The Stanley Report

News from Beacon Hill

Rep. Stanley's Reform Efforts Continue

Continuing his efforts to reform state government, Rep. Stanley recently authored an opinion editorial with Rep. Patrick on NPR's website. Please click here to read the full text.

Last month, Rep. Stanley and several House colleagues launched a Facebook page called "Representatives for Reform". The Facebook page allows users to share experiences, opinions and suggestions about state government reform. To become a fan, just search "representatives for reform" on Facebook and join the page.

Rep. Stanley and his colleagues launched the page to create an open and honest discourse to make real reforms within the House and improve the governance of our state. The page seeks to gather momentum for the reform movement in the House of Representatives and to give the public an outlet to express their opinions and suggestions for reform to make the House more transparent and open.

Attention Seniors: Circuit Breaker Tax Credit

The Circuit Breaker Tax Credit is a state income tax credit for eligible Massachusetts residents age 65 or older who paid rent or real estate taxes during the tax year. Even though the credit is based on property taxes, it is the state government, not the city or town that pays the credit.

The credit is for senior homeowners and renters who meet income limits and other eligibility requirements. Homeowners may claim the credit if they paid more than 10% of their total income for real estate taxes, including water and sewer debt charges. Renters can count 25% of their rent as real estate tax payments.

You must file a state income tax return to claim the Circuit Breaker Credit, whether or not you have to file otherwise. If your credit is greater than the amount of income taxes you owe, the state will give you a refund for the difference. The maximum credit for tax year 2009 is $960.

Please click here to learn more.

Rep. Stanley Votes against Devocalization of Dogs and Cats

Rep. Stanley joined his House colleagues in passing legislation to prohibit the debarking or silencing of a dog or cat unless a licensed veterinarian deems it medically necessary to treat the animal. Devocalization procedures, which are surgically invasive and run a high risk of infection, are typically performed to muffle or eliminate dog barking or cat meowing.

Devocalization procedures pose health risks following the procedure, including breathing difficulty and an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. The procedure can also cause behavioral issues in dogs and cats such as a decreased ability to communicate with humans and other animals. Such problems could threaten the health of the animal or those around it. If it is determined that a devocalization procedure is medically necessary, the veterinarian must file a written certification with the city or town stating that the surgery is necessary to relieve an illness, disease, injury or congenital abnormality that is causing or will cause the dog or cat medical harm or pain.

Under this legislation, only a veterinarian licensed in MA would be allowed to debark or silence a dog or cat if it is declared medically necessary. Failure to comply with this provision of the bill could result in imprisonment for up to five years.

Rep. Stanley Presents Leadership Award to Lucia Droby

Reps. Stanley and Koutoujian with Lucia Droby

Rep. Stanley presented a Leadership Circle Award to Waltham resident Lucia Droby at the "Impact of Cultural Council Funding" event at the State House. The Leadership Circle Awards annually recognize volunteers who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to promoting access to arts and culture in their hometowns.

Lucia joined the Waltham Cultural Council shortly after moving to Waltham seven years ago. Lucia has helped organize recognition ceremonies for grant recipients, and joined with other activists to create the first Waltham Riverfest in 2009, an annual event which involves a rich cross-section of local cultural organizations, artists and performers. Lucia is the founding Executive Director of the nonprofit Community Outreach Group for Landscape Design (COGdesign), providing pro bono landscape design services to under-resourced communities throughout the greater Boston area. For this work, she was awarded a Gold Medal from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in 2006, and the Award for Excellence from the Landscape Design Council of Massachusetts in 2009. Lucia will conclude her final membership term as the co-Special Projects Coordinator with Nancy Pratt.

Rep. Stanley Votes against Bill Allowing Lawrence to Deficit Borrow

Believing there should have been more oversight stipulations included with lending the money, Rep. Stanley voted against a bill to lend the city of Lawrence an additional $35 million. However, the House passed legislation that would allow Lawrence to deficit borrow to balance its budget for the current and upcoming fiscal years. The bill would establish a fiscal overseer to assess the city's ability to manage fiscal challenges, develop a 3-year operating and capital financial plan, provide assistance in all financial matters, and approve the city's budget.

Under Massachusetts state law, municipalities are not allowed to run a deficit. This bill, however, would allow the city of Lawrence - with the approval of the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue - to borrow up to $35 million through the sale of municipal bonds. The legislation forces Lawrence to cut its deficit borrowing in half by next fiscal year.

The Senate approved a measure that would install a receiver if other attempts to help Lawrence's finances fail. The measure passed 35-0 in the Senate and was included in a bill authorizing Lawrence to issue up to $35 million in long-term bonds to generate quick cash needed to keep the city and its services running.

Rep. Stanley Ranks 2nd in "Votes Off" from Speaker

In a blog recently published by the Boston Phoenix, Rep. Stanley was ranked second in Democratic state representatives in "votes off" from Speaker DeLeo. Since DeLeo became Speaker of the House, there have been 214 roll call votes. Rep. Stanley has voted differently that the Speaker 65 times, showing the Rep. Stanley votes independently in the State House, making his decisions in the best interest of Waltham and Lexington residents. To read the blog, please click here.

Nominate Your Favorite Places in Massachusetts

Rep. Stanley invites residents to nominate their favorite places in Massachusetts. 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts is a new cultural tourism program that celebrates what is unique about our state, its communities, and its people, and also to stimulate cultural tourism. The program seeks to increase visitation to the state's wide range of exceptional historic sites, cultural venues, and natural landscapes. The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) has established a website to accept nominations from the public.

All Great Places that are nominated must be open and available to the public. Only one nomination per person will be accepted. The nomination period will close April 1, 2010. The Commission will meet later that month to draw up a final list of 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts, which will be announced in May.

Rep. Stanley Urges Waltham Census Participation

Since census figures help dictate the amount of federal aid states and local governments receive and also determine the number of members a state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Stanley hopes all Waltham residents will participate in the census. The Waltham office is one of 11 census centers in the state, and it will serve 44 cities and towns.

In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. For more information, please here click here.

Recent Votes on Beacon Hill

Rep. Stanley voted in favor of Senate Bill 997 that would update the state's obscene material law to reflect the electronic age of instant messaging, online conversations and e-mail. The amendment would close a loophole that prohibits the dissemination of matter harmful to a minor in a variety of ways but does not include electronic means.

Rep. Stanley also approved a bill imposing up to a 10-year additional prison sentence on inmates who commit "assault with bodily fluids" upon a prison worker. Under the proposal, these fluids include blood, saliva, mucous, semen, urine or feces. Supporters said that creating this new category of crime would deter inmates who participate in this dangerous and outrageous practice that can spread disease and harm workers.

Speaker DeLeo Outlines Plan For Jobs & Economic Growth at Chamber Event

Before the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Speaker DeLeo revealed an extensive plan for growing and keeping jobs in MA. In addition to focusing on the creation of blue collar jobs, the Speaker discussed his expanded gaming proposal as a mechanism for creating employment opportunities. In order to expand state job prospects, DeLeo emphasized the need to make MA a more attractive location for businesses. In addition to highlighting the importance of improving the business climate in the Commonwealth, the Speaker also focused on his expanded gaming proposal as a much-needed job creator. The Speaker detailed the proposal, announcing that it will include a limited number of slots at the four racing venues across the state as well as resort destination casinos.

MTF Analyzes Gov.'s 2011 Budget

After reviewing the Governor's 2011 budget proposal, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) says that the "worst is yet to come" and the state will continue to confront serious fiscal problems at least through fiscal 2012, and probably longer. The Governor's budget for fiscal 2011 totals $31.7 billion, an increase of $1.27 billion or 4.2 percent over the original $30.45 billion appropriated for fiscal 2010. According to the MTF's report, the Governor uses approximately $2.1 billion in one-time funds. While this allows for fewer cuts in 2011, it opens up a huge budgetary hole for 2012 when there will be virtually no reserves to count on and with no possibility that the economic recovery will produce sufficient revenues to close the 2012 structural gap.

Gov. Announces Plan to Support Small Businesses and Create Jobs

Gov. Patrick filed legislation to help small businesses hire new workers and reduce the cost of doing business. The Governor's legislation provides tax credits for businesses that create new jobs, eases healthcare and unemployment insurance costs for employers and creates a new organization dedicated to providing businesses with the financial capital and resources they need to grow.

The Governor's plan builds on the job creation efforts undertaken over the last three years, and delivers on many of the initiatives outlined at the Patrick-Murray Administration's Economic Summit held last October. Since the beginning of the Administration the Governor has prioritized significant investments in infrastructure, tax incentives for businesses, innovative financing for development, streamlined permitting and other initiatives. The Governor has also instituted policies to create jobs in emerging industries such as Life Sciences and Clean Energy, positioning Massachusetts as a global leader in these fields. Please click here to learn more about the Governor's small business plan and other job creation initiatives.

Rep. Stanley cosponsors legislation to protect residents from increasing prices in home heating oil

Rep. Stanley signed onto legislation to ensure uniform pricing in the home heating oil industry. Approximately two million homes in MA currently use oil to heat their homes. There are only three major oil companies that deliver oil to MA terminals along our coastline. Individuals in the home heating industry claim that at least one company heats the oil in their tanks causing their product to expand and therefore, able to sell less "actual" volume for the same price. The bill aims to ensure that every consumer is receiving the oil that he or she paid for. Nearly every state in the northeast region of the country requires that the temperature of the heating oil is 60 degrees Fahrenheit at the point of sale at the oil terminal or in the delivery truck to the consumer.

Identity Theft Protection Rules Take Effect

In late February, Massachusetts consumers gained a new layer of protection on their personal information when new data security regulations created by the Patrick Administration went into effect. The regulations, written by the Administration's Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, mandate any business or entity storing or transmitting personal information of a MA resident create a written security plan that details how that information will be protected from theft or loss. Personal information is defined as the combination of a consumer's name along with information like Social Security number, or bank or credit card account numbers. The regulations are part of the identity theft law signed by Gov. Patrick and balance consumer protections with the needs of small business owners. For more information on the data security regulations, please click here.

Helpful Information for Filing Your Taxes

Mass.gov offers a large amount of information to guide you through the tax filing process. Click here to learn more about filing information, tax guides, tax changes for 2010, earned income credit, a 2010 filing season video presentation, info for seniors and retirees and refund anticipation loans.

Civil Service Examination for Firefighters

A recruitment campaign is now under way for the upcoming entry-level Civil Service Examination for firefighters scheduled for Saturday, April 24. Applications must be filed or postmarked no later than March 16, 2010. Applications and information about eligibility requirements, application fees, and the examination process are available at the Human Resources Division, One Ashburton Place, Room 301, Boston, MA 02108 or by calling the Examination Hot-Line at 617-878-9895. Click here to apply online.

New to Massachusetts??

Click here to learn more about services for folks new to the Commonwealth. Learn more about registering to vote, elected officials and voting, searching school profiles and finding a flu clinic for your family.

ARRA-Created Job Opportunities

Employers who create jobs using ARRA funding post new job announcements to the Commonwealth's JobQuest system. A wide range of stimulus-related positions--ranging from career counselors to communication specialists are available. This system is constantly updated, so residents should check back for new opportunities. Please click here to access the website.

Need Help? Resources Available to Battle Economic Downturn

Mass.gov offers residents information on how to get help in tough economic times. Please click here to access information on topics such as jobs and unemployment, housing and foreclosures, home heating and energy, gas prices and commuting, managing finances, health care and insurance, food and nutrition and business assistance.

Online access to statewide community resources

Mass 2-1-1 online directory is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help paying your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals, parents and families. Click here to learn more about Mass 2-1-1.

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.

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.

PET BEREAVEMENT Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center of New England recognizes the important role pets play in people's lives and will offer a free bereavement support group for children and adults on the first Wednesday of every month, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at VESCONE, 180 Bear Hill Road, Waltham. Information: 781-684-8387.

OVEREATERS Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step program for recovery from over-eating, anorexia and bulimia, meets Wednesdays, 7 p.m., at St. Mary's CCD, 30 Pond St., Waltham. Information: 508-875-0001, select option #1.

PARENTAL STRESS, Parents Helping Parents hosts a free and confidential parent support group every Wednesday evening in Waltham. Come share your experiences and gain valuable support, parenting advice and encouragement from other parents in the group. Information: 1-800-632-8188; info@parentshelpingparents.org; www.parentshelpingparents.org.

WALTHAM TOASTMASTERS, Toastmasters International meetings are on the first and third Thursday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Meadow Green Rehab & Nursing Center, Trapelo Road. It is open to anyone at least 18 years old. Group works to help get over anxiety in public speaking and work on leadership skills. Call 781-894-7182 or e-mail howardlr@sprintmail.com.

SERVE MEALS If you are interested in volunteering your time to assist the Middlesex Human Service Agency in serving meals, please contact Dick Rogers at 781-894-6110.

HOSPICE Evercare Hospice seeks volunteers for friendly visits with hospice patients 1-4 hrs per week in Waltham. Free training provided. Call Marjie Rochon at 781-472-8641 or e-mail marjorie_rochon@uhc.com.

REAGLE PLAYERS Non-profit theater company Reagle Players seeks volunteers: ushers, dressers, reception, stitchers and much more. Share any skills. No formal experience necessary. Call 781-891-5600 to inquire or visit www.reagleplayers.com for information.

COMMUNITY DAY CENTER The Community Day Center seeks volunteers to tutor low to no income guest in literacy, GED, resume writing and computer skills including hunting for jobs on the internet. Bilingual Spanish and Portuguese speakers especially needed. Hours: Monday - Friday 1:30-4:30 or weekends at the Library. Call Rob Mark, executive director, 617-960-7793, www.communitydaycenter.com, walthamday@comcast.net.

MARISTHILL Maristhill Nursing & Rehab Center seeks volunteers to assist with Mass, Eucharistic Ministry, accompany people to medical appointments (no driving required), visit with elders, or share your unique talents and gifts in other ways. No experience necessary. Training, supervision, and support are provided. Call Maureen Andrew at 781-893-0240.

HOSPICE & ADMINISTRATIVE HELP VNA Care Choices needs volunteers to offer emotional and practical support to terminally ill patients and their families in many communities, including Waltham and Newton. Training and supervision provided. Call Nancy Barcelo, 781-890-4440, ext. 3471.

COMMUNITY LINKS Wayside Community Links, 118 Central St., Waltham, seeks volunteer to do street outreach and co-facilitate educational groups for adolescents. Spanish and Portuguese speaking candidates are especially needed. Training provided. Call 781-891-0555 Ext. 71 for more information.

NATIONAL HERITAGE MUSEUM, Exhibit on time
From waking to the rooster's crow to catching the 8 am train, how Americans judge and value time has changed over the centuries. For All Time: Clocks and Watches from the National Heritage Museum is a new exhibit at the Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Rte. 2A, Lexington, running Aug. 15-Feb. 21. It explores the story of timekeeping through spectacular objects drawn from the Museum's own collection - 95 clocks and 22 watches, ranging in dates from about 1700 to about 1930. For information, contact the Museum at 781-861-6559 or click here.

WEST SUBURBAN YMCA, Fall sports
The West Suburban YMCA, 276 Church St., has announced its new fall sports line-up. There are three new tennis programs: Toddler Tennis, Youth Tennis, and Adult Indoor Tennis. Rookie Soccer League, exclusively for 7 year olds, focuses on strengthening skill sets and learning team play. All games will be 3 v. 3, allowing for a lot of touches. Friday's Recess program combines all of your favorite recess-style games into one exciting, fast-paced, and fun program. Games include; Dodge ball, Nuke 'Em, Capture the Flag, Mat Ball, Speed Ball, and Floor Hockey. And, for the first time in the fall, one-day PRE-YBA Basketball Clinics. The clinics are open to children ages 5-8. For more information, contact Renee Gaudette at 617-244-6050, ext. 3012 or reneeg@westsuburbanymca.org.

WALTHAM LIBRARY, Land Trust book on display
The Waltham Public Library, 735 Main St., is currently displaying the Waltham Land Trust's conservation book. There are a wide range of topics, including a history of New England forests, endangered animals, solutions to global warming, a bio of Rachel Carson, and a video by Al Gore. You'll discover how to make your workplace greener - and your children, too. Featured in the display is material on The Waltham Land Trust, Waltham's own local group dedicated to preserving open space. This year the WLT celebrates 10 years of working to benefit the environment.For more information about the Waltham Land Trust and its activities, visit www.walthamlandtrust.org.

FATHERS, Comprehensive evaluations
The Boston Metro West office of Right at Home In Home Care & Assistance, a private duty home care agency, will be honoring elderly fathers in the community by offering free comprehensive senior care evaluations for any male over the age of 65 during the week before and the week after Father's Day. To schedule an appointment, contact Right at Home at 617-597-1500. For more information, go to www.bostonmetrowest.rightathome.net.

`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.

BOOKS, CDs, DVDs If you are looking to donate your books, CDs and DVDs, or hosting a book drive, donate to More Than Words Bookstore and Cafe, 376 Moody St. More Than Words 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. Information: 781-788-0035; jennifer@mtwyouth.org.

HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS Atrium Mall and the Mall at Chestnut Hill invite shoppers to help Homes for Our Troops, an organization that remodels or builds homes for soldiers returning from Iraq that have sustained severe injuries. The Giving Tree is at both malls Nov. 28-Dec. 24. Information: DTravers@homesforourtroops.org; 508-823-3300.

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, 50 Church St., is closed until September. Information: 781-893-6240.

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.

STUDENT ART Back Pages Books has installed artwork by art students of the Waltham Public Schools at its store, 289 Moody St. The artwork will rotate monthly. Information: 781-788-9988; alex@backpagesbooks.com.