National Health Care Reform Affects Us All

By Senator Richard T. Moore

Most Americans are concerned about the rising cost of health care, eroding health benefits, and rising health insurance costs. While a majority of Americans, and nearly all Massachusetts residents, have access to health care, it seems as though we keep paying more for health, but getting less care. Only ten years from now, if nothing is done at the national level, Americans can expect to pay 68% more than at present for health insurance and out of pocket costs of health care. Women, especially in a deteriorating economy, are more likely to be adversely affected by the cost of health care.

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Sen. Moore presents grants to ValleyCast of Whitinsville, and Old Sturbridge Village

June 29, 2009 ... Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, joined with the Massachusetts Cultural Council in presenting a $160,000 grant to Dennis Rice, Executive Director of Whitinsville’s ValleyCAST, and a $135,000 grant to James Donahue, President of Old Sturbridge Village, for maintenance of both facilities. The presentation ceremony took place at the Worcester Art Museum.

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Moore votes for sweeping ethics reform

Bans gifts; empowers ethics commission

June 25, 2009 ... Completing a historic cycle of legislative reform, which includes recent approval of landmark pension and transportation reforms, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, and his colleagues in the Senate and House voted on Thursday to implement sweeping legislation that strengthens current ethics, lobbying and campaign finance laws, enhancing the integrity of the political process and helping to restore public trust.

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Hospital infection prevention: key Senator says, “Yes we can!”

Moore featured speaker at hospital leadership forum

June 23, 2009 ... While commending hospital executives and clinical leaders for progress made in preventing “healthcare acquired infections,” the top legislator on health care challenged all health care providers to make infection prevention “job one!” Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, Senate Chairman of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, keynoted the annual hospital leadership forum sponsored by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Prevention of Medical Errors and the Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA) this morning at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center in Westborough.

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Sen. Moore accepts Surescripts SafeRx Award for Massachusetts

Massachusetts prescribers now route over 20 percent of prescriptions electronically

June 22, 2009 ... Marking the third year in a row Massachusetts has ranked number one in the nation for use of electronic prescribing technology, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, accepted the Surescripts SafeRx Award at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. today. According to the results of a nationwide audit of electronic prescriptions routed in 2008, it was determined that prescribers in the Commonwealth sent more than 6.7 million prescriptions electronically, representing 20.5 percent of all eligible prescriptions in the state – as compared to 2.3 percent in 2005. For this accomplishment, Massachusetts was recognized, along with 14 other states, as part of the fourth annual Safe-Rx Awards.

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Sen. Moore votes for budget that reflects state’s fiscal challenges

June 22, 2009 ... In the face of serious fiscal challenges from the continuing recession, including severe drops in state revenue collections, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, and his colleagues in the Legislature on Friday approved a $27.4 billion budget that balances the urgent need for additional revenues with necessary relief for cities and towns. The governor has 10 days to either sign the budget legislation or send it back to the Legislature. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

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Sen. Moore votes for transportation overhaul

Legislation dramatically restructures transportation system; eliminates Turnpike Authority; ensures toll equity; and puts MBTA employees and retirees under GIC 

June 19, 2009 ... Just one week after passing landmark pension reform, yesterday, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, and his colleagues in the Legislature continued their aggressive reform agenda with approval of final legislation that completely overhauls the state’s transportation system. The consensus bill dissolves the Turnpike Authority and consolidates multiple agencies into a unified, independent agency, eliminating waste and producing billions of dollars in short- and long-term savings. The new agency would begin operating November 1, 2009.

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Sen. Moore joins state legislators in meetings with White House on national health reform

As health care battle heats up on Capitol Hill, Massachusetts takes central role in pushing for real reform

June 18, 2009 ... As the battle lines are drawn on Capitol Hill in the coming fight between those seeking national health reform and the special interests supporting the "status quo" in heath care, Massachusetts Senator Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, is taking a central role in the growing debate. Yesterday, Moore was among the leaders of a delegation of fifteen state legislative leaders invited to the White House to meet with Human Health and Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and White House Health Reform Director Nancy Ann Deparle, to discuss ongoing efforts to promote national health care reform.

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Sen. Moore receives 100% rating for protecting Massachusetts environment

June 18, 2009 ... In the 24th edition of the Massachusetts Audubon’s Legislative Report Card, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, received a 100% score.

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Senator Moore: Improving Highway Safety

June 16, 2009 ... Recent, highly publicized tragedies involving elderly drivers have sparked a public and media outcry to require re-testing of elderly drivers. Several constituents have e mailed, suggesting support for retesting any driver over age 70. Others favor testing at age 80 or 85, and several bills are under consideration in the Legislature.

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Senate votes to monitor national health reform

June 16, 2009 ... As President Barack Obama, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and other Congressional leaders ramp up efforts to craft national health reform legislation on Capitol Hill, the Massachusetts Senate has planned to closely monitor these developments. Today, the State Senate adopted an order sponsored by Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth, and Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, designating Senate Health Care Financing Committee members to act as a special committee to follow health reform developments at the national level. Moore serves as Senate Chairman of the Health Care Financing Committee. 

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It may be “Bunker Hill Day,” but Sen. Moore’s office is open for business

Senator to be assisting in national health reform efforts at White House

June 16, 2009 ... Although its days may be numbered as a legal holiday in Suffolk County, falling victim to the state budget and national recession, June 17 – “Bunker Hill Day” – will remain a recognized holiday when government offices and schools in Suffolk County are generally closed in observance. However, despite the “holiday,” the office of Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, will remain open for business.

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Sen. Moore votes to end worst offenses in pension system

Senate, House Pass Landmark Pension Reform Legislation

June 12, 2009 ... Continuing the Legislature’s ambitious reform agenda, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, joined unanimous support with his Senate and House colleagues on Thursday, in approving landmark legislation that will eliminate the worst offenses in the state pension system. The final bill, which now goes to the Governor for his expected signature, shuts down loopholes in current law, saves taxpayer money, and helps restore public trust in the state oversight of public pensions.

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June 12, 2009 ... Recently, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, presented students of Douglas Elementary School with graduation certificates, for their completion of the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) program. The SAFE program educates children and their families about the importance of fire prevention and burn safety. Sen. Moore was integral in securing the grant for the program, which has given Firefighter/EMTs, under the direction of Lt. Kent F. Vinson, the opportunity to visit third grade classrooms on a monthly basis to speak with them about fire safety.

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Sen. Moore recognizes Silver Hanger Cleaners of Bellingham at TURI Awards

June 10, 2009 ... Recently, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D – Uxbridge, presented a Senate Citation to Silver Hanger Cleaners of Bellingham, during the Toxic Use Reduction Institute’s (TURI) Annual Awards ceremony at the State House. For the second year in a row, Silver Hanger Cleaners has won a TURI "Small Business Champions Award" for operating their state of the art, “wet cleaning” laundry service.

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Sen. Moore welcomes SkillsUSA Championships students to the State House

June 10, 2009 ... Recently, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D - Uxbridge, welcomed students from Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, and Bay Path Regional Technical High School to the State House, who are participating in the annual SkillsUSA Championships. The SkillsUSA Championships is a showcase for the best career and technical students in the nation. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels, where participants offer their ideas of technical innovation and change.

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Sen. Moore testifies at Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Hearing

June 9, 2009 ... Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, recently testified on behalf of House Bill 337, An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Opportunity Rebuilding and Expansion infrastructure program.  Known as “Chapter 23K,” the bill would allow municipalities that are unable to finance infrastructure themselves, to provide an optional, efficient mechanism to construct, administer, operate and repair project infrastructure without increasing local real estate taxes.

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By Senator Richard T. Moore

As someone who has served as a college administrator and faculty member, I have attended my share of high school and college graduations. They are ceremonial events that glow with an aura of pride, optimism and promise of a brighter future. The hopeful thoughts of student graduation speakers, and the uplifting class songs and alma maters are a pleasant diversion from the grim economic and budget news emanating from Beacon Hill and Wall Street. Commencements were, but brief, a respite from the debate over downward spiraling revenues and increasing budget cuts.

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June 7, 2009 ... “When you mix training and dedication, you’re called a professional; when you mix compassion and caring, you’re called a friend; when you mix bravery and selflessness, you’re called a Hero; when you mix all three, you’re called a firefighter.

Read Senator Moore's complete remarks

June 4, 2009 ... Quoting the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, State Senator Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, told Blackstone Valley Tech’s Class of 2009, “The question is whether you are to be a hammer – whether you are to give to the world in which you were reared and educated, the broadest possible benefits of that education. So I challenge you to get involved to improve your profession, your community, and yourselves – be a hammer!” 

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June 3, 2009 ... On Tuesday, June 2, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, (pictured far left) and Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, (pictured far right) welcomed Milford resident Antonio do Val to the State House, for the 15th Annual "Day of Portugal."  Mr. do Val (pictured center) was joined by his family members in receiving a Heritage Day of Portugal medallion, in recognition of his contributions to the state’s Portuguese communities.  After attending the medallion ceremony in the House of Representatives Chamber, Mr. do Val and his family members dined in the State House's Great Hall, where Portuguese restaurants as well as culinary students had authentic Portuguese dishes for sampling.

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June 3, 2009 ... Recently, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, spoke outside the State House at MassHumanities’ first of many events commemorating Frederick Douglass’s fiery speech, “The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro.” Joined by Rep. Jay Kaufman, D-Lexington, (right) and other public officials, schoolchildren and passerby, Sen. Moore recited Douglass’s speech, which criticized the hypocrisy of Independence Day during the age of slavery. MassHumanities, a state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, will be holding similar events leading up to Independence Day, as part of a grassroots effort to draw attention to the meaning of the holiday for African Americans—accented by the Presidency of Barack Obama.

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By Senator Richard T. Moore

The Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2010 state budget that is now being finalized in a House-Senate Conference Committee reflects a stark reality: the national and world-wide recession has a real cost for all of us. The fact that we’re not alone among the states offers little consolation for those who will lose some state or local services or for those who may lose jobs, pay higher insurance, and make other sacrifices.

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June 1, 2009 ... Some 119 newly minted optometrists recently heard the state’s top health care lawmaker tell them that “Eye care professionals are an integral part of the team of primary care providers.” Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, Senate Chairman of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, was the speaker on Sunday, May 31, at the 115th Annual Commencement of New England College of Optometry (NECO) in Boston.

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