Rep. Stanley files bill to strengthen consumer protection for people solicited to donate to charities by professional fundraisers

 

Residents of MA are known for their willingness to donate to worthwhile causes, and unfortunately, this can leave them open to deceptive solicitation practices. While current law mandates that professional solicitors are required to give the name, address, and telephone number of the charitable organization at the time of solicitation and to disclose that he or she is a "paid fundraiser", a bill by Rep. Stanley would strengthen consumer protection for people solicited to donate to charities by professional fundraisers.

 

Attorney General Coakley's office released a report finding that less than half of all donations raised by professional fundraisers in 2010 went to charity.  Of the total $367 million raised by professional solicitors in 2010, only 45% of this actually went to the charities that the solicitors were working for.

In 2010, 687 charitable fundraising campaigns conducted by 97 different professional solicitors were registered in Massachusetts, and with each of these campaigns, the percentage of monies raised that goes to the charity can vary widely, and there is no legally required minimum percentage of funds that must go to the charity.

 

Rep. Stanley's bill would decrease the opportunity for deception by requiring solicitors to let potential donors know what percentage of their donation will go to the charity, and how much will be kept by the solicitor, and would strengthen current law by allowing private citizens to sue.  To view Rep. Stanley's bill, H. 3251: An Act Relative to Professional Fundraisers, click here. To view the Attorney General's Report, click here.

Rep. Stanley Works With Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy on Double Poles Issue

 

Rep. Stanley has been working with a subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy (TUE) on the issue of double poles.  Rep. Stanley, Vice-Chair Kate Hogan and members of the subcommittee are in discussions with line workers, utility companies and state regulators about this issue to address the ongoing visual pollution and safety concerns of double poles.

 

Double poles have increasingly become a problem throughout the state, creating eyesores and safety hazards.  The goals of the subcommittee include increasing the speed of double pole removal and encouraging the removal of unnecessary utility poles; identifying tools and best practices to track pole removal;  and creating a final report to TUE Chairs with recommendations for more efficient double pole removal.  

 

Rep. Stanley filed two bills relative to double poles.  One bill would allow a city or town to enforce, by the enactment of a local ordinance or by law, prohibiting double poles that are up for more than 90 days with a $2,500 fine for violations.   The second bill would put into place the fines to be imposed on distribution or telephone companies that have not removed a double pole within 180 days of the installation of the new pole. The fines will increase incrementally over time, and the money collected from the fines will be paid to the municipality where the pole is located.  

 

The committee's efforts require a multi-prong approach identifying the most affected areas, meeting with utility and telecommunications companies and municipalities, as well as reviewing current legislation.  Rep. Stanley encourages local officials and residents with knowledge of the problem and or potential solutions to forward them to him so that he can share them with Rep. Kate Hogan and the sub-committee.

MBTA Considers Fare Hikes; Public Meeting on 3/1 in Waltham

 

In an attempt to close a $161 million budget gap in fiscal 2013, the MBTA is considering fare increases and service reductions that would include the elimination of some bus routes, cancel weekend commuter rail service and increase the cost of a subway ride to $2.40. Ferry service brining commuters to and from Boston may also be affected.   Rep. Stanley is in discussions with other legislators representing MBTA communities to find acceptable alternatives to service reductions.  

 

Twenty public meetings including one hearing will be held beginning January 17 through March 6.  A complete list of meetings times and locations is now available at www.mbta.com/jointhediscussion.  A public meeting will take place on Thursday, March 1, from 6:00-8:00PM at Government Center Auditorium in Waltham.

 

The MBTA is accepting public comment through March 1, 2012 electronically at mbta.com, by email at fareproposal@mbta.com, via mail to MBTA, Ten Park Plaza, Boston, Ma  02116, Attention: Fare Proposal Committee, and by phone at 617-222-3200/ TTY (617) 222-5146.

Rep. Stanley Requests Funding for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

 

Rep. Stanley joined his colleagues in co-signing a letter requesting that the Massachusetts Congressional delegation continue to advocate for increased funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).   The letter urges Congressional members to lobby the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to release this important federal funding for this program which could result in an additional $33 million for Massachusetts.  Cuts to the program have left a significant reduction in assistance compared to this time last year.  LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline which means families in need wouldn't have to choose between staying warm and having enough to eat.

 

MTF Report: Major Cities Would Require Crushing Tax Hikes to Fund Retiree Health Care Liabilities

 

According to a report by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF), the average single family homeowner in 10 of the state's most economically vulnerable cities would need to pay an astonishing $13,685 today or absorb a crippling 20 percent property tax hike over the next 30 years to subsidize billions in unfunded retiree health care liabilities.

 

The MTF analysis, The Crushing Burden of Municipal Retiree Health Care Liabilities, concludes that the industrial hubs of Brockton, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield and Worcester have a total of $4.5 billion in unfunded retiree health care liabilities, approximately double their unfunded pension liabilities. These retiree health care liabilities pose an overwhelming burden to single family homeowners in these communities, averaging $13,685 per property and ranging from a low of $10,404 per single family home in Pittsfield to a high of $19,826 in Brockton.

 

The MTF report lays out a series of recommendations to reduce liabilities and control the escalating costs of retiree health care. Most of the recommendations require changes in state law: implement municipal health reform; tie benefits to years of service; raise the eligibility age for retiree health care; increase eligibility hours and prorate benefits for part-time employees; end spousal/dependent coverage; and reduce the municipal share of premium contributions.

 

Special Commission on Provider Price Reform Deliver Report

 

The Special Commission on Provider Price Reform is a statutory requirement created in the Small Business Health Care Cost Containment legislation enacted in 2010.  The Commission is investigating the rising cost of health care insurance and the impact of reimbursement rates paid by health insurers to providers. The commission is also examining policies aimed at enhancing competition, fairness and cost-effectiveness in the health care market though the reduction of reimbursement disparities.

 

The Commission is comprised of 10 members, including 3 ex-officio members (Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez, Commissioner of the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy Aron Boros and Executive Director of the Group Insurance Commission Dolores Mitchell), the Chairs of the Health Care Finance Committee, and five appointees by Governor Patrick.

 

The Commission has voted on a report to make recommendations on limiting variation in provider pricing.  The recommendations include acting upon the recommendations of the Special Commission on the Health Care Payment System to change the way we pay for and deliver health care services to improve the quality of care and reduce costs; increasing transparency related to price variation; ensuring competitive market behavior; evaluating the use and effect of products that increase consumer incentives to make cost effective health care decisions; researching acceptable and unacceptable factors for variation and then determine how they could be applied to reduce unacceptable variation in provider prices; and establishing a short-term process to ensure that higher prices more closely correlate to quality and thereby reduce costs.

Secretary of State Galvin selects the order of the Massachusetts Presidential ballot

 

Secretary of State William Galvin randomly selected the order of the Massachusetts Presidential ballot at the State House. The order is drawn randomly for each party, and has been decided as follows:

 

Democrat: Barack Obama

Republican: Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, Jon Huntsman, Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich

Green-Rainbow Party: Kent Mesplay, Jill Stein, Harley Mikkelson

 

State Announces $11.38m to Train 13,000 Workers and Create 1,700 New Jobs

 

The Patrick Administration announced $11,382,220 in Workforce Training Fund grants to 138 Massachusetts companies. The grants, which support up to two years of training, will create approximately 1,700 new jobs and train a total of 13,000 workers. The fiscal year 2012 budget established the Workforce Training Fund as a trust fund, allowing for collection and disbursement of funds as needed by businesses, rather than on an annual appropriation cycle.

 

Employees are receiving training in diverse areas such as customer service, sales, machining, milling, robotics, project management, injection molding and computer technology. Employers project that these training funds will help produce 1,700 new jobs. The Patrick-Murray Administration has invested over $64 million through the Workforce Training Fund to train over 85,000 workers across the Commonwealth in a range of critical and emerging industries since 2007.

Feds Renew $26.75 Billion Medicaid Waiver Agreement

 

The federal government will renew the Commonwealth's Medicaid waiver, setting the stage for a new round of innovations that build on the success of health care reform in Massachusetts. The three-year, $26.75 billion agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will help the state's efforts to integrate and improve the quality of health care while controlling costs.

 

The $26.75 billion agreement, which represents a $5.69 billion increase over the previous waiver, preserves existing eligibility and benefit levels in the Medicaid and Commonwealth Care programs and includes more than $13.3 billion in revenue to the Commonwealth through federal financial participation. During the three-year waiver period, the Commonwealth will fully implement the federal Affordable Care Act, whose major provisions go into effect on January 1, 2014. The waiver includes several innovative programs that expand services for certain children, develop integrated systems of care and alternative payment systems, and position the Commonwealth to reduce the cost of medical care and the rate of growth over time.

 

Increase in Heating Assistance Benefit for Massachusetts Residents

 

Massachusetts received an additional $21.8 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), increasing the maximum benefit to help low-income residents in Massachusetts heat their homes this winter. The additional funding brings the total Massachusetts allocation to $99.5 million.

 

The Commonwealth is expected to receive an additional funding increase in the coming weeks that will bring the total Massachusetts allocation to $132.7 million. Given this expected increase, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has increased benefit levels; the maximum benefit level for the most vulnerable has increased from $675 for heating oil or other deliverable fuels to $1,025; and from $275 for utilities to $525.

 

The Patrick-Murray Administration has been actively engaged in urging Congress to provide the maximum funding possible for LIHEAP. In November, Governor Patrick 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. Lieutenant Governor Murray participated in a LIHEAP Coalition call with several northeast governors and lieutenant governors designed to call attention to the need for additional program funding in December.

 

AG Coakley Unveils Proposed Amendments to Regulations Governing Religious Charities

 

AG Coakley unveiled amendments to regulations governing the registration and filing requirements for certain religious organizations that are also public charities.  The regulations will simplify which religious organizations are required to register and submit annual filings with the Attorney General's Office.  The proposed changes would clarify that, in general, exemptions from the state's registration and filing requirements will parallel exemptions from similar federal filing requirements granted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to certain religious organizations.  Copies of the revised regulations are available on the Attorney General's website at www.mass.gov/ago/regulations.  The amendments are expected to become effective in early 2012 after a public hearing on January 10, 2012 conducted by the AG's Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division.

Governor Approves Economic Development Projects That Will Create & Retain 3,631 Jobs

  

The Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved 14 projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP). The projects will create over 719 new jobs and retain 2,912 existing jobs, in addition to leveraging over $80 million in private investment and supporting construction projects across the Commonwealth.

  

The EDIP is the state's investment tax credit program for businesses.  In 2009, Governor Patrick, Secretary Bialecki along with the Legislature significantly reformed the program and as a result, EDIP has become one of the most effective programs helping businesses grow in Massachusetts.  Since these changes, 81 projects have received approval, leading to the creation of 4,979 new jobs, retention of 16,286 existing jobs and leveraging of $2.7 billion in private investment.  The EACC has assisted 46 manufacturers through the EDIP program and supported 35 projects in Gateway Cities.

  

For calendar year 2011, the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council has approved a total of 44 projects for participation in the EDIP.  The projects will create over 2,504 new jobs and retain 7,308 existing jobs, in addition to leveraging over $1.3 billion in private investment and supporting construction projects across MA.

  

State Sees 91% Reduction in Toxic Mercury Air Emissions

  

Toxic mercury air emissions in MA have fallen by 91 percent since 1996, exceeding the original goal of 75 percent, according to a study released by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The reductions have been accomplished in part by the state's comprehensive efforts targeting mercury pollution from municipal waste combustors, coal-fired power plants, mercury-added products and other sources.

  

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can damage the developing brain in children and may increase heart problems in adults. People can be exposed to unsafe levels of mercury by eating certain types of fish, which concentrate mercury in their tissue from polluted streams, lakes and ocean waters. On average, more than 95 percent of mercury entering lakes, ponds and streams in MA is deposited from the air. Women of childbearing age are of special concern, as toxic mercury ingested by a mother is transported to the developing fetus where it inhibits the normal development of the brain even at low exposure levels. Almost 20 percent of women in the northeastern United States are exposed to mercury above levels considered safe for fetuses.

  

In order to protect children's health from toxic mercury pollution, MA partners with the other New England states to take aggressive actions to reduce mercury sources. As part of these efforts, MA set an interim goal of at least a 75 percent reduction in mercury emissions by 2010 and a long-term goal to virtually eliminate mercury pollution sources. The report demonstrates that MA has far exceeded its 2010 goal, achieving a 91 percent reduction in releases of toxic mercury pollution in the state since 1996.

  

New Cyber Forensics Program for Veterans

  

In an effort to support returning Massachusetts veterans with finding employment following their military service, Attorney General Coakley has partnered with several Massachusetts' community colleges to create a computer forensics career program for veterans.  The program will be offered at Bunker Hill Community College, Bristol Community College, and Middlesex Community College and offers courses in the newly emerging field of cyber forensics. Courses incorporate many areas of expertise including digital forensics, Internet, network, and information security, as well as intrusion detection, infrastructure protection and computer crime investigation.

  

In addition to the coursework, AG Coakley's Office created internship opportunities for participating veterans to gain hands on experience working in a certified law enforcement cyber forensics lab that is partnered with the Attorney General's Computer Forensics Lab. These partners include state and local law enforcement agencies currently operating digital forensics labs across the Commonwealth.

  

Crosby to Serve as Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission

 

Governor Patrick appointed Stephen Crosby as chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. A former CEO, secretary of Administration and Finance and gubernatorial chief of staff, Crosby currently serves as dean of the McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies at UMass Boston.   As the chair of the newly created Commission, Crosby will lead the implementation of expanded gaming in Massachusetts.

 

Commission to study electronic benefit transfer cards

 

Gov. Patrick recently signed a bill approved by the House and Senate to establish a commission to study electronic benefit transfer cards and how they are used by welfare recipients. The commission will include four legislative appointees, two low-income advocates, the inspector general and an appointee of the commissioner of transitional assistance. Recommendations are due April 1, 2012.  The bill requires the commission to study the use of electronic benefit cards and any unintended uses, such as buying firearms, tobacco, lottery tickets and alcohol with them.  The commission will examine the amount of dollars users withdraw from ATM machines and the costs of requiring EBT cards to include photo identification.

 

January 25 is "No Name Calling Day" to Promote Anti-Bullying Awareness

 

Governor Patrick has designated January 25 as "No Name Calling Day" in Massachusetts. A provision of the anti-bullying legislation, supported by the Legislature and signed by Governor Patrick in May 2010, "No Name Calling Day" will be recognized in classrooms across the Commonwealth as students pledge to take a stand against bullying.  Students are also encouraged to wear black as a sign of their commitment to "Black Out Bullying" in schools January 25.

 

Students will also have the opportunity to sign "No Name Calling Day" banners that will be created at each school to publicly express their commitment to preventing bullying. Working with superintendents and school leadership, members of the Governor's Statewide Youth Council will help lead efforts in their greater communities to Black Out Bullying.

 

The Governor's Statewide Youth Council is comprised of 28 young people ages 14 - 20, representing all 14 counties of Massachusetts. Council members were selected to advise the Administration on key issues affecting youth across the Commonwealth and identified youth violence prevention and education as the two issues they will focus on this year. Members serve for two years and attend bi-monthly meetings.

 

Use of Hand-Held Mobile Phones by Commercial Drivers Restricted

 

Effective January 3, 2012, new Federal regulations prohibit most use of hand-held phones by commercial motor vehicle drivers. In Massachusetts, regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are incorporated by reference as the regulations of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The final rule prohibits commercial drivers from using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a commercial truck or bus. Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses. Additionally, states will suspend a driver's commercial driver's license (CDL) after two or more serious traffic violations. Commercial truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000. Approximately four million commercial drivers would be affected by this final rule.

 

New Study Finds MA Saves $3 for Every $1 Spent Helping MassHealth Members Quit Smoking

 

Data from a new study published by researchers at George Washington University show that every dollar MassHealth spends helping its members quit smoking saves the Commonwealth $3.12 in expenses for hospitalizations due to acute cardiovascular conditions. The new data builds on a 2010 study that showed that the risk of hospitalizations for heart attacks and other acute coronary heart disease diagnoses dropped by half among MassHealth members who took advantage of a smoking cessation benefit available as a result of the Commonwealth's historic health care reform.

 

The study, conducted by George Washington University, was based on analyses of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and other previously published health studies. It estimated cost savings for cardiovascular-related hospitalizations and did not include other costly longer-term illnesses caused by tobacco, such as cancer.

 

MassHealth and the Department of Public Health (DPH) Tobacco Cessation & Prevention Program worked together to design a barrier-free benefit that includes all FDA-approved medications to quit smoking and behavioral counseling. Beginning in July 2006, MassHealth began providing coverage of smoking cessation as part of the state's health care reform.

 

Massachusetts' New and Leased Car Lemon Law

 

The Massachusetts Lemon Law protects consumers who have serious defects in their new cars. The law defines a lemon as a new or leased motor vehicle that has a defect which substantially impairs the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle, and which has not been repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.  If your new or leased vehicle has a substantial defect that still exists or recurs after a reasonable number of repair attempts, then you may have the right to a refund or replacement vehicle. Keep in mind that not all car problems are serious enough to qualify under the Lemon Law.  Click here for more info.

Activists Rally for New Laws to Prevent Housing Foreclosures

 

Members of the Massachusetts Alliance Against Predatory Lending recently rallied at the State House in support of new laws to prevent housing foreclosures, after November brought an increase in foreclosure auctions.  Activists rallied for legislation requiring banks to participate in mandatory mediation before foreclosing on homeowners.   This would allow former homeowners to pay rent and live in foreclosed homes, and require judicial review to give homeowners options prior to foreclosure. The rally coincided with a meeting of the Judiciary Committee, where Secretary of State Galvin testified on his legislation requiring mortgage holders to receive court approval before foreclosing on homes. 

 

MassWildlife Offers Calendar of Events

 

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for the conservation - including restoration, protection and management - of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.   The Division works to balance the needs of people and wildlife today so wildlife will be available for everyone's enjoyment today and for future generations.  To learn more about DFW events across the Commonwealth, such as wildlife-related workshops, talks, walks or demonstrations, 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.

  

Services available on the MassDOT RMV website include applying for a first time license; converting an out-of-state license; scheduling a branch appointment; registration renewals; ordering a driving record, crash report or Fast Lane transponder; viewing the status of a license, registration, driver education certificate and title; signing up for organ/tissue donation; and canceling a registration plate.  

 

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.    

 

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"