Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Jehlen Says 'Transportation Funding is at a Crisis Point'

The Somerville State Sen. and Kristina Egan, director of the Transportation for Massachusetts coalition, discuss the state of Massachusetts' transportation infrastructure.

As the state looks at ways to fund its transportation infrastructure, Somerville State Sen. Patricia Jehlen and Kristina Egan, director of the Transportation for Massachusetts coalition, explain why they feel the effort is necessary. Here's their letter:  Investing in Transportation is Investing in Our Future Transportation is key to Massachusetts’ economic future – but it is currently at risk. Public transportation’s power to grow our economy and create great communities can be seen in the growth of places like Davis Square, which flourished with the extension of the Red Line in 1985.  Today, with development at Assembly Square and construction on the Green Line extension, we are creating jobs in Somerville and making it one of the most …

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State Sen. Jehlen: 'Review your Medicare Options, Save Money'

Medicare recipients have until Dec. 7 to review their coverage options, and there are services available to help people navigate all the confusion, Somerville's state senator says.

The following is from Somerville State Sen. Patricia Jehlen. She reminds people they have until Dec. 7 to review and make enrollment changes to their Medicare coverage. She also has advice for people who would like to consult with an expert about their options. Here's what Jehlen writes: Review your Medicare Options, Save Money  The annual Medicare enrollment period is earlier than usual this year, starting October 15 and lasting through December 7.  During this window, and only during this window, you can review your Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans’ coverage options.  While reviewing your Medicare coverage is not necessarily an exciting prospect, it is certainly important.  Ensuring that you are in the most cost-effective …

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State House Forum on Community Housing on Oct. 17

Officials will provide an update on efforts to end homelessness through community housing, according to Somerville State Sen. Patricia Jehlen's office.

The following is from the office of State Sen. Patricia Jehlen: On October 17th from 4pm-5pm in the Gardner Auditorium at the State House there will be a public information and listening session regarding the implementation of An Act Relative to Community Housing and Services. At this session, Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein and Assistant Secretary Marilyn Anderson Chase will provide background on the effort to date and an overview of key components that will be included in the interagency MOU mandated by the legislation. After that presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to offer feedback and guidance on this initiative. This law, which was passed last year, will lead to the development of up to 1,000 units of Supportive Housing …

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Patricia Jehlen

Somerville's state senator seeks reelection and is running unopposed.

Name : Ms. Patricia Deats Jehlen Also known as : Pat Age : 68 Place of residence : Somerville MA Attended college : Yes College : Swarthmore College Degree : BA Year of graduation : 1965 University : Harvard Graduate School of Education Degree : MA in Teaching Year of graduation : 1969 Job titles held : NA Employers : NA Party affiliation : Democrat Running for a: State office Running for position: State Senate Chamber/district: 2nd Middlesex Incumbent: Yes First elected: 15 September 2005 Previous elective offices : Somerville School Committee 1975-1991 State Representative 1991-2005 Unsuccessful bids for elective offices : NA Address 67 Dane St Somerville MA 2143 Website : www.patjehlen.org Facebook : State Senator Pat Jehlen & Pat Jehlen

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Sen. Jehlen Touts New Animal Control Laws

A new law signed by the governor updates old laws governing pets and animals in the state, according to Somerville State Sen. Patricia Jehlen.

Somerville State Sen. Patricia Jehlen sent an announcement (below) about new animal control laws recently signed by the governor. According to Jehlen's announcement, the Animal Control Act covers a number of things: Here's Sen. Jehlen's announcement (edited slightly to reflect the date the governor signed the bill, Aug. 2): Governor Signs Animal Control Act After many years of trying and after passing it 3 times in the Senate, an act relative to animal control has finally passed both the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor Aug. 2. This legislation has been a priority for me as well as for the many groups that advocate for animal welfare in Massachusetts including MSPCA, the Humane Society, the Animal Control Officers …

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