Senator Robyn Kennedy Talks Public Safety, Sewer Disputes, Immigration, and School Policy

By Hank Stolz | Radio Worcester

Photo- Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MASS.- State Senator Robyn Kennedy joined Talk of the Commonwealth at Sherwood’s Diner for a wide-ranging conversation on issues facing Central Massachusetts.

On the one-year anniversary of Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia’s death, Kennedy said the Central Massachusetts delegation has not forgotten and continues to push for resolution for the family. While acknowledging that the investigation will be lengthy, she noted his death has already spurred reforms at the State Police Academy.

Kennedy also addressed the Holden–Worcester sewage dispute, which has left Worcester facing a $30 million financial burden. She pointed out that the state was originally a central party to the sewerage contract and failed in its role for two decades. Kennedy argued the state must return to the table to negotiate a new agreement, and indicated Worcester may ultimately have to sue the state.

On immigration and ICE operations, Kennedy said while the state has no authority to halt federal actions, it has taken steps to soften the impact, including a $5 million immigrant legal defense fund and support for community monitoring networks. “We rely on the fact that every year more and more immigrants choose to make Massachusetts home. That’s what makes us better. We’re going to continue everything we can to protect that and fight for that here,” she said.

Kennedy endorsed a statewide cell phone ban in schools with local exemption policies, describing it as a good balance between state standards and district flexibility.

Finally, in response to a question about the State Auditor’s authority to audit the legislature, Kennedy said she supports the voter-approved measure but clarified that the legislature already undergoes independent annual financial audits. She explained the current conflict stems from the auditor’s request for ten years of records, which lawmakers believe is overly broad, and predicted the dispute may be resolved in court.