A heartfelt thank you to Mark Lunsford, and Stacie Rumenap, Executive Director of Stop Child Predators, Peter and Annette Presti, Bob Curley, Magi and John Bish for joining Community VOICES on June 25, 2008 at the Massachusetts State House. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the importance of laws that will keep our children safe.
We would also like to thank the legislators and their staff members who made this day a success.
Senator Steven Baddour
Jeevan Ramapriya
Senate President Therese Murray
Senator Bruce Tarr
Representative Karyn Polito
Representative Tom Golden
Attorney General Martha Coakley
A special thank you to Wendy Murphy & Senator Scott Brown
H1688 has been replaced with H4811, An act to further protect children in Massachusetts. Although this isn't the legislation we had hoped for, it's a significant step in the right direction. Community VOICES strongly supports the Administrative Subpoena section of the bill and encourages the legislature to amend the statutory rape section. What's even more significant is the acknowledgement from our elected officials that we need to strengthen sentencing laws in Massachusetts.
The action on this bill was due to the efforts of parents and citizens who took the time out of their lives to get involved. It proves that when we become a voice for our children, our legislators listen.
We encourage you to stay in contact with your legislators until this bill is finally signed into law.
One man awake can awaken another.
The second can awaken his next door brother.
The three awake can rouse the town.
Turning the whole place upside down.
And the many awake make such a fuss.
They finally awaken the rest of us.
Helen Kromer
Thank you to all who participated in the Rally for Jessica's Law on Tewksbury Common, Sunday, April 13th.
Laurie Myers, Rep. Jim Miceli, Rep. Karyn Polito, Lt. Governor Kerry Healey, Wendy Murphy, and Debbie Savoia
(left to right)
A special thank you to Representative Karyn Polito, Representative Jim Miceli, Lt. Governor Kerry Healey and Wendy Murphy for speaking on behalf of this very important legislation. We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to the survivors who share their experiences, stories and courage so that others can understand the scars left behind as a result of sexual abuse.
