Category Archives: News

Lawmaker calls for change after yet another critical report of Bridgewater State Hospital

Brittany Johnson, WCVB 5 ABC, March 15, 2024 A lawmaker is calling for change after a new report slams the treatment of inmates with mental illness inside Bridgewater State Hospital. … State Rep. Ruth Balser, D-Newton, who is also a … Continue reading

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Brookline, Newton state Rep. Ruth Balser is retiring after 25 years in the State House

by Sam Mintz, February 19, 2024 Ruth Balser, who represents parts of Brookline and Newton in the state legislature, will retire from her position at the end of this year. Balser, 75, has been the state representative for the 12th Middlesex … Continue reading

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Rep. Ruth Balser reflects on her career

BY MARTINA JACKSON ON FEBRUARY 13, 2024 Following her announcement that she will retire from the state legislature at the end of this year, Rep. Ruth Balser spoke with Fig City News about her career. A member of House Speaker Ron Mariano’s leadership team, … Continue reading

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Globe Editorial: If addiction is a disease, why does the probation system treat relapses as a crime?

The revolving door of court-treatment-prison has to stop. By The Editorial Board Updated December 3, 2023, 4:00 a.m. Someone commits a petty crime — theft, say — to feed an addiction and is put on probation. The judge orders them into … Continue reading

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‘Beacons’ on the Hill

Mass Lawyers Weekly Staff // October 27, 2023 The Equal Justice Coalition held a special event at the State House on Oct. 19 to recognize seven lawmakers who have been “Beacons of Justice” on the Hill. Click here to continue … Continue reading

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Calls for Changes to Bridgewater State Hospital Come with Dark Details

MATTHEW MEDSGER | mmedsger@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald- October 3, 2023 Bridgewater State Hospital is more like a prison than a mental health hospital, lawmakers are being told Click here to continue reading.

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Mass. Pols Stand With Israel As New War Unfolds

Written by Sam Drysdale/SHNS– Oct. 11, 2023 Massachusetts public officials and interest groups have come out in a massive show of support for Israel after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas following a surprise attack last weekend. … Continue reading

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With New Model Language, Library E-book Bills Are Back

After a legal setback in 2022, library advocates say they are working closely with advocates on new bills in several states. By Andrew Albanese and Jim Milliot | Publishers Weekly | Feb 23, 2023 Click here to continue reading

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“Addiction is an illness, not a crime”

BY MARTINA JACKSON, FIG CITY NEWS on FEBRUARY 7, 2023 So says State Rep. Ruth B. Balser, explaining a bill she has filed — HD2465 An Act Ensuring Access to Addiction Services. Click here to continue reading

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Local artists present creative works to lawmakers for exemplary Dignity Awards

by Salem News. September 15, 2022. On June 15, the artwork of Nino Lombardi, a 93-year-old Beverly artist, was presented to state Sen. Patricia Jehlen, D-Somerville, and state Rep. Ruth Balser, D-Newton, in recognition and appreciation of their exemplary service … Continue reading

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