by Rep. Jen Benson

It has been another busy month serving the 37th Middlesex District. I have enjoyed talking with many of you on issues important to you and your families. Please keep the calls coming in! Here is a snapshot on what I worked on in February.

Unemployment insurance relieffor employers

The most pressing issue facing our commonwealth is the economic crisis and its effect on working families and small businesses. This month I worked with my colleagues in the House to pass legislation to support businesses by halting the scheduled increase in the unemployment insurance assessment that all employers pay. This bill will freeze the schedule at the 2009 level. Without this legislative action, the per-employee assessment would have jumped from $584 per employee, to approximately $852, putting further strain on already struggling businesses.

Anti-stalking legislation

Citizens should have the tools to protect themselves from dangerous predators. I worked with the House to pass a bill allowing stalking victims to file restraining orders even if they do not have a prior relationship with their alleged stalkers. Preceding this legislation, about two-thirds of stalking victims could not get legal protection. Our legislation closes this dangerous loophole.

Prohibition on texting while driving; license renewals for elder drivers

Over the past month I have worked with the House on a bill that will make our roads safer and reduce the number of accidents associated with cell phone use. The legislation prohibits texting while driving, requires vision testing for all drivers, bans junior operators from using a cell phone behind the wheel, and requires all other drivers to use a hands-free device. The bill also states that those over the age of 75 must renew their licenses every five years at the Registry of Motor Vehicles branch office.

Farm-to-school program

I also voted for legislation aimed at improving childhood health and reducing childhood obesity . The legislation limits the sale of unhealthy foods and drinks in Massachusetts public schools and establishes a farm-to-school program that encourages school districts to establish buying agreements with local farms to provide fresh dairy and produce. The farm-to-school program will be especially beneficial to our district, with its strong farming community.

District activities

Attending district events and talking with constituents and local officials is an important part of my job. Highlights of this month included meeting with the fire and police chiefs in Boxborough, attending public hearings in Devens, meeting with the Lunenburg School Committee, and presenting with Senator Jamie Eldridge before Boxborough and Acton boards of selectmen.

In addition, I participated in a Domestic Violence Conference with Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, met with the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools, and attended the Regional Economic Summit in Leominster, also hosted by the Lieutenant Governor.

In ongoing district news, I attended a Saturday walk through the South Action train station with Senator Eldridge, representatives from the MBTA, and more than 100 Acton residents to discuss proposed plans to redesign the South Acton Commuter Rail Station. We spoke for nearly two hours, working on a compromise between the MBTA and the town of Acton. I will be meeting with the interim general manager of the MBTA on behalf of the citizens in the coming weeks.

I am always interested in hearing from constituents. I hold office hours in Acton on the first Monday of every month, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Sweet Bites Bakery & Café. My office in Lunenburg is staffed Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I can also be reached at my Boston office at 617-722-2130, or my district office in Lunenburg at 978-582-4146, ext. 450. Visit my website for additional news and resources, www/jenbenson.org.