News from Beacon Hill

Legislature Approves New Congressional District Map

The House and Senate today approved legislation reconfiguring the Commonwealth into nine Congressional Districts. After collecting testimony from fellow legislators and the public, the Special Joint Committee on Redistricting is finally able to celebrate the passage of this legislation.

During its work, the Committee heard thirty-one hours of testimony from more than 400 groups and individuals. The redistricting website received more than 45,000 hits. The new plan includes the following features: strongest minority-majority congressional district in the state's history; 56.6 percent minority population in the minority-majority district; a new, incumbent-free district made up of Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod; and districts that make geographic sense.

Legislature Sends Final Gaming Bill to Governor; Gov. Signs Bill 

The Legislature approved expanded gaming legislation allowing three resort casinos in separate regions of the state and one openly-bid slot facility. The legislation could provide 10,000 to 15,000 long-term jobs in the Commonwealth and generate hundreds-of-millions of dollars a year for the state. On Tuesday, November 22, the Governor signed the bill.  

Under the gaming conference report approved by the Senate and the House, the state receives revenue from a 25 percent tax on casino revenues and a 40 percent tax on the slots facility revenues. The collected revenues would be used to fund essential state and local services, including public safety, education, transportation, public health, debt reduction, local aid and the stabilization fund.

Licensing fees collected by the state - at least $85 million for each casino and $25 million for the slot facility license - would be used for community mitigation, local capital projects, community colleges, tourism and other municipal needs.

The legislation contains strong community aid and mitigation provisions requiring the Gaming Commission to work with municipalities on reducing potential negative effects brought on by a gaming establishment. Most importantly, no gaming facility would be built in a community without the residents of that community approving a project in a referendum vote.

The legislation also provides protections for local business, requiring gaming facilities to negotiate agreements to level the playing field in terms of live entertainment and other cultural-related events.

Supplemental Budget to Invest in Job Creation Projects, Bolster Rainy Day Fund

Gov. Patrick signed a $169 million supplemental budget bill that provides significant investments in job creation projects across the Commonwealth and delivers $65 million in local aid to cities and towns. The Commonwealth is also directing $712 million in surplus resources to bring the state's rainy day fund balance to nearly $1.4 billion - the third largest balance in the nation.

The legislation directs $39 million to support MassWorks Infrastructure Program and other infrastructure projects to create hundreds of jobs and economic development opportunities in communities across the state. The bill also provides funding to address cuts in health and human services programs that impact the state's most vulnerable populations.

House Passes Repeat Offender Legislation

Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that modifies current law governing cases of repeat criminal offenders - bringing habitual criminals to justice and ensuring the security of our Commonwealth.  Under this new legislation, habitual offenders would have to serve 2/3 of their sentence, rather than half, before becoming eligible for parole. Habitual offenders sentenced under any major crimes indicated would not be eligible for parole, work release or furlough, nor would their sentence be eligible for reduction or suspension.

Furthermore, habitual offender status is realized when an offender, after being convicted of any two major crimes, is convicted of a third major crime. Major crimes include murder, manslaughter, rape, child enticement, kidnapping, and others. The offender would be ineligible for parole upon conviction of a third offense and be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for the maximum term provided by law.

The legislation also indicates that a sentence imposed under this section shall run from and after any sentence that the defendant is serving at the time of sentencing.  No person shall be considered a habitual offender based upon any offense for which such person was adjudicated a delinquent child.

House passes several bills

The House approved legislation to ban the use of credit when underwriting and rating private passenger motor vehicle insurance.  The House also approved legislation to allow the use of video-conferencing in some court proceedings involving children and families, only when a restraining order is involved. Additionally, the House passed a bill authorizing the inclusion of "evergreen clauses" in collective bargaining agreements, which would allow public employees to work under the terms of expired contracts until new contracts are negotiated and approved.  The House also voted for a plan to increase the amount of alcoholic beverage licenses available to chains and food stores across the state.  This bill had massive support from package stores, supermarkets and retail interests.  Lastly, the House joined the Senate is approving legislation to add transgender persons to the Commonwealth's anti-discrimination laws. The bill will prohibit discrimination based on gender identity in jobs, housing, insurance, mortgage loans and credit.

Rep. Stanley Helps Pass Pension Reform Bill

The Senate and the House approved a pension reform bill is projected to save the Commonwealth more than $5 billion over 30 years.  The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature. Changes in the legislation would take effect for new employees beginning April 2, 2012.

The legislation prevents inappropriate salary spiking first by increasing the career "look back" period from 3 years to 5 years to more accurately reflect an employee's career earnings and provide a more equitable calculation of retirement benefits. Second, in calculating the average annual rate for retirement compensation, regular earnings in any year cannot include pay that exceeds average earnings from the previous two years by more than 10 percent.

The legislation also expands on a reform passed by the legislature two years ago which eliminated the so-called "Section 10" loophole that allowed elected officials to claim a "termination allowance" based on the failure to be nominated or re-elected. That option is eliminated entirely for all new employees. Additionally, a retirement benefit cannot be received until the individual has reached the minimum retirement age.

The legislation also increases the retirement age for all new employees and establishes a mandatory retirement age of 65 for state police, which is consistent with the current mandatory retirement age for municipal police officers, firefighters and correctional officers. For long-term Group 1 employees and teachers who have worked for at least 30 years, the legislation moderates the impact of reforms by easing early retirement penalties and lowering the salary contribution rate by 3 percent.

Additionally, the legislation increases the cost-of-living allowance base for state retirees and teachers from $12,000 to $13,000. Current law provides an annual COLA increase up to 3 percent on a base of the first $12,000 of benefit. The current $12,000 base became effective in 1998.

The legislation also requires that any member seeking to retire from Group 2 or Group 4 must be in active service in that Group for at least 12 months before retirement. Currently, benefits are determined based on the Group classification of the position held on the last day of active service.  Another significant piece of the legislation states that anyone who does not report federal wages that supplement a salary cannot count those wages as regular compensation for the calculation of benefits.

Legislature Approves Crackdown on Human Trafficking

Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation cracking down on human trafficking. The conference report approved by the House and Senate includes criminal sentences up to five years in prison for attempted human trafficking, up to 20 years for trafficking adults, and up to life imprisonment for the trafficking of minors. Businesses involved in trafficking would face up to a $1 million fine for the first offense, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years to a maximum of life for a second offense. These offenses also carry a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence.

The legislation also removes any statute of limitations for trafficking crimes and creates a 15-year criminal penalty for trafficking human organs, and it updates sex offender registration laws to include human trafficking and the enticement of a minor into prostitution through the use of electronic devices. Anyone convicted of these crimes would be required to register in Massachusetts as a sex offender.

To further protect and help victims, the legislation creates the "Victims of Human Trafficking Trust Fund" which will be funded from fines and convicted human traffickers' forfeited assets. Additionally, items used in the commission of the crime (buildings, cars, boats, etc.) are subject to asset forfeiture with all of the proceeds going to the victims fund.  The legislation now goes to the Governor for his review and expected signature.

Rep. Stanley Met Robert Caret, President of UMASS

Rep. Stanley recently attended a State House briefing sponsored by Representative Sean Garballey and Senator Stan Rosenberg in coordination with the Public Higher Education Caucus.  Legislators who attended the briefing had the opportunity to meet Robert Caret, President of the University of Massachusetts.  The meeting was following with an update on Public Higher Education Caucus business.

New DTA Commissioner

Daniel Curley will serve as the state's new Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) commissioner, replacing Julia Kehoe, who is moving to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Curley current serves as executive director of JRI Health, a regional youth services provider organization. He formerly worked as executive director of Cambridge Cares about AIDS and served as chair of the Cambridge city Public Health Board and as president of HousingWorks Inc.  

New Strategies to Close Persistent Achievement Gaps in Education

Governor Patrick announced several new strategies aimed at closing the most persistent achievement gaps among Massachusetts students during the Education Summit at University of Massachusetts, Boston. The Governor outlined significant progress made in closing achievement gaps since the Achievement Gap Act was signed in 2010, and laid out key initiatives that the Administration will pilot in the Commonwealth's Gateway Cities to ensure that all students are prepared for success in the classroom and beyond.

The Governor's second term education strategy will focus on four goals: (1) getting every child to reading proficiency by the third grade; (2) providing every child with a healthy platform for education; (3) creating a differentiated education system that meets each student, particularly English Language Learners, where they are; and (4) preparing all students for college and career success. Governor Patrick's plan also calls for the creation of a statewide Commonwealth Education Innovation Fund, a public-private fund-raising partnership that will strengthen our capacity to meet 21st Century education challenges. This fund will not be limited to the Gateway Cities.

Massachusetts Students Earn Top Scores on Nation's Report Card

Massachusetts' 4th and 8th graders lead the nation in reading and mathematics performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) exam. This is the fourth NAEP test in a row in which Massachusetts students have scored first or tied for first place. According to the 2011 NAEP results, Massachusetts students ranked first alone among states in 4th grade reading and in 8th grade mathematics, and tied for first in 4th grade math and 8th grade reading. Massachusetts 4th graders scored higher in reading since the last test in 2009 and scores held steady for 4th graders in mathematics and for 8th graders in reading.   

November is Family Literacy Month

November 2011 is the Commonwealth's 15th annual Family Literacy Month in celebration of the importance of reading and the essential role that parents/guardians and families play in the educational success of their children.  A variety of Family Literacy Month activities are planned across the state throughout the month of November in support and celebration of literacy, lifelong learning and family well-being. Celebrating Family Literacy Month is a great way to support parents as full partners in their children's education and create a foundation for lifelong learning. To learn more, please click here. http://www.doe.mass.edu/familylit/month/ 

Federal Heating Assistance for Communities

Nearly $77.6 million in federal funding will be used to heating assistance to low income residents in Massachusetts. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding will be distributed to 22 regional agencies across the state that will administer the funds to households in need.

The state organized a bipartisan coalition of more than a dozen governors to send a letter urging Congressional leaders to bring LIHEAP funding for FY2012 up to the same levels it was funded in FY2011. The letter, citing 27 percent and 15 percent increases for retail prices of residential heating oil and propane fuels respectively and an overall 10 percent increase for households using delivered fuels, calls on Congress to provide $4.7 billion for the program nationwide. The level funding would provide MA and other states with the resources to help keep vulnerable families warm this winter season.

The fuel assistance funds provide eligible households with help in paying a portion of their winter heating bills. Eligibility for the program is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older. The maximum income eligibility for LIHEAP is 60 percent of estimated state median income. Current benefit levels vary depending on household income.

Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 - December 7

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 Safety Reminder: Safe Driving Law Anniversary

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.

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.

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.

Renew Your 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. 

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.