SPECIAL COMMISSION ON AFTER SCHOOL AND OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME
On November 15, 2007, after concluding seven months of research, including 10 public hearings and site visits across the state, the Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out-of-School Time, chaired by Representative Marie St. Fleur and Senator Thomas McGee released its final report entitled, Our Common Wealth: Building a Future for Our Children and Youth. The Commission found that quality programs play a key role in making sure that young people realize their full potential to become well-rounded adults and responsible citizens. Calling for specific actions in five key areas, the Special Commission recommended: (1) Increasing Public Awareness; (2) Providing Information and Increasing Access; (3) Promoting Quality Programs and a Quality Workforce; (4) Fostering Partnerships and Collaboration; and (5) Sustaining the Effort. “We, both the public and private sectors, are obligated to provide safe, secure and engaging programs for our children to learn, play and grow.” noted Rep. St. Fleur. “Education continues beyond the classroom.” The Commission is currently working on the creation of an After School public/private coordinating council – a key recommendation of the report that has been supported by the Joint Committee on Education.
In January, Representative St. Fleur participated in a Legislative Delegation to Cape Verde led by Representatives deMacedo and Cabral. The Cape Verdean islands are an archipelago consisting of ten islands, nine of which are inhabited. The majority of Cape Verdeans in the 5th Suffolk District hail from the Islands of Fogo and Brava. The delegation visited both islands and had an opportunity to discuss collaborative efforts that will help both countries. A higher education initiative is being developed between Bridgewater State College and the University of Cape Verde. Great concerns were expressed by members of the delegation and Cape Verdean officials about the current deportation policies of the United States –both sides resolved to work together to support more humane immigration processes and procedures for deportation. All these discussions are continuing and coordinated by Consul General Mascarenhas. In February, Representative St. Fleur participated in the Massachusetts Legislative Delegation to the Azores led by Congressman Barney Frank. The group met with President Carlos Cesar and other Azorean officials to discuss opportunities for investments in the Azores and establish collaborations between the Commonwealth and the Azores on matters such as energy and environment, agriculture and fisheries, tourism and healthcare. Discussions also targeted building partnerships between the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and the University of the Azores. A protocol agreement was reached between the universities.
In February, the House adopted Representative St. Fleur’s amendment to H.4554, the Life Sciences bill, which directs the Massachusetts Life Science Investment Fund to provide work force training grants to the public college and university system and provide grants for high school students that would establish career ladders for employment opportunities in the life science field.
