Category Archives: News

Bill seeks to speed state’s transition to renewable energy

January 21, 2019- Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — A bill filed at the Massachusetts Statehouse seeks to help speed the state’s transition to renewable forms of energy. The bill would update the state’s 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act by setting … Continue reading

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Gov. Charlie Baker signs bill banning disability insurers from charging women more than men

Updated Jan 10; Posted Jan 10-MassLive.com-about a bill championed by Rep. Balser Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill Thursday banning insurers from charging women more than men for disability insurance policies. “I am pleased to sign this bill ensuring everyone in the Commonwealth … Continue reading

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Newton Legislative Delegation announces support for climate legislation

NewtonTAB-Posted Jan 18, 2019 at 9:12 AM Sen. Marc R. Pacheco, D-Taunton, and Rep. Ruth B. Balser, D-Newton, have announced that more than 80 state legislators have united in support of climate solutions in 2019. The statement circulated by Pacheco and Balser, A New Year’s … Continue reading

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Governor Baker should sign these bills left over from 2018 session

January 4, 2019-Boston Globe mentions a bill championed by Rep. Balser that was ultimately signed into law. The new legislative year on Beacon Hill is off and running, but there remain a few leftovers from the 2018 session still sitting … Continue reading

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Should Massachusetts institute same-day voter registration? Yes

Representative Ruth B. Balser writes in support of same-day registration Boston Globe February 23, 2018 Among the most troubling aspects of the 2016 election were the reports that many Americans who wanted to vote were turned away from the polls. … Continue reading

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Baker Trying to Have it Both Ways

Opposes Medicaid cuts in Washington, but backs them here Commonwealth Magazine, July 23, 2017 By Reps. Ruth B. Balser, Jay Livingstone and Christine Barber GOV. CHARLIE BAKER has publicly criticized Republican efforts in Washington, DC, to roll back health coverage provided … Continue reading

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Yes: Cable Companies Should Offer High-Definition Channels for Local Access Programming

Boston Globe  |  June 23, 2017 Along with more than 80 legislative co-sponsors, I filed a bill this session that would help to ensure that our local public, education, and government (PEG) channels survive and thrive. An Act Supporting Community … Continue reading

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The Argument: Should Massachusetts raise the smoking age to 21?

Boston Globe  |  January 1, 2016 Should Massachusetts raise the statewide smoking age to 21? YES By: Ruth B. Balser State representative, Newton Democrat, House vice-chair, Joint Committee on Public Health I am proud to be one of 56 cosponsors … Continue reading

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Bill proposes to prevent insurers from charging women more for disability insurance

Mass Live  |  July 22, 2015 BOSTON – Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing whether to prohibit disability insurers from charging higher rates to women than to men. A group of women’s rights advocates and lawmakers are pushing for a bill that … Continue reading

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Pro-sprinkler legislator reattempts push for requirements in homes

Fire Sprinkler Initiative News  |  January 20, 2015 A key ally in the push for home sprinkler requirements, Massachusetts Rep. Ruth Balser has once again filed a bill calling for the installation of these devices in newly constructed one- and … Continue reading

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