News from Beacon Hill

On October 24th, Rep. Stanley visited Roxbury Community College with Rep. Sean Garballey and Rep. Gloria Fox.  Representatives have recently joined the Public Higher Education Caucus in making visits to public higher education campuses across the state.  In an effort to have legislators think about the larger needs of public higher education, the caucus had encouraged legislators to visit a campus outside of their own districts.

Many legislators visited campuses across the state to meet with administrators, faculty members, and students as part of a project to raise awareness of and appreciation for public higher education. The project, organized by the state legislature's Public Higher Education Caucus, encouraged senators and representatives to visit one of the Commonwealth's 29 community colleges, state universities or UMASS campuses to learn about the strengths and needs of each campus.

Governor Patrick's signed the recently passed supplemental budget H3737, which included additional local aid disbursements that will then be made as a result of Section 198 of the FY '12 budget, Chapter 68 of the Acts of 2011.  During the FY '12 budget development process, $65M of Unrestricted General Government Aid was held back due to serious concerns over the pace of revenues coming in to the State.  Sufficient tax revenues have been certified to reflect funds sufficient to restore this withholding of Local Aid.  As a result, the City of Waltham will receive an additional $587,280 and the Town of Lexington will receive an additional $93,726.

Prescription drug takeback day scheduled for Oct. 29

Massachusetts residents will be able to properly and safely dispose of any unused or expired prescription drugs at more than 200 drop-off sites statewide on October 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the 3rd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  Please click here for list of drop-off locations.

The Take Back program, coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in cooperation with local police departments, municipal offices, and medical facilities, was started last year in response to the growing need to provide safe ways for people to dispose of their prescription medications. So far, more than 305 tons of prescription drugs have been turned in nationwide at Take Back days held last fall and this past spring. The service is free and anonymous; drugs can be turned in with no questions asked.

Members of the Massachusetts Gleaning Network will collect leftover crops from commercially harvested farming fields or from fields where it is not profitable to harvest and then provide the food to emergency food providers. According to Gov. Patrick's administration, dozens of gleaning projects are scheduled through early November.  Network members, which include includes farms, volunteers, service agencies and food banks, include Project Bread, Boston Area Gleaners, Rachel's Table of Springfield, Island Growers of Martha's Vineyard, the Farm Service Bureau and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.  For additional info, please click here.

Rep. Stanley joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing a balanced supplemental budget. The budget reinvests $350 million in the Stabilization Fund, devotes more than $28 million for those most in need and provides $23 million in order to keep local courts open.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has received $1.7 million in grant funding from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a series of pilot programs focused on combating obesity among young people aged 2-12. The pilot project, Mass in Motion: Community-Clinical Partnerships to Reduce Childhood Obesity, will focus on children from low-income families in the cities of Fitchburg and New Bedford.

The grant application was developed in partnership with the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality. DPH will serve as the lead agency for the grant award.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has unveiled a new statewide campaign to alert residents to the amount of salt in processed foods. The "Choose Less Sodium" campaign materials are designed to educate Massachusetts residents about the negative health impacts of excess sodium and encourage people to make more informed choices when purchasing processed foods and ordering meals at restaurants. The average American eats about 50 percent more salt than is recommended by health experts. However, the main culprit isn't the salt shaker - almost 80 percent of the sodium we consume has been added by food manufacturers and restaurants during processing, packaging, or cooking.

The campaign will appear in multiple formats across the state, including a televised public service announcement (PSA), transit display advertisements in the 10 major transportation systems in Massachusetts, and as an informational poster at health care provider offices, community health centers, and other community locations. The materials will also be available in Spanish and Portuguese.

In addition, DPH has developed a sodium fact sheet and other materials (available at www.mass.gov/dph/salt) to help residents make healthier choices when purchasing food outside the home.

Massachusetts' SAT Scores Continue to Outpace the Nation as Participation Rates Climb

The Patrick-Murray Administration and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced that Massachusetts public school students continue to outperform the nation on the SAT, and that the percentage of students participating in the SAT rose by 9 percentage points since last year. At the same time, both participation and performance on Advanced Placement (AP) exams improved.

If you want to change your plan or sign up for 2012 Medicare coverage, the open enrollment dates are October 15th to December 7th. If you are currently a member of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan, you will be notified in the mail about changes to your current plan. You will then be able to change your plan for January 1, 2012. Would you like to review your options? Call SHINE, the state's free health insurance counseling program for Medicare beneficiaries. Call 1-800-age-info (1-800-243-4636, press 3) to speak with a counselor or to make an appointment for individualized counseling.

MassDOT reminds Massachusetts drivers to obey laws banning texting while driving and cell phone use while driving by 16 and 17 year olds, following the September 30 one-year anniversary of the Safe Driving Law. Governor Patrick signed legislation in 2010 making it illegal for all drivers to send or read an electronic message or access the Internet while operating a vehicle even while stopped in traffic. Junior operators 16 and 17 years old are also prohibited from using a cell phone, including those with hands free capabilities, at any time while driving. Teen drivers can make calls in an emergency but are urged to pull over and park first.

Under the safe driving statute, operators will be cited for using a mobile electronic device for texting or accessing the Internet. First time offenders are subject to a $100 fine. Junior operators observed using a cell phone can also be cited and subject to a $100 fine and the loss of their license for 60 days. Teen offenders will also be required to take a driver retraining course through the National Safety Council.

On Wednesday, November 2, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) will partner with Suffolk University to host a free Career Seminar for job-seeking veterans. The full-day seminar, "Marketing Your Military Service", will provide the advice, resources and tools necessary for job-seeking veterans to properly maximize Massachusetts' resources available for veterans entering or returning to the workforce. Secretary of Veterans' Services Coleman Nee as well as Suffolk University's Acting President and Provost Barry Brown will be on hand for opening remarks. Secretary Nee will then lead the first panel of the day.

A Resource Expo will take place in the afternoon. Highlights include: Asian American Civic Association, Helmets to Hardhats, Home Base Program, Suffolk University Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Suffolk University Office of Graduate Admissions, Suffolk University Law School Office of Admissions, There & Back Again, Veterans Upward Bound, Vet Center, Veterans Training School: New England Center for Homeless Veterans, and Vocational Rehabilitation Program: VetSuccess. The day will conclude with individual resume reviews facilitated by representatives from EOLWD, the state's One Stop Career Centers and Suffolk University human resources professionals. Participants are encouraged to bring resumes and cover letters for review.  Refreshments and a complimentary lunch will be provided. For more information, please click here. 

MassDOT RMV urges eligible drivers to renew their licenses online.

The number of license renewals is expected to increase by 50 percent beginning in November and continue at higher levels for the months thereafter. November is the beginning of a five-year license renewal cycle that began in 1991, replacing the previous four-year cycle.   The result of that change is one year every five years with a reduced number of license renewals.  That lower volume year ends as of November 1, and transactions will increase. The RMV has responded by launching a publicity campaign through Highway Division billboards and public service announcements at the MBTA to urge drivers to check their license expiration dates and renew online.

Unclaimed Property Listings for Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Treasury has identified thousands of new individuals, charities and businesses over the last six months alone that are entitled to over $61 million in unclaimed property. Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and contents of unattended safe deposit boxes.  Most accounts are considered "abandoned" and turned over to the Treasury after three years with no activity.  Over the last six months alone, $61.3 million in new unclaimed property has been turned over to the state, adding to a total of $2 billion that the Commonwealth is holding in trust until rightful owners can be identified.

The newly released list includes four accounts over $100,000, nineteen accounts between $50,000 and $100,000, and over 3,700 accounts in excess of $1,000.  In addition to bank accounts, the new accounts include 1,180 owners of safe deposit boxes, 546 owners of mutual funds, and 9,062 owners of stock.  It is estimated that one in ten people in Massachusetts has unclaimed property in their name.

The Treasury releases an updated list of unclaimed assets every six months as new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth.  There is no time limit to claim this property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.  To determine if they have unclaimed property, citizens can call 888-344-MASS or visit www.findmassmoney.com.

SHINE counselors to help guide open enrollment for Medicare beneficiaries later this year

Most Medicare beneficiaries have just one opportunity a year to evaluate and change their coverage-and this year it's coming earlier, from October 15th to December 7th.  Every year, the "open-enrollment" period allows seniors and others on Medicare to change their part D (prescription-drug) coverage, enroll or change enrollment in a Medicare Advantage program, such as an HMO or PPO plan, and generally reevaluate their healthcare package.   While the open enrollment period offers an opportunity for reevaluation, it can also be a confusing time for beneficiaries. Plans inundate seniors with information and those who don't know the system can end up drowning in a sea of questions and paper.  That's why the Serving Health Information Needs of Elders (SHINE) program will be training "Part D Enrollment Counselors" to help seniors make informed enrollment decisions. The counselors will have a role similar to that of SHINE counselors, who are state-certified guides to health insurance options, but they are focused specifically on Part D. Volunteer SHINE counselors and Part D counselors can sit down with beneficiaries to explain their benefits giving them the options they need to make the choice that works for them. SHINE counselors are conversant in the in the language of the enrollment process, which means they can help find solutions to complex problems by drawing on diverse resources within the healthcare finance network. Anyone interested in becoming a SHINE counselor or Part D Specialist should contact the SHINE program via EOEA's hotline, 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636; press #3).

Application Deadline for Small Business Banking Partnership Extended

Treasurer Steven Grossman extended the deadline by which community banks must apply for membership in the Small Business Banking Partnership from September 1, 2011 to January 1, 2012. The Small Business Banking Partnership moves Treasury cash reserve funds typically held by large national and international financial institutions and deposits them in amounts of up to $5 million in Massachusetts banks. In exchange for the infusion of new deposits, the banks sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signaling their intent to enhance their loan portfolios to small credit-worthy Massachusetts businesses.

The first deposits were made in early May of this year, and the Treasury quickly surpassed the initial $100 million that had been set aside for the program, prompting it to designate another $100 million to the initiative. Presently, the Partnership has over $121 million on deposit with 27 community banks across the Commonwealth, many of which have already extended new loans leveraged through the deposits to small businesses.

In addition to the banks with Treasury money on deposit, 24 banks statewide have made a commitment to participate in the Small Business Banking Partnership and are in varying stages of signing up for the program. Treasurer Grossman said he has been travelling across the state to promote the program with bank officials, with an eye toward ensuring that all community banks are aware of the benefits of the Partnership before the application period closes on the newly extended deadline of January 1, 2012. All deposits that the Treasury makes in these community banks are protected through either insurance or collateral, and the interest rate on the money is comparable to what the Commonwealth receives at out-of-state financial institutions.

Massachusetts Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program Converts to Waitlist

The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) announced that the Massachusetts Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program is expected to roll into a wait list process, as participants have successfully expended most of the program's funding. The percentage of appliance rebate funds reserved through the program is currently at 88 percent or $229,850. The Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program began on July 28 as part of the Patrick-Murray Administration's commitment to helping consumers reduce their energy use and costs, while stimulating retail sales. Once program funds have been depleted, the rebate program website will automatically notify customers that they may place their applications on a wait list. Customers may apply to the wait list via the rebate program website at www.massenergyrebates.com or the toll free call center at (877) 574-1128, which is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.  

Renew Your Boat, Recreation Vehicle and Snowmobile Registration Online!

Through the Massachusetts Environmental Police Online Registration System, you can now renew your motorboat, snowmobile, or recreation vehicle registration online. Please click here for more information

State Announces Internship Opportunities Website

The state launched a website featuring internship opportunities across Massachusetts. The new website, promoted by the Commonwealth Marketing Office, aims to convince college students and recent graduates to stay in the state. Companies are allowed to post opportunities at no charge and serves as a "a one-stop shop" for students searching for internships. Currently, the site features more than 100 internship opportunities.

Drivers Encouraged to "Donate Life"

Massachusetts drivers can register as organ donors on their driver's license or online through the Donate Life New England registry. About 99 percent of all Massachusetts residents who designate themselves as organ and tissue donors do so through the Registry of Motor Vehicles at RMV branches and on its website.

Registering as a donor can save the life of someone desperately in need of a transplant. More than 110,000 Americans, including about 3,000 Massachusetts residents, are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant that may not come in time. In 2009, the RMV became the first state agency in New England to create an on-line application to allow an individual to register to be a donor. New England Organ Bank is the federally-designated, non-profit procurement organization responsible for the surgical recovery of organs and tissues for transplant throughout the New England region. Donate Life New England is a joint project of two federally designated organ procurement organizations that serve New England - LifeChoice Donor Services and New England Organ Bank. They have come together to create a fast and easy way for citizens of New England to register as organ and tissue donors in a secure and confidential manner. For more information, visit www.donatelifenewengland.org.

Improved Benefits and Discounts for Drivers

Drivers around the state are able to take advantage of more discounts and expanded benefits as the competitive marketplace continues to mature. Managed competition went into effect April 1, 2008, ending the fixed-and-established system under which the state set auto insurance rates. The new system created a marketplace that allows companies to compete for consumers through rates, discounts, and benefits. Since the start of the reform, 13 new companies have entered the state, including three of four biggest carriers in the country (Allstate, Progressive and GEICO).

To shop for a better auto insurance policy, visit www.mass.gov/autorates, research carriers' websites, and meet with insurance agents. For more info, visit the Massachusetts Division of Insurance's website, (www.mass.gov/doi) an agency within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Follow the Office at www.mass.gov/consumer.

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 click here to receive free telephone support and a two-week supply of nicotine patches to help them quit smoking.

Learn more about Mass 2-1-1

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.

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.