Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals
Sánchez has co-sponsored legislation for a competitive economy through safer alternatives to toxic chemicals, which seeks to create a comprehensive program to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives in consumer products and other businesses. The bill would protect the public from adverse health impacts and develop opportunities to strengthen the competitiveness and growth of Massachusetts businesses.
Scientific evidence indicates that a number of frequently used toxic chemicals contribute to an epidemic of chronic diseases and disorders, such as birth defects, developmental disabilities, asthma, and cancers. It is important that toxic substances be substituted with safer alternatives to prevent adverse health impacts on children, workers, and other vulnerable populations. Furthermore, innovative, green industries create safer products, better working conditions, and long-term jobs needed in the Commonwealth.
Parks and Recreation
Sánchez has worked closely with the State Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to preserve green space in the community. As a result of his efforts, DCR awarded $128,600 in matching funds for three improvement projects within the 15th Suffolk district, including the Southwest Corridor Park (SWCP), the Arborway, and the Emerald Necklace.
The SWCP was awarded $50,000 in matching funds to install lighting and to resurface three basketball courts in the Roxbury section of the SWCP. The Arborway Parkway was awarded $45,600 to add an additional 600 linear feet of steel fencing toward the Arborway hillside and Forest Hills to prevent traffic from crossing over the median from the main parkway to the upper Arborway access road. In addition, the funds will complete the proposed plan to extend a 350 linear foot fence toward Murray Circle. The Emerald Necklace was also awarded $33,000 to develop treatment guidelines for the crosswalks and paths of the parks that improve park visitor safety and connections between the parks, and balance the needs of different user groups, particularly between bikers and other park users.
Sánchez is proud to represent a community with such engaged friends groups and park advocacy groups that work to preserve the green space within the neighborhood.
Municipal Fines (“Green Tickets”)
Sánchez has worked for several years with his colleagues to pass An Act Relative to Unpaid Municipal Fines, also known as “green ticket legislation.” This law specifically targets improper disposal of trash and late snow removal, which has been a significant problem throughout the city of Boston.
The intent of this law is to make the citation process more effective and in turn reduce the number of offenses occurring throughout the city and to protect our health and safety.
This legislation will give municipalities the collection powers needed to motivate violators to keep their properties clean and to fulfill their obligation to clear snow from sidewalks abutting their property within a designated period of time decided by the city or town.