Michael Festa, Massachusetts Director of AARP. With the Boston skyline as a backdrop, we discussed many issues facing seniors.

Today at the State House, I attended the HWM budget hearing and the latest legislative briefing on South Coast Rail.

Thank you, Better Community Living, Inc., for making the trip into Boston to share your budget priorities. It always helps to have a local perspective on the issues and your advocacy is much appreciated.

The Executive Office of Public Safety & Security recently announced the FY2018 funding in Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and Senior SAFE grants to help local fire departments promote fire safety in our community.

I am pleased to relay that the Acushnet Fire & EMS Department received $6,123 and the New Bedford Fire Department was awarded $13,614, in funding to provide critical fire prevention skills to our school children and senior citizens.

Today at the budget forecast hearing, officials projected a modest revenue growth rate of 2.8% for FY2019 and expressed great uncertainty over the potential impacts of the proposed sales and income tax ballot questions on next year’s revenue projections.