BOSTON – On December 7th, Senator DiDomenico joined veterans, the National Parks Service, and USS Constitution crew to remember the courageous servicemembers who were lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor 81 years ago. The commemoration took place on the USS Cassin Young, an historic WWII destroyer, and at the USS Constitution Museum where veterans and servicemembers spoke about this anniversary and its impact on our country.

“I was honored to join veterans in remembering and paying our respects to the many soldiers who tragically lost their lives on this day 81 years ago,” said Senator DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “Serving our country in the military is a courageous and dangerous job, and I am proud to lead on legislative efforts that support and take care of our current servicemembers, veterans and their families. Pearl Harbor Day is also a time to reflect on the many heroes serving our country and the many sacrifices they make to keep our nation and residents safe.  We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for all they do for our country.”

###

Bill will prevent individuals with outstanding student loan debt from having their professional licenses revoked

BOSTON – On Monday, November 21st, Senator Sal DiDomenico joined his legislative colleagues to pass legislation to prevent individuals who default on their student loans from having their license or professional certification revoked as a result. As of Fall 2022, approximately one million Massachusetts residents hold a combined total of nearly $31 billion dollars in federal student loan debt, with an average debt of $34,146 per borrower.

“There are countless Massachusetts residents who worked hard for a professional license so they could find a steady career, and I am extremely proud to pass this bill protecting their livelihood,” said Senator DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “Student loan debt burdens around one million Bay Staters, and with payments set to resume next June, there is no better time to take this decisive action which will help people in debt to keep their jobs and will actually enable them to continue paying back what they owe. I want to thank Senate President Spilka, Senator Eldridge, and Representative Higgins for all their efforts to protect borrowers in Massachusetts.”

Under current Massachusetts law, residents can have their licenses or professional certification revoked, denied, or refused for renewal as a result of defaulting on their student loan debt. Massachusetts is one of only 14 states with such a law. The bill does away with the law and blocks any state agency or board of registration from denying or revoking any license or professional or occupational certificate or registration based on an individual’s default on an educational loan.

The bill does not change the state’s ability to use traditional loan collection tools.

Having previously passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the bill goes to the Governor for his consideration.

###

WASHINGTON DC – Senator DiDomenico recently accepted an invitation from the Washington Area State Relations Group (WASRG) to join a leadership panel during their Inside the Dome event. DiDomenico was joined by Maryland’s Senate President, Virginia’s House Majority Leader, and North Carolina’s House Senior Appropriations Chair. Senator DiDomenico offered his perspective on the next legislative session in Massachusetts and discussed state policy ideas with the other panelists.

“Our state is a nationwide leader on countless important issues, and I am always happy to have opportunities like this to speak about our values and our legislative accomplishments,” said Senator DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “I also appreciate events like this where I can learn about the latest policy and political developments in other states, which can inform what we do here in the Commonwealth. I want to thank WASRG for inviting me and the rest of the panel for their insight and perspective.”

###