State Senator Peter J. Durant

10/22/2026

Three of the school districts I represent had successful applications for the Safe and Supportive Schools Continuation Grant

Kudos to them! This was a competitive grant process and being awarded these funds is something to celebrate!

10/21/2026

While I was busy with another event this morning, my Chief of Staff, Ann Gaudreau, presented a citation from the state Senate on my behalf at the grand opening of Mystic Mermaid Collaborative in Holden. 

We love to celebrate new businesses in the district and according to Ann, this is a fun shop with a variety of gift ideas and unique items.

I’m so glad to see entrepreneurs living their dream and opening new businesses in our communities.

10/21/2026

It wasn’t that long ago we posed for pictures during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Baldwinville School Apartments and I’m excited to say that last night we cut the ribbon on those apartments.

There was a great deal of collaboration on this project between the town, the historical commission, state agencies, and funding sources.

This project saved a building that could very easily have fallen into disrepair and placed a burden on the community. The apartments are beautiful and we were lucky enough to get a tour from the Narragansett Nanny who is one of the first tenants along with her husband. They are settling in and are thrilled with their new one bedroom apartment!


10/19/2026

On Sunday the Ware River Valley Domestic Violence Task Force held  their annual awareness walk through downtown.

I am grateful to have been asked to speak alongside my colleague Rep. Todd Smola. I am always so impressed by the support of the Town of Ware for important community events like this one.

I was also very encouraged by how many students are involved in this organization and also please to hear that a grant the group got was used to create a video to help victims of domestic violence across the state. 

It was especially moving to see the plates set at a table, commemorating those men and women who are no longer with us because they were lost to domestic violence. 

10/16/2026

A great way to start the day today was by attending the Massachusetts Municipal Association's Legislative Breakfast, along with State Rep. Paul Frost, at the Leicester Senior Center

These events allow legislators to share updates from Beacon Hill about legislation, the budget and other key developments. It also allows us to hear about matters important to our communities from the stakeholders in our region.

I'm so grateful for the chance talk with folks at these sessions.

10/15/2026

Many of my constituents are neighbors of the Quabbin Reservoir and know that the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority is asking for an additional 20 million gallons per day from this precious resource - but they are not disclosing the reason why, nor have they shared where this water will go.

This is very concerning to me, as a legislator, and to many of you, as evidenced by the large turnout for a daytime hearing on Sept. 30.

For this increased distribution of water to happen, the state's Water Resources Commission would have to give approval. I don't think that should happen and I know many of you agree. We simply don't have enough information for them to make this decision. The Interbasin Transfer Act dictates that they must identify where the water will go. They have not complied and we should not be asking the Commission to rule without all of the facts.

Because of the response at the hearing, the public comment period has been extended and if you have not yet weighed in, now is the time.

Before Oct. 28, I would ask that you email:
Energy and Environmental Affairs Sec. Rebecca Tepper: [email protected]
and
WRC Executive Director Vandana Rao: [email protected]

Tell them you want them to vote against this proposal.

Share this with everyone you know who cares about Quabbin and ask them to submit written testimony, as well.

If you'd like to learn more or get involved, visit:

10/13/2026

Our state is seeing a decline in school enrollment which has us asking, "Why?"

As a member of the Foundation Budget Review Commission, I look forward to working on a plan to fix these problems. This opportunity to review and adapt how we fund education is one I am excited about because I believe we can do better.

As legislators point out in the article posted here, there could be a variety of reasons why enrollments are declining but in the Worcester and Hampshire District and other outlying areas, I believe failing to fund our rural schools and regional school transportation at the levels the state promised - and studies show are needed - are big contributors.

As with many issues, I'd like communities to have the chance to make their own decisions and if the state was properly funding their schools, that would allow increased local control over local issues.

Massachusetts public schools are entering an era of fewer children and students, but the causes and consequences of that decline look markedly different depending on where a district is located.

10/05/2026

Mildred Smith may be one of East Brookfield’s oldest residents, but you’d never know it!

On Sunday, she received the town’s Boston Post Cane, a tradition started in 1909 by the publisher of the now defunct Boston Post newspaper. The paper had 700 canes made, with ebony wood from the Congo and topped with 14 carat gold heads. The canes were to be owned by towns around some New England states but given temporarily to the town’s oldest resident.

This is quite an honor and while I won’t reveal her age, I will say her hometown is just a few years older than she is!

Best Wishes for many happy, healthy years ahead, Mildred!

10/03/2026

The Town of New Braintree celebrated its 275th anniversary and the country’s 250th with a parade and Olde Home Day today.

Marching alongside Rep. Donnie Berthiaume was great. We saw many friends along the way and I was honored to meet retired, legendary Police Chief Robert Glidden. He has amazing stories from the days when police work was quite different. It’s no wonder the local postmaster dedicated the 250th stamp to him!

The Select Board received a citation from Donnie and I and we also brought Town Clerk Jessica Bennett a copy of the Declaration of Independence. These copies were printed for each city and town on paper similar to that used for the original copies and on a period printing press that would have been used back then.

10/03/2026

What a fun time celebrating 100 years of the Richards Memorial Library’s original building in Paxton last night.

The speakeasy theme was perfect!

Libraries are an important part of our communities and are constantly adapting to our changing world. Cheers to another 100 years for this beautiful library.