Moore highlights Health Information Technology at Governing Conference in Chicago

May 31, 2007....Sen. Richard Moore, Senate Chairman of the Legislature's Committee on Health Care Financing and a member of NCSL's HITch Project, delivered remarks on the increasing use of health information technology and 

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Panel examines mandatory HPV vaccine

By Kyle Cheney
State House News Service

May 30, 2007…..Despite the Legislature's rejection of proposed budget funding for human papillomavirus vaccines, legislators today pressed on with a forum to discuss the value of vaccinating young girls for the sexually transmitted disease - the leading cause of cervical cancer in the United States.

A panel including Secretary of Health and Human Services JudyAnn Bigby, Senate chair of the Committee on Health Care Financing Richard Moore (D-Uxbridge), and two medical experts all expressed varying degrees of support for widespread access to the vaccine, however, they disagreed on whether it should be mandatory for 11- to 12-year-old girls, the age range recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

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Senate Budget Day 2: Senator gets more results for district'

May 24, 2007...Today, the Senate concluded debate on the FY 2008 budget by adopting several more of Sen. Richard T. Moore’s, D-Uxbridge, district and health care amendments.

“During these tough economic times, I am pleased that we were able maintain our commitment to our communities by presenting a fiscally responsible budget without jeopardizing our fiscal stability,” said Moore. The Senate proposal includes important priorities that will benefit the towns in the Worcester and Norfolk District and improve our health care programs.” 

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Moore secures funding for district, approval for vital commissions as Senate begins budget debate

May 23, 2007...The Senate officially kicked off debate today on the FY 2008 state budget. Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, sponsored several amendments to the Senate budget proposal that were approved.

“Today’s budget action is another clear example of the Senate’s commitment to the well-being of the communities in the Worcester and Norfolk District,” said Moore. “I’m proud that we secured vital funding for these towns and special commissions in the budget. The Senate is making significant investment in our economy and in our society that is crucial to stability and prosperity in Massachusetts.”

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Bill aims to reform changing districts

By Christian Schiavone
Sun Chronicle

May 23, 2007...For more than two centuries, Massachusetts has had the dubious distinction as the poster child of politically manipulated electoral districts.

But some persistent lawmakers are trying to get the birthplace of "Gerrymandering" to join an increasing number of states that limit legislators' power to redraw their own districts.

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Something’s “rotten” in the Upper Blackstone

By Senator Richard T. Moore

May 22, 2007..."Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." That quote in Shakespeare’s Hamlet is often used when people believe that things don’t seem quite right, and they’re not sure who, or what, is to blame. If Shakespeare were around today, he might say: “Something is rotten in the Upper Blackstone Wastewater Treatment plant.”

It’s a simple fact of geography to note that Blackstone, and other Valley towns, are down river from Worcester. It’s also a simple fact of engineering that when Worcester storm drains and sewers collect run-off from rain and discharges from thousands of toilets, the contaminated water has to go somewhere. The answer is to the Blackstone River. 

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Senate President appoints Sen. Moore to key health policy commissions

May 22, 2007... Recently, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, has been appointment by Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth, for two prominent positions dealing with the state’s health insurance program. In addition to serving as the Senate representative to negotiate with the federal government concerning the MassHealth demonstration waiver, Moore will also take an important position on the MassHealth Payment Policy Advisory Council. 

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Senate Budget recommendations hold tight fiscal line while meeting the needs of the Commonwealth

May 16, 2007...Today, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released a Fiscal Year 2008 budget that builds on the House and Governor’s recommendations while including Senate-authored initiatives to promote public safety, public health, economic development and education. Several of Sen. Richard T. Moore’s key budget priorities were included in the $26.67 billion proposal that will be debated by the full Senate next week.

“We have once again presented a budget that maintains fiscal responsibility and preserves the socially responsive values,” said Moore, D-Uxbridge. “The Senate continues to lead the way on critical issues including health care, education, housing and public safety. Even in these economic times, we are committed to providing essential resources for our citizens to live safe, healthy and productive lives.”

Read more | In-Depth: Budget & Local Aid

Space still remains for fall admission at many New England campuses

May 15, 2007...Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, is urging prospective college students to apply to the nearly 160 New England public and independent colleges and universities. As of the traditional May 1 college admissions deadline, these schools were still considering additional freshman and/or transfer applications for fall 2007 as, according to a survey released today by the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE).

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“To Maintain and Elevate the Standard of Nursing”  - Commencement Address by Senator Richard T. Moore at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

May 12, 2007....Today, as members of this first ever nursing class of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, you are making history! You are the first nurses to benefit from this school’s commitment to caring, its superb faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programs. The coveted diplomas that each of you are about to receive, together with your registered nursing license, are now the keys to a healthier future for those who will be in your care!

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Moore’s bill to increase retired public employees cost of living gets approval

May 11, 2007... The hard work of Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, on behalf of retired public employees and survivors, paid off when his proposal for a cost of living increase was approved in a redrafted bill. The Committee on Public Service approved legislation that will increase the base on which a retired public employee’s annual percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is computed from $12,000 to $16,000.

“With inflation rates averaging above 1.5 percent, today’s COLA falls short of providing a true cost of living adjustment,” said Moore. “In these challenging times, it is still important that we maintain our commitment to our retired public employees who deserve to have this bill passed in a timely manner.”

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Sen. Moore at the “heart” of promoting quality healthcare in Massachusetts hospitals

May 9, 2007...Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, joined health care leaders, caregivers and hospital advocates at “Hospital Day on the Hill 2007” on May 2nd. The event is held annually at the State House to advocate for continued support of hospitals in the Commonwealth. 

“We must continue to support our world-class hospitals in their efforts to advance the cause of providing high quality health care to all the residents in the state,” said Moore, Senate Chairman of the Health Care Financing Committee. “Members of the health care community should be commended for their dedication to building healthier communities through the delivery of programs and services to local groups, organizations, schools and businesses.” 

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Sen. Moore honors public service employees, commemorates Public Service Recognition Week, May 7-13, 2007 

May 7, 2007... Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, along with more than 50 of his colleagues filed a resolution to recognize the work of public service employees and to commemorate Public Service Recognition Week, May 7-13, 2007. 

“I am pleased to have sponsored this resolution to honor our valuable public employees who selflessly serve the government,” said Moore. “These individuals dedicate themselves to the continuous improvement of the quality of life for citizens and this resolution officially acknowledges their important contributions to the Commonwealth.” 

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Sen. Moore to hold office hours in Uxbridge

May 3, 2007... Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, will hold office hours on Thursday, May 10, 2007 from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Uxbridge Town Hall, 21 South Main Street.

Residents of the Worcester and Norfolk District requiring immediate assistance should contact Senator Moore’s office at 617-722-1420 or log onto his web site at www.senatormoore.com/services

Read more | Complete Schedule

Peterson and Moore announce feasibility study grant

May 3, 2007... State Representative George N. Peterson, Jr. (R-Grafton) and Senator Richard Moore (D-Uxbridge) are pleased to announce that Alternatives Unlimited in Whitinsville has received a $33,759 Feasibility Study Grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Renewable Energy Trust Fund. These funds will be used at the Whitin Mill sight for a solar energy collection system. 

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“First, don’t get sick or injured” 

By Senator Richard T. Moore for WBUR's "Commonhealth" blog

May 2, 2007...Most of us are familiar with the time-tested advice to doctors, “First, no harm.” Some have attributed this famous dictum to Hippocrates and others to the Roman physician, Galen. Regardless of its origin, physicians and other health professionals have come to understand the vital importance of patient safety and medical quality.

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Massachusetts State Flag flies in Iraq

May 2, 2007...Lance Cpl. W. Ryan McMillan is serving overseas in Al Taqqadum, Iraq for approximately 15 months, but the Massachusetts State flag brings him closer to home as he works on Humvees. The flag, which hangs in McMillan’s tent, was donated by Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge.

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