Sen. Rush Reappointed Chair of Veterans Committee

Senator Rush served as the Committee Chairman last session.

State Senator Mike Rush (D-Norfolk & Suffolk District) was recently re-appointed by Senate President Therese Murray to serve as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs for the 2013-2014 Legislative Session.   Senator Rush served as the Committee Chairman last session, during which he authored the nationally recognized “VALOR Act” that provided increased support for veteran owned businesses, Gold Star families, military children, and higher education access in the Commonwealth. Senator Rush, an Iraq War Veteran, said, “I am honored to serve as Chairman of this important committee. We accomplished a lot during the past session for veterans, servicemembers, and their families and I look forward to continuing to ensure…

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Senator Rush Sponsors 'Valor Act'

The act, which expands benefits and increases access to a range of services for veterans, active-duty military and their families.

  Press Release from Senator Rush's Office The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday unanimously passed “The Valor Act,” new legislation that will expand benefits and increase access to a range of services for veterans, active-duty military and their families, Senator Mike Rush (D-West Roxbury) announced. “I am proud to support this bill and proud of the bill’s sponsor, Senator (Michael) Rush, who not only serves this Commonwealth but has put his own life on the line to protect the citizens of our nation,” Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. “Massachusetts does more than any other state to support its veterans. Even during recent fiscal challenges, we increased funding for outreach centers, homelessness services and mental health…

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Governor's Councilor Kelly Timilty Dies at 49

Roslindale resident represented Dedham, others in District 2 on the council for 18 years.

Governor's Councilor Kelly Timilty passed away Tuesday. She was 49. Timilty served under five governors as an elected official for District 2. She was a Roslindale resident.  Through the years Timilty worked with countless elected officials and residents, some of who have offered comments on her passing: “Councilor Timilty was not only a dedicated and outstanding public servant, but also a good friend, said state Senator Mike Rush, D-West Roxbury. “Her passing at such a young age is a terrible loss to her husband Jim, the Timilty family and the people of our community. My thoughts and prayers are with the Timilty family." Governor Deval Patrick and Lt. Gov. Tim Murray offered statements, as well. “My heartfelt condolences go out to the …

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Selectmen to Discuss Avery Re-Use, Traffic Tonight

The meeting kicks off at 7 p.m.

  After deciding to wait on a vote earlier this month, the Dedham Board of Selectmen will once again revisit the Avery Re-Use Committee Report during tonight’s meeting at Town Hall. Thursday’s agenda calls for a discussion with the Re-Use Committee and there are plans for a vote. The discussion comes on the heels of a letter that the committee circulated this week, which calls for the Avery site to become an arts and community center. Also on tonight’s agenda is a meeting with the Open Space Committee, as well as a visit from Sen. Mike Rush and Rep. Paul McMurtry. Discussions will also focus on the Dedham Public Arts Project, traffic calming in Dedham Sq., and the idea of creating a veterans gift account. Selectmen will also consider a …

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PHOTOS: Operation Welcome Home State Senator Rush

State Sen. Mike Rush returned in December after an 8-month deployment with the US Naval Reserves in Iraq.

Last night's "operation" for state Sen. Mike Rush was probably the least dangerous operations he's been a part of in the last year. After all, it was a party welcoming him back after his eight-month deployment with the US Naval Reserves. Many people came to the Elks Hall in West Roxbury to show their appreciation to Rush. US Senator Scott Brown and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino were among the politicians who attended the event. A lieutenant in the Naval Reserves, Rush returned on Dec. 10 after serving in Operation New Dawn. Rush was mobilized in February 2011, completed combat training, and landed in Iraq in March of 2011.

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Rush Back: Senator Catches Up with Local State Reps [VIDEO]

State Sen. Mike Rush returned from a nine-month tour in Iraq late last week and met with state representatives from his district on Friday.

State Sen. Mike Rush is going from worrying about rockets in the International Zone (formerly known as the Green Zone) to playing with his 16-month-old daughter. "It just feels absolutely wonderful to be back home. I missed my wife, daughter, family, friends," Rush said. "I could not be happier to be home with my family." Rush, elected to the state Senate in November 2010, deployed to Iraq in March and left the Middle East earlier this month as part of the end of major U.S. occupation in Iraq. As a Navy reservist for 16 years, Rush served with Army and Air Force personnel thwarting terrorist attacks and training Iraqis on intelligence gathering and investigation procedures, he said. "We learned a lot from each other," Rush said. "There are…

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Sen. Rush Returns Home from Iraq

The senator, who represents Westwood and Dedham, left for deployment at the beginning of the year five months after he was elected into his new role.

After nearly a year serving overseas, State Sen. Mike Rush has returned home from his deployment to Iraq, where he was serving in support of Operation New Dawn, according to a recent statement from Rush's office. Rush entered combat training in February this year and deployed to Iraq in March. While there, Rush served with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arrabian Peninsula and was assigned to a U.S. Army Special Forces Military Transition Team working with Iraq Counter Terrorism Services, according to the statement.  "First and foremost, I am happy to be back with my family and friends to celebrate the holidays together," Rush said in a statement. "As the New year begins, I also look forward to spending time with the …

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Casino Profits Could Benefit Dedham Schools

The state Senate adopted an amendment to the gaming bill that would provide Dedham with extra cash.

Dedham Public Schools could have a seat at the blackjack table in the state's casino plans.  An amendment to the gaming bill supported by state Sen. Michael Rush (D-West Roxbury) would provide more than $800,000 in Chapter 70 funds to Dedham schools, which would be paid from the revenue the state would pull in from casinos. Rush's office announced Monday that the Senate adopted the amendment, but that it stills needs approval from House members and agreed to by Gov. Deval Patrick. "Not everyone favors the legalization of casino gaming in the Commonwealth, but most would agree that putting money in our education system benefits everyone," Rush's Chief of Staff John Regan said in a statement. The $801,919 would bring the school district …

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