Rep. Stanley Receives Committee Assignments

During the 2011-2012 legislative session, Rep. Stanley will serve on the House Committees on Ways and Means, Post Audit and Oversight and Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.  The House of Representatives has ten, bi-partisan standing committees, each lead by a chairperson who is appointed by the Speaker of the House.

Gov. Patrick files fiscal year 2012 budget

On Wednesday, January 26, Gov. Patrick submitted his Fiscal Year 2012 budget proposal to the House of Representatives.  The final budget (after it is enacted by the Legislature and approved by the Governor) will take effect on July 1, 2011 and run through June 30, 2012.  To learn more about his proposal, please click here. 

House Passes Unemployment Insurance Rate Freeze Legislation

Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation to halt a scheduled increase in the unemployment insurance assessment that all employers pay. The Commonwealth's unemployment insurance system is funded completely from employer contributions. The law governing unemployment insurance requires that, as the fund is depleted, employer contributions increase.  Without this rate freeze, employers would face, on average, a per-employee increase in cost for unemployment insurance of 35% - raising the employer contribution to $872 per employee. Collectively, this would amount to an employer contribution increase of roughly $551 million. Though the rate freeze will still result in a 10% increase in payments by employers due to other unemployment insurance payment adjustment factors, the freeze will save the average employer $167 per employee.  The Senate also recently voted unanimously to freeze MA's unemployment insurance rate at its 2010 level.  The legislation now heads to the Governor's desk for consideration.

Gov. Patrick Proposes Comprehensive Health Care Cost-Containment Legislation

Gov. Patrick announced comprehensive health care payment and delivery reform legislation designed to control rising health care costs and improve patient care.  The bill, "An Act Improving the Quality of Health Care and Controlling Costs by Reforming Health Systems and Payments," establishes a structure and process to facilitate significant reforms to the Commonwealth's health care payment and service delivery systems over the next three years.

The legislation encourages the growth of "integrated care organizations," (ICOs) comprised of groups of providers that work together to achieve improved health outcomes for patients at lower costs; provides benchmarks, standards and guidance for the transition to integrated care and global payments; and allows the Division of Insurance (DOI) to consider more criteria when making the decision to either approve or reject rate increase requests from both carriers and providers. 

Rep. Stanley Attends Special Ed Reimbursement Briefing

Rep. Stanley joined legislators and advocates at a briefing to discuss the need for increased funding for reimbursement to communities for special education costs. Due to the depletion of federal stimulus funds, cities and towns may have to pay a greater share for special education without additional state aid. An advocacy group, the Massachusetts Coalition to Restore Special Education Funding, have requested $230 million for fiscal year 2012. Gov. Patrick in January proposed $213 million for the special education account. The House is currently reviewing Gov. Patrick's budget.

Attn Job Seekers: One-Stop Career Centers Offer Social Networking Workshops

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced that many of the One-Stop Career Centers are now offering social networking workshops. These workshops provide job seekers with training in internet technologies that many employers are now using to not only hire, but also run their businesses. Massachusetts' 37 One-Stop Career Centers serve as an essential resource for those looking for a job, and many of them offer a vast number of workshops to help conduct effective online job searches in today's world. These classes are free, open to the public and conveniently located throughout the state.  These classes fill up quickly, registration is required and space is limited. Please call the phone numbers listed below to sign-up for a workshop in your area. Or, please click here to find the career center nearest you.  

Earned Income Tax Credit provides assistance to eligible low and moderate income working families

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal and state income tax credit available to low and moderate income working families and individuals.  The EITC program serves as a critical resource for families in need.  However, in the 2009 tax year, 20 to 25 percent of eligible working families in Massachusetts failed to apply for the EITC, calling for increased awareness in the state.  Depending on a family's size and income, individuals and families may be eligible for thousands of dollars in refunds, even if the individual or family does not currently owe any income taxes.  To learn more about the Massachusetts Earned Income Tax Credit, and view the list of free, volunteer tax assistance sites located in Massachusetts please visit www.mass.gov/eitc.   

AG Holds Commission Hearings on Bullying and Cyber-Bullying Laws

AG Martha Coakley held two public hearings in her capacity as the Chair of the Special Commission created by the Legislature as a provision of the bullying prevention law. The Commission to Review Statutes Relative to Implementation of the School Bullying Law reviews the Massachusetts General Laws and considers whether any laws need to be amended or created in order to more effectively address bullying and cyber-bullying.  

Last May, Gov. Patrick signed into law a landmark anti-bullying bill which included requirements for schools to create and implement bullying prevention plans and curricula. The bullying prevention law placed new restrictions on young people's use of any technology to bully another person. It also directed the Attorney General's Office to work with the Department of Early and Secondary Education, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and other agencies to develop the model plan and to identify the resources needed to create a school climate in which every student feels safe - in and out of school.

Homelessness reform announcement

Lieutenant Governor Murray announced the Administration's FY'12 budget proposal to reform the state's emergency shelter and housing delivery systems.  The changes will build the Administration's Housing First Framework, an initiative that provides emergency shelter to vulnerable families while offering a variety of resources to stabilize and enhance economic opportunities for at-risk individuals, reducing the need for shelter. By collaborating with state agencies and partnering with service providers, the number of families in the shelter system will decrease while access to more appropriate housing-based supports will increase. With this new model, families who are currently eligible for Emergency Assistance will remain eligible for services; however, by providing the right resources at the right time, this reform aims to open more doors to permanent homes and economic opportunities for families in need.

Gov. Patrick Secures Additional $157 Million in Federal Funds for Health Programs

The Patrick Administration has secured approval from the federal government to claim approximately $157 million in new federal revenue and make $230 million in supplemental payments to hospitals to help them transition to new payment methodologies that will focus on outcomes and quality rather than the quantity of services delivered. The agreement allows MA to claim federal reimbursement on state-funded health care programs that would otherwise not have been eligible for federal matching funds.  The new agreement updates a standing "waiver agreement" between the Commonwealth and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which grants federal approval and funding for the state's ongoing health care reform programs.

Duffly Sworn in as Supreme Court Judge

Fernande Duffly, confirmed for a seat on the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC), was recently sworn in by Gov.  Patrick. Duffly is the third associate justice appointed by Gov. Patrick, who also elevated Justice Roderick Ireland to SJC chief in December. A ceremonial swearing-in event for Duffly is scheduled for Feb. 17 at the John Adams Courthouse. Next week Duffly will sit for 19 arguments, including Entergy Nuclear Corp v. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

2011 Police Officer and Transit Police Officer Exam

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Human Resources Division will hold an Entry-Level Examination for Police Officer, Cities and Towns and Transit Police Officer, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority on April 30, 2011.  Applications must be filed or postmarked no later than April 1, 2011.  Applications and information about eligibility requirements, application fees, and the examination process are available at the Human Resources Division, One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 or by calling the Examination Hot-Line at (617) 878-9895 or toll-free at 1-800-392-6178. You may also apply on-line at www.mass.gov/civilservice .

Child Welfare System Advocates Rally at State House

The state's child welfare system has faced more than $100 million in cuts over the past four years.  Activists recently rallied at the State House, asking legislators to restore funding for state services that help make sure at-risk children and their families receive much-needed assistance.   According to activists, reductions in services resulting from cuts to the state budget hurt MA's child and family welfare systems and have limited limiting access to services for families voluntarily requesting help.  Budget cuts have lessened or eliminated services pertaining to child care and afterschool care, teen pregnancy prevention and support programs, in-home family support services, group and residential care, and independent, foster and group care for individuals over 18 during an economic recession where there is increased need for these essential services.

Advocates Rally for Alzheimer's Funding

Lobbying events recently took place at the State House during which advocates rallied on behalf of the Alzeheimer's Association's bills.  Advocates met with legislators about the disease which affects 120,000 MA residents.   One bill filed sets criteria for care in nursing homes who consider themselves specialized in Alzheimer's care and requires home health care aides hired by the state to receive specialized training to help patients with Alzheimer's and dementia.  Another piece of legislation, The Massachusetts Alzheimer's Project Act, requests the creation of a separate office within the Office of Health and Human Services, which would coordinate care for affected residents and families from diagnosis to end of life care plans. The office would help families find services, as well as promote an awareness campaign about ways to the slow the progression of the disease once someone is diagnosed.

  
After-school program advocates rally for funding

After-school program advocates including students, teachers and parents, visited the State House to ask legislators to preserve funding for after-school and summer programs during the fiscal year 2012 budget debates. Gov. Patrick included $1.5 million in his budget for after-school and summer programs and advocates asked the House and Senate to do the same.  The Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership (MAP), a coalition of programs from around the state, led the lobbying efforts.  MAP is dedicated to expanding quality afterschool and extended learning opportunities (ELO) statewide for children, youth, families and communities.

Housing Development Awards

 Gov. Patrick pledged $71.37 million in resources from various affordable housing programs to support the construction of 31 rental developments in 21 MA communities, which will in turn create an estimated 2,000 construction jobs.  Once completed, the developments will create or preserve 1,642 units of rental housing including 1,415 affordable units for low-and moderate income families. 246 of the affordable units will be targeted for families earning less than 30 percent of the area median income (AMI).

Protestors Rally against Secure Communities Program

Opponents of the Patrick administration's efforts to enlist MA in the federal Secure Communities program recently voiced their opposition outside Gov. Patrick's office.  The program includes the use of locally gathered fingerprinting information to verify the immigration status of those arrested in the Commonwealth.  The protestors are upset with the Gov.'s plan to support President Obama's plan to expand the Secure Communities program nationwide by 2013.  Proponents feel this is an effective way to deport criminal offenders while opponents state that undocumented immigrants without criminal records are being deported under the program. 

Treasury Launches "Move Money" to Boost Loans to Small Businesses

To stimulate small business lending and grow private sector jobs in MA, Treasurer Grossman will launch a program to move money into small, local, community, and regional banks willing to commit to increasing their volume of small business loans upon the finalization of these guidelines following a public comment period.  The Move Money program seeks to shift state cash deposits under the control of the Treasurer to small, regional, local and community banks that are willing to commit to increasing their volume of small business loans once the guidelines have been finalized following a period of public comment.  To learn more, please click here.

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.

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.

Constituent Tours offered by 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 email 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.

RMV Customer Service: Road Test Online Booking
 
 Road tests can now be booked online at www.mass.gov/rmv. The newest customer convenience to the RMV online branch could help reduce the demand on the call center by approximately 260,000 callers a year. In the last 18 months, MassDOT RMV has made the online branch the busiest by adding a dozen new website transactions which resulted in 39% more customer traffic.

MassDOT RMV examiners conduct 2,500 road tests a week at 29 locations throughout the state. During a two week test launch of the new online feature, more than 1042 permit holders booked a road test through www.mass.gov/rmv. Those who prepay for the exam when they book online also save themselves a trip to an RMV branch once they've completed the road test.

Bay State Gas Residential Past-Due Balance Forgiveness Program
 
 Residents struggling to pay overdue utility bills are finding it a bit easier now with help from the Bay State Gas past-due balance forgiveness program. The program provides qualified customers with assistance in budgeting for their current natural gas bills, while each month also forgiving a portion of past-due balances. To take advantage of the forgiveness program, current Bay State customers must first qualify for the company's residential assistance rate. Anyone interested in more information should speak with one of Bay State's specially trained call center representatives by calling 1-800-688-6160. Please click here to learn more.
 

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.

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.

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.