Will Brownsberger — State Senator, Democrat, 2d Suffolk and Middlesex District

Today the Senate passed a bill to strengthen the state’s response to prescription drug addiction. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

The Governor released local aid numbers last week. Most communities see little change, but a few communities, including Arlington, see substantial Chapter 70 increases.

Today I was sworn in as state senator in the Senate Chamber. The Senate President presided and the Governor administered the oath of office. After the ceremony, I was permitted to make some brief remarks.

A couple of constituents asked after the January 10 special election whether it was really necessary to hold the election given that, after my December 13 primary win, my name was the only one on the ballot. I think the answer to that question is yes.

The present House Education Chair, Rep. Alice Peisch, and her predecessor, Rep. Marty Walz, have taken a strong leadership role in shaping an approach to expanding virtual education in Massachusetts.

The MBTA faces a long-term structural budget deficit. The steep fare increases and service cuts proposed offer only short-term financial relief. In the long run, we need to provide more financial support for the T.

It appears that we can expect a more comprehensive sentencing package, which will require weeks or months to develop.

The state’s new “Open Checkbook” website is a big step forward.

While I voted against the gambling bill, I think that we got a number of other good things done in this session. The biggest may be the redistricting plan which has been widely praised for the increase it creates in the number of districts from which minority candidates may potentially be elected.

I took a tough vote last night that many might, at first glance, disagree with. I write to explain my vote.

The day before the final day of the 2011 session the House completed work on a number of good bills:

I’d appreciate input on a Cambridge redistricting issue that has arisen.

It appears that surpluses in FY11 state budget line items have been sufficient to allow for a planned distribution of additional local aid to cities and towns.

The Special Joint Committee on Redistricting Committee has released its draft maps for comment. The legislature’s redistricting webpage now includes the proposed new maps.

In the spirit of transparency which I believe is the foundation of trust in government, I wanted to report to you about a hacking incident affecting my websites (among many others at my web hosting company, InMotion Hosting).

The Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization today approved funding for the reconstruction of the Belmont-Trapelo Corridor in Fiscal 2012.

Last week, I again voted against bringing casinos to Massachusetts. In 2008, when I first voted against gambling, I was voting in the majority.

The plans for the reconstruction of the Craddock Bridge assure considerable reductions in the flood risks posed by the Bridge.

Some have found the conversation about municipal health care reform confusing. Here is a summary perspective.

Builders can do good and make more money through green building. It’s not so hard to get started.