The Stanley Report

2011-2012 Session Begins

Legislators are busy outlining their lists of legislative priorities in light of the bill filing deadline for the 2011-2012 legislative session. If you have suggestions on legislation to be filed, please email Rep. Stanley.

DeLeo Reelected Speaker

The House of Representatives, by a party line vote of 128-31, reelected Speaker DeLeo (D-Winthrop). After being reelected, Speaker DeLeo promised to revisit expanded gambling legislation, foreshadowed a budget that includes no new taxes and pledged to tackle municipal health insurance reforms in his second term.

Patrick Outlines Legislative Priorities

Gov. Patrick's priorities include tackling medical malpractice reform and implementing pilot programs aimed at controlling health care costs. The Governor also plans to address youth violence, pension system reforms, municipal cost-cutting tools, probation and parole system changes, business cost controls, creating "coherence' in sentencing laws and "a tax code that needs simplicity and fairness."

Five Parole Board Members Resign

Gov. Patrick accepted the resignations of the five members of the Parole Board who voted in 2008 to release Dominic Cinelli. Cinelli is accused of killing Woburn police officer John McGuire the day after Christmas during a jewelry robbery. Gov. Patrick plans to file a bill similar to Melissa's Law which would offer tougher sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders by requiring that an offender convicted of a third "serious" felony be sentenced to the maximum prison term.

Rep. Stanley Cosigns Letter to Fund Elder Protective Services

Rep. Stanley recently co-signed a letter with his House colleagues to Speaker DeLeo requesting increased funding ($17.2 million) for elder protective services in the upcoming fiscal year 2012 budget. Professionals in the elder services field requested $17.2 million in funding for this account in the FY12 budget to help prevent the rising problem of elder abuse.

Elder abuse can include physical violence against seniors, financial exploitation by scam artists, mental abuse at the hands of family and caregivers and cases of self-neglect (when an elder is unable to care for his or her basic needs and thus demonstrates a level of poor judgment). Elder abuse causes physical and emotional distress and reduces seniors' abilities to live without risk in the community.

Repeal of sales tax on alcohol takes effect Jan. 1, 2011

This past Election Day, voters in Massachusetts restored the sales tax exemption for beer, wine and alcohol. On Jan. 1, 2011, the 6.25 percent sales tax on those items that has been in effect since August 1, 2009 will disappear and the sale of beer, wine and alcohol sold in markets or package stores returns to tax exempt status. If consumers find a sales tax on their package store purchase of beer, wine or alcohol as of Jan. 1, they should call DOR customer service at 1-800-392-6089 to report if they are unable to obtain a refund at the store.

Patrick Administration Announces Clean Energy and Climate Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 25 percent by 2020

Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles set the statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions limit for 2020 required by the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008 at 25 percent below 1990 levels, the maximum authorized by the Act, saying that measures already in place will get Massachusetts much of the way toward that goal.

The Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), signed by Gov. Patrick in August 2008, mandates the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, and requires the Secretary of EEA to set a legally enforceable GHG emissions limit for 2020 of between 10 percent and 25 percent below 1990 levels by January 1, 2011, and to issue a plan for achieving those reductions while growing the clean energy economy. Secretary Bowles set the limit at the statutory maximum of 25 percent and released the Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020, which contains a portfolio of policies designed to meet the limit.

Public Health Council Approves Limited Ban on BPA products

The state Public Health Council approved new regulations that ban the production or sale of reusable food and beverage containers containing Bisphenol-A (BPA) intended for use by toddlers and infants, such as sippy cups and baby bottles. Bisphenol-A is a chemical in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins widely used to produce food containers, including baby bottles, spill-proof cups and infant formula packaging. A significant number of studies have raised concerns about the potential health effects of exposure to BPA - particularly for infants, nursing and formula-fed children and children developing in pregnant women.

98% Health Care Coverage in Massachusetts

The Patrick Administration announced that over 98 percent of Massachusetts residents have health insurance, demonstrating the ongoing success of health care reform in the Commonwealth. According to the state's annual household survey on health insurance, released by the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy, only 1.9 percent of state residents remain uninsured and nearly every major demographic group is within a few percentage points of universal coverage.

MA Ranks in Nation's Top Ten for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Participation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ranked Massachusetts 8th in the nation for participant access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). MA was also recognized this year as sixth in nation for most improved access to SNAP benefits from the prior year. Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP helps low-income individuals and families purchase healthy food and is administered in Massachusetts by the state's Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).

MA 2011 Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Sale Online

Hunting and fishing licenses for the 2011 season are now available through a new online licensing system for fishing and hunting licenses and permits - including the new recreational saltwater fishing permit. The system, known as MassFishHunt, allows hunters and anglers to order and print licenses online for use on the same day they place an order. In addition, the new system will enable the nine DFG field offices across the state to issue licenses electronically beginning in January 2011. MassFishHunt will process licenses for inland fishing, hunting, and trapping and permits for recreational saltwater fishing and lobstering. Prior to this new system, hunters and anglers could order licenses online but most hunters would have to wait to receive their license in the mail before hunting.

Environmental License Plates Available

Join over 40,000 other drivers who help raise nearly $1 million for environmental projects annually by purchasing an environmental license plate. Massachusetts drivers have given more than $17 million to support environmental programs in the state since 1995. Proceeds from these license plates allow the Massachusetts Environmental Trust to make grants to nonprofit organizations and municipalities all over the Commonwealth. Grants from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust have been used to find sources of pollution, restore marine and freshwater habitat, protect endangered species, monitor water quality throughout the state and educate students on environmental issues. Environmental license plates are available at any Registry of Motor Vehicles branch or online. Click here to learn more.

MA is a Leader in Lottery Ticket Sales

Of the 42 states with lotteries, New York, Massachusetts and Florida had the leading number of tickets sales in 2009, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. New York saw $6.8 billion in lottery sales in 2009, Massachusetts $4.2 billion and Florida $3.7 billion. New York awarded $4 billion in prizes, Massachusetts $3.2 billion and Florida $2.3 billion, the Census Bureau said.

State Interested in Offshore Wind Area South of Islands

The Patrick Administration is interested in the federal government's initiation of a leasing process for offshore wind energy development in federal waters off of the Massachusetts coast. The effort further secures the state's place as the nation's leader on offshore wind development. The US Department of Energy (DOE) projects 43,000 clean energy jobs to be created in the offshore wind industry nationally by 2020.

The US Department of Interior's Bureau of Offshore Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) issued a Request for Interest (RFI) to measure the offshore wind industry's interest in developing renewable energy projects within a 3,000 (2,224 nautical) square mile expanse of federal waters off the Massachusetts coast, beginning approximately 13.8 (12 nautical) miles south of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Task Force - an interagency group of federal, state, tribal, and local elected officials - partnered with BOEMRE to draw the boundaries of the RFI area, which has excellent wind resources and water depths able to accommodate current and near term wind power technologies.

Koutoujian to Serve as Middlesex County Sheriff

Gov. Patrick appointed Rep. Koutoujian as Middlesex County sheriff. Koutoujian, who has served as a state representative since 1996, will fill the seat left vacant by James V. DiPaola, who committed suicide last year.

Numbers from the 2010 Census are here!

The US Census Bureau announced that the 2010 Census showed the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538! This represents a 9.7 percent increase over the 2000 figure. The nation's population shifted from the north to the south and west. Texas gained the most population since the 2000 Census, while Nevada had the highest percentage growth in population. In our region, New Hampshire saw the biggest percent growth in the past decade with a 6.5% increase between 2000 and 2010. Numerically, New York saw the biggest increase from 2000 and 2010 (401,645). As a result of the 2010 Census, congressional seats have been reapportioned, reflecting this shift in population. Texas is the largest gainer with four seats. New York loses two seats and Massachusetts loses one seat, while the remaining New England states remain the same. For additional information and results, please click here.

Life Expectancy Hits New High Of 80.4

According to a report issued by the Department of Public Health (DPH), as of 2008, the life expectancy for Massachusetts residents hit an all-time high at 80.4 years. The report states that females born in MA could expect to live to be 83 and males could expect to live to be 78. According to the report, the death rate from diabetes decreased by 12 percent in 2008, the infant mortality rate for those living in areas with the greatest poverty was three times higher than the rate for those in areas with the least poverty, and cancer and heart disease continues to be the leading causes of death (accounting for almost half of all deaths in 2008).

Online Organ Donor Fund Donation

RMV internet customers will now be able to contribute to a new Organ and Tissue Donor Registration Fund when they renew or request a duplicate of their license and Mass ID online.

The Fund, created by legislation signed into law by Gov. Patrick in 2010, was designed to help increase donor registration rates and build greater awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation. There are 110,000 people nationally and 2,945 in Massachusetts waiting for a life saving organ transplant and another name is added to the waiting list every 11 minutes. Visit

www.mass.gov/rmv to learn more.

Division of Banks Identifies more than 300 Unauthorized ATMs

The Division of Banks announced the results of an investigation of non-bank owned automated teller machines which found more than 300 machines operating without approval, and another 101 registered machines that did not meet state regulations. Under Massachusetts law, non-bank ATM providers must apply for and receive approval by the Division for each ATM location.

Consumers are advised to check the Division's listing of locations authorized to establish and operate non-bank ATMs. Consumers who have a complaint or concern with a non-bank ATM may contact the Division's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-495-BANK (2265), extension 501.

Foreclosure Resource Center

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's web page offers resources for consumers, data and analysis, research and articles from our publications and information on policy and regulations related to foreclosures. Please click here to learn more.

Purchasing and Using Gift Certificates

Attorney General Martha Coakley recently issued information on gift certificates. For detailed information on purchasing and using gift certificates, expiration dates, fees and store closing and bankruptcy issues, please click here.

Need help with your medications?

MCPHS Pharmacy Outreach Program is a confidential information and referral service available to all MA residents seeking help with their medications. There are no income guidelines. By calling a toll-free help line, residents can speak to pharmacists and case managers to receive personal assistance, answer pharmacy related questions or find programs to help with the cost of medications. MassMedLine is open from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday. Services include medication counseling, prescription drug plan counseling and referrals for free and discount drug programs. All MassMedLine services are free.

MassMedLine does not have prescription drugs to give out or money to help pay for prescriptions. It is an information and referral service. MassMedLine will try to find government and private programs to help any resident get the medicine they need. Mass Medline is a partnership between the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. To learn more, please click here.

Massachusetts State Treasury presents a Fun Financial Education Game for Adults

The Financial Education Department of the Massachusetts Treasury has teamed up with Doorways to Dream (D2D) Fund to bring to you a "Massachusetts 2010 Financial Entertainment Contest," with "Celebrity Calamity," an online financial education game tournament. While focused on fun, this game aims to empower participants to master personal finance skills, improve confidence in financial decision making and increase responsible consumer behavior. To learn more, please click here.

Tour the State Library

The State Library welcomes Rep. Stanley's constituents to the library and arranges tours for school groups or other groups who wish to view the premises and see some of its special holdings. Staff can show materials about Rep. Stanley's district and about subjects of interest to Waltham and Lexington.To schedule a tour, please contact pamela.schofield@state.ma.us or call 617-727-2590 or email the reference department directly using the above number or e-mail reference.department@state.ma.us. You may also contact Rep. Stanley's office for assistance. You may wish also to visit the library's blog.

New Guardianship Rules and Forms

The Probate and Family Court has issued two new rules and two new forms for guardianship, effective November 16, 2010. Please click here for additional information.

Job Opportunities with the Commonwealth of MA

Brasco to serve as City Council president in 2011

The Waltham City Council unanimously reelected Paul Brasco to serve as City Council president in 2011. This will be Councilor Brasco's second term as Council President.

Falzone Park Informational Meeting

The Waltham Recreation Department invites all interested residents to attend an informational meeting for the purposes of designing park improvements for the James P. Falzone Memorial Park. The City's consultant Weston and Sampson, Inc. will present. The meeting will take place on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 6:30pm at Government Center, 119 School Street Public Meeting Room (Lower Level). If you have questions, please contact the Waltham Recreation Department at 781-314-3475.

Ambulance Service Review Committee Meeting

The Ambulance Service Review Committee will meet on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 7pm in the Henry Hoover Committee Room in Waltham City Hall. The agenda will include a review of the 4th Quarter 2010 Ambulance Response Report, a discussion of any problems or complaints, a discussion of the contract which expires on June 30, 2011 and a review of new business.

Learn More About Mass Save!

Mass Save is an initiative sponsored by MA's gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers, including Bay State Gas Company, The Berkshire Gas Company, Cape Light Compact, National Grid, New England Gas Company, NSTAR, Unitil, and Western Massachusetts Electric Company. The Sponsors of Mass Save work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to provide a wide range of services, incentives, trainings, and information promoting energy efficiency that help residents and businesses manage energy use and related costs.

To help Waltham residents reduce energy bills this winter, Mass Save will provide residents a free energy audit of their home. Residents are under no obligation to do any of the work recommended by the assessment. Following the energy assessment, residents will be provided with free home air sealing and compact fluorescent light bulbs. This effort is made possible by an NStar Community Outreach Grant that was awarded to the partnership among the Green Enterprise Training Institute (GETI), Waltham Energy Action Committee (WEAC) and Brandeis University. To request a Mass Save energy assessment, please call Mass Save at 800-632-8300 and use the calling code "Waltham Energy."

WEBF Announces Grants

The Waltham Education and Beyond Foundation (WEBF) recently announced its 2010 Excellence in Education Grant and Sally Elizabeth Peters Enrichment Program recipients. The WEBF has funded over $50,000 in grants to 16 individuals within the Waltham School District since 1998. The Excellence in Education grant program and the Sally Elizabeth Peters Enrichment program recognize outstanding programs that complement curriculum standards in Waltham public schools.

The following individuals and projects received 2010 Excellence in Education Grants: Exploration into the World of Geometry - Mary Ellen Donovan, Listen My Children and You Will Hear - Marybeth Carney and Operation iMac Lab - Kevin Keaney. The Sally Elizabeth Peters Enrichment Program recipients are City-Wide Grade 5 Honors Chorus - Melinda Verde and Handhelds to Support Scientific Inquiry in WHS Science Classes - Marissa Maddox.

WSEPAC February & March Meeting

The meeting will include Basic Rights in Special Education (in English) presented by Michelle Fallon, Federation of Children with Special Needs. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 8^th in the Cannon Lecture Hall at Waltham High School from 7-9pm. A follow-up Q&A (to Basic Rights) with James M. Baron, Esq., Special Education Lawyer will take place on Tuesday, March 1^st in room 118 of Waltham High School from 7-8:30pm.

Tours of the Gore Place Mansion Available On Saturdays Starting 1/22

Gore Place, the historic Governor Gore estate in Waltham, offers guided tours of the 1806 mansion Monday through Friday at 1pm, year-round. Beginning January 22, guided tours will be available on Saturdays as well. Saturday tours will be offered at 12, 1 and 2pm. The mansion is shown by guided tour only. The tour includes views of the circular staircase, marble-floored great hall, library, oval withdrawing room, family dining room, parlor, second floor bed chambers, sitting room, billiard room, servant's chamber and servants' hall. Now through April 23, the guided tour will include a house-wide exhibit of 19th century storage boxes. Admission for the mansion tour (exhibit included) is $12 adults, $6 children ages 5 through 12. There is a $1 discount off the full-price admission for AAA, AARP, WGBH and MTA members. One discount per full-price admission.

Also available on Saturdays, beginning January 22, will be the Take a Walk outdoor family activity. Designed for ages 3 through 8, Take a Walk offers a backpack with seasonal activities, magnifying glass and binoculars. Rental of an activities backpack is $5. When the ground is snow-covered, snowshoes in child and adult sizes are available for rent at $5 per pair. Take a Walk is available Monday through Friday from 10am to 3pm, year-round, and, beginning January 22, Saturdays from 12 to 3pm.

Gore Place is located at 52 Gore Street, just off Route 20 (Main Street) near the Waltham/Watertown line. For more information, call: (781) 894-2798 or visit the museum's website at: www.goreplace.org.

Waltham's School Health Advisory Committee Seeking Members

The Waltham Public Schools School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) meets four times a year. The SHAC is open to all parents, community members, school personnel and students. The goal of the SHAC varies each year. This school year the goal of the SHAC is to review our current Wellness Policy. We need your input! Please join the committee. The SHAC meetings are one hour and we meet at Waltham High School in Room 118 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. For more information please email Marie DeSisto, Director of Nurses and District 504 Coordinator at mariedesisto@k12.waltham.ma.us or call 781-314-5462. Meeting dates for 2011: February 10 and May 12.

Nonprofit Spotlight: The Waltham Lions Club

The Waltham Lions Club, of which Rep. Stanley is a member, was chartered in 1939. With its motto being "To Serve," the Lions raise funds within the community mainly for assisting with eye research. The Lions also support local groups and those in need. The Waltham Lions Club is a registered non- profit charity, and supports Waltham Education and Beyond Foundation, Waltham High School Scholarships, Special Needs of Waltham Citizens, the Waltham Boys and Girls Club, Boston Aid for the Blind and Holiday Food Baskets for the Needy, to name just a few. For additional information about the Waltham Lions Club, please click here.

Wondering About Mental Health Services?

Project INTERFACE is a FREE mental health and wellness resource and referral service offered by the Freedman Center at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. Project INTERFACE strives to improve access to mental health and wellness information and services for children and families. To learn more about anxiety, bullying, depression, divorce, grief/loss and more and resources available to help, please click here.
You may also contact the Helpline at 617-332-3666 X 411 for resource information and/or mental health provider referrals from a mental health professional experienced in working with children and families. The work of Project INTERFACE is supported in part by the Massachusetts Child Access Project and Saint Elizabeth's Hospital.

Waltham's Emergency Alert Program

The City of Waltham has implemented a new Emergency Alert Program which lets residents receive emergency notifications many various ways. You can now receive message via text, home phone, cell phone, emails and work phones. Employees who live in the city are encouraged to sign up to receive emergency notifications by entering their home address. Employees who do not live in the city and still wish to receive notifications you may also do so by entering your work address. Please click here and register today.

Free Chamber Music Lecture Series! Come join members of the orchestra on the third Sunday of every month at 3:00pm and learn about music in an intimate setting. Click here to learn more.
http://www.wphil.org/chamber_ensemble.htm

To purchase tickets online, learn more about the 2011 season or learn more about the WPO, please click here.

The Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra (WPO)

Recycling in Waltham!

There are many easy day-to-day things you can do to help the environment. Learn more about what you can do to help. Information about recycling programs in Waltham is available by clicking here.

Tenant Advocacy Clinic at WATCH

The Tenant Advocacy Clinic provides one-on-one training and personalized assistance to any tenant with a housing related issue or question. Tenants can drop in to receive assistance at WATCH (517 Moody Street) every Monday from 7 - 8:30 pm and every Thursday from 7 - 8:30pm. Those who cannot come in person may leave a message on the Tenant Clinic Hotline and someone will return their call during Clinic hours: 781-891-6689 x203. The clinic is provided through a partnership between Brandeis University and WATCH.

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 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.

City of Waltham website announces job openings

Job opportunities are posted on the City of Waltham's website.

Waltham posts boards and committee meetings calendar of events

Click here for more details!