The Stanley Report

Rep. Stanley Cosigns Letter to Override Gov's Library Veto

Rep. Stanley joined 110 of his colleagues in signing a letter supporting an override of the Governor's veto to State Aid to Regional Public Libraries and the Library of Last Recourse. This veto reduced the appropriation for this crucial account by $2.25 million.

An attempt at fiscal restraint in a time of economic downturn is laudable, but that same economic downturn is what makes state sponsorship of libraries so important this year. If we are to ensure the continuation of essential services in libraries across the state, we must recommit to fully funding their cost. Safeguarding libraries from budget cuts is one of the most important things government can do in times of fiscal crisis.

Regional library systems provide services that are vital to local libraries' survival. Yet, after seven years of inadequate funding, the delivery system that carried 12.5 million items last year consumes a disproportionate share of regional budgets. Regions are not able to provide basic services-bookmobile and deposit collections, licensed databases, training programs and technical assistance-to support the 1766 public, school, academic and special libraries that are members statewide.

Rep. Stanley Testifies on Behalf of his Bill to Establish Plate to Honor Vets

Rep. Stanley testified in support of "An Act relative to the Support Our Troops distinctive registration plates" before the Joint Committee on Transportation. This bill, filed by Rep. Stanley, would offer a way for any citizen (veteran or non-veteran) to express their support for our men and women in service with a distinctive license plate. The bill would also designate a portion of the registration fee to the Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF), which supports activated members of the Massachusetts National Guard and Reserve whose families are facing unexpected financial hardships caused by deployment.

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Rep. Stanley Testifies before Transportation Committee

Gov Announces Homebuyer Tax Credit Loans

As part of the Massachusetts Recovery Plan, Gov. Patrick announced a First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Loan Program through MassHousing that will allow first-time homebuyers to borrow up to $8,000 in advance of their federal tax credit for homes purchased with a MassHousing loan before December 1, 2009.

The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Loan will allow homebuyers to use the $8,000 tax credit from the federal Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008 as a funding source at the time of closing to help purchase the home. Under HERA, the maximum available credit is $8,000 and is claimed when homebuyers file their 2009 federal tax return.

Homebuyers who take advantage of the program will have the principal and interest payments on the tax credit loan deferred from the time of closing until the loan due date of June 1, 2010. If the loan is not repaid in full by June 1, 2010, the loan will be amortized for 10 years at the same interest rate as their first mortgage loan.

To learn more about qualifications for the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Loan and learn more, please visit www.mass.gov/dhcd/1sttimebuyer or www.masshousing.com.

Gov. Signs Transportation Reform Bill

Gov. Patrick signed a landmark transportation reform bill to help secure the state's economic future by simplifying bureaucracy and delivering cost savings by curbing out-of-scale health and pension benefits. The legislation creates a new Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT) to oversee four divisions: Highway, Mass Transit, Aeronautics and RMV. Mass DOT will be administered by a Secretary of Transportation, and overseen by a Board of Directors appointed by the Governor with expertise in transportation, finance and engineering.

The new transportation law will help build a unified transportation organization that can support economic growth by fixing broken roads and bridges, investing in regional equity and strengthening public transit.

AARP launches new web tool to help lower drugs costs

AARP launched its new Doughnut Hole Calculator, a free web tool that can help residents "avoid the dreaded coverage gap" which can leave folks stuck with thousands of dollars in unbudgeted spending. Click here to access this calculator. According to the AARP, in 15 minutes visitors can view a graph of their out-of-pocket spending by month, look up lower cost drugs for their conditions, create a Personal Medication Record and print out personalized letters to their doctors to help start a conversation about safely switching prescriptions.

MBA Veterans Legal Hotline

If you are a veteran, or family member of a veteran who needs to appeal a state or federal benefits decision, the Massachusetts Bar Association can help. Please call (617) 338-0572 to be matched with a volunteer attorney - for FREE.

AG and MA Association of Realtors offer consumer publication on foreclosures

In an effort to educate homeowners on how to avoid foreclosure, the AGO and the Massachusetts Association of Realtors have collaborated on a brochure to help educate consumers on financing a home and avoiding foreclosure. The brochure is entitled "Protecting your Investment: Understanding Financing and Avoiding Foreclosure." To download a copy of the new brochure, please click here.

Fun & Affordable Things to Do in MA

Even in this economy, there are a lot of reasonably priced things to do in Massachusetts. Take in a minor league baseball game, walk the Freedom Trail or just relax at one of our beaches. Some great ideas include going to the beach, catching a concert at the Hatch Shell or having a picnic in a state park. To learn more, click here.

Contact Information: State Representative Thomas M. Stanley State House, Room 167 Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-2810 Thomas.Stanley@state.ma.us

Contact Information:

State Representative

Thomas M. Stanley

State House, Room 167

Boston, MA 02133

(617) 722-2810

Thomas.Stanley@state.ma.us