The Stanley Report

Senate, House File Budget

Rep. Stanley voted against a $27.4 billion House budget, citing that the budget went too far in slashing aid to cities and towns. Additionally, Rep. Stanley voted against the budget because the legislature had yet to finalize the ethics reform. While the House passed legislation to reform pension and transportation issues, ethics had yet to be discussed. Rep. Stanley stated at the beginning of the legislative session that he would not consider voting for new revenue increases unless all three ethics reforms were passed. People throughout the Commonwealth are financially strained, and Rep. Stanley is concerned that new taxes would cause further harm to small businesses and consumers.

The conference budget contains a sales tax increase from 5 percent to 6.25 percent that will generate $759 million in new revenues for fiscal year 2010 and help restore core services and programs for the citizens of MA. Sales tax revenues will help restore important services that were previously cut, including $10 million for Prescription Advantage, $6.5 million for youth violence prevention grants and $4 million for universal pre-K. The conference budget also generates approximately $80 million from the removal of the alcohol sales tax exemption. That money will be used to restore safety-net services such as substance abuse programs, community health centers, domestic violence prevention, elder care and early intervention programming.

The budget also includes a municipal relief package that allows cities and towns to raise additional revenue locally to maintain essential services provided by schools, police and fire departments. The plan allows municipalities to adopt a local option meals tax of .75 percent and also a 2 percent lodging tax that combined could generate nearly $95 million for cities and towns.

The municipal package eliminates the property tax exemption on poles and wires located on public property and public rights-of-way that could generate another $26 million locally. It also includes an incentive to develop cost-cutting regionalization agreements to share resources with neighboring communities.

The proposal establishes the Massachusetts Transportation Trust Fund, which will receive $275 million annually from sales tax revenues for use by transportation authorities and agencies in all areas of the Commonwealth. This transfer is supposed to avoid the need for any devastating increases to the Turnpike tolls, MBTA fares or the gas tax in fiscal year 2010.

The conference budget also raises the so-called Pacheco Law restrictions on private contractors to a threshold of $500,000; allows Massachusetts to participate in the popular multi-state Powerball lottery game which would bring in additional money; and raises health benefit contributions for all state employees by 5 percent, saving $50 million for the Commonwealth.

Gov. Patrick signs landmark pension reform

Continuing the Legislature's ambitious reform agenda, the Senate and House approved landmark legislation that will eliminate the worst offenses in the state pension system. Gov. Patrick signed off on the bill on June 16th. The landmark pension reform legislation will close loopholes and eliminate abuses, help restore public confidence in government and reduce long-term costs to the state's retirement system.

The legislation includes critical reforms that will apply to both current and future employees as well as elected officials, ensuring that necessary change can begin immediately. The Special Commission on Pension Reform continues to examine additional issues, including instituting dollar limits on benefits, reforms to disability retirements and system administration improvements. The commission's report on a broader pension system overhaul is due on September 1st, and the Governor will work with legislators on additional reforms based on those recommendations.

The new law targets glaring loopholes that have allowed some to exploit the system and unfairly boost their public pensions. Among the loopholes the law closes is the so-called "one day, one year" provision that allows elected officials to claim an entire year of credible service for working one day in a calendar year. The law also removes a provision that allows elected officials to claim a "termination allowance" based on the failure to be nominated or re-elected.

House approves ethics reforms

On Thursday, June 25th, the House voted on and approved important legislation to strengthen the state's ethics and lobbying laws. Rep. Stanley filed his own ethics legislation to define lobbying; ban gifts from lobbyists to public officials; provide the Secretary of State rule-making authority to implement the lobbying laws, to provide confidential, binding advisory opinions and impose fines; require lobbyists to wear name and affiliation badges while on duty in any public building; and remove the provision that allows the legislature to be exempt from the state's open meeting law. Rep. Stanley's four bills are currently before the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Government. Three of the bills filed by Rep. Stanley are the same language of what was included in the Conference Committee's legislation. The approved Conference Committee bill will now be sent to Gov. Patrick for his approval or veto.

House & Senate Approve Transportation Reform Bill

The Legislature approved a transportation reform bill to help fix the state's road, bridge and commuter systems. The House approved the measure by a vote of 130-25 and the Senate by 27-11. The bill is currently on Gov. Patrick's desk for approval or amending. This legislation would abolish the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA) as of Jan. 1 and create a new Massachusetts Department of Transportation while keeping the Massachusetts Port Authority and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority intact. Conference committee members predicated the reforms could save MA taxpayers $6.5 billion over 20 years, in part by consolidating planning, oversight and back-office operations such as accounting and legal services. To read the language of the conference report, please click here.

House passes language to mobilize economic recovery in MA

The House passed legislation that paves the way for MA to receive millions of federal stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This legislation provides states with funding for numerous programs and projects, including infrastructure projects designed to create jobs and spur economic growth. Potentially $8.7 billion will be available to Massachusetts. The enactment of this legislation will help Massachusetts streamline federal funding that is desperately needed by municipalities.

The legislation was the product of a partnership between leaders in industry, labor and government; members of these groups worked together to develop a set of legislative recommendations to meet federal deadlines and requirements. This legislation will also help ensure federal dollars are well spent. Among other things, it helps those without jobs by amending a benefit training provision in the unemployment insurance statute and aids municipalities by altering the funding mechanisms for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds which provide loan assistance to municipal projects that improve water quality.

Governor will hold 15 town hall meetings across the Commonwealth

Governor Patrick will hold summer town hall meetings across Massachusetts. The meetings are part of Governor Patrick's efforts to make state government accessible for all people in the Commonwealth. The Governor will host 15 town hall meetings this summer and he encourages all to come and share in the discussion. Last year, the Governor held town hall meetings in Salem, Hull, Amesbury, Holyoke, Milton, Webster, Rehoboth, Athol, Great Barrington and Hyannis. The town hall-style meetings are open to the public, giving residents a chance to talk directly to Governor Patrick about issues they care about most, including the economy, the state's budget challenges, and the Governor's efforts to push for reforms on Beacon Hill. For more information, please click here.

Rep. Stanley Speaks at the MA Rental Housing Association Annual Dinner

On Wednesday, May 27th, Rep. Stanley served as the keynote speaker at the MA Rental Housing Association Annual Dinner in Worcester. Rep. Stanley specifically spoke to the crowd about how legislation is passed on Beacon Hill. Rep. Stanley also updated the audience on housing legislation, in particular, lead paint and rent escrow.

Committees Meet to Discuss Closure of Four DMR Facilities

The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities and the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse held an informational hearing onthe planned closure of four Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) Residential Facilities, DMR's future plans for these residents and DMR's long-range plan, "Vision 2014." The meeting was held in Gardner Auditorium on May 12th.

New Online Traffic Tools

The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA) unveiled new online customer service features to make it easier for drivers to track traffic conditions on I-90 (MassPike). Motorists will be able to track traffic hotspots at I-84, I-495, Weston and Allston tolls via an improved interactive Google Maps Traffic Cameras web page and a real-time traffic conditions web page. Travelers may also sign up to receive up-to-date emails regarding traffic changes and road restrictions.

Rep. Stanley Participates in Legislators Back to School Program

In an effort to bring the message of representative democracy to our students in Massachusetts, Rep. Stanley participated in the National Conference of State Legislatures' Legislators Back to School program. Legislators who participate in this national program either visit schools or host school groups in the State House. The Legislators Back to School Program, now celebrating its 10th year, has been bringing civics to life through real-world teachable moments in classrooms all across the country.

Disability Protest Shuts Down Beacon Street

Fifteen hundred (1,500) consumers, family members, advocates, service providers and direct support professionals closed down Beacon Street traffic, in front of the State House, during a protest rally called by ADDP and The Arc of Massachusetts. The rally featured folk icons, Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul & Mary fame. Peter & Paul urged the crowd to fight for justice for people with disabilities. The goal of the rally was to encourage the Senate to follow the lead of the House and enact sufficient new revenue to restore disability programs that have been decimated by the Senate Ways & Means Budget.

Funding Opportunity: State, Local, and Tribal Government Capacity Building Program

The State, Local, and Tribal Government Capacity Building Program's objective is to enable non-profit organizations to assist federal, state, and local governments in ensuring that information for assistance services reach underserved populations. This $12M federal funding opportunity, which will be administered through the United States Department of Health & Human Services - Administration for Children and Families, provides one-time, two-year awards of up to $250,000 to state, city, county and Indian/Native American tribal governments. Governments will use these grants to strengthen nonprofit organizations and increase the nonprofits' involvement in projects that help turn our economy around.

The application period is currently open and ends on July 7, 2009 at 5pm, EST. Please request an application package to submit through regular mail or submit your application electronically. For more information, please click here. To submit an application electronically, please click here.

New plan on curbing homelessness to be announced

A partnership involving public and private funds to provide services to homeless families will be outlined on 6/23. The announcement features the deployment of individual development accounts aimed at rewarding homeless individuals for holding down jobs or receiving promotions. Private sector fundraising for the program was led by council chair Phill Gross, managing partner at Adage Capital. A non-profit formerly known as Shelter Inc., Heading Home's mission is to end homelessness in Greater Boston by providing housing in conjunction with support services.

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.

Rep. Stanley Writes Column on School Budget Process

Click here to read Rep. Stanley's most recent blog on boston.com's Waltham page.

School Committee votes to restore $3.4 million to budget

On June 17th, by a vote of 5-1, the School Committee asked the City Council to restore nearly all of the funds cut from their approved $63 million budget. The vote asks for $3.4 million to be put back, excluding two staff cuts recently made by the School Committee. Members voted to eliminate the human resources and fine arts directors at a special meeting, saving the Waltham school district nearly $200,000.

Rep. Stanley makes motion to restore school funding at City Council Meeting

As City Councillor at Large, Tom Stanley made a motion at the final City Council budget meeting to restore funding to the School Committee budget. The motion was unanimously adopted, and the money was restored.

Rep. Stanley is Guest Speaker at Waltham Democratic City Committee Meeting

The Waltham Democratic City Committee met on Thursday, June 11, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., in the Auditorium at Government Center. State Representative and City Councillor Stanley served as guest speaker and discussed current issues on Beacon Hill.

"Quack for Education" Duck Race

On Saturday, September 19, 2009, the Waltham Education & Beyond Foundation (WEBF) a non-profit organization is planning a "Quack for Education" duck race to raise funds to benefit the foundation's Excellence in Education Grant Program. The grant program provides teachers with funding to incorporate new learning programs that will enhance the educational opportunities of students of the Waltham Public Schools. The event will take place on the Charles River by Margarita's Restaurant at 2pm.

For just $5.00, a duck can be "adopted". The raffle ticket number you purchase will correspond to a numbered plastic duck that will be dumped into the Charles River on race day. If your duck crosses the finish line first, you will win $1,000! The WEBF has set a goal of having a thousand or more ducks enter the race.

Several local businesses have lined up to help "sell" ducks during the summer months. Ducks can be "adopted" at Citibank, Marcou Jewelers, Waltham Park & Recreation, Glendale Package Store, Pizzi Farms, Waltham Vision Care-Lee Lerner, Hair's Evelyn, RTN Credit Union and Watertown Savings Bank-Main St. in Waltham.

The WEBF's Excellence in Education Grant Program is in its second year of providing $17,000 in grant funding. Please help us reach our goal by adopting a duck and joining us on race day!

Waltham Partnership for Youth Sponsors Free Lunch Program for Kids

From June 29th through August 28th, free lunches for youth (children 18 and younger) will be offered from Monday through Friday at TheWaltham Boys & Girls Club (12:15pm-12:45pm) on Exchange St., Chesterbrook Gardens (12:45pm-1:30pm) on Lexington St., Lowell Spray Park on Grove St. (12:45pm - 1:45pm) , MacDonald Park (11:30am-12:30pm) on Newton St. and Whittemore Elementary School (12:00pm-12:30pm) on Parmenter St. Meals will only be served at Whittemore from July 6th through July 31st. For more information or if you'd like to volunteer, please contact Mario Pena at the Waltham Boys & Girls Club (781)893-6620 ext. 20.

Waltham Democratic City Committee BBQ & Picnic

The 4th Annual Waltham Democratic City Committee BBQ & Picnic will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2009, at Prospect Hill Park in Waltham. Over 40 members and guests attended this event last year, which has grown in size each of the last two years. The evening will feature hamburgers (& veggie burgers), hot dogs, tonic, socializing, fun and, of course, lots of political discussion. For more information, contact the Waltham Democratic City Committee at walthamdemocrats@yahoo.com.

WPO Elegant Affair Invitation June 2009

The Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra (WPO) will hold its Elegant Affair in the Watch City on
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The cash bar and buffet dinner will be held at
the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation at 154 Moody Street, Waltham, MA 02453.
Proceeds will benefit the WPO. Tickets are $50 and raffle tickets are $25 or five for $100. The event will feature a live auction and is black tie optional. For additional information, please click here.

Nonprofit Spotlight: Waltham Family School

The WFS is an Even Start Literacy Program which provides educational opportunities for children and their parents by integrating early childhood education, adult education and parenting activities in a comprehensive family literacy program. WFS serves Waltham's families who have a preschool age child, age 3-5, and who want to work on improving their English language skills and strengthening their parenting and life skills.

Waltham is one of seven communities in MA awarded a federal grant, funded through the Massachusetts Department of Education, for an Even Start Literacy Program. WFS is a partnership of the Waltham Public Schools and four key community agencies located in Waltham, including Breaking Barriers, Inc., the Parent Child Home Program, the Power Program and the Waltham Partnership for Youth (PFY). For more information about the WFS or to learn if your family might qualify, please click here.

Rep. Stanley is a board member of the WPY and Advisory Board member of the Waltham Family School.

Donate Your Books to More than Words Bookstore and Caf�!

Looking for somewhere to donate your books, CDs and DVDs? Interested in hosting a book drive? More Than Words Bookstore and Caf� 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 contact Jennifer Stewart at 781-788-0035 or jennifer@mtwyouth.org for more information regarding book drives and donations or stop by 376 Moody St.

Council on Aging volunteers

The Council on Aging is looking for volunteers to deliver meals on wheels once a week. The delivery process takes less than 45 minutes. It's a great opportunity to help our homebound seniors. On-call volunteers are also needed. Please call Betty Giusti at (781)314-3499, ext. 3300.

Check out Boston.com/Waltham

Looking for local news? Let boston.com/waltham be your first-stop site for all things Waltham. Recently launched by boston.com and the Boston Globe, the new "Your Town" web sites combine news from the Globe, other local publications and web sites, along with a calendar of events and links to local and metro resources. Join in on the conversation by contributing to discussion forums, commenting on stories and submitting your photos and blogs. Contact Kathryn Eident with your story ideas, comments and site feedback.

Rep. Stanley is now writing a weekly blog about issues important to Waltham residents. His blog is published every Friday at boston.com/Waltham. Please check out this website to read stories about what's happening in our community.

National Archives

The National Archives is open to the public Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 7am - 4:30pm, Thursdays 7am- 9pm and the first Saturday of each month 8am - 4:30pm. The National Archives and Records Administration is located at 380 Trapelo Road in Waltham.

Waltham Partnership for Youth Announces Activities Directory

The Waltham Partnership for Youth posted an online activities directory for 2008-2009. Information is available on after school programs, arts, homework and tutoring, outreach, recreation, scouts, sports, summer programs, technology, and more. Activities, opportunities and resources are available for school-aged children (PK-12). Click here to access the directory in English and click here for Spanish.