Jack Hart
State Senator

Senator Jack Hart was elected to the Massachusetts Senate in 2002 by a special election to fill the First Suffolk Senate Seat. Prior to his election to the State Senate, he served as a State Representative in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1996-2002. Senator Hart currently represents the 1st Suffolk District, which lies entirely within the City of Boston. It includes the neighborhoods of Dorchester, South Boston, Mattapan and a portion of Hyde Park.

In the Legislature, Senator Hart serves as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology. He also serves as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. He is a member of the Joint Committee on Mental Health & Substance Abuse, the Joint Committee on Public Service, and the Joint Committee on Veterans & Federal Affairs.

Last year, Senator Hart worked closely with Senate President Robert E. Travaglini to create legislation to encourage embryonic stem cell research within a strict regulatory environment. As the former chairman of the Committee on Commerce & Labor, Senator Hart led his colleagues in protecting unemployment insurance benefits for individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth. In addition, Senator Hart successfully shepherded through the legislature the ‘Economic Stimulus II’ bill. This legislation seeks to infuse close to $500 million into the Massachusetts economy targeting five major areas to stimulate job creation and economic growth. The stimulus package highlights job growth and workforce training; emerging technology and health care; consumers and tourism; and infrastructure improvements. During the 2006 session, Senator Hart also led the debate on the ‘Expedited Permitting’ reform, which will lead to more timely development projects and is expected to increase economic activity and lead to significant future job creation.

What’s more, Senator Hart has continually advocated for the concerns of residents throughout the communities he serves. Throughout his legislative career, Senator Hart has worked to protect neighborhoods in his district by demanding stricter environmental standards. He has fought for his district by pledging his full support for neighborhood schools, by creating more affordable housing through his support of the $500 million Housing Bond Bill, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and by supporting local Community Development Corporations. He has provided funding for local hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers and relief for prescription drug costs. Further, he has fought to secure state appropriations for community policing and fought to reduce astronomically high auto insurance rates. By fighting vigorously for substance abuse treatment programs, Senator Hart has also taken action on the growing drug addiction problems within his community and throughout the Commonwealth.

Senator Hart’s effective advocacy has been recognized by many groups. His awards have included the ‘Most Effective Policy Maker” by the Mass Network Communications Council and the “Legislator of the Year” by the MA Boating and Yacht Club Association. The National Kidney Foundation recognized Senator Hart as their “Outstanding Legislative Partner” while the MA Association of CDC’s presented Senator Hart with their “Excellence in Community Development Award.” Most recently, Senator Hart has been honored by the Codman Square Health Center for his commitment to community health centers and the South Boston Veteran’s organization for his unfailing work on their behalf. He was presented the “Acorn Award” by the Dorchester Bay EDC and an “Award of Appreciation” from the Irish American Police Officers Association of Massachusetts. In addition, Senator Hart serves on the board of numerous local organizations, including the South Boston Boy’s & Girl’s Club, the Col. Daniel Marr Boy’s & Girl’s Club, the Mattapan Community Health Center’s Capital Campaign, and the Friends for Children.