MMA “Call to Action” (CTA) – Motorcycle Safety Bill S.1761
The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) is asking all riders to contact the Senate Ways and Means Committee Members immediately to request that Senate Bill Number 1761 (S.1761) be released with a “Favorable, Ought to Pass” recommendation. S.1761, “An Act to Promote and Advance Motorcycle Safety” has already received this favorable recommendation from the Transportation Committee and needs to be released to the Senate floor for debate and a vote.
The current legislative session effectively ends July 31 and there is very little time left to get this bill passed. S.1761 seeks to use the Motorcycle Safety Fund, funded solely by Massachusetts motorcycle riders through the annual $2.00 registration fee, to rebate a portion of a Junior Riders costs for successful completion of the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) Basic Rider Course (BRC).
Motorcyclists in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts know that “Education, not Legislation” is the best approach to reduce injuries through accident avoidance and stand by this “No Cost to the Commonwealth” Bill.
Statistically, 35% of all motorcycle accident fatalities are in the younger age brackets, and while this Bill addresses junior riders, the roads are far more crowded and aggressive than in the past and we want to preserve future ridership by encouraging the right start.
The MMA is requesting riders contact this Committees Members to request a “Favorable, Ought to Pass” recommendation for this bill, S.1761. Constituents of the Senate Ways & Means Committee Members are especially encouraged to contact these Senators. Committee members are listed below:
Senator Stephen Brewer (Barre): Room 212 - (617) 722-1540 - FAX (617) 722-1078
Senator Jennifer Flanagan (Leominister): Room 208 - (617) 722-1230 - FAX (617) 722-1130
Senator Benjamin Downing (Pittsfield): Room 413F - (617) 722-1625 - FAX (617) 722-1523
Senator Gale Candaras (Wilbriham): Room 309 - (617) 722-1291 - FAX (617) 722-1014
Senator Cynthia Creem (Newton): Room 405 - (617) 722-1639 - FAX (617) 722-1266
Senator Patrician Jehlen (Somerville): Room 513 - (617) 722-1578 - FAX (617) 722-1117
Senator Brian Joyce (Milton): Room 109D - (617) 722-1643 - FAX (617) 722-1522
Senator Thomas Kennedy (Brockton): Room 109E - (617) 722-1200 - FAX (617) 722-1116
Senator Thomas McGee (Lynn): Room 109C - (617) 722-1350 - NO FAX
Senator Michael Moore (Millbury): Room 215 - (617) 722-1485 - FAX (617) 722-1066
Senator Richard Moore (Uxbridge): Room 111 - (617) 722-1420 - FAX (617) 722-1944
Senator Marc Pacheco (Taunton): Room 312B - (617) 722-1551 - FAX (617) 722-1074
Senator Anthony Petruccelli (E. Boston): Room 424 - (617) 722-1634-FAX (617) 722-1076
Senator James Timilty (Walpole): Room 507 - (617) 722-1222 - FAX (617) 722-1056
Senator Michael Knapik (Westfield): Room 419 - (617) 722-1415 - FAX (617) 722-1506
Senator Richard Ross (Wrentham): Room 520 - (617) 722-1555 - FAX (617) 722-1054
Address should be formatted as such:
Honorable Senator Name Here
State House
Room 212
Boston, MA 02133
Since time is of the essence, riders are encouraged to write a letter on Monday or Tuesday and get it in the mail immediately. Also, consider printing your letter and FAXing it immediately. Remember Senator Brewer is the Chairman of this Committee, Senator Flanagan is Vice Chairman, and Senator McGee is the Sponsor of S.1761. Wednesday or Thursday, please make a telephone call to these Committee Members to re-affirm your support for S.1761 and ask again that it be released to the Senate Floor: four (4) steps to help passage of this Bill. Please note: e-mails ARE NOT EFFECTIVE so please take the extra time to write a letter so they have a piece of paper to hold onto!
Questions and\or Comments should be sent to LegislativeDirector@MassMotorcycle.org or visit www.MassMotorcycle.org for additional information.
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