Representative Geraldo Alicea (D-Charlton) recently announced that he has sponsored and co-sponsored over one hundred and fifty individual pieces of legislation for the new 2009-2010 legislative session. So far, the Legislature has filed close to six thousand petitions this session, which include a variety of initiatives ranging from pension reform to updating the bottle bill. 

View Rep. Alicea's 2009-2010 Legislaltion

Resolving the state’s budget deficit and the myriad problems arising from the current fiscal crisis, reforming the transportation and pension systems, and addressing the rising number of foreclosures and layoffs statewide are among the many top ranking priorities for Representative Alicea and his colleagues in the Legislature this year. This session, Representative Alicea has co-sponsored a variety of bills that would, if passed, help preserve affordable housing, assist those facing the threat of foreclosure, provide tax relief, and expand workers rights and protections, in addition to other reforms. 

“There is no doubt that we are facing unprecedented times and that the need for action is urgent”, said Representative Alicea. “My colleagues and I have proposed and sponsored a wide range of legislative reforms and initiatives that I feel will both support and address the needs of the Commonwealth and its residents during these difficult times”. 

While the current fiscal crisis seems to leave little room on the agenda for new policy initiatives, Representative Alicea remains committed to issues relating to education and local aid support, the environment, health care reform, and assistance for veterans and the elderly. Representative Alicea has filed a series of public safety related bills, including legislation that would protect both youth and individuals with mental disabilities from sexual predators, legislation that would ban cell phone use by minors while driving, and a bill to ban the sale and use of dangerous novelty lighters. He has also filed legislation that would increase public protections by limiting street list disclosure, in addition to legislation that protects consumers from predatory lending practices by auto dealers. 

“I have always been committed to issues relating to public safety, and I feel it is important to maintain that commitment while we address the many other significant challenges facing the Commonwealth”, said Representative Alicea. “Ultimately, there is no doubt that these next two years will be difficult, but I am confident in our ability to meet these challenges and to emerge as a stronger community and state in the end”.