DIGITAL VS ANALOG - IS A NEW, EXPENSIVE TELEVISION IN YOUR FUTURE? - JUNE 25
Not necessarily. While the federal government has mandated that U.S. broadcasters shut down analog TV broadcasts on Feb. 17, 2009, it doesn't mean you need to buy a digital television. The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation has just published a handy fact sheet about the deadline, digital converter box coupons, and a lot more information. Download their Consumer Advisory here.

BOB OPPOSES GIFT BAN LEGISLATION - JUNE 17
With state leaders in California promoting Massachusetts' as a prime site for the billion dollar life sciences industry, Bob writes about the narrow thinking of the gift ban legislation sponsored by Senate President Therese Murray. To read his editorial, follow this link

BOB COSPONSORS AMENDMENT TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
Responding to the demand for safe, low-cost mortgages in the wake of rising foreclosures, Bob is helping to lead an effort to increase funding for a program that supports fixed interest rate bank loans for first-time buyers. Bob and his colleagues are asking to increase funding for the state's SoftSecond Loan Program to $7.5 million, an increase of $2.25 million over last fiscal year.
"In the wake of the foreclosure crisis, it is important to keep homebuyers in their homes with affordable payments," said Spellane. "These programs need to be expanded and enhanced to encourage homeownership and stabilize communities."

NEW SITE MAKES AUTO INSURANCE SHOPPING EASIER
With the onset of managed competitive auto insurance, the Commonwealth of Mass. has created a website -- www.mass.gov/autorates - to try to make comparison shopping easier. Using the online tool, you can compare sample premiums for new private passenger automobile policies sold in Massachusetts. The site also produces sample insurance premiums for typical drivers with various backgrounds and levels of experience. The premiums listed are only sample premiums and do not reflect discounts, including renewal discounts, that could apply to you. Your actual premium may differ significantly from the sample based on specific information that you will provide to a company when you apply for insurance. For quick access, go here

BEWARE TAX SCAMS
Daniel Crane, the Undersecretay of the Mass. Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, provides information so consumers can make educated and informed choices. March 3 begins "National Consumer Protection Week" and to mark the occasion, the agency publishes timely newsletters at its website, www.mass.gov/consumer. Go here to read the latest on tax scams, such as refund anticipation loans, you should be aware of.

RETURNING VETS NOT ACCESSING WELCOME HOME BONUS
Bob wants to remind Massachusetts veterans returning from Afghanistan or Iraq that they are entitled to the $1,000 tax-free Welcome Home Bonus offered by the Commonwealth. Please use the Statehouse News link above to find out more about this program.

IMPORTANT HEALTH CARE TAX INFORMATION - DEADLINE JANUARY 31, 2008
The new health care reform law requires all Massachusetts residents to have had health insurance by the end of 2007. As a result, all Massachusetts residents are required to sumit a Schedule HC form when we file our state taxes. Schedule HC must be completed to determine the amount of your personal exemption. It will also serve as proof of health insurance coverage for you and your dependents so that you will not be assessed a penalty for NOT having health insurance. Failure to file this form with your state income tax return may delay the processing of your state tax return and/or result in that financial penalty. The information needed to complete 1099-HC will be mailed to you by your health insurance provider by the end of January. If you do not receive your 1099-HC form by January 31, CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER TO ask where it is.

DRIVERS CELL PHONE LEGISLATION - JANUARY 23, 2008
On Wednesday, January 23, the House of Representatives passed H 4477, limiting the use of cell phones to hands-free devices and banning text messaging while driving. Click on Statehouse News above to read more.

REP. SPELLANE APPOINTED TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF COMMONWEALTH COVENANT FUND - DECEMBER 13, 2007
On December 13, 2007, Bob was appointed to the board of trustees of the Commonwealth Covenant Fund (CCF), an innovative program created by the Legislature that provides tuition repayments to students who attend public institutes of higher education with the intent of pursuing careers in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. Click on Statehouse News above for more details.

HYDROGEN FUEL TECHNOLOGY - NOVEMBER 12, 2007
Read the Worcester Business Journal's November 12 article, "Fuel Cells to Fuel Growth in Worcester" by going here. Bob filed legislation this session to establish the Massachusetts Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Institute at WPI, which already has a Fuel Cell Center. Bob sees Worcester as playing a major role in developing this exciting, emerging, clean energy concept. To read WBJ's editorial on the subject, "Capitalizing on Worcester's Strengths," go here

AUTO INSURANCE REFORM - JULY 2007
The July 16, 2007 announcement by Commissioner of Insurance Nonnie Burnes that she hopes to move the state to a more competitive auto insurance system is welcomed by Bob and his pro-reform colleagues on the Joint Committee of Financial Services.
See Bob and Chairman Ron Mariano's July 12, 2007 letter that urges auto insurance reform

HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM - JULY 2007
If you have a question about health insurance reform and the state-mandated coverage for every resident, go to www.MAhealthconnector.org

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS - MAY 2007
Understanding the importance of Community Health Centers and the critical health care coverage they deliver throughout the state, Bob, House Speaker Sal DiMasi, Senator Jack Hart and other legislators are collaborating to push through legislation that will strengthen such centers throughout the Commonwealth. Read more from, "Health Center Leaders Praise Sen. Hart, Rep. Spellane for their support of Community Health Centers.

HYDROGEN FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY- APRIL 2007
As a proponent of clean energy, Bob is taking the lead on advocating for state funding for hydrogen and fuel cell initiatives by working closely with WPI www.wpi.edu to establish the Massachusetts Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Institute at the college. Read the editorial from the April 17 T&G >>>