(BOSTON 9/14/2021) On Tuesday, September 14th, Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) submitted testimony to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, in support of H3332/H3345/S2159, An Act relative to the proper disposal of miniatures. The legislation would encourage and incentivize residents to dispose of miniature “nip” bottles properly by placing a five deposit on them. In his testimony, Senator Velis highlighted the work of Agawam resident Jack Coughlin on this issue, who tragically passed away last April after years of community service and environmental advocacy.
“Jack had endless energy and spent most of his retired years walking through Agawam and the surrounding communities, picking up these “nip” bottles and ensuring they were disposed of properly,” stated Senator Velis in his letter to the Committee. “While he was known to organize community clean ups and recruit volunteers, more often than not Jack would simply go out on his own and collect as many “nips” as he could himself, often walking up to ten miles a day. Jack didn’t just believe that a single person could make a difference, he proved it.”
Mr. Coughlin was a resident of Agawam who was known far and wide for his commitment to community service and dedication to cleaning up local green spaces. He volunteered on local projects throughout Agawam and beyond and was a member of numerous community organizations. One day last January, while picking up roadside trash alongside Mill Street in Agawam, Mr. Coughlin was struck by a passing car. He suffered multiple fractures and was left paralyzed. On April 17th, at the age of 78, he died at the Berkshire Medical Center in Western Massachusetts after being hospitalized for three months.
Senator Velis noted that Mr. Coughlin was a staunch advocate for including miniature bottles in amending Massachusetts bottle deposit laws. He regularly participated in meetings with local groups and municipal boards, and came to the State House multiple times to testify in support of this legislation.
“This legislation is a good idea for so many reasons. It promotes recycling, reduces trash throughout our streets and roadways, and helps protect our environment and precious natural resources,” stated Senator Velis. “Jack Coughlin understood the pressing environmental issues we face and he understood that all of us can play a role in keeping our communities clean. For him, that meant going out each and every day to physically pick up the trash that others had left behind. For us as lawmakers, that means getting important legislation like this written into law.”
Now that the public hearing for the legislation has been held the Committee will consider testimony and deliberate before deciding the outcome of the bill.
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