Government Affairs - Detail

Legislator Spotlight: State Senator Benjamin Downing

April 9, 2009

State Senator Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield) has the Berkshires in his blood. The native of Pittsfield knows Massachusetts’s westernmost region like the back of his hand and, as a result, understands the importance one of the area’s most vital industries: travel and tourism. Fortunately for this industry, he carries this knowledge and experience with him on a statewide level.

Since his arrival in the Massachusetts State Senate in 2007, Senator Downing quickly established himself as a true leader on issues of great importance to the lodging and tourism industry, including economic and technological development, transportation, environmental protection and municipal affairs. With professional experience at both state and federal levels of government, Senator Downing is a knowledgeable policymaker and leader on a wide range of issue areas.

In 2009, Senator Downing was appointed as Senate Chair of one of the most critical legislative Committees on Beacon Hill, the Joint Committee on Revenue. In this role, he has been charged with seeking out new and innovative ways to protect the Massachusetts economy from the ongoing fiscal crisis.

Senator Downing is a true friend to the industry, not just in his district but across the state. In 2008, Senator Downing co-sponsored budget amendments that would support the MLA’s tourism marketing efforts and protect the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism budget. A frequent attendee at MLA events, Senator Downing understands the issues facing hospitality and tourism.

For more information about Senator Benjamin Downing’s background and legislative record on behalf of the lodging industry, visit his website at www.senatordowning.com, or his State House website at http://www.mass.gov/legis/member/bbd0.htm.