Sen. Moore attends the People First Food Pantry reopening

September 29, 2009 ... Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, recently presented an official Senate citation to the People First Food Pantry in Uxbridge, MA, in recognition of their relocation and reopening at 19 Douglas Street. Joined by Sen. Moore in the presentation, were (L-R) Joan Remillard, food pantry volunteer; Rep. Jennifer Callahan, D-Sutton; Rev. Gordon Merten, Reverend of the 1st Evangelical Congregational Church, which has donated the Pantry’s current space; Denise Mussulli, People First Food Pantry Coordinator (accepting the citation from Sen. Moore); Karen Griffin, food pantry volunteer; and Jean McMurrary, Director of the Worcester County Food Bank.

Read more

State’s health system popular

But backing dips in course of a year; Poll suggests costs worry the public

By Kay Lazar, Globe Staff | September 28, 2009

Public support for Massachusetts’ closely watched health insurance overhaul has slipped over the past year, a new poll indicates, but residents still support the path-breaking 2006 law by a 2-to-1 ratio.

Amid a severe recession that has led to cuts in state programs and unrelenting job losses, 59 percent of those surveyed said they favored the state’s multimillion-dollar insurance initiative, down from 69 percent a year ago. The poll, by the Harvard School of Public Health and The Boston Globe, found that opposition to the law stands at 28 percent, up slightly from 22 percent in a June 2008 survey.

Read more

Sen. Moore announces free legal advice by phone for local veterans on Oct. 15

September 24, 2009 ... Recently, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, announced that the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) will be hosting its annual Dial-A-Lawyer programming on Thursday, October 15. The program is dedicated solely to veterans’ legal questions and is part of the MBA’s “Serving Our Veterans in the Law” initiative. The program will take place via telephone from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

Read more

Blackstone Viaduct listed amongst Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resources

Sen. Moore assists in recognizing importance of Viaduct’s history

September 23, 2009 ... The Blackstone Viaduct in Blackstone was recently named one of Massachusetts’ “Most Endangered Historic Resources.” The list of endangered places has been compiled annually since 1993 by Preservation Massachusetts, as part of an advocacy and education program.

Read more

Gutsy vote on the Hill

By Boston Herald Editorial Staff | Wednesday, September 23, 2009 

It was a heartening sight yesterday when 11 Senate Democrats joined five Republicans in voting against a bill to allow the governor to name a place-holder for the seat held by the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

Sens. Steve Baddour, Stephen Brewer, Jennifer Flanagan, Jack Hart, Brian Joyce, Michael Moore, Richard Moore, Michael Morrissey, Steven Panagiotakos, James Timilty, and Susan Tucker showed an independence of spirit that is all too rare on Beacon Hill.

Read more

In public health bill, a contagion of fear

State rebuts talk of forced injections

By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff | September 17, 2009

The banner, bold and provocative, was tattooed with a syringe, skull and crossbones, and a call to action: “Say no to forced vaccination.’’

The message, delivered last week on Beacon Hill, was aimed at a seemingly prosaic piece of legislation that aims to better define - and, in some respects, restrict - the emergency powers of the state’s public health officials.

Read more

Sen. Moore encourages local participation in “Big Yellow School Bus” program

September 15, 2009 ... Recently, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, announced that grant applications for the “Big Yellow School Bus” program are currently being accepted. Moore, who is a member of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Tourism, the Arts and Cultural Development, discussed the importance of the grant program, which offers transportation for academic field trips during the school year.

Read more

Sen. Moore promotes cooperation between China and Massachusetts on NCSL trip

September 9, 2009 ... As part of his duties as President-Elect of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, was recently asked to join with other legislative leaders from several states to travel to China. The purpose of the visit, which was paid for privately, was to assist with the development of a peaceful, cooperative and comprehensive bilateral relationship, essential to the prosperity of two great countries and our respective states.

Read more

Sen. Moore provides “world class” constituent service

September 9, 2009 ... Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, is well known for going the extra distance to serve his constituents. However, even the veteran lawmaker never expected his duties would take him to the other side of the world to meet one of his constituents. As President-Elect of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Sen. Moore was asked recently to join a delegation of state legislative leaders on a study tour of China. The trip was paid for privately, and did not use taxpayer funds.

Read more

Protecting Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

By Senator Richard T. Moore

“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is one of the most famous phrases in America’s Declaration of Independence. These three aspects, which are listed among the inalienable rights that we all enjoy, are based on the writings of English philosopher John Locke. Locke expressed the fundamental belief that “no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.”

Read more

Sept. 4, 2009 ... “In light of recent criticisms of SB 2028, An Act to Support Pandemic Preparation and Response in the Commonwealth, of which I am the main sponsor, I have found it necessary to make some clarifications of many of the bill’s provisions. While I always take into account the legitimate concerns of my constituents, many mistruths have been promulgated over the past several weeks. It is my hope that this legislation, after being crafted with the support of physicians, hospitals, labor unions, and the Department of Public Health, will be understood properly and factually.”

Read more