Sen. Joyce Requests Ban on Skin Shock Devices at Canton's JRC

The FDA will conduct a hearing with Judge Rotenberg Center representatives in regards to the use of Graduated Electronic Decelerators, which are used to administer electric shocks to disabled children.

Editor's Note: The following information was provided in a statement by the office of Senator Brian A. Joyce. Sen. Brian Joyce (D-Milton) has requested the agency ban of painful skin shock devices as part of a testimony submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to a news announcement Wednesday.  Joyce, who represents Canton, requested the ban of all Graduated Electronic Decelerators (GED) specifically for use at the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) in Canton.  The FDA is expected to conduct a hearing with JRC representatives concerning the use of GED 3A and 4 devices, which are currently used to administer painful electric shocks to disabled children at the Canton facility without FDA approval, according to Wednesday'…

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Senator Joyce Votes for Reform Legislation to End Abuses at State Education Collaboratives

Canton's senator voted last week.

Last week, the Senate took decisive action to end mismanagement and financial abuses at the Commonwealth’s education collaboratives, institutions which aim to provide special education services. With a unanimous vote, the Senate passed legislation that establishes strict oversight and accountability of the state’s 30 institutions. “These financial abuses not only cheat taxpayers, they cheat our children,” said Senator Brian A. Joyce.  “After last year’s investigation, we vowed to take action.  I am glad that we have voted to end such shocking abuse.” Both state officials and the public called for immediate action after investigations by the state auditor and inspector general uncovered a serious misuse of funds at the Merrimack Special …

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Senator Joyce Receives Award for Haiti Work

Canton's senator recognized by the Haiti Orphanage Project Enterprise.

Senator Brian A. Joyce was recognized by the Haiti Orphanage Project Enterprise for his support of efforts to build a school and expand the Machseh Orphanage in Pernier, Haiti. The orphanage was devastated by an earthquake three years ago. On Saturday, December 10, Senator Joyce accepted the award from Pastor Carmel Desgrottes, President and Founder of the Haiti Orphanage Project Enterprise. -Press release contributed by the Office of Senator Joyce.

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Senator Joyce’s Bill Calls for Nutrition Education Programs in Massachusetts Public Schools

Senator Joyce’s Nutrition Education Bill receives public hearing. The bill would require students in grades 1-9 to attend weekly classes “dedicated to nutrition education and physical fitness guidelines.”

The following is a press release issued by the office of Senator Brian A. Joyce: With the number of overweight children nearly tripling over the last 30 years, Senator Brian A. Joyce re-filed legislation this session that would mandate nutrition education programs in Massachusetts’ public schools.  Joyce’s bill, S.211 An Act to Establish School Nutrition Education Classes, was heard by the Joint Committee on Education on September 20, 2011. “Children need to understand that their food choices directly impact their health, and we have a responsibility to teach them how to make informed decisions,” said Senator Joyce. Currently, childhood obesity significantly increases the risk of many serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, …

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Patch Facts

Five Things You Need to Know Today: April 20

Here is what is happening in and around Canton today.

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a new Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section. 1. Donate blood! The Canton Fire Department is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive today from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Revere Street Station. 2. Senator Brian Joyce is holding office hours at Canton Town Hall today from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 3. Bingo lovers can enjoy a game at the Senior Center in Canton today at 12:30 p.m. 4. The Canton Conservation Commission is meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m. 5. Adult volleyball players can join a game at the Galvin Middle School tonight at 7:30 p.m.

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