Last week of formal sessions...

This week will mark the end of formal sessions in the House. Today we will be debating the sales tax holiday bill.

Next week we will give you a summary of the highlights of this past session.

As usual, I am always glad to hear from constituents. Send email to RepDonato38@aol.com.

Update:

You will find a copy of my op ed on youthful drivers here.

Minimum Wage Bill Passed...

Yesterday the House of Representatives passed a minimum wage bill bumping hourly pay for more than 300,000 workers in Massachusetts from $6.75 to $8 an hour over the next two years.

As a result of the bill we passed the minimum wage will increase 75 cents by January 1, 2007, from $6.75 to $7.50, and then up to $8 by 2008. The minimum wage will not be tied to inflation.

As you may already know, state legislators meeting yesterday in a Constitutional Convention, decided to put off debate on a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage. The issue will be debated after November's election. Some people were not very happy about this postponement. As usual, I will welcome your comments. Send an email to repdonato38@aol.com.

Our District Office...

The photo shows the second floor of the Old Fellsway Theatre Building at 271 Spring Street in Medford where our District Office is located. The flags of the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts fly on the rooftop.

We can be reached at our District Office be calling 781-395-1683 or by emailing us at repdonato38@aol.com.

Update on Legislative work...

This past week we have been focused on some technical overrides of Governor Romney's vetoes.

With this session due to end July 31st we have a very busy schedule for the next few weeks.

On Wednesday of this coming week we'll convene for a Constitutional Convention to discuss the issue of putting the marriage amendment on the ballot. As you know this is now a hotly debated question. Send an email to repdonato38@aol.com if you have any comments you would like to share.

Next Thursday we'll start the process of reviewing the vetoes that Governor Romney made on the Supplemental Budget and on the stimulus package.

As usual, your comments are always welcome!

We need better training, tougher penalties for young drivers...

Recently the Medford Transcript published my Op Ed piece on junior operators. Chick here for the full text.

Legislator of Year Award...

The Massachusetts Boating and Yacht Clubs Association will present me with the "Legislator of the Year" award on Saturday, July 8. The event will be held at the Volunteer Yacht Club in Lynn.

Holiday Celebration...

Rosann and I enjoyed a quiet holiday with a backyard B-B-Que for family. Hope everyone had an enjoyable safe holiday.