Since 1947, Student Government Day has afforded students from across the Commonwealth an opportunity to take on the roles of Governor, state legislators, constitutional officers and court justices to see what it is like to “run” State Government.

All five students in attendance were assigned as members of the House of Representatives and participated in events in the House Chamber.  They engaged in mock debates, simulated Committee hearings and formal Senate and House  sessions while shadowing their assigned official.

“It was wonderful to see so many students from the district in the building and participating in this unique experience including spending the day with government officials and observing the process of government first hand,” said “Representative Madden. “I was pleased to have the oppertunity to see Thomas, Vincent and Nikolay again as well as meet Meghan and Kevin for the first time”.

Student Government Day participants are selected by a process similar to local elections. Elections to select student delegates and their alternates are traditionally held in high schools throughout the state on the first Tuesday in November.

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“I am pleased we were able to move this along favorably and hope the Senate will do the same” commented Rep. Madden. “We all know the volunteer firemen are crucial to the safety of the island and have been for years”.

The Governor’s Office will select 28 young people to represent the Commonwealth’s 14 counties – two representatives per county. Youth Council applicants should be passionate, motivated, emerging leaders between the ages of 14 and 20 with an interest in public service. Responsibilities will include: attending monthly meetings and conference calls, advocating for youth issues and incorporating the ideas of other youth and young adults into the creation of effective policy.

Youth can apply to serve on the Council by submitting an application available at www.mass.gov/governor/youthcouncil by Friday, May 25, 2012. A selection committee will review applications and select the 28 members, who will then be notified via mail. For additional information, please contact the Office of Community Affairs at 617-725-4020.

(L to R) Rep. Madden, Selectmen Jonathan Mayhew and Frank Fenner, Jr., Lt. Governor Timothy Murray after the meeting in Scituate, MA

BOSTON- Today the Massachusetts the Seaport Advisory Council voted to award $629,026 to the Town of Chilmark in order to help rebuild Menemsha from the July 12, 2010 fire which destroyed the dock. The funds will specifically be used for ongoing west dock repairs.

“Our Administration continues to invest in public infrastructure improvements for cities and towns across the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “With approximately 2,800 miles of coastline in Massachusetts, it is critical that we support infrastructure improvements in our port communities. By leveraging funds through the 2008 Environmental Bond Bill, the Seaport Advisory Council meeting agenda included a range of projects, and approved investments that will help local and regional economies and lead to job creation and economic development in Chilmark and other port communities.”

I would like to thank Lt. Governor Timothy Murray and his assistant Robyn Kennedy for all their support” commented Rep. Madden. “Tim Carroll and Diana DeBlase assistance was critical throughout this application process” he added.

Wentworth Way groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday. Left to right: Wayne Johnson, Tim Williams, Laura Barbara, Abbe Burt, Andrew Berry, Philippe Jordi, Richard Leonard, Jeff Kristal, Tristan Israel, Fielding Moore, Rob Doyle, Geoghan Coogan, Nell Coogan.

Mass in Motion/Community Transformation Grant announcement at the State House October 2011. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket will both be receiving funds. (L to R) MA DPH Commissioner John Auerbach, Preventative Health Caucus Co-Chair Senator Harriette Chandler, Public Health Co-Chair Senator Susan Fargo, Senator Katherine Clark, Representative Timothy Madden, and United State Assistant Secretary for U.S. Health, Health and Human Services, Howard Koh.

BOSTON- State Representative Tim Madden is pleased to announce that Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket will receive a federal grant of $75,000 to expand efforts of active healthy living and quality clinical preventive services as part of the Mass in Motion program. The funds will also be used to promote tobacco-free living by providing resources to community prevention programs. Both Islands hope to transform the places where their citizens live, learn, work, and play in order to lead healthier, more active lives.

For more information about the Grants please click on Mass in Motion and Community Transformation.

A new guide for teens, developed by the Office of Attorney General Martha Coakley, entitled: “When You Turn 18.” The It is designed for high school seniors who will soon reach the important milestone of the age of legal adulthood.  The Guide gives an overview of some of these new opportunities to participate as an adult and gives some tips for handling money and finances, understanding the legal obligations involved when signing a contract, fully participating in our civic life, and much more.

It is available on the AGO’s website at http://www.mass.gov/Cago/docs/Community/turn-18-pdf-final.pdf.