News from Beacon Hill

Rice secures money for Bresnahan Scouting Center

The Bresnahan Scouting and Community Center is one of four area projects that state Rep. Robert Rice (D-Gardner) has secured funding for in the House budget, which still needs to pass through the Senate and the governor.

There is $10,000 pledged to the building that a group of local residents are planning to reconstructed in Ashburnham.

"My goal has always been to assure the most urgent and vital statewide needs were met, as well as to identify and fund specific district-wide programs vital to my constituents," said Rice.

The other local projects including $5,000 each for the Gardner Community Action Committee's Fellowship Table meals program and the Winchendon Community Action Committee's Food Bank and $7,500 for the House of Peace and Education's HOPE for Kids program.

Brewer to help study of mental health of veterans

State Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) was appointed to serve on the Special Committee to Study the Effects of War on Returning Veterans. The Commission, created by Chapter 1 of the Resolves of 2008, has been tasked with studying the mental health effects of war on those who return from active duty.

"Throughout our history, servicemen and women who have bravely served our country have returned to daily life suffering from mental and emotional consequences due to the trauma of war. It is our patriotic duty to welcome our soldier's home by providing them with the highest quality of benefits that they need and deserve, including mental health services, and I am honored to be appointed to a Commission that takes the crucial first steps in determining the needs of our service members," Brewer said.

Evangelidis' campaign kick-off

State Rep. Lew Evangelidis (R-Holden) and his family hosted a kick-off party for his campaign for re-election on Monday, May 19, at Val's Restaurant in Holden.

Evangelidis, who represents Westminster, is running unopposed for re-election.