The Stanley Report

Speaker Dimasi Reelected to Lead House; Rep. Stanley Voted Present

Despite ethics investigations surrounding him, the Massachusetts House of Representatives re-elected Salvatore DiMasi to his third term as Speaker of the House. While 135 of the 160 House members voted for Speaker DiMasi, seven Democrats and seven Republicans voted "present," including Rep. Stanley. Speaker DiMasi has been facing controversy over his involvement in a series of pending ethics and lobbying investigations.

Governor Patrick Delivered State of the Commonwealth Address

On Thursday, January 15, 2009, Governor Patrick delivered his 2009 State of the Commonwealth address. The governor thanked his Legislative partners for enacting so much of his ambitious agenda last session, and acknowledged the challenges of the nationwide recession, while
promising that it will not stop his agenda for change.

Gov. Patrick and Rep. Stanley

Rep. Stanley Shakes Hands with Gov. Patrick in the House Chamber

Rep. Stanley Votes against Giving Gov. Expanded Powers to Cut Local Aid

The House voted on whether to give Gov. Patrick expanded powers under MGL ch. 9(c) to cut local aid. In an effort to protect Waltham and Lexington, Rep. Stanley voted no because he felt that cutting local aid at mid-budget time was unfair to local governments. In addition, the powers granted to the governor specify no plans as to how much will be cut and by what method or formula. Rep. Stanley filed an amendment which failed but some of its language was adopted. Namely, House leaders removed a section which directed the Governor to take into consideration local communities' reserve accounts when calculating cuts because this would penalize well-run communities.

MCSW Now Seeking Nominations for 2009 Unsung Heroines

On May 13th, 2009 the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) will host its Sixth Annual Unsung Heroine Celebration at the MA State House. MCSW will honor 100 Unsung Heroines from across the Commonwealth.

Unsung Heroines are women who perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make our neighborhoods, cities and towns better places to live and to work. They are the Unsung Heroines who use their time, talent, spirit and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators. They are the glue that keeps a community together, they are the spark that gets things started and gets things done...they care about other people and it shows.

MCSW seeks women of all ages, all economic, political and ethnic backgrounds. Any individual may nominate one or more Massachusetts' women to be considered for selection as an Unsung Heroine. After carefully reviewing the nominations received, a selection committee will choose the 100 Unsung Heroines of 2009. All 2009 Unsung Heroine honorees will be contacted and invited to attend a ceremony in their honor at the Massachusetts Statehouse on May 13, 2009.

Nomination forms are available for download on the MCSW

website. Please note the deadline for nominations is February 27, 2009.

Health Insurance Coverage in MA: Survey Results

The Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy (DHCFP) announced the results of a new survey finding that more than 97 percent of Massachusetts residents have health insurance, with only 2.6 percent of state residents remaining uninsured.

The study, conducted by the Urban Institute, found that nearly ever major demographic group is within a few percentage points of full coverage, reflecting the ongoing successful implementation of health care reform. These estimates suggest that uninsurance has continued to drop in Massachusetts since 2007, when estimates based on the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey put insurance coverage in Massachusetts at just under 95 percent.

The full report, Health Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts: Estimates from the 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey, is available online.

DCR Held Public Meeting for Accelerated Bridge Repair Program

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) held a public meeting on January 14 to discuss projects the agency will undertake as part of Governor Patrick's $3 billion Accelerated Bridge Program. DCR projects in the Accelerated Bridge Program include the repair or replacement of 29 bridges and preservation work on an additional 50 bridges. At the meeting, DCR officials provided an overview of the projects, outline the community process, and highlight the schedule of upcoming public meetings.

Upholding his pledge to quickly repair the Commonwealth's most neglected bridges, Governor Patrick last August signed an accelerated bridge bond bill that committed $3 billion to repair and replace 250 Massachusetts bridges identified as structurally deficient. Over the next several years, the program will ensure public safety by funding repair work for bridges in most urgent need of repair, and will create thousands of engineering and construction jobs. The project will save the state an estimated $1.5 billion in avoided inflation and deferred-maintenance costs.

To learn more about the Accelerated Bridge Program, click here.

Consumer Alert: Medical Discount Plans

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, issued a Consumer Alert regarding Discount and Unlicensed Health Insurance Plans. If you are trying to purchase health insurance on your own, make sure the plans you are considering are actually insurance. Some businesses and individuals will try to take advantage of the requirement that everyone in Massachusetts have health insurance by using unfair or deceptive advertising practices or by operating scams. All legitimate health insurance companies are licensed by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. Please call the Division of Insurance at (617) 521-7794 to verify that a company is a licensed insurer.

Secretary appoints Killins as Early Education Commissioner

Massachusetts Secretary of Education Paul Reville appointed Dr. Sherri Killins as the Commissioner of Early Education and Care. The Board of Early Education and Care unanimously recommended Dr. Killins to the Secretary recently, after an extensive search and interview process that began over the summer. She is expected to assume the post on February 2, 2009.

Regional Pilot Networks to Lessen Shelter Needs for the Homeless

The Patrick-Murray Administration continued to restructure support systems that serve the homeless by awarding $8 million to eight regional pilot networks around the state. The networks will help better coordinate, integrate and implement innovative services focused on securing permanent housing options for homeless individuals and families, and ultimately lessen the need for emergency assistance shelters.

Gov. Patrick convened the Massachusetts Interagency Council of Housing and Homelessness (ICHH) to implement the recommendations issued in January 2008 by the Massachusetts Commission to End Homelessness. The commission proposed to re-design the current system, which requires a significant restructuring of the way services reach the homeless. The commission's vision for individual and family systems included supportive housing, stabilization, prevention, rapid re-housing, linkages to appropriate community supports, and improved economic stability.

The eight regional networks include: the Department of Neighborhood Development to cover the City of Boston and the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership to cover Metropolitan Boston. The North Shore and Merrimack Valley will cover the North Shore Housing Action Group (North Shore Community Action Programs/Lynn Housing Authority) and Community Teamwork (Lowell). The United Way of Greater Plymouth County will cover the South Shore, while the Housing Assistance Corp (Barnstable) will handle the Cape and Islands. The City of Worcester will cover all of Worcester County and Western Massachusetts will follow the lead of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (Northampton).

House Approves "Slow Down, Move-Over" Roadside Safety Legislation

The House approved legislation to improve roadside safety by requiring drivers to clear the right lane when vehicles with flashing emergency lights are parked along highways. The legislation aims to provide roadside safety professionals, including state troopers and roadside assistance workers, with a safe margin to assist motorists in peril. The bill's passage comes after a series of dangerous and near-tragic incidents occurred on Massachusetts roadways, with state troopers struck while trying to assist drivers.

Under the legislation, drivers on highways with two lanes or more would be required to give wide clearance to roadside workers and to reduce speeds to a reasonable and safe level when lights are flashing on emergency vehicles parked along the roadside. If drivers do not comply with new safety regulations they could be fined up to $100. If signed into law, the bill would put Massachusetts in the company of 43 other states with similar roadside safety laws.

State Launches Consumer-Friendly Website Comparing Health Care Quality and Costs

The Massachusetts Health Care Quality and Cost Council (HCQCC) launched an interactive website designed to promote transparency in the health care industry. The "My Health Care Options" website, mandated as part of MA's historic health care reform initiative, was developed to help control costs and improve the quality of care available to patients. The website represents a significant achievement in ongoing, multi-pronged efforts to control rising health care costs and ensure that residents of Massachusetts can get the best care available.

The new website is the first of its kind in the nation to offer consumers, providers, employers, and policymakers comparative cost and quality information about medical procedures performed at Massachusetts hospitals and outpatient facilities. For example, a patient considering knee replacement surgery, angioplasty or a mammogram can now visit the site to compare cost and quality measures for those and other procedures at various local hospitals.

Treasurer Cahill Launches Covenant Fund

The Commonwealth Covenant Fund is an innovative program that provides accessible tuition loan repayments to undergraduate students who attend public universities or colleges in Massachusetts and stay to pursue careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields.

The initiative is designed at making the Commonwealth a national leader in the STEM fields and developing a dynamic workforce by keeping talented professionals in Massachusetts. The Fund will enhance the ability of students to pursue degrees in these sectors while enabling the Commonwealth to strengthen its economy by expanding its STEM-related industries.

While there are a number of criteria, you can register to begin the process if you can answer yes to the following questions: Did you graduate from a public institution of higher education in Massachusetts? Did you graduate after December 1, 2007?
Did you major in a STEM area (science, technology, engineering, math)? Are you teaching in a STEM area?

Please click here to learn more.

New website for MassWorks

The state's employer-assisted mortgage program for first-time homebuyers launched a new website that makes it simple for companies to use the program to recruit and retain employees and easy for employees to determine quickly how much they can afford. The website has the documents necessary to run the program as well as an easy-to-use calculator that benefit administrators and employees can use to figure out how much lower a homebuyer's monthly payment.

MassWorks was created to help MA employers recruit and retain employees and to help promote safe, secure homeownership programs that will keep homebuyers in their homes for the long run. MassWorks is different than many traditional employer-assisted mortgage programs where employer funds are used strictly for down-payment assistance. While down-payment assistance is possible, MassWorks combines traditional fixed-rate financing from a bank with an employer contribution and a dollar-for-dollar state match. These funds are applied to a homebuyer's monthly mortgage payment which keeps a homebuyer's payments low.

MassWorks is being offered by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) and the state Department of Housing and Community Development, in partnership with participating banks. MassWorks is modeled after MHP's SoftSecond Loan Program, which has helped over 12,000 households purchase their first home, while maintaining industry-low foreclosure rates. To find out more about MassWorks, please click here or call 1-800-752-7131.

AGO Launches Energy & Utilities Website

Attorney General Martha Coakley recently launched a new website section dedicated to Energy & Utilities, as a part of the office's ongoing efforts to provide consumers with the tools and information to control their energy use. For more information, visit the Winter Heating & Energy Efforts webpage.

Gov. Patrick Agrees to Job Commission

After the House and Senate sent a resolve to his desk, Gov. Patrick agreed to the creation of a commission to investigate and study the economy with the goal of creating and maintaining quality jobs. The resolve called for the commission to report its results and recommendations by late June. Speaker DiMasi and Senate President Murray will appoint the co-chairs of the commission, which will also include representatives from business, labor and other economic sectors.

Rep. Stanley urges constituents to apply for financial aid to help pay for college

To receive free guidance on identifying sources of financial aid and completing applications, students and families throughout Massachusetts may call The Education Resources Institute's (TERI) toll-free information hotline at 877-332-4348 or visit one of TERI's nine College Planning Centers in Boston, Brockton and Chelsea, MA. For hours of operation of TERI's Centers, click here. TERI's hotline is made available through a partnership among the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and TERI.

TERI College Planning Centers provide free, one-on-one information and advice on applying for financial aid and other concerns related to college planning. All TERI College Planning Center and Educational Opportunity Center services are free. For guidance over the phone or for information on the Center closest to you, please call 877-332-4348.

Federal and state governments, along with colleges and universities, are the major sources of financial aid. Students begin the process of applying for both federal and state aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This document is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Many private colleges and universities also require a second form, the CSS PROFILE, which is available at The College Board's website.

Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) Assists with Hoarding Issues

Compulsive hoarding is defined as the acquisition of and failure to discard a large number of possessions that appear to be useless or of limited value (Frost & Hartl, 1996). Homes become so cluttered that tenants cannot live in them appropriately. Exits become blocked, kitchens and bathrooms become hard to move around in, and clutter becomes a fire hazard.

In May 2006, MBHP began its Hoarding and Sanitation Initiative in response to both the need to keep hoarders from being evicted and the need for interagency cooperation to achieve long-term tenancy. If you or someone you know needs assistance with hoarding issues, contact Jesse Edsell-Vetter at Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, (617) 425-6658.

State Agency Spotlight: MA Department of Agricultural Resources

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources' mission is to support, promote and enhance the long-term viability of Massachusetts agriculture with the aim of helping this state's agricultural businesses become as economically and environmentally sound as possible. By so doing, it is hoped that our farmers will continue to support and maintain thousands of acres of valuable open space for the benefit of the state's economy and environment. The Department's divisions are working to fulfill this mission through a variety of initiatives and programs. For more information, please click here.

New Information Available for Tenants Living in Foreclosed Properties

The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation released a brochure outlining the rights of tenants living in foreclosed buildings. The guide provides renters with information to ensure that they understand the foreclosure process and are not unfairly evicted if the building they live in is foreclosed upon. Please click here to view the brochure which is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole and Chinese.

New! Apply online for Food Stamps or Health Insurance and Health Assistance!

You may be able to complete a Food Stamps or Health Insurance and Health Assistance Programs application online. A simple screening survey asks questions about people in your household and compares your answers with the program rules. For more information, please click here.

`YOU DON'T SAY' The Waltham Channel presents a new program, ``You Don't Say.'' Waltham residents are allowed 5 minutes of airtime to speak on topics that are important to them. Commercial content is not allowed. Information: 781-899-8834.

WALTHAM MUSEUM Experience the rich history of Waltham at The Waltham Museum, 25 Lexington St., open Tuesday through Saturday 1 to 4:30 p.m. Admission $4, seniors and children under 12, $2. Information: www.walthammuseum.com.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts's annual Girl Scout cookie sale runs Jan. 5-March 15. Girl Scouts only sell cookies for a limited time each year, so be sure to stock up while you can. Information: www.girlscoutseasternmass.org.

CANTEEN FUND Help remember veterans at the Edith Nourse Rogers VA nursing home in Bedford by sending your tax-deductible donation to the Veterans Canteen Fund. The canteen fund is a program of the Ladies Auxiliary to John M. Sullivan VFW Post 10334. Donations: Veterans Canteen Fund, c/o Ladies Auxiliary, to John M. Sullivan Post 10334, 62 Lake St., Waltham, MA 02451. Information: 781-893-3658.

SUPPLIES FOR TROOPS Waltham VFW Post 2152 and Ladies Auxiliary will be collecting donations to send to our soldiers in Iraq - Master Sgt. Kathrine Ortaga, Sgt. Chris Physic, Spc. Jeremy Bray, Spc. Paul Briggs, Spc. Daniel Fernandez, Maater Sgt. Kathrine Ortaga and 2Lt. Ryan Galluzzo. Items: www.carepackageproject.com. Information: 781-894-9243.

OPERATION SOLDIER Operation American Soldier is collecting items or donations for shipping costs. Soldiers have requested the following items: candy, cookies (small packages), snacks, microwave popcorn, powdered drink singles, socks (crew), T-shirts, toiletries (unscented), feminine products, blank note cards, playing cards, DVDs & CDs. We need help packing boxes, paperwork and more. Information: 617-504-0532.

BOOKS TO SOLDIERS Got Books can send someone who is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces overseas a care package full of books. To submit the name and address, visit www.GotBooks.com/troops. Got Books provides all books and also handles and pays for all labor and shipping costs. Information: www.GotBooks.com; 978-396-6026.

CLOTHING EXCHANGE The Waltham Clothing Exchange at the Unitarian Church, 50 Church St., is open for the season, Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 781-893-6240.

GORE This winter, Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham, will offer the winter version of the year-round, family outdoor activity Take A Walk. This self-guided adventure is designed for children 3 to 9 years-old and includes an activities backpack and, when conditions allow, snowshoes. Information: www.goreplace.org/take-a-walk.htm.

WALTHAM YMCA PROGRAMS Registration is now available winter 2009 programs at the Waltham YMCA, 725 Lexington St. Non-member registration starts Dec. 29. Information: 781-894-5295.

ROBOTICS The Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, 154 Moody St., Waltham, explores the amazing world of robotics, in collaboration with Mindsurfers. Offered Saturdays, it is designed to engage all ages in an exploration of how robotics work. Participants navigate obstacles and accomplish missions with their robot, Dr. Heartbeat, by their side. Best suited for ages 9-14. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children; includes museum exhibits. Information: 781-893-5410; elln@crmi.org.

READING Children are invited to picture book readings Friday mornings at Waltham Public Library, 735 Main St., 10:30 a.m., with Bentley University. Information: 781-314-3425.

ICE SKATING Public skating hours for the Veterans Memorial Rink, 314 Totten Pond Road, Waltham: Fridays, 7 to 8:50 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 2 to 3:50 p.m.; and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 to 11:50 a.m. The Stick and Puck program will run Thursdays, noon to 12:50 p.m., beginning Nov. 15. Information: www.city.waltham.ma.us.

JAMBOREE The French American Victory Club Jamborees the first and third Sunday of the month, 2 to 6 p.m., at 193 Elm St., Waltham. All amateur performers are accepted. Donations appreciated. Information: 781-899-8195; www.favclub.org.

SATURDAY SOCIALS The French American Victory Club Saturday socials with the Country Masters are on the second Saturday of the month, 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $10. Information: 781-899-8195; www.favclub.org.

BICYCLES The Bicycle Takes Off, a national touring exhibit, is making its final stop at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, 154 Moody St., Waltham. It runs Jan. 8 through May 2009. The exhibit chronicles the history of the bicycle. An opening reception is Jan. 8, 5 to 8 p.m. Opening reception admission is $10 and includes light refreshments, wine and beer and music. Reservations are required. Information/reservations: 781-893-5410; elln@crmi.org.

STUDENT ART Back Pages Books has installed artwork by art students of the Waltham Public Schools at its store, 289 Moody St. The artwork, which will rotate monthly, is produced by students of every Waltham public school and will showcase the artistic talents over a large portion of the store's wall space. The installation coincided with the opening of a newly expanded children's book section at the downtown independent bookstore. Info: 781-788-9988; alex@backpagesbooks.com.

OASIS GALLERY Brandeis graduate Lauren Pasch's works will be exhibited at the Oasis Gallery, 34 Alder St., Waltham, through Jan. 11, along with photographer Scott Murray. Information: 781-795-1041; www.oasisgallery.org

FLU SHOTS, Still available
The flu season is here and you can still protect yourself and your family. It is not too late to get a flu shot. There is plenty of vaccine available. Flu typically peaks in February, so December and January are not too late. For information about the flu or where you can get your shot, visit the American Lung Association's Flu Clinic Locator at www.flucliniclocator.org or call 1-800-LUNG-USA.

CANTEEN FUND, Contribute today
Help remember veterans at the Edith Nourse Rogers VA nursing home in Bedford by sending your tax-deductible donation to the Veterans Canteen Fund. Now in its ninth year, the canteen fund is a program of the Ladies Auxiliary to John M. Sullivan VFW Post 10334. Since its inception, funds donated to the Veterans Canteen Fund have been used to purchase discount coupon booklets which are distributed to veterans at the Edith Nourse Rogers Veterans nursing home at the Bedford, MA VA hospital. The booklets feature coupons that allow veterans to make purchases of coffee and snacks at the hospital's Canteen, a popular gathering place. To make a donation in any amount, make checks payable to Veterans Canteen Fund, c/o Ladies Auxiliary, to John M. Sullivan Post 10334, 623 Trapelo Road, Waltham, MA 02452

ESPOUSAL CENTER, Volunteer gardeners sought
The Pool Garden, located in the former swimming pool on the grounds of the Espousal Retreat and Conference Center in Waltham, was started two years ago as a nursery garden for hardy perennials and a resource for community projects. Many volunteer gardeners are needed to tend a small section of the Pool Garden and make it theirs with maintenance and inventorying. No experience necessary; garden professionals will train. The Espousal Center is a retirement home for clergy and a retreat and conference center for the wider community. For more information, e-mail info@cogdesign.org or visit www.cogdesign.org.

SALVATION ARMY, School supplies. Each year, Waltham Salvation Army provides needy families help with school supplies. Children in kindergarten through eighth grade are assigned sponsors who purchase grade-appropriate school supplies and one back-to-school outfit, including shoes/sneakers. In 2008, the Salvation Army will serve 100 families, including 300 children. To donate or for more information, call 781-894-0413 or stop in at 33 Myrtle St.

LOCAL COOKBOOK A new cookbook, "Local Flavor: Waltham" that celebrates the city's culinary traditions, is seeking for recipes for Waltham residents. The cookbook will help provide funding for the city's nonprofit groups as a fundraising tool. Information: 781-595-4510; www.walthamcookbook.org.

SUPPLIES FOR TROOPS Waltham VFW Post 2152 and Ladies Auxiliary will be collecting donations to send to our soldiers in Iraq - Master Sgt. Kathrine Ortaga, Sgt. Chris Physic, Spc. Jeremy Bray, Spc. Paul Briggs, Spc. Daniel Fernandez and 2Lt. Ryan Galluzzo. Items: www.carepackageproject.com. Information: 781-894-9243.