Hinds, Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs seek funding in Washington, D.C.
Boston — Sen. Adam G. Hinds, D-Pittsfield, will travel to Washington, D.C., this week as a member of the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs to lobby against proposed federal funding cuts which, if implemented, would dramatically and negatively impact key programs and services across Massachusetts.
“When one-in-four dollars in the state budget come from Washington, we need a crystal clear understanding of potential changes to the federal spending plan. We also need to communicate early with our federal counterparts on the impact these proposed cuts will have in the Commonwealth,” said Hinds. “The President’s budget blueprint attacks our municipalities by slashing Community Development Block Grants and other support programs that help our most vulnerable citizens. Further, he eliminates several important federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which would be deeply detrimental to local programs.”
The trip is being led by Committee chair Sen. Sal DiDomenico, D-Everett. Committee vice chair Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry, D-Boston; Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton; Sen. Joseph Boncore, D-Winthrop; and Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, will also attending.
The senators will be in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, April 25, through Thursday, April 27. During their time on Capitol Hill, they will meet with the state’s Congressional delegation, several federal agencies, think tanks, public policy organizations and the National Conference of State Legislators. Discussions will be focused on the impacts of funding reductions outlined in the president’s budget blueprint in Massachusetts.
The federal budget year begins in October while the Massachusetts fiscal year begins on Saturday, July 1. Hinds and his colleagues will bring home information that will help inform the Senate’s FY 2018 budget-building process in May. The Massachusetts House of Representatives is convening this week to deliberate their FY 2018 spending plan.
No state or public dollars are being used to pay for this trip. Hinds will be in daily contact with his State House and district staff while he is in Washington. His offices in Pittsfield, Williamsburg and Boston will be open and staff will be available to assist constituents.
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MassDOT issues Pay By Plate grace period reminder
Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation reminds members of the public without E-ZPass MA transponders who have been billed for travel on the Massachusetts Turnpike/I-90 through the Pay By Plate system that they have until Saturday, May 8, to take advantage of MassDOT’s E-ZPass grace period.
After Saturday, May 8, the grace period will continue to be available for new customers to the program. This is meant to make the grace period program available to Massachusetts’ student population, people who have just moved to the state, and drivers who have not traveled on I-90 since the beginning of AET.
MassDOT encourages all Pay By Plate customers who wish to take advantage of the grace period program to do so before Saturday, May 8. Customers can convert their Pay By Plate bills online in order to receive a credit for the difference between the tolling rates, a credit provided after a customer pays his or her Pay By Plate invoice(s) in full. Customers can also take advantage of the program by calling the EZDriveMA hotline at (877) 627-7745 or by visiting one of its customer service centers.
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PBS to air celebration of Latino contribution to the American songbook
Boston — On Friday, April 28, and Friday, May 5, PBS viewers will be able to experience musical fusions that propelled Latin music to the top of the U.S. charts with the rebroadcast of the series “Latin Music USA.” Produced by WGBH in co-production with the BBC, the two-part, four-hour documentary explores the Latin rhythms that influenced jazz, rock, country, and rhythm and blues, highlighting the enduring contributions made by Latino musicians to the American songbook.
“Latin Music USA” recognizes the contributions of Latinos to the United States, celebrating their heritage and culture, which are integral to understanding popular music in the U.S. The encore broadcast is accompanied by a bilingual social media and mobile-responsive campaign, initiatives that are new since the series’ original broadcast in 2009. Content and episodes will now be more accessible to music lovers everywhere, as well as fans of American history and Hispanic culture.
Woven throughout the series are the sounds and stories of a range of musical artists and influencers including Carlos Santana, Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Pérez Prado, Pitbull, Ricky Martin, Ritchie Valens, Selena, Shakira and Tito Puente. “Latin Music USA” also features Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the Tony Award-winning musicals “Hamilton” and “In the Heights.” Narrated by actor Jimmy Smits, the series airs in English with a Spanish-language track available.
Viewers are advised that local broadcast times may differ; those interested in viewing the program should check local listings.
