Senate Acts on Sen. Collins Bill to Protect Fire Fighters & Public

Legislation advances Walsh-Kennedy Commission recommendation This week, Senator Nick Collins celebrated the Senate’s passage of S.1646, An Act relative to violation of regulation regarding hot work processes, legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of hazardous “hot work” activities such as welding and other spark-producing construction work that can pose serious risks to firefighters, construction workers, and … Read more

Senator Collins Supports Bill to Strengthen Protections for Pets

Bill strengthens protections for pets and promotes responsible pet ownership statewide  State Senator Nick Collins last week voted in favor of S.3014, An Act promoting pet equity, treatment, and safety, while serving as a member of the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Too often, pet shops obtain animals from substandard breeding facilities commonly … Read more

Senator Collins Files Amendment to the Bright Act for UMass Boston Nursing School

Funding would also be set aside for a satellite campus at former Carney Hospital Site Senator Nick Collins, a member of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, this week voted to advance Senate consideration of the BRIGHT Act, a major higher education infrastructure bill, while filing an amendment aimed at building a new facility … Read more

Senator Collins Supports Senate Passage of Fair Housing and Key Consumer Protection Bills

The Massachusetts Senate recently advanced a trio of bills focused on protecting consumers and expanding opportunity across the Commonwealth, headlined by major legislation strengthening fair housing protections. Together, the measures address discrimination in the housing market, bolster safeguards for car buyers, and modernize standards for the certified public accountant workforce. “We are hitting the ground … Read more

Senator Collins Votes to Advance Consumer Protection and Workforce Development Legislation

Measures address housing discrimination, auto buyer protections, and CPA workforce pathways Last week, Senator Nick Collins chaired a hearing of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and voted to advance a trio of bills focused on consumer protection and professional licensure, moving the measures favorably out of committee and onto the Senate floor for … Read more

Senator Collins Votes to Improve Literacy Standards

Legislation Ensures Early Dyslexia Screening So No Child Falls Behind Last week, the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation that supports young learners by ensuring reading instruction is rooted in proven, evidence-based practices. The bill creates new statewide standards for literacy education and assessment, offers professional development resources for educators, and offers flexible options and supplemental funding … Read more

Massachusetts Legislators Call for Extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Community

Letter Calls on Executive Branch, Congressional Leaders to Take Action Ahead of Feb. 3 Deadline Senator Nick Collins sent a letter co-signed by 68 of his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature urging federal leaders to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the Haitian communities living in the United States. The letter was addressed to Department … Read more

Senator Collins Reminds Residents of Options to Lower Tax Bills

With property tax abatement applications due by February 2, Senator Collins is urging residents to review their assessments and explore available tax relief options. As deadlines for tax relief options approach, Senator Collins wants to remind residents that filing for a property tax abatement is an important tool available to homeowners who believe their property … Read more

Tax Relief Legislation Overwhelmingly Passes Senate

37–1 Vote to Approve Property Tax Relief for Homeowners, Seniors and Small Businesses  Last week, Massachusetts State Senate voted to make housing more affordable in Massachusetts, approving new tools that give cities and towns the ability to lower the cost of property taxes and put money directly back in residents’ pockets. “Last week my colleagues … Read more

Boston Deserves Better Than a Zero-Sum Tax Hike

This article originally appeared in the Dorchester Reporter By Senator Nick Collins For several weeks, my office has heard from residents across Boston seeking relief from the Mayor’s proposed property tax increases. Much of this outreach has followed the Mayor’s aggressive public relations campaign, in which she has blamed the Senate for her decision to … Read more