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Daily DigestDuff'em If You've Got'em
 North Adams Regional Hospital went smoke-free Monday — so did all its sister sites, from Sweet Brook to Northern Berkshire Family Practice to the Women's Exchange. No ashtrays, no smoking: No butts about it. |
Yuck!
 Today's blue skies will give way to clouds and snow tonight. But be prepared for tomorrow morning, when the white stuff will get messy as freezing rain and sleet move through the region. The morning commute will be slippery — drive careful! |
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Like to Write?
 iBerkshires accepts submissions about local events, news and opinion pieces. There are openings for freelance work, too, for qualified candidates. E-mail tdaniels@iberkshires.com to find out more. |
Wanted: Eagle Eyes
MassWildlife's annual eagle count runs Dec. 31 to Jan. 14. Anyone sighting one of the regal birds in Massachusetts is asked to participate.
Send date, time, location and town of eagle sightings, number of birds, whether juvenile or adult and observer's contact information to Mass.wildlife@state.ma.us. |
ObituariesRegionWhat's PlayingSales FliersColumnists | Independent Investor
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Other StuffMars Rovers Mark 5 Years
 Spirit and Opportunity have been trekking the red planet for half a decade. Spirit hit the 5-year mark on Sunday; Opportunity will on Jan. 24. |
Obama TransitionRelated Stories |
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Local Lawmakers' Bill Gives Preference to State Businesses - January 09, 2008
BOSTON - Two Berkshire County legislators have sponsored a bill to amend the state's Uniform Procurement Act after one of their business constituents expressed concern over out-of-state buying.
The bill filed by Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, and Rep. Christopher N. Speranzo, D-Pittsfield, is modeled after an existing statute giving preference for locally grown agricultural products It would allow Massachusetts governmental bodies to establish preference for products and services rendered by local businesses.
"We are attempting to give an edge to deserving businesses in the Commonwealth, while retaining tax revenue, creating job growth and spurring local economy," said Downing. "This is a commonsense measure that we hope will keep jobs in Massachusetts."
Last month, Christine Canning-Wilson, chief executive officer of New England Global Network LLC in Lanesborough contacted Downing and Speranzo with her concerns about the loss of state contract awards to out-of-state businesses.
New England Global Network had recently submitted a proposal for consideration through the RFR process vying for the state contract to update the civil service exam. Despite a comprehensive proposal and sterling reputation for test writing, New England Global Network was not awarded the contract. Rather, the contract was given to a Pennsylvania-based company, siphoning state tax dollars away from the commonwealth’s economy and narrowing job creation opportunities, said the lawmakers.
"This bill will go a long way to ensure that qualified Massachusetts businesses have an opportunity to win contracts for essential state services and keep our tax dollars in the commonwealth," said Speranzo.
"I am so pleased with the swift response and action of Senator Downing and Representative Speranzo," Canning-Wilson said. "This bill will benefit all Massachusetts businesses - especially small businesses - and is a great step towards improving the state’s economy."
An Act to Amend the Uniform Procurement Act was filed on Jan. 7. Downing and Speranzo expect that it will be admitted by the Senate and House of Representatives and be referred to a committee for consideration expeditiously. |
| Excellent. It is about time! | | from: Bryson K. Smythe | on: 01-21-2008 |
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