The Stanley Report
Lexington, Volume 4, No. 5 May 2009
In This Issue
News from Beacon Hill
Lexington Corner
Upcoming Events
Important Information on Foreclosure

Tom Picture

Rep. Thomas M. Stanley
9th Middlesex District
Autism Day
 
Autism Alliance of MetroWest Advocacy Day at State House
 
celtsbs
 
Go Celts and Bruins!
 
tulips
 
Tulip time in Boston
 
daffodils
 
 Daffodils
 
Spring Rowing 
 
Spring Rowing on the Charles
 
House Chamber
 
 House Chamber
 
purple flowers 
 
Spring has Sprung
 
State House in Spring 
 
State House in Spring
 
Great Hall2009
 
Great Hall, State House
 
State House Tour
 
If you'd like to arrange a State House tour, please call (617) 727-3676.
 
Rep. Stanley Reads1 
 
If you'd like Rep. Stanley to visit your classroom, call
(617) 722-2310.

Contact Information:

 

State Representative

Thomas M. Stanley

State House, Room 167

Boston, MA 02133

(617) 722-2310

Thomas.Stanley@state.ma.us

Dear Friend,    

It is my pleasure to deliver May's edition of The Stanley Report, my monthly update from Beacon Hill. Please feel free to pass this e-mail along to your friends, family and co-workers and let them know they can subscribe to receive my monthly newsletter by emailing me. 

Thanks for reading, and for giving me the opportunity to represent you in the legislature.  As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (617) 722-2310.

Sincerely,

Thomas M. Stanley

News from Beacon Hill
 
Rep. Stanley, House restore cuts to local aid 
 
The House adopted in part an amendment cosponsored by Rep Stanley to restore local aid cuts.  The action restored $205 million in local aid to cities and towns.  If sustained by the Senate and Governor, the local aid will enable cities and towns to retain teachers, police officers and fire fighters, mitigate the need for property tax increases and provide basic city services.   
 
Rep. Stanley Votes No to $28 billion House budget

The House, by a vote of 137-19, agreed on a $28 billion budget for fiscal 2010 after adding approximately $600 million to its bottom line over five days of debate. The budget includes an increase to the sales tax to 6.25 percent from 5 percent, $275 million for transportation infrastructure and $205 million for local aid.  A final budget is due for the July 1st start to fiscal 2010.
 
Rep. Stanley voted against the budget because the Legislature has not agreed and implemented serious reforms on transportation, ethics and pensions before considering tax increases and because the House debated and passed a budget that was out of balance.
 
During budget week, he supported an amendment to recess until Monday, May 4th so that the House could debate the budget with accurate revenue receipts and projections.  That vote was defeated.
 
MTF Forecast: Revenues Collapse in Fiscal 2009 and 2010
 
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) warned that a deteriorating economy will drag state tax revenues down to $17.82 billion in fiscal 2010, an unprecedented $3.1 billion decline from fiscal 2008.  Several factors shape MTF's forecast of sharply declining revenues in 2009 and 2010.  These factors include employment, personal income, capital gains, sales taxes and corporate profits.
 
According to Mike Widmer, president of the MTF, state tax collections would not rebound to $21 billion, slightly above fiscal 2008 levels, until fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2014.
 
Gov. Patrick filed budget deficit plan to address $935 million budget gap
 
Governor Patrick filed legislation to close an estimated $953 million shortfall for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2009, using a combination of federal stimulus aid, stabilization funds, and other solutions. The legislation comes on the heels of an historic $1 billion drop in April tax revenues compared to last April revenues, and after previous measures to close an over $3 billion gap for FY 2009.
  
With less than two months remaining in the fiscal year, and more than $1.3 billion in spending cuts and controls already proposed by the Gov. this year, the administration was forced to rely mainly on federal stimulus and stabilization funds to bridge the budget gap. Most state agencies have spent more than 80 percent of their budgets by May. 
 
To immediately close the FY09 gap, the Gov. proposes using $412 million of State Fiscal Stabilization Funds included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which will allow the state to maintain its commitment to education. No community will see a reduction in its Chapter 70 aid this fiscal year. The Gov. has not included any reduction to Chapter 70 in any round of budget cuts he has made this year.
 
The Governor's proposal would allow for a draw of up to $461 million from the state's Rainy Day Fund and suspend the $100 million deposit authorized in FY 2008. The bill also calls for a $15 million reduction to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund in order to meet projected deficiencies within the MassHealth program. Even with this reduction, the Trust Fund is expected to end its year with a surplus.
 
Rep. Stanley supports budget efforts to decrease state spending
 
Rep. Stanley voted to cut a $400,000 line item for Gov. Patrick's D.C. office.  The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 49-107.  Rep. Stanley and some members of the House stated that the office should be paid for out of the governor's budget. Proponents of the office said the state reaped many times the investment in the D.C. office, which helps secure grants, coordinate Medicaid reimbursement negotiations and helps garner stimulus funding. 
Rep. Stanley voted for an amendment to reform the Mass Health system, which is funded about 58% by the federal government.  The amendment would have shifted to more of a managed care system and away from a pay-as-you-go system which studies have shown to be more cost prohibitive.  Some proponents of the shift have suggested the move could save hundreds of millions of dollars. The amendment was rejected.
 
Rep. Stanley voted against a consolidated amendment relative to the judiciary which will
increase the administrative office of the trial court.
 
Rep. Stanley also voted against the Judiciary consolidated amendment because it added $24 million to the House Ways and Means budget recommendation. The amendment was adopted by the House.
 
House passes ethics, transportation and pension reform; Senate yet to address ethics reform
 
Ethics and campaign finance reform - In March, the House tackled the first comprehensive ethics reform legislation in 15 years. That bill gives strong powers of enforcement to the Secretary of State and Ethics Commission, and increases the penalties for those who violate our lobbying laws. It also provides for stricter requirements on lobbyists themselves and targets anyone who gives a gift to influence or attempts to influence a public official. This bill also includes serious campaign finance reforms. It increases the frequency candidates for public office have to file disclosure reports to twice in a non-election year and requires sub-vendor reporting. These campaign finance reform provisions go farther than other competing ethics reform plans.
 
Transportation reform - In April, the House passed an historic bill that will eliminate the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. This bill changes the old "23 and out" pension policy for MBTA workers and places them under the auspices of the GIC for health insurance purposes. These changes will lead to real savings. This plan was offered without the $ .19 gas tax increase proposed by the administration, which was offered in the absence of meaningful reforms.
 
Pension reform - The House addressed those pension outrages that particularly anger the public. This bill removes the so-called "one-day, one year" rule that allows elected officials to serve one day in a calendar year and gain a full year of creditable service as well as the so-called "king for a day" rule that allows for increased benefits for some employees who go out on accidental disability retirement to receive increased benefits if they did so while filling in for a supervisor.
 
The House, Senate and Governor must reconcile their differences before any reforms can be implemented.

Rep. Stanley testifies on behalf of his housing bill to help tenants leave welfare
 
Rep. Stanley testified before the Committee on Housing on behalf of a bill he filed to help empower people to move off of state assistance and become independent. Government subsidies often discourage people from seeking gainful employment. 
 
Working closely with the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP), Rep. Stanley filed legislation to establish "Moving to Economic Opportunity Housing," a five-year program that links rental subsidy to stabilize a tenant's housing to education, training and other job supports to help tenants increase income, build assets and leave welfare.
 
If passed, the bill will create a program to help tenants focus on increasing income and building a savings account to reduce the dependence on state-funded subsidies. The program itself is designed after a successful, federally-funded program and will target families and individuals who are extremely low-income or homeless. 
 
House rejects move to speed up sale of surplus land; Rep. Stanley Speaks before the House

The House rejected a Republican-sponsored amendment to the House's fiscal 2010 budget on the disposition on surplus state property that would give the Governor authority to sell state land without legislative approval. Republicans said the sale of surplus state property would aid the state in dealing with falling tax revenues and spur economic development. Democrats said lawmakers would be ceding legislative control and protection of their cities and towns. During the budget debate, Rep. Stanley said "It's a bad idea. We need to have a role to play in our communities." Currently, the Legislature must sign off on any disposition of land via a roll call vote. 
 
Rep. Stanley testifies on state land disposition bills
 
Rep. Stanley testified before the Joint Committee on State Administration regarding several bills regarding state land disposition.  Rep. Stanley emphasized the necessity of legislative approval to protect local interest.

House intervenes on DMR facility closures

The governor and Commission of DDS projected a $13 million savings through closure of the Fernald School, the first scheduled to close.  The House Ways & Means Committee recommended an additional $12 million cut.

Rep. Stanley filed an amendment to the House budget to add $12.4 million for facilities for people with developmental disabilities, such as the Fernald Center. 
Although House leaders agreed to restore $7.5 million, Rep. Stanley insisted on debating his amendment to restore the remaining $5 million in cuts.  This amendment was rejected and as a result placed in jeopardy the 50% matching federal funding through Medicaid and has put the health and safety of our most vulnerable residents at risk.

In response to the Patrick administration's plan to close four of six Department of Mental Retardation residential facilities, House lawmakers attached an amendment to the fiscal 2010 budget requiring the administration to conduct a feasibility study and receive the Legislature's sign-off before the closures. The facilities slated for closure include the Fernald Center in Waltham, Glavin Regional Center in Shrewsbury, the Monson Developmental Center in Palmer, and the Templeton Developmental Center in Baldwinville. Residents of those facilities have a choice between community placement or the last two facilities, the Wrentham Developmental Center and the Hogan Regional Center in Hathorne.  The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
 
Fernald 2
 
The Fernald Center 

MWRA rates rose 5.8 percent this year

According to a survey released by the MWRA Advisory Board, water and sewer bills for MWRA customers climbed an average of 5.8 percent in 2008, a $60 increase from 2007. Over the past 10 years as residents and businesses in the MWRA district finance the Boston Harbor cleanup and an array of other water infrastructure projects, rates increased 68 percent.
 
MWRA officials warned that rate relief provided by debt services assistance from the state was cut due to state fiscal constraints.  The MWRA is projected to increase charges on communities by $320 million over the next few years.  The MWRA Advisory Board is supporting a five-cent tax on bottled water to pay for infrastructure repairs and upgrades.
 
Rep. Stanley files amendment to restore funding to MWRA line item
 
Rep. Stanley an amendment to restore $10 million to the budget; the Gov's budget provided only $10 million and the House Ways and Means FY10 budget eliminated the line item. The amendment was adopted in part and Rep. Stanley and his colleagues were able to restore $5 million to the budget.
 
The MWRA rates are charged to member communities, which set rates paid by local water users.  The MWRA provides water and sewerage services to 61 communities in the Boston metropolitan area. The rate increases stem from the agency's costly efforts to clean the BostonHarbor and rebuild the area's water-distribution system.  Since 1985, MWRA has spent nearly $7 billion on the tasks, leaving it burdened with debt. About 60 percent of its revenue goes toward debt and mortgage payments, rather than operating expenses.
 
MTA Chief Resigns
 
On Wednesday, May 6th, Mass. Turnpike Authority (MTA) chief Alan LeBovidge resigned.  He stepped down saying that the MTA's "basic operating premise has shifted." LeBovidge was recently criticized for massive traffic jams on Easter Sunday resulting from the MTA's decision to not pay overtime for toll workers to substitute for coworkers on sick leave.  According to Transportation Secretary James Aloisi, Gov. Patrick will recommend Undersecretary Jeff Mullan to serve as acting executive director.   
 
Rep. Stanley Participates in Call with Con. Markey -- Stimulus Competitive Grant Funding Opportunities
 
Congressman Markey hosted a conference call for local and state officials in the Seventh Congressional District to discuss competitive grant opportunities for cities and towns as created by the federal stimulus package. The Congressman was joined by members of his staff to explain the process and answer questions about how to apply for specific grants by the many departments involved in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
 
Rep. Stanley Attends Housing Committee Hearing
 
As a Housing Committee member, Rep. Stanley attended a Joint Committee on Housing Hearing on Tuesday, May 5th.  Rep. Stanley is a cosponsor of HB3573 (expiring use legislation), which was heard at the hearing and would ensure that seniors are kept in their publicly assisted affordable housing.
 
Proposals for amendments to the MA Constitution
 
A joint session of the House and Senate to consider amendments to the Constitution will be held no later than May 13th.    For a proposal to appear on the calendar of the joint session, it must be called for consideration by the adoption of an order.    The order needs to be adopted by one branch, so an order to call-up a proposal or proposals filed by a member of the House needs only adoption in the House for the measure(s) to be eligible for the joint session calendar. 
 
Swine Flu Update
 
Massachusetts Department of Public Health held a briefing at the State House about the swine flu in MA.  For the most updated information on swine flu in MA, please click here.
 
Gov. Patrick to Host Community Forums
 
Between now and the end of May, senior officials in the Patrick Administration will host forums with local residents in 36 cities and towns on the choices facing the Commonwealth in the current economic climate.  Residents can express their concerns and opinions directly to the Gov. or Lt. Gov. through these meetings.
 
For more information on the forums, including locations, dates, times and participating administration officials, please click here.
 
Rep. Stanley Cosigns Cape Wind Support Letter
 
Rep. Stanley joined in colleagues in cosigning a letter to Secretary Ken Salazar with the
U.S. Department of Interior to voice his support of the Cape Wind project and request that the Minerals Management Service (MMS) of the U.S. Department of Interior issue a favorable Record of Decision and Lease to Cape Wind.
 
On January 16, 2009 the MMS issued a highly favorable Final Environmental Impact Statement on Cape Wind, a full and complete document that encapsulates the work of numerous federal and state agencies that have worked for seven years on the permitting process for Cape Wind. 
 
The need for renewable energy projects in and offshore Massachusetts has never been greater.  In 2008 the Legislature passed and Gov. Patrick signed the Green Communities Act, an energy reform bill that doubles the rate of increase in the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) from 0.5 percent per year to 1 percent per year, with no cap.  The Green Communities Act favors renewable energy projects in and offshore to maximize the local economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy development and production.
 
Having the nation's first offshore wind farm will position MA as a global leader in offshore renewable energy development and create thousands of new jobs in this emerging economic sector in the years to come.
 
MA Stimulus Funding Breakdown
 
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will provide the Commonwealth with an estimated $8.7 billion over the next two years.  To view a breakdown of how the Commonwealth will allocate the funds, please click here

New Guide to Private Home Care Services Released
 
As the elderly population grows larger, so do the number of families confronting difficult care decisions for their loved ones. To alleviate this issue, the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, a non-profit association of home care providers, has released the "2009 Guide to Private Home Care Services: A Directory of Private Home Care Agencies in Massachusetts." The directory offers residents a listing of reputable, professional home care providers by town and county as well as valuable information on how to both choose and pay for home care.
 
According to data from the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), Massachusetts ranks 13th in the nation with more than 650,000 caregivers who log an estimated 697 million care giving hours per year. Longer life expectancies and an increasing number of seniors from the baby-boomers group who want to remain in their home present challenges to their adult children who often are already balancing a job and family.
 
In many cases, families are unsure of the different levels of care available, where they can go for reliable caregivers, and how they can pay for such services. The 2009 Guide to Private Home Care Services not only offers a listing of highly-regarded, highly-qualified home care providers, but also helps families navigate the questions they need to ask themselves to assess their needs and find the care that is best suited to them.
 
For more information on the Home Care Alliance and to download or request a copy of the guide, please visit click here.
 
Spring Mass Value Pass
 
The Spring Mass Value Pass starts just in time for School Vacation Week. Check out great deals on Massachusetts lodging, restaurants, attractions and retail at www.massvacation.com. When you visit the site, you'll see hundreds of newly discounted things to do - all across the Commonwealth. Just download the wallet-sized "MassValuePass" and take advantage of discounts that start at 25% off. These offers expire on June 30, 2009.
 
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
 
Job Opportunities with the Commonwealth of MA

There are a number of job listings posted on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts home page.  For more information, click here.
 
Lexington Corner  
 
Tree talk at League June forum
 
Anne Senning, Lexington Tree Committee member, will speak about the Lexington Tree Inventory: Data Summary 2004-2008 at the League of Women Voters' First Friday Forum on June 5.
 
Ms. Senning will summarize the data and present findings from information gathered on Lexington's trees from 2004 through 2008.  Over the course of this five-year period, the
Lexington Tree Inventory gathered data on trees in five different Town areas.  Individually, each survey provides a snapshot of the tree species and health for a particular area of town.  When viewed together, the five individual surveys present a more complete picture of Lexington's tree species and their general health.
 
This is the ninth in a series of 2008-2009 First Friday Forums hosted by the League of Women Voters of Lexington to promote awareness and understanding of public policy issues.  Refreshments will be available at 9:30 a.m. and presentations will begin at 9:45 in the Community Meeting Room on the lower level of Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Avenue.  The library is easily accessible by Lexpress and from the Minuteman Bikeway.  For more information or to carpool, contact the League at 781-861-0123.  All League forums are open to the public at no charge.
 
How the new DPW building is "green"
 
Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Bill Hadley, and Michael Lawrence of HKT Architects, will preview Lexington's new DPW facility on Bedford Street at a special evening forum on Tuesday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m.  This is a repeat, as a result of several requests, of a popular presentation given to the League of Women Voters First Friday Forum in February.
 
Lexington's new DPW facility is the first building of its kind in Massachusetts to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) silver status.  LEED is a bench-marking tool used to create environmentally responsible projects that promote healthy places to live and work.  Focus will be on the building's "Green" features, including its energy and water efficiencies (green roof, roof runoff captured for use, a "grey" water system, permeable paved surfaces, and more.)
 
Hosted by the League of Women Voters of Lexington, the Bicycle Advisory Committee, the Citizens for Lexington Conservation and the Global Warming Action Coalition, the presentations will begin at 7:30 P.M. in the Community Meeting Room on the lower level of Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Avenue.  The library is easily accessible by Lexpress and from the Minuteman Bikeway.  For more information or to carpool, contact the League at 781-861-0123.  All League forums are open to the public at no charge.

Volunteer Drivers Needed One Day per Month
 
If you are retired, have a flexible work schedule, or have available time during the day, please consider becoming a volunteer one day a month for Lexington's F.I.S.H. (Friendly Independent Sympathetic Help), a community-service organization.  F.I.S.H. has been providing free rides to medical appointments for over 30 years for Lexington residents, but our 130 volunteer drivers and phone callers cannot meet the current client demand.  Drivers typically volunteer to drive for one day a month and can choose to provide round-trip rides to destinations either in Lexington and vicinity or in the greater-Boston area. "Phone F.I.S.H." volunteers make calls from their homes for a few hours on a given day to assign F.I.S.H. clients needing a ride to the volunteer drivers.  Being a F.I.S.H. driver or Phone F.I.S.H. is a very rewarding experience and we hope you will consider helping out your fellow Lexingtonians who have become very dependent on this unique service. For more information about volunteering for F.I.S.H., please call F.I.S.H. President David Horton at 781-862-3293.
 
Donate Your Books to More than Words Bookstore and Café!
 
Looking for somewhere to donate your books, CDs and DVDs?  Interested in hosting a book drive?  More Than Words Bookstore and Café is the place for you!
 
More Than Words is a nonprofit that empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or out of school, to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business!
 
By working as a team to manage their own retail and online bookstore and cafe business, our youth develop leadership, employment skills and self confidence as they prepare for their transition to adulthood!
 
Please email Jennifer Stewart or via phone at 781-788-0035 for more information regarding book drives and donations or stop by 376 Moody St, Waltham.
 
Stanley Report to highlight Lexington non-profit orgs

If you'd like your organization highlighted in the Stanley Report, please let Rep. Stanley know!  To allow more members of our community to hear about your organization's good work, please submit your upcoming community events, announcements and any other information about your organization.  If interested, please email Judy Bromley or via mail to Rep. Tom Stanley, State House, Boston, MA 02133.

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Lexington Calendar & Events (as announced in the Lexington Minuteman)

 
La leche league 
The La League provides breastfeeding support and information through monthly meetings with accredited leaders and mother-to-mother support.  The
Lexington group meets the second Thursday of each month at the Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave. The Lexington group attracts women from Lexington and surrounding towns.  For more information, call Francesca at 781.862.4762, Ann Marie at 781.863.1689, or Shari at 781.270.0944.

  

Moving On

 

Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Merriam St., Lexington. Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m. Moving On is a nondenominational, on-going conversation and social group which provides a comfortable environment for now single adults to re-enter a fuller life after the loss of a partner through death, divorce or relationship termination. A $2 per person donation covers the room rental. For more information about this nonprofit group, contact John, 781.790.1708 (Waltham), moving.on@comcast.net; Marti at 978.256.5872 (Chelmsford); or Phil at 978.922.3690 (Beverly).

 

Liberty Ride

 

Leaves from National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington. Daily, 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. The Liberty Ride, the town of Lexington's historically narrated tour of the first day of the American Revolution, April 19, 1775, features a colonial guide that takes passengers to the North Bridge in Concord and back, describing the events of the day. $20 adults, $10 children ages 6-17. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum. Call 781.862.0500, Ext. 702; email info@libertyride.us, or visit libertyride.us for more information.

 

Fix It Shop

 

Lexington Senior Center, 1475 Mass Ave., Lexington. Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon. A Fix it Shop is held for the repair of small items. Drop-off and pick up only during the above times. Labor is free, repair parts at cost. Donations accepted.

 

Volunteers sought

 

Lexington Senior Center, 1475 Mass Ave., Lexington. The Friend to Friend Program at the Lexington Senior Center is looking for volunteers to spend a few hours a month to help isolated seniors keep in touch with everyday activities. Volunteers could help a senior with vision impairment pick up some groceries or a prescription, get a haircut, attend a special luncheon, or just have a cup of coffee and chat. People are carefully matched according to the time they have available and what they would like to do. Currently, there are several seniors looking for a friendly volunteer. Call Charlotte Rodgers, 781.861.0194, for more information.

 

Newcomers Club

 

Lexington Newcomers Club welcomes new residents to town. Consider joining the Lexington Newcomer's Club, a non-profit social organization, to meet friends and learn about the town. Visit lexington-newcomers. Org for more information or call Marjoleine, membership chair, 781.274.9822, to join.

 

Exhibit

 

National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington. Ongoing. The NationalHeritageMuseum opens "Sowing the Seeds of Liberty: Lexington and the American Revolution," its new cornerstone exhibition. The new long-term installation is designed to stimulate new ways of thinking about the battle at Lexington on April 19, 1775. In addition to describing the battle and events that led up to it, the exhibition will explain why members of this small farming community were willing to take arms against their own government to protect a way of life, Through an engaging mix of objects, documents, images, re-creations of historic environments, and interactive elements, people of all ages will be able to learn about the roots of the American Revolutions. "Sowing the Seeds of Liberty" will replace "Lexington Alarm'd," the museum's current exhibition on colonial life that has been on view since April 19, 1995. Free and open to the public. Call 781.861.6559 or visit nationalheritagemuseum.org for further information.

 

NAMI Support Groups

 

The Central Middlesex affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts, serving Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, and Stow offers daytime and evening support groups for families and friends: Bedford, last Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9:30 pm, First Church of Christ, 25 Great Road, Routes 4, 62 and 225, Bedford; West Concord, first Thursday of each month, 12:30-2:00 pm, West Concord Union Church, 1317 Main Street, West Concord; Stow, -third Saturday of every month, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Fellowship Hall, First Parish Church in Stow, near the intersection of Rt. 117 and Rt. 62. Call 781.982.3318.

Important Information on Foreclosure 
 
Individuals facing foreclosure may benefit from qualified legal counsel to represent them in foreclosure proceedings.  The Attorney General's Office, in partnership with several bar associations, legal services organizations and advocacy groups, announced the establishment of a Pro Bono Foreclosure Assistance Hotline.  Low-income Massachusetts residents who are facing foreclosure may call (800) 342-5297 or (617) 603-1700 and leave a message in the foreclosure assistance mail box. Homeowners facing foreclosure should know that there are several organizations available to help.
 
NeighborWorks® America 
 
NeighborWorks® America is a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance and training for community-based revitalization efforts. The NeighborWorks® website hosts information on trainings, policy, publications and data. NeighborWorks® Center for Home Ownership Education and Counseling promotes long-term home ownership for low-income families by promoting training standards and quality service delivery.  One of the newest additions to its growing range of valuable practitioner resources are the Consumer Home Buying Guides, a set of four consumer-focused guides to various stages of the home buying process.  Developed by Fannie Mae Foundation, these guides deliver practical, specific and concise information in a user-friendly format. 
 
MassHousing
 
The Home Saver Foreclosure Program, a counseling and loan program, helps borrowers act proactively to their address their mortgage problems and address them before foreclosure becomes a reality.  This program is geared towards moderate income homeowners who meet program guidelines and can afford a new loan payment.  This program is not available to those already in foreclosure or own more than one property.  MassHousing also provides information and assistance to individuals and families looking for affordable housing in the state. 
 
National Consumer Law Center
 
The National Consumer Law Center works to defend the rights of consumers in the areas of consumer debt, bankruptcy, foreclosure and mortgage servicing, basic energy and utility issues, and student loans.  It also works to protect vulnerable populations and ensure the provision of these rights. Though it does not represent individual clients in legal matters, the organization's website has a variety of consumer publications on issues pertaining to foreclosure and mortgage servicing, bankruptcy, as well as a number of other consumer protection concerns. 
 
Citizens Housing and Planning Association
 
The Massachusetts Homeownership Collaborative is an initiative managed by CHAPA that supports and promotes homebuyer education.  These agencies offer homebuyer education workshops and individual homebuyer counseling to prospective homebuyers. 
 
Mortgage Bankers Association
 
The Home Loan Learning Center website sponsored by the Mortgage Bankers Association, is committed to empowering the consumer to make informed financial decisions through access to financial education.  Consumers can learn about mortgage basics, financing options, and how to prevent foreclosures.  They can also find links to reach state, federal, nonprofit and consumer group websites. 
 
Fannie Mae
 
Fannie Mae is a Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) chartered Congress with the mission to provide liquidity and stability to the US housing mortgage markets. Their Homepath program is designed to help users find the Fannie Mae mortgage and lender that's right for them.  Fannie Mae has developed a large array of innovative mortgage products, available through a nationwide network of Fannie Mae-approved lenders.  Fannie Mae doesn't lend money directly to borrowers.  Homepath also offers a number of tools, such as calculators, a glossary of terms, a list of organizations that provide counseling and a list of mortgage lenders. 
 
Freddie Mac
 
Freddie Mac is Government Sponsored Enterprise dedicated to making the American dream of decent, accessible housing a reality. The Buying and Owning a Home section on the Freddie Mac website includes an online guide to the home buying process in English and Spanish, financial calculators and tools, and a list of properties for sale.
 
HOPE for Homeowners Program
 
Effective from October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2011, as many as 400,000 homeowners could avoid foreclosure through HUD's H4H program.  If you are having trouble making your mortgage payments, HOPE for Homeowners may be able to help you, by refinancing your loan into a new 30-year fixed rate loan with lower payments.
 
Local Aid
 
The Department of Housing and Community Development has identified and contracted with housing agencies from across the Commonwealth that help homeowners with foreclosure counseling and provide first-time homeownership guidance and down-payment assistance.
 
Legal Services
 
Massachusetts Legal Services offers resources and services for lower-income Massachusetts residents. Massachusetts Legal Services will connect you with legal aid in your area.