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Bill Straus proudly represents the 10th Bristol District in the Massachusetts Legislature. Bill received a bachelors degree from Middlebury College, his law degree from Georgetown University and also holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Prior to his election as Representative, Bill served as an Assistant District Attorney in Bristol County for six years prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the Commonwealth. He also was a member of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission and was a founding board member of the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford.
Bill is the House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation. He has been involved extensively in transportation issues as a legislator. He was the original sponsor of legislation that added the Port of New Bedford to the Steamship Authority system now connecting New Bedford with Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. As Transportation Chair he was instrumental in securing the funding for SouthCoast Rail—now under construction and due to begin passenger service to Boston in 2023. As Transportation Chair this term, Bill’s work has already lead to a jump in local road and bridge money from the state that goes directly to the towns and cities.
Bill has also worked on a number of issues in the legislature including education, protection of our drinking water aquifer, healthcare and privacy matters. He is the original sponsor of the state’s ‘do-not’call’ list to protect people from nuisance calls from telemarketers.
I WAS A GUEST ON WBUR's RADIO BOSTON EARLIER TODAY TUESDAY
I was a guest on WBUR radio earlier today with "Radio Boston" host Tiziana Dearing. You can list at the link below.
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After more than a decade as transportation committee chair, Bill Straus is leaving Beacon Hill
www.wbur.org
Rep. Bill Straus, the longtime chair of the legislative Joint Committee on Transportation joins Radio Boston.Comment on Facebook
MATTAPOISETT TOWN ELECTION IS ON MAY 21.
On Tuesday, May 21, we have a town election in Mattapoisett which I believe will be very important in defining the kind of community in which we live.
In 2023, for the first time ever during my service as State Representative, I formally made some public endorsements in our local school and library board races in Mattapoisett. As a resident of Mattapoisett, I did that in 2023 because I felt the tone and tenor of the campaign messages were inconsistent with the open and welcoming town of Mattapoisett which I am so proud to call my home. The outcomes in those 2023 races confirmed that most people in town felt the same way.
For local offices such as service on a school committee, I still believe that national political issues and outside agendas should not play a part in determining how our schools are run. Yet, I am not so naïve as to think we are immune in Mattapoisett from those efforts.
This year, more than the usual amount of people have again asked me what I think of the candidates for the Mattapoisett School Committee. Two seats are up for election next week.
For only the second time in my capacity as an elected State official, I will share with you the candidates I plan to vote for in the Mattapoisett School Committee races. In each case, I am supporting people who have and will work positively, constructively and with an open mind to improve things in Mattapoisett. I believe they merit your support on Tuesday May 21 and hope you will cast a very important ballot this year to give them each a chance to serve you.
On May 21, 2024 the polls will be open from 8am to 8pm and both Mattapoisett precincts vote at Old Hammondtown. Please remember to get out and vote as town elections sometimes don't have the higher level of turnout these positions really deserve. Please also remember to vote for these candidates if you have received your Vote By Mail ballot.
MATTAPOISETT SCHOOL COMMITTEE – VOTING FOR TWO
JAMES MUSE, Incumbent
Jim has served many terms on the Mattapoisett School Committee, while also having been appointed to the ORR School Committee for this last term. I have known Jim for many years. Our sons played Mariner soccer together when they were little. He is smart, thoughtful and has incredible insight from his years of experience into what our kids and school system need. I have been singularly impressed with the thoughtful work and dedication to task and inclusion we have seen from James Muse. I am looking forward to continuing to hear from him as I finish out my work on education issues at the State House through the end of this term.
JACK LEBRUN, Candidate for an open seat being vacated
Jack is a local, home-grown candidate who was educated in the Mattapoisett School System. He desires to come back to Mattapoisett and give back with his service on the Mattapoisett School Committee. Electing Jack will bring a fresh perspective to the Mattapoisett School Committee from an individual who is more close-in-time connected to the issues students are experiencing on the local level. His educational background having earned his Letter of Specialization in Conflict Resolution at UMass Amherst with a double major in Legal Studies and Psychology will suit him well as he embarks on his journey giving back to the Mattapoisett Elementary School community when he is elected. … See MoreSee Less
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The only ones pushing politics in our schools across the country is Democrats. You lot control our schools and you’re destroying them with your divisive politics Mr. Rep Bill Straus
IMPORTANT PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS MONDAY MAY 13 ON THE FUTURE OF NEW BEDFORD STATE PIER
This Monday evening at the New Bedford Whaling Museum the public will finally have a better look at the various proposals which came in this year for uses on the New Bedford State Pier. The meeting will be at the museum from 6pm to 8pm and public input will at last be part of the process after brief presentations by each of the current respondents.
I am also informed that the meeting will be recorded by New Bedford Cable Access and be available afterwards on the city website. It will also be available for viewing at MassDevelopment's website. That is important for those who cannot attend the meeting live but may want to take advantage of an open comment period which will be in place after May 13.
As you may know from my postings over the last two years regarding New Bedford State Pier, a number of proposals from private parties have now been submitted to the state agency managing the property known as MassDevelopment. Some proposals involve continued ferry access from the pier, some for docking space at the pier, and at least one proposal for a restaurant at the 'front' of the property which we in the Legislature reserved for this kind of use years ago.
While the process was hopelessly compromised in 2022 under the now departed leadership of the agency, the Healey-Driscoll administration halted things last summer and has created a much more open process by MassDevelopment. In fact, MassDevelopment is now under completely new leadership at the top under former cabinet official Dan O'Connell. I am encouraged by his experience and skills, and believe he is likely to be in attendance on Monday in New Bedford to kick off the session.
I encourage anyone with an interest in the future of our port to attend and offer their views. If you cannot attend, I believe you can listen in at the zoom link below. us02web.zoom.us/j/81000822052 … See MoreSee Less
Request for Proposals Public Meeting for New Bedford State Pier – The New Bedford Light
newbedfordlight.org
This event will be held at the New Bedford Whaling Museum Auditorium (18 Johnny Cake Hill) on Monday, May 13 at 6 p.m. The agenda for the evening will consist […]Comment on Facebook
AGRICULTURE DAY AT THE STATE HOUSE 2024
In addition to our regular session at the State House on April 3rd, we celebrated Ag Day. The diverse agricultural sector in Massachusetts was well represented by the South Coast. The cranberry economy was well represented by growers and association director Brian Wick (pictured below), and there were fresh oysters being shucked from our own waters by Scott Soares who harvests off the coast of South Dartmouth. Thanks for coming in and reminding everyone about this important part of the Massachusetts economy. … See MoreSee Less
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MY PLANS FOR 2024
The voters of the 10th Bristol District have honored me since 1992 to be their voice on Beacon Hill. It is a humbling experience to hold this responsibility and I will always be grateful for the confidence expressed in me.
I am writing today, however, to let you know that the current legislative session at the State House will be my last. I will not be a candidate for re-election in November.
This is not an easy decision as there are always more issues and projects to work on. There is much to do in the rest of the session and I will be fully engaged in these matters.
There is plenty of time ahead to reflect on accomplishments over the years. The completion later this year of SouthCoast Rail, is certainly on that list though.
Everything, however, that I've been able to do has depended on working with others. Despite the temptation to think otherwise, public service is not a solo act. I have, and have had, great colleagues in public service to work with; I have a staff which in my mind is unmatched. But most of all, the support and sacrifices by my family have made my service to the district possible.
Thank you again to the voters of the 10th Bristol District for your support over the years. I don't intend to go away entirely and so I look forward to working with many of you in the future.
Bill
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Best wishes on your next chapter, Mr. Chairman!
Although I’m sadden to hear this, I’m happy for you and your family! I will truly miss working with you. You have been a true gentleman and an extremely knowledgeable policy maker!!
Thank you for welcoming me upon my return both to your Committee, which I've loved, and to the Transportation Office suite. It's hard to imagine Sessions without your keen observations and advice
Thank you for your service to our community- supporting our local farmers and ensuring our community has access to local food! You were instrumental in helping Coastal Foodshed get off the ground and continuing to grow our organization. We will forever be grateful for your advocacy and support!
All the best to you. You have been an excellent legislator and a wonderful colleague. Wish you the best!
Thanks for your years of service. Proud to have you as our Representative.
Thank you kindly for your work on behalf of the state and continued support for the recreational boating industry. You will be missed but wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
Thank you, Rep. Straus for what you have given to the communities. You were always there when Coastline and the Councils on Aging needed your help. You made sure that they all got those vehicles they applied for to help with medical transportation. Thank you for all that you have done. You will be missed.
Thank you for all you have done!
Thank you so much for your service to our community. I have learned so much from watching you work, and I am so glad we have had you as our Representative.
Thank you for your many years of service. It has been a pleasure working with you.
Thank you so much for your years of service to the Southcoast. I’ve enjoyed our chats and support immensely!
Thank you for the many years you represented us. Always appreciated you showing up to our little town events, big or small. Showing up for non profit events, and just being there. Good luck and enjoy owning your time, it’s the best thing about retiring.
You have been both statesman and friend to your district. Thank you.
Thank you for your support for our town.
Thank you Rep Bill Straus for your many years of service to our community.
Thank you for your service!
Thank you for your many years of service to our community.
Thank you for your service to our communities.
Thank you for all you have done Rep Bill Straus
Thank you for your service and support to the district.
Thank you Bill.
It has been an honor to serve with you. Working with you and learning from you first when you chaired the Environment Committee (there is evidence of your environmental leadership visible and working today along the Provincetown waterfront) and of course, since you are chairing the Transportation Committee. The RTAs and those of us who care about transportation outside of the MBTA owe you much thanks for your leadership and partnership.
You will be missed. Thank you for all you've done for us.
Thank you Rep Bill Straus for your many years serving our southcoast communities.
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NEW BEDFORD STATE PIER'S FUTURE IS UNDER REVIEW BY THE STATE
New Bedford State Pier is a significant waterfront asset for our port which is essential to supporting the fishing industry, international shipping, ferries to the islands (including Cuttyhunk), the Ernestina and even more in the future. As a result, the state through MassDevelopment, just closed the proposal deadline last week for outside parties to propose ideas. In 2022 MassDevelopment ran a flawed secretive process which excluded the public, stakeholders, and most elected officials including legislators, from even learning who the bidders were and what the bidders were asking for in order to take over the entire pier. Fortunately, the Healey-Driscoll administration pulled the plug on that process and has begun over. While two years have been lost I remain optimistic that this time something positive can happen. HOWEVER, the hold over leadership at MassDevelopment is still trying to run a process in secrecy; MassDevelopment has made clear that no information about bids or input from the public is being allowed during the review process in what the future holds for our State Pier. For that reason all five State Representatives for New Bedford, including myself, Chris Hendricks, Tony Cabral, Chris Markey and Paul Schmid, have issued a letter asking for a public information process where the public learns about the proposals for using the pier, and gets a meaningful chance to weigh in, before the administration makes an important decision about the future of our port. Our joint letter from last Friday to the CEO of MassDevelopment is available to you at the link below. If you have similar feelings about the need for public information to be shared about the proposals now pending review, I encourage you to communicate with the administration in Boston as well.
www.repstraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NB-Delegation-ltr-State-Pier.pdf … See MoreSee Less
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Would be great to see a waterfront training facility or location as part of the redevelopment. This could be a collaborative partnership with Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, New Bedford High School and Community Boating Center. This would certainly help accomplish the Chapter 91 requirement for waterfront dependent usage.
Thank you Bill for taking a stand in support of an open public process. The industry and voters need an opportunity to view and comment on any proposals.
Thank you for stepping up.
MASS DOT SELECTS BRIDGE TYPE DESIGN FOR REPLACING THE NEW BEDFORD-FAIRHAVEN BRIDGE
A major road traffic and navigation enhancement for our region took a significant step yesterday with the public release of the replacement bridge type study for the New Bedford-Fairhaven bridge on Route 6. I've written about this before but the basic issues remain the same; the original bridge is long past its useless life and with the help of last session's Transportation Bond Bill authorization of $100 million for design, permitting and early construction, the design process began in 2022. MassDOT and its design consultants have settled on a replacement bridge which is known as 'vertical lift'.
I completely support this decision for reasons of operation, improved marine vessel navigation, impact on traffic during construction and the time it will take to build. You can access the bridge type study at the link below. Complements to the Healey-Driscoll administration and MassDOT for their work in continued to pursue this project. We can look forward to review by the Coast Guard and a 25% design level which will trigger more public hearings and opportunity for comment.
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www.mass.gov
www.mass.gov
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"long past it's useless life" LOL 😆 agreed
MASS DOT AGREES TO RELEASE $900,000 IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUNDS FOR SOUTHCOAST RAIL
I am happy to share the good news that Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbets-Nutt has agreed to my request for release of $900,000 in local emergency response funding for added safety equipment associated with the new South Coast Rail service in 2024. I met with the Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng yesterday October 11 to renew this request for release of the funds. This money was originally authorized in the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill where as Transportation Committee Chair I also co-chaired the House-Senate Conference Committee on the bill. The idea, however, for providing train related safety equipment directly to area Fire and EMS Departments belongs to New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger and the other regional Chiefs from Fall River and Taunton as well as the leaders of locals with the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts.
The region's Chiefs and department members are now updating the specific item list for purchase of the safety and extraction equipment that should be available for train related emergency response as needed. All of my fellow legislative colleagues from the region have been determined in their advocacy for this emergency response equipment including particularly, Senator Michael Rodrigues, and Representative Carole Fiola. Thank you to Secretary Tibbets-Nutt in her role on behalf of the Healey-Driscoll administration. … See MoreSee Less
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Great job!
Great news!
Thank you Bill !
Outstanding!
GOVERNOR HEALEY SIGNS TAX CUTS INTO LAW
Though it took a great deal of negotiation, new important tax cuts are now in place for Massachusetts. The new law provides roughly $1 billion in tax relief targeted to a number of areas. Included are increases for the Child and Family Tax Credit, the Senior Circuit Breaker Credit, Housing development incentives, and a doubling of the estate tax credit from $1 million to $2 million. You can learn about more of the details at the link below. I was proud to support this legislation in September when it came before the full House and applaud Governor Healey for signing these tax changes into law.
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Governor Healey Signs First Tax Cuts in More Than 20 Years
www.mass.gov
$1 billion in tax cuts includes savings for seniors, businesses, renters, and the most generous Child and Family Tax Credit in the countryComment on Facebook