Press Release Contact: Senator Chandler
(508) 757-4600

For Immediate Release Date: August 15, 2006

Senator Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester), citing her record of legislative achievement and steadfast commitment to the communities of Central Massachusetts, today announced that she is a candidate for re-election to a fourth term in the Massachusetts State Senate.

Chandler stated she was particularly proud of her work on behalf of the state’s landmark new health care law, as well as increased education funding and local aid to cities and towns.

“As a member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, I strongly advocated for increased aid to our local communities,” stated Chandler. “We still need to do more, but these significant increases are a great first step.”

Chandler noted that Massachusetts’ new health care access law is seen as a model across the nation.

“Ensuring that all of our citizens have access to quality health care has been a priority of mine for over a decade, and I pledge to be tireless in my commitment to making sure this new law works,” Chandler said.

Chandler, Chair of the Committee on Community Development and Small Business, authored the new Chapter 40 S law to encourage smart growth zoning by providing additional education aid to communities to cover increased schools costs.

This new law serves as a companion piece to Chapter 40 R, also authored by Senator Chandler, which provides financial incentives to communities that develop smart growth districts.

“Both these laws will encourage our cities and towns to develop smart growth zoning, providing for much needed housing, while protecting our communities from reckless development,” said Chandler

Chandler noted she helped secure funding for many key priorities for Central Massachusetts, including $2 million for the new memorial Fire Station in Worcester, $700,000 for Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives of Worcester, $500,000 for Town of Clinton’s MWRA costs, $250,000 for the Latino Education Institute at Worcester State College and the long-awaited $800,000 for the Holden Pool project.

Chandler also noted that the legislature passed legislation she co-sponsored in support of Stem Cell Research, as well as an Economic Stimulus Bill that included $25 million for Worcester’s City Square project.

“I am proud that the Senate took the lead in advocating for stem cell research and the life sciences. With our institutions of higher learning and highly educated workforce, we are now well-positioned to become a national leader on these issues, which will lead to both life-saving new treatments and excellent, high-paying jobs,” said Chandler.

Chandler, endorsed by the Massachusetts Sierra Club and Clean Water Action, said the groundbreaking new law she co-sponsored reducing Mercury pollution in our environment was one of her proudest achievements of the legislative session.

“A clean environment is essential to our public health and the long-term future of our state,” Chandler explained.

Chandler, a member of the Special Commission examining the future of the Department of Mental Health’s facilities in Westborough and Worcester, also noted her successful advocacy on behalf Worcester State Hospital.

“Along with Rep. Pedone, I made sure that Worcester’s voice was heard, and the new state mental health facility will be located in Worcester where it belongs. I look forward to coming back into session in September to secure the funding for the new facility,” Chandler stated.

Chandler concluded by noting that she has enjoyed successful working relationships with many different individuals of both parties in order to achieve results.

“If re-elected I will continue to strive to be a thoughtful, experienced, independent voice for Central Massachusetts that works on behalf of the interests of the people of the First Worcester District, and no one else,” Chandler concluded.

Chandler earned degrees from Wellesley College (B.A.), Clark University (Ph.D.) and the Simmons College Graduate School of Management (M.B.A.). She is married to Worcester attorney Burton Chandler and has three grown children and four grandchildren.

Chandler is Co-Chair of the Legislature’s Oral Health Caucus and Caucus of Women Legislators, and is a member of the Central Massachusetts Caucus and the Legislature’s Tobacco Control Caucus.

 

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