Published April 5, 2006 01:00AM
By press release
The Massachusetts House and Senate have formed a conference committee to write a final version of the fiscal 2006 supplemental budget bill. The Major Taylor Association is advocating an item that is in the House version but not the Senate version — $205,000 for the Major Taylor memorial in Worcester, which would be the city’s first public monument honoring an African-American, highlighting Massachusetts’ exemplary role in allowing the talent of the 1899 world cycling champion to flourish in spite of racism.
Introduced by Rep. John Binienda and Rep. James Leary, the item is part of House Bill 4443, Line 7004-0097. This amount would essentially complete the association’s fundraising for the statue so the selected sculptor can start work.
The fate of this item is in the hands of the six legislators listed below. Major Taylor fans should contact them today to express support for the Major Taylor Memorial in H4443, Line 7004-0097, regardless of your district. Phone calls and snail-mail to legislators work better than e-mail.
Sen. Therese Murray of Plymouth
617-722-1330, 508-746-9332
Therese.Murray@state.ma.us
Room 212, State House, Boston, MA 02133
Sen. Steven Tolman of Boston
617-722-1280
Steven.Tolman@state.ma.us
Room 511-B, State House, Boston, MA 02133
Sen. Michael Knapik of Westfield
617-722-1415, 413-562-6454
Michael.Knapik@state.ma.us
Room 421, State House, Boston, MA 02133
Rep. Robert DeLeo of Winthrop
617-722-2990, 781-289-8965
RDeLeo@hwm.state.ma.us
Room 243, State House, Boston, MA 02133
Rep. Marie St. Fleur of Boston
617-722-2380
Rep.MarieSt.Fleur@hou.state.ma.us
Room 238, State House, Boston, MA 02133
Rep. Vinny deMacedo of Plymouth
617-722-2100, 508-224-7572
Rep.VinnyDemacedo@hou.state.ma.us
Room 124, State House, Boston, MA 02133
For more information, contact Lynne Tolman or visit www.majortaylorassociation.org.