Downing involved in several bills at State House
PITTSFIELD – State Senator Benjamin B. Downing was central in the passing of several key pieces of legislation in the past week. Senator Downing joined his partners in the Massachusetts…
Gov. Patrick, public officials celebrate broadband access
OTIS – Rural residents will no longer be left in the dark in the Digital Age, thanks to a new initiative to bring broadband to communities across western and central…
Jill Stein, Rep. Neal weigh in on Keystone debate
The planet is heating up fast – a scientific study published last week reveals global surface temperatures are the hottest they’ve been in 4,000 years, with the rate of warming…
Markey makes campaign stop in Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD – Representative Edward “Ed” Markey (D-Malden) has kicked off his Berkshire County campaign for the United States Senate. Rep. Markey made a speech to a group of supporters and…
Zebra mussel bill becomes law
BOSTON – After years of work State Senator Benjamin B. Downing and State Representative Smitty Pignatelli have gotten their water protection bill signed into law. Sen. Downing championed this proposal…
Rep. Neal announces craft beer tax bill
GREAT BARRINGTON – They will drink to that. Eleven small brewers from around the state recently joined U.S. Representative Richard Neal at Barrington Brewery to support legislation to lower taxes…
Sen. Downing gets married
State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield) has entered into one of the most exciting and intimidating institutions of all: marriage. Senator for the Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden District, he married…
Fiscal cliff could impact local communities
LENOX – The debate over the so-called “fiscal cliff” in Washington may have a real impact on local communities in The Berkshires. That was the message 4th Berkshire District Rep. William…
Green High Performance Computing Center opens in Holyoke
HOLYOKE – Governor Deval L. Patrick presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of a high-performance computing center in Holyoke. The Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC),…
Rep. Pignatelli wins big in 4th
Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli (D-Lee) has won re-election to the 4th Berkshire Massachusetts State House District, handily defeating Green-Rainbow Party candidate Lee Scott Laugenour. “I’m just overwhelmed,” said Rep. Pignatelli in…