The Stanley Report

Rep. Stanley files bills in 2011-2012 session

Since the 2011-2012 legislative session kicked off in January, Rep. Stanley has filed a large number of bills. The following are brief summaries of four of these pieces of legislation.

Rep. Stanley filed legislation to establish a pilot program designed to deter underage drinking by providing a new method of dealing with minors caught purchasing, in possession of, or using alcohol, aside from criminal charges. The pilot program only applies to first time offenders under the age of 21 and includes a non-criminal penalty of $300 for minors caught drinking or trying to buy alcohol, notification of the violator's parents, a four hour alcohol awareness program and 10 hours of community service.

He also filed legislation to expand the existing Bottle Bill to include a five cent deposit on bottled water containers. Unreturned deposit receipts would be placed in a dedicated fund available to municipalities, water districts and the MWRA to be used for water and sewer infrastructure repairs and projects.This legislation will generate revenue for the state, save money for municipalities and encourage recycling. Additionally, the bill would help decrease landfill use, save energy and oil and creates green jobs.

Rep. Stanley filed a bill to require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to develop a curriculum on personal finance literacy. The curriculum would include consumer financial education, personal finance and personal credit to be included in the development of standards and objectives for financial literacy for all grade levels. The curriculum could also be used by accredited nonpublic schools. Standards and objectives for personal finance literacy would be developed by DESE within the existing math curriculum for all grades and integrated into existing social studies curriculums within three years of enactment.

Rep. Stanley also filed a bill to update the state's laws on selling, developing or protecting state land that is declared surplus. This legislation preserves the Legislature's vote on disposing of every parcel of land, gives communities the right of first refusal to purchase state land and establishes clear notices, processes and review committees to ensure that the future use of any state land is in harmony with the interests of the municipalities where the land lies.

Rep. Stanley Cosigns Letter to MA Congressional Delegation

Rep. Stanley cosigned a letter to the Massachusetts Congressional delegation urging members to oppose the proposed federal budget cuts to the EPA Clean Water and Drinking Water Revolving Funds (SRFs). These funds are critical to ensuring local compliance with federal and state water quality standards, and spurring economic development in the state.

Massachusetts has one of the best SRF programs in the country. Over the life of the program, the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust has been able to leverage private capital to enhance modest federal grants by an average factor of 3.4, turning $1.59 billion in federal grants into $5.44 billion in project financing. This money has gone directly to important water infrastructure projects in over 280 Massachusetts communities. The proposed FY2012 federal budget would reduce the allotted federal grants to both SRFs to just $38.1 million, the lowest it has been in over 10 years.

Speaker DeLeo Unveils Court Reorganization Plan

Speaking before the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Speaker DeLeo announced his court reorganization plan designed to improve court management and oversight. The Speaker also offered reforms to the Department of Probation, including new guidelines to limit the influence of job recommendations in the hiring process both within the department and throughout state government. The court reorganization legislation will also address issues at the Department of Probation, including its organizational placement within state government. Speaker DeLeo also proposed new hiring processes within the Probation Department to ensure that only the most qualified candidates earn employment.

To increase transparency in the hiring process, the Speaker's bill will also propose new guidelines to govern recommending in hiring in the Probation Department and throughout state government. The legislation will require all recommendations to be made in writing. Further, the bill will require recommendations to be shielded from hiring evaluators until candidates have reached the final stage of consideration. The bill will also make the letters of recommendation for those who earn a job in public service a matter of public record.

Public Service Committee Holds Hearing on Muni Health Insurance

On March 8th, in Gardner Auditorium, the Public Service Committee held a public hearing on 26 bills dealing with municipal health insurance. Members of the committee heard testimony from the elected officials and the public on union contracts with municipalities and the renegotiating of these contracts, along with the possibility of making unions take on the Group Insurance Commission as their health insurance.

Committee members heard testimony about legislation aimed at helping municipalities reduce the burden of health care costs.

Folks from both sides of the aisle attended the hearing but were divided on how to reduce costs.

At the hearing, union leaders reiterated their willingness to make concessions on benefits this year as long as collective bargaining rights were preserved and workers could share equally in any savings achieved through restructured health plans. The unions said they would agree to cut $120 million in spending on health care for municipal employees in exchange for half of those savings being poured back into health benefits for employees, as savings for municipalities would translate into cost increases for municipal employees. However, the Massachusetts Municipal Association immediately said the insistence of unions on splitting the savings defeats the purpose of municipal health care reform. The MMA has offered it own plan design legislation that would remove health coverage from collective bargaining as long as municipal managers don't cut benefits deeper than what is offered through the state. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Michael Widmer said reforms are necessary to preserve local government services and jobs and noted the pending proposals don't even attempt to address billions of dollars in unfunded municipal retiree health care liabilities.

House Passes Order on Special Joint Committee on Redistricting

The House of Representatives voted to continue an order passed on March 5, 2009 to establish a Special Joint Committee on Redistricting which will solicit testimony at a minimum of 12 hearings throughout the Commonwealth. The Committee will also host a website to provide redistricting information to the public, publicize the hearing and meeting schedule, and provide a means to contact the Committee to submit questions, comments or materials. The 2010 Census resulted in Massachusetts losing one congressional seat, forcing the state legislature to divide the state into new congressional districts. Due to changes in population, the redistricting effort will also alter state House and Senate districts.

Special Joint Committee on Redistricting Schedules Hearings

The Joint Committee on Redistricting created a website to provide information to the citizens of MA about the redistricting process. This site includes maps, laws, rules, census data, documents, historical perspectives and a calendar of events and hearings for the Joint Committee. To view a list of the 13 public hearing locations and details, please click here.

Commission seeks to find ways to create and maintain jobs in MA

Members of a state commission discussed what prevents companies from creating jobs in MA and brainstormed methods to improve job skills of residents. The committee elected to stage monthly meetings and public hearings to determine ways to stimulate MA's economy on a long-term basic. The group examines employee skills, available jobs in different parts of the state and industries that are creating jobs, as well as industries that are growing or declining.

Governor Announces Four Nominees to State Parole Board

Gov. Patrick announced his four nominees to the state Parole Board including a forensic psychologist, a victim advocate, a former federal chief probation officer and an attorney experienced in parole issues. The nominees are Dr. Charlene Bonner, Lucy Soto-Abbe, John Bocon and Ina Howard-Hogan. Pending confirmation by the Governor's Council, these nominees will fill the four vacant seats on the board.

Attention Seniors! Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit

The Department of Revenue released the rules and regulations for the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit in tax year 2010. The credit is based on the actual property tax or rent paid by the eligible taxpayer who is either living in their own home or paying rent. A taxpayer's total income may not exceed $51,000 for a single individual; $64,000 for a head of household; or $77,000 for married couples filing a joint return. The assessed valuation of a residence may not exceed $764,000. Many taxpayers 65 and over fall within these limits. The credit is equal to the amount by which the taxpayer's property tax payments in the current tax year, including water and sewer charges but excluding any abatement or exemption, exceeds 10 percent of the taxpayer's total income. The credit also works for renters. It is equal to the amount by which 25 percent of the rent actually paid during the taxable year exceeds 10 percent of the taxpayer's total income, with the credit capped at $970. For additional details, please click here.

DCAM Names New Commissioner

The Patrick administration named Carole Cornelison the new commissioner of the Division of Capital Management (DCAM), replacing David Perini, who retired. A native of Cincinnati, Cornelison previously served as director of the Cincinnati Girls' Club and executive director of Neighborhood Development Corporation. In 2004, she joined the City of Boston's Department of Neighborhood Development. She currently serves on the boards Casa Esperanza, Victory Programs and YouthBuild Boston.

Treasury Small Business Banking Partnership

In an effort to help small MA businesses grow, Treasurer Steven Grossman announced that his office sent official requeststo participate in his Small Business Banking Partnership to more than 200 banks. The banking partnership seeks to boost small businesses in the state by placing at least $100 million in state deposits with community, regional and local banks willing to increase their small business lending efforts. The Treasury will have an open, rolling applications process for banks through at least September 1, 2011. It will review requests to participate and expects to negotiate official agreements with participating banks by March 28. No bank will receive more than $5 million, and the Treasury will work to ensure that funds are allocated to all regions of the state. Please click here to read the guidelines and learn more.

Spring Publication of Unclaimed Property Listings

Unclaimed Property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends and contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered "abandoned" and turned over to the Treasury after three years with no activity. An updated list of unclaimed assets is published biannually as new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit to claim unclaimed property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.

To see if you have unclaimed property, please visit www.findmassmoney.com or call 888-344-MASS (6277). Both the call and website are free of charge. The Unclaimed Property Division will have extended telephone hours from March 7, 2011 through April 16, 2011: Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Tax Time!

Local holidays in Washington, DC and Massachusetts have caused the federal and state tax filing deadlines to be extended beyond April 15, 2011. Federal taxes must be filed by Monday, April 18, 2011 and Massachusetts state taxes must be filed by Tuesday, April 19, 2011. For additional state tax information, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's website at www.mass.gov/dor.

Permanent Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Task Force Established

Lieutenant Governor Murray signed an Executive Order making the Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Task Force permanent. The Force is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Murray, and is comprised of representatives from the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, and the Offices of the Attorney General, Inspector General, State Auditor and State Comptroller, each of which had previously been tasked with combating fraud, waste and abuse. By bringing together these key agencies, the Task Force will increase the effectiveness of recovery and prevention efforts, while also encouraging collaboration among independent state agencies.

The primary mission of the Task Force is to tackle issues surrounding fraud, waste and abuse and to identify potential targets for collective anti-fraud efforts, such as public benefits programs. In addition, it will assess existing investigative and enforcement methods to develop best practices among state agencies in identifying and preventing fraud, waste and abuse. The Task Force was originally proposed by the Patrick Administration and approved by the State Legislature in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget.

Free program to help veterans & their families quit smoking

A free, statewide smoking cessation program is designed to help Massachusetts veterans and their families live healthier and longer lives. Massachusetts veterans and their family members can now call the Massachusetts Smokers Helpline at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or go to www.makesmokinghistory.org/veterans to receive free telephone support and a two-week supply of nicotine patches to help them quit smoking.

Patrick Awards $4.3 Million in Grants for Local Teen Parenting Programs

The Patrick Administration announced that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) will award $4.3 million in grants to promote effective teen parenting efforts in five cities and towns across the state. The grants are part of the Massachusetts Pregnant and Parenting Teen Initiative (MPPTI), an innovative program designed to provide support and resources to pregnant and parenting teens and young adults. The goal of the initiative is to help young parents complete their high school education, help their infants and toddlers achieve positive social and developmental outcomes, and engage in responsible family planning in the future.

Community-based organizations that receive MPPTI funding will work to connect teen parents in their area with vital resources to help them succeed, including resources for age-appropriate medical care for themselves and their children, health education, social and emotional support services, and family support services designed to help address concerns in teen home environments. The program will serve as a pilot to develop best practices in promoting teen parenting skills, for use by other cities and towns across Massachusetts in the future.

MA to Serve As National Model for Stem Education Initiatives

Massachusetts will serve as a national model for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education initiatives as national organizations look to further implement STEM education programming in schools across the country. This was announced during the NGA Center for Best Practices, and Massachusetts Governor's STEM Advisory Council's Public-Private Partnership Forum in Boston, where national and state business leaders gathered to discuss how business and industry can best support the implementation and sustained success of Massachusetts' STEM education plan. In addition to the MOU between Innovate + Education and the Patrick-Murray Administration, the NGA Center for Best Practices will work with the Governor's STEM Advisory Council to convene a range of stakeholders from across leading STEM states to engage in cross pollination of effective practices. The NGA partnered with Innovate + Educate to provide support for the implementation of Massachusetts' STEM plan.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

Job Opportunities with the Commonwealth of MA

Rep. Stanley & local officials meet with Sec. of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki

On Feb. 23^rd, Rep. Stanley and the 128 Central Corridor Coalitionmet with Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki. The group discussed two programs to improve mobility along the Route 128 Central Corridor, the 12.5 mile corridor extending from the Mass Pike in the south to Route 3 in the north. Specifically, the group hopes to better coordinate and build-on existing transit in the Corridor and conduct a multi-modal transit center feasibility study. After the meeting, the group learned that funding for the feasibility study for the multi-modal center will be provided by Sam Park and Company as mitigation for the Phase I redevelopment of the former Polaroid site.

City of Waltham Summer Employment

Summer seasonal positions are available for Waltham residents. The program runs July 5, 2011 through August 26, 2011. Applications are available now through June 10, 2011at the Personnel Department located at 119 School St. in Waltham. You may also call 781-314-3356. Students may participate in the program for 2 years only.

School Committee votes to install lap/shoulder seat belts on school buses

Waltham School Committee members voted to have lap/shoulder seat belts on Waltham school buses for the next three year contract (starting in September, 2011). Waltham4seatbelts, who lobbied for the new belts, thanks the School Committee for the hours spent reading official United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports on belt safety.

2011 Waltham High School Baseball Clinic

The Waltham High School baseball team runs a youth clinic for children ages six to 15. This year's clinic will take place Saturday, March 26^th and Sunday March 27^th(from 9 am to 12 noon). Please call Coach Steve LaForest at 781-786-1083 with questions or click here to learn more about the clinic. Click here for more information.

Gore Place Receives Grant

Foundation for MetroWest recently awarded Gore Place with a$5,000 grant to provide support for the development of self-guided, multimedia grounds tours of the 45-acre estate and farm. The tours will be designed to be accessible via personal smart phones or museum-provided equipment. Foundation for MetroWest was created in 1995 to help local donors maximize the impact of their philanthropic gifts by matching them with local organizations. Through this program, more than $5 million have been awarded nonprofit organizations in the region.

Gore Place offers family outdoor adventures this March

Gore Place, the historic Governor Gore estate in Waltham, is now offering the winter version of the year-round, family activity "Take a Walk". This outdoor adventure provides families with the opportunity to explore the 45-acre grounds of the estate with the aid of an activities backpack. Children ages 3-8 and their accompanying adults explore the grounds and visit the llama, sheep, goats, and chickens on the farm. Each borrowed backpack contains binoculars, a magnifying glass, and age-appropriate activities. Take a Walk is available Monday through Friday, 10am to 3pm and Saturdays from 12pm to 3pm. One hour rental is $5 per backpack. Parking is free.

When there is snow on the ground, visitors may also rent snow shoes. Both children and adult sizes available. Snow shoe rental is $5 per pair. Group arrangements may be made for school groups, pre-schools, home-schools, and day-care providers. To reserve your backpack and for group arrangements call: (781) 894-2798. For more information call: (781) 894-2798 or visit the museums website at: www.goreplace.org.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!