Capitol Comments
By State Rep. Patricia A. Walrath 3rd Middlesex District
Region - Activity and humidity often go hand-in-hand for New Englanders in the summer; the halls of the State House have been busy with tour groups brushing up on their history of the commonwealth and visiting their legislators. Sessions in both branches continue with important legislation being voted on and testimony on proposed legislation being heard.

Health Care Financing Update: Recently, the Health Care Financing Committee heard testimony regarding MassHealth, påublic health and other åhealth-related areas. Topics included coverage for hearing aids, immunization of children against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), treatment of blood disorders and the standardization of medical coding and billing formats for health insurers. Matters concerning MassHealth included the preservation of coverage for disabled persons, the extending of patient protections to those with coverage and the increase of funds for the Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund.

Care Repair Legislation: Legislation titled "The Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2007" is written with the goal of allowing owners options as to what repair shop to bring their vehicles, keeping up repair competition in the commonwealth, and increasing consumer choice. The committee recently held a hearing on the proposed legislation and is considering it.

Hudson Community Development Block Grants: I am happy to announce that the Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded the town of Hudson $988,455 in Community Development Block Grants. The departmental grants are given to cities and towns with fewer than 50,000 residents with a wide variety of developmental needs. Projects for which the town will be using the funds are the six businesses assisted through the Commercial Rehab/Façade Program, the reconstruction of a parking lot located on South Street, designs for improvements to the Senior Center, work on the Houghton Street water line and bridge, and the Tannery Brook Canal Walk.

Governor's Volunteer Expo: The governor recently hosted a Volunteer Expo for state employees to increase awareness of various Massachusetts nonprofit organizations and recruit volunteers. The New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the Arthritis Foundation, and Best Buddies of Massachusetts, which offers social and employment opportunities for people with developmental disorders, were just a few of the many groups in attendance in the Great Hall, where potential volunteers packed in to check out opportunities.

Summertime Farm Fun: Many farms in the area are open to visitors who want to pick their own fruit or just buy fresh, homegrown produce. There are farmer's markets in Maynard on Main Street (Route 62), Clock Tower Place, and the Mill Pond Parking Lot Saturdays through Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The district is rich in produce and, in the summertime, many farms off er their crops at roadside stands. Check out the list at www. massfarmstands.com. And, finally, fall isn't the only time for picking your own fruit. There are also U-pick farms open during the summer for family fun. See what farms are off ering u-pick at www.mass. gov/agr/massgrown/blueberries pyo.htm.

As always, please feel free to share your questions, comments or opinions with me by calling 617-722-2430; writing to Room 236 State House, Boston, MA 02133; or sending email to Rep.PatriciaWalrath@ hou.state.ma.us.

Editor's note: Rep. Walrath serves the 3rd Middlesex District of Hudson, Bolton, Maynard and Stow.