Representaive Paul Donato and his colleagues in the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to encourage the development of advanced biofuels in the Commonwealth. The legislation aims to promote the use of advanced biofuels through the first-in-the-nation state gas tax exemption on cellulostic biofuels, based on the percetage of renewable fuel used, and mandated blending of advanced biofuels with traditional diesel and heating fuel.
"The evidence is clear that the burning of fossil fuels continues to take a dramatic toll on our environment, and pain at the pump will only worsen. These environmental and consumer costs demand solutions and the House voted to make Massachusetts a part of the clean energy solution," said Representative Donato.
HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES NATION-LEADING ENERGY REFORM PACKAGE
State Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford, Malden) announced that the House of Representatives has unanimously approved a comprehensive, best in the nation energy reform bill that will reduce the Commonwealth's use of foreign oil, increase use and production of cleaner, more renewable energy and help save costs at a critical time for consumers.
"When we saw the energy crises on the horizon last year, the Massachusetts House acted and now will have a law that comprehensively and aggressively tackles this crises at just the right time," said Representative Donato. "I am pleased to have been part of this historic energy reform in the Commonwealth."
REPRESENTATIVE DONATO SECURES FUNDING TO RESTORE WWII MEMORIAL AT BELL ROCK PARK
An amendment sponsored by Rep. Paul Donato appropriated $100,000 for the restoration of the WWII Memorial at Bell Rock Park. "I'd like to commend Representative Donato for the effective work he did in initiating this appropriation in the House budget," said Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei who represents Malden. Ward I Councillor Gary Christenson and Mayor Richard Howard also praised Donato for his work on this worthwhile project.
HOUSE APPROVES MENTAL HEALTH PARITY LEGISLATION
The Massachusetts House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to pass landmark mental health parity legislation that will require health plans to cover mental health and substance abuse disorders to the same extent as all other medical conditions.
"This legislation will allow individuals who need mental health services to receive treatment through their health plans while also changing the stigma around mental illness," said Representative Donato.
HOUSE PASSES BILL REFORMING CHILD PROTECTION
The House of Representatives yesterday gave final approval to a bill that will toughen the laws meant to protect our most vulnerable children from abuse and neglect and ensure that the protection of children is at the top of the state's agenda with a new child advocate dedicated soley to child welfare.
"There is no greater task before us than protecting the most vulnerable children in Massachussetts, and with this legislation we will help set up the framework to better handle the most troubling and disturbing cases," said Representative Donato.
