Today, November 1^st, I will be hosting two events with our local fire departments in Falmouth and Kingston to mark the anniversary of the passage of Nicole's Law and help to increase awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide by passing out free alarms.

At 11:00 a.m., I will be with Falmouth Fire Chief Paul Brodeur and State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan at the Falmouth Senior Center, 300 Dillingham Avenue.  And, at 1:30 p.m., I will be with Kingston Fire Chief Robert Health and Fire Marshal Coan at the Kingston fire department, 105 Pembroke Street.

At both events, we will provide information on what the law requires, the dangers of carbon monoxide, and will be distributing 200 free carbon monoxide alarms, while supplies last.

If you have any questions regarding this, please contact my office or the Falmouth or Kingston Fire Departments through their non-emergency line.

I hope you will take the time to join us- it could save your life!

On October 24^th, I spoke to more than 400 business leaders at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's Government Affairs Forum about what we must focus on to secure the future of our state. 

In the speech, I talked about controlling health care costs by focusing on transparency with increased health care premiums. I also discussed ways to provide better care for residents including allowing nurse practitioners to act as primary care facilities and encouraging the creation of limited services clinics.

With respect to our economy, I focused on emphasizing our traditional industries of fishing and agriculture, and encouraging emerging industries such as biotechnology and the film industry.

If you are interested in reading the entire text of my speech, you can visit my web site at www.ThereseMurray.com.

I recently had the privilege of being honored by the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts at their 25^th anniversary gala.

The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts has been there for brain injury survivors and families for a quarter of a century.  The Association's work in prevention programs and with services is a great asset to the Commonwealth and to the health and well being of our residents.

According to the Association's web site, BIA-MA was founded by families of survivors in order to increase awareness of the devastation caused by brain injuries. BIA-MA provides support services to survivors and their families, and offers prevention and public education programs.

The Senate recently voted to extend the current buffer zone around reproductive health facilities to encompass a 35 foot zone surrounding the entrances and driveways. 

The legislation creates a 35 foot fixed buffer zone around entrances and driveway of all reproductive health facilities (other than hospitals) in the state, prohibiting protestors from entering that zone. The law continues the current law's exemptions for people entering or leaving the clinic, employees or agents of the clinic, public safety or other municipal employees performing their duties, and anyone passing through on public sidewalks or adjacent streets.

The original law, passed in 2000, prohibits anyone who is within 18 feet of a reproductive health center's entrance or driveway from being within six feet of a person entering the clinic with the intention of giving out materials, engaging in protest, or attempting to educate them on personal beliefs without permission from the person entering the clinic.

The penalties will remain the same from the 2000 law which includes a fine of not more than $500, not more than three months in jail, or both for knowingly violating a buffer zone. Further violations would include a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $5,000, not more than 2 ½ years in jail, or both.

Congratulations to Jordan Hospital in Plymouth and Cape Cod Free Clinic & Community Health Center in Falmouth on receiving grants to aid the facilities in providing care for patients in need.  Jordan Hospital received a $500,000 grant and Cape Cod Free Clinic & Community Health Center received $50,000.

The Essential Community Provider Trust Fund was created as a part of the 2006 health care reform law. The grants, administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, allow hospitals and community health facilities to aid in community-based care, clinical support, disease management, primary care, and pharmacy services. 

When we moved forward in reforming the state's health care system, it was important to me, and everyone at the table, that care continued to be provided for those in need, and we created the Essential Community Provider Fund to ensure that happened. These facilities are an important part of the health and well-being of people in the Plymouth and Barnstable District and these grants will allow the facilities to continue providing quality health care for everyone in our community.

Homes for Our Troops is conducting a Build Brigade event at the future home of SGT Brian Fountaine in Plymouth.

The marathon event will begin November 9^th at 8 a.m. and run for three days.  If you are able to help or have questions, please contact Homes for Veterans. Volunteers of all skill levels are asked to pre-register by Nov 5th by contacting Mel at 508 823 3300 or mel@homesforourtroops.org.

Volunteers will be scheduled based on skills and project needs.

"Senate President Murray has been in our corner for many years. Through her steadfast support of Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts in the Legislature, we have been able to provide these critical support services and prevention programs, such as the Keep Every Youth Safe young driver program."

- Arlene Korab, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.