Happy 4th of July!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in my District a happy and safe Fourth of July Holiday.

Rosann and I are looking forward to a quiet holiday with the opportunity to spend time in the backyard with the grandchildren.

Have a good holiday!

State Budget and Minimum Wage on agenda for coming week...

When we convene after the 4th of July holiday we will have two major items on the agenda: the State Budget and the Minimum Wage.

The annual budget now stands at approximately $25 billion dollars.

I would be particularly interested in hearing from any constituents regarding the minimum wage. You can contact me by email at repdonato38@aol.com.

A busy week...

This week we have been considering some of the bills vetoed by Governor Romney. Many of the vetoed bills have to do with delivery of human services to our communities. I believe it is important to override those vetoes that have a major negative impact on service delivery.

Update on Constitutional Convention...

We are still scheduled to convene on July 12 but it is not clear if we will have the opportunity to vote on the question regarding the definition of marriage. If you have any views on this issue please send email to repdonato38@aol.com. I'll keep you updated.

A Word of Welcome...

I am very pleased to welcome you to our online publication - The Paul Donato Report.

Check out the special features of this blog. On the right sidebar we have a list of links to useful resources. We'll add to this list as time goes on. You will notice the "comments" button below. Just click on this button and you can send us your opinions.

You will also notice an icon shaped like an envelope below. Click on this button and you can send the URL for this blog to friends and colleagues.

One more thing: since we will be constantly updating the information I recommend that you check back regularly. For convenience, add this URL to your Address Book: www.repdonato.blogspot.com

Dr. Ed Deevy, a nationally recognized communications specialist (and a native Irishman!), has been helping us with the launch and promotion of this online publication. House or Senate colleagues who wish to publish their own blog they should contact Ed at eddeevy@cs.com or call him on his cell phone at 857-389-2113.

Again, welcome! Come back and visit often.

Two major Issues on the agenda this week...

We will be addressing two major issues in the State Legislature during this coming week.

The annual budget is on the agenda. In addition, the issue of the minimum wage is also on our agenda.

The House version calls for the increase in the minimum wage to $7.75 with no indexing to the cost of living. The Senate version calls for an increase to $8.25 with indexing to the cost of living.

If you have opinions on this legislation or any other legislation that we'll be addressing in this session I would welcome your feedback. You can click on the "comments" button below or send an email to repdonato38@aol.com.

Constitutional Convention - July 12

I know that many constituents are interested in the issue that will be debated at our upcoming Constitutional Convention on July 12. The Question is as follows: Do you favor a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union of a man and a woman?

If you would like to give me your opinion on this question you can click on the "comments" button below or you can send an email to repdonato38@aol.com.

Congratulations to the Medford Chamber of Commerce...

The Cruisin' on the Mystic antique car show at the Meadow Glen Mall on Sunday, June 18, was a big success. Congratulations to the Medford Chamber of Commerce and all involved in staging this community event.

Meet the Democratic Candidates for Governor...

Photo shows Democratic gubernatorial candidates (from left) Thomas F. Reilly, Christopher F. Gabrieli, and Deval L. Patrick preparing to debate at WGBH-TV on Wednesday evening. Emily Rooney served as moderator as they exchanged views on the challenges confronting the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Photo: Pat Greenhouse/ Globe Staff. Courtesy of Boston Globe.

Low-number license plates...

The low-number license plate lottery is coming. The Registry of Motor Vehicles is getting ready to give away over 200 license plates with low numbers. If you are interested in getting into the lottery the information can be found here.

A sad day for Massachusetts State Police...

The funeral was held today for State Police trooper Paul F. Barry, 39, a father of seven from Franklin, who died last week when his cruiser hit a truck parked on I-495 in Wrentham.

Our sympathies go out to the Barry family.

Photo by David L. Ryan, courtesy of Boston Globe.