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News from Beacon Hill
Rep. Stanley Attends MBTA Hearing on Potential Fare Hikes
Rep. Stanley, Rep. Lawn, Lincoln Selectwoman Sarah Mattes and other elected officials attended a packed public MBTA meeting on Thursday, March 1, from 6:00-8:00pm at Government Center Auditorium in Waltham. MBTA representatives gave a brief presentation on its cost-savings proposals and meeting attendees were able to voice their opinions and ask questions about the proposed changes to MBTA service.
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 participates in round table discussion on military base closure process
Rep. Stanley attended a round table discussion of military base closure process with Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, Eric Evans, Director of MIT Labs., and the state legislative delegation at MIT Lincoln Laboratory at Hanscom Field A.F. Base. Cong. Tsongas, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and Major General L. Scott Rice participated in the discussion. Rep. Jay Kaufman, Lincoln Town Administrator Timothy Higgins, and Lincoln Selectman Peter Braun also attended.
Lieutenant Governor Murray recently signed an executive order establishing the Commonwealth's Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force. The Task Force, to be chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, will engage state agencies to work directly with stakeholders to develop and implement actions that will support military bases across the Commonwealth.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a plan to reduce federal defense spending by approximately $500 billion over the next decade as a result of federal deficit reduction negotiations. The Department of Defense explained that cuts would be achieved in part by reducing total force numbers and relying on technological advances to build a more streamlined military. The Pentagon also requested that Congress authorize a Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) to recommend the closure or consolidation of select military bases across the country.
Rep. Stanley Helps Pass Supportive Housing Legislation
Rep. Stanley joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives in passing supportive community housing legislation. This legislation requires that the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, among other agencies, enter into a community housing and services memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU would include an action plan to coordinate the procurement and availability of community-based supportive services and subsidies for new and existing housing for residents with very low incomes.
Rep. Stanley Signs onto METCO Budget Letter
As a member of the METCO Legislative Caucus, Rep. Stanley signed onto a letter requesting that Chairman Dempsey and the House Ways and Means Committee increase funding for the METCO program. The $4 million in cuts to METCO over the last four years have taken its toll on the program, especially as student transportation costs have grown.
The letter reminded the Committee that METCO graduates 93% of its students. 90% of METCO graduates go on to college, compared to the state average college attendance of 79.6%. In the last five years, every METCO senior has passed the MCAS requirement. As the oldest and most successful program designed specifically to address racial and economic disparities in education, METCO is a model for the rest of the country and a critical asset in our collective effort to narrow education inequality in Massachusetts.
Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture Reviews Rep. Stanley's Bills to Protect Striped Bass and Massachusetts Tourism Industry
The Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, chaired by Rep. Anne Gobi and Sen. Marc Pacheco, reviewed three bills filed by Rep. Stanley to protect the population of Atlantic Striped Bass. Rep. Stanley requested a favorable report from the Committee on House Bill 258, "An Act relative to the economic value and revenue generation of the Atlantic Striped Bass", House Bill 259, "An Act promoting the public health of the citizens of the Commonwealth through the testing and labeling of striped bass", and House Bill 260, "An Act relative to the conservation of Atlantic Striped Bass."
A 66 percent decline in coast-wide recreational catch from 2006 - 2009; a 25 percent decline in estimated striped bass abundance from 2004 - 2008; and several years of below-average production of young fish from Chesapeake Bay (where most striped bass found in MA's waters are spawned), are indicators of a declining population. In addition to these decreases in numbers, there are troubling signs of a wasting disease that has hit the species, which worries fishermen and specialists that another potential crash in stock like the one experienced in the early 1980s may occur.
House Bill 258 requires the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries to take into consideration the economic importance of and the revenue implications for the Commonwealth of the recreational Striped Bass fishery when making decisions about the Commercial Striped Bass fishery. House Bill 259 seeks to protect our consumers by requiring that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection annually study the Striped Bass for contamination by mercury, PCBs and other elements as they currently do for the fresh water fishery. This research is shared on an annual basis with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health who will take action if the level of contaminants is deemed to be a threat to the Public. House Bill 260 seeks to grant the striped bass with "game fish" status, thus protecting the stock of striped bass and best managing this resource.
With the value of the recreational fishery estimated at $1.2 billion, it is extremely important to protect the harvest. With fewer fish to catch each year, there are fewer visiting anglers coming to Massachusetts, all of which is having a negative effect on the Massachusetts economy.
House passes Bill to Improve State Government and Finance Administration
Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that aims to improve and modernize the Commonwealth's government and finance administration. This legislation expands the oversight of the Treasurer and the Secretary of Administration and Finance, creates a new State Finance and Governance Board, and requires the monitoring of future trends in the budget planning process.
State Announces $950,000 in Funding to Enhance Early Education Program Quality
The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) awarded a $953,000 grant to the Aspire Institute at Wheelock College, to develop a resource center on assessment, screening and measurement that supports quality improvement in early education and care and out of school time programs across Massachusetts. With this award, the Aspire Institute at Wheelock College has launched the Center for Assessment and Screening Excellence (CASE), to assist programs in gathering essential information on children's developmental progress and customizing curricula and instruction to ensure that children receive maximum benefit from their learning experiences.
To help all children reach their full potential, EEC has implemented a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) which defines levels of quality for programs and requirements for program quality improvement. The use of child assessment, screening and measurement tools is a key component of QRIS. With this funding, EEC will work with the Aspire Institute to build an infrastructure to provide the training, consultation, materials, and support that programs need to become skilled in child assessment and screening and in measuring program quality.
Initial training sessions have been scheduled for Lowell on March 31, Springfield on April 22 and, Worcester on April 28. Additional sessions will be held in Pittsfield, Leominster, Framingham, Brockton, Revere, Hyannis, and Boston. Training locations, times, and registration information is online.
Transportation Bond Bill Continues Local Road, Bridge Investment
The Patrick Administration submitted to the Legislature a one-year $1.5 billion Transportation Bond Bill that maintains transportation-related infrastructure investments through Fiscal Year (FY) 2013. The bill provides $200 million in Chapter 90 funds to cities and towns to rebuild and repair local roads and bridges. In addition, the bill creates for the first time a State Infrastructure Bank to allow the state to leverage private investment for targeted projects that create jobs and economic development.
The bond bill invests in state road, bridge and rail transportation projects that are funded by the state or by a combination of state and federal funds. Chapter 90 funds for local projects included in the bond bill are allocated to each city and town using a longstanding formula based upon community road miles, population and employment. Chapter 90 funds approved by the Legislature may be used for local road, bridge and multi-use path projects and related needs.
The proposed State Infrastructure Bank will allow the Commonwealth to encourage investment of private equity to construct infrastructure projects. The Bank could make loans financing energy, transportation and municipal development projects that lead to job creation and economic development. The Bank would be governed by a 10-member board that includes the Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Administration and Finance, State Treasurer, two members appointed by the Treasurer and five members appointed by the Governor who are experts in the field of transportation, development, finance or infrastructure.
Bill Could Raise High School Dropout Age to 18
The Legislature's Committee on Education may approve a bill to increase the minimum high school dropout age to 18 from 16. The legislation would also insert "graduation coaches" in schools with higher dropout rates. Approximately 8,000 students drop out each year. Proponents of the bill state that efforts to increase the dropout age must be accompanied by supports for those students who would otherwise have dropped out. Proponents of the bill claim that increasing the dropout age to 18 could cost local school districts without additional support from the state.
MassCEC Launches Second Round of Solarize Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) announced that it will begin accepting applications from Green Communities interested in participating in the second round of MassCEC's Solarize Massachusetts (Solarize Mass) program, which encourages residents and business owners to adopt solar photovoltaic technology through a program model that includes grassroots marketing, education and group purchasing. The first round of Solarize Mass, which launched in the spring of 2011 in Harvard, Hatfield, Scituate and Winchester, was a great success, and is bringing solar power to 162 Massachusetts homes and small businesses. MassCEC is expanding the pilot to up to 20 communities in the Commonwealth. For more information about Solarize Mass, click here.
State Passes Bill to Promoting Organ Donation
Gov. Patrick signed a bill that updates the state's uniform anatomical gift act, legislation aimed at promoting organ donation. The law aligns Massachusetts law with requirements already in effect in neighboring states in order to help facilitate organ donation across state lines and provide more availability of organs for transplanting. The law helps clarify the role of a potential donor's family in the decision-making process and creates new requirements for the Registry of Motor Vehicles, including a description of the donor registry and UAGA in every license and registration renewal notice. The Registry will also include an option to donate $2 or more to the organ and tissue donor registration fund on all license renewal forms, including those completed at RMV branch locations.
House Advances Bills
The House gave approval to legislation dealing with students with disabilities (H 3720), aquatic nuisances in lakes and ponds (S 1904), open space residential development (H 370) and smoke-free housing (H 383 and H 2110). The House also advanced House Bill 3962 which aims to improve housing options for the elderly, disabled and homeless.
Hire a Veteran 'On Demand'
As part of the state's initiatives to help returning veterans become employed, Lieutenant Gov. Murray and the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) reached out to major trade associations to encourage them to hire veterans and circulate information about veterans' benefits. These associations include The Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE), the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, the Mass High Tech Council, the Defense Technology Initiative and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts.
DVS has also partnered with Comcast Corporation to launch "Hire a Veteran On Demand" which aims to connect returning soldiers to jobs to help ease their transition back into civilian life. The pilot program, which posts video profiles of returning soldiers who are looking for work, started in late January and will be available for the next 90 days for prospective hiring managers and recruiters to review for their employment needs. Check out one Veteran profile here.
The veterans featured were chosen by DVS and the profiles were produced by Comcast's Video Production and Services team. Interested hiring managers or recruiters can contact individual candidates by getting in touch with the Department via the email address included at the end of each video profile. If you are a veteran or know of a veteran seeking employment or wish to hire a veteran, please email veteransvoice@massmail.state.ma.us or call 617-210-5970.
Department of Public Safety Offers Smoke Alarm Info
Smoke alarms are the single most important means of preventing fatal fires. The Department of Public Safety's website offers information about fire safety and fire alarms. Please click here to learn more.
MassDOT Community Transit Grants
MassDOT's Rail & Transit Division announced the new MassDOT Community Transit Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2013. This new application is a consolidation of several grant applications by the Community Transit Programs Unit and Regional Planning Agencies. This single grant application will streamline the grant application and approval process. Organizations applying for Federal funds under Title 49 USC Sections 5310, 5311, 5311 (f), 5316, and 5317 and State funds under the Mobility Assistance Program should use the new application which can be accessed online via the MassDOT Rail & Transit Division. All 2013 applications must be received by MassDOT no later than 5 p.m. on March 30, 2012. Applicants are encouraged to submit application packets before the deadline.
AG Coakley, Interagency Coalition Convene for First Human Trafficking Task Force Meeting
Attorney General Coakley and an interagency coalition of law enforcement officials, state and community representatives, advocates, and survivors appointed to the Human Trafficking Task Force convened for the first meeting of the task force after the new human trafficking law went into effect.
As part of the new human trafficking law, the Legislature created an interagency Human Trafficking Task Force to address all aspects of human trafficking through policy changes.
The task force is charged with combating human trafficking through service development, demand reduction, system change, public awareness, and training.
The comprehensive human trafficking legislation, An Act Relative to the Commercial Exploitation of People, was signed into law by Governor Patrick on November 21, 2011. The law went into effect on February 19, 2012. The legislation establishes the state crimes of human trafficking for sexual servitude and human trafficking for forced labor. At the meeting, the members discussed the subcommittees to be formed around the areas of data collection and information sharing, public awareness, victim needs and services, education and training, and demand.
Office of Consumer Affairs Survey of Over-the-Counter Medication Finds Pharmacies, Name Brands Most Costly
A survey by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation found pharmacies generally charge more for over-the-counter medication, and name-brands are significantly more expensive than generics.
The survey included over 100 pharmacy, supermarket and big-box locations for six chains across the state, checking prices on eight name-brand and seven generic drugs. The highest average prices of the eight name-brand drugs were all at CVS or Walgreens, and the lowest average prices of the name-brand drugs were at Walmart or Target. For the seven generics, all of the high prices but one was at the pharmacies, and all of the lowest prices were at Walmart or Target.
The survey included checking prices of Afrin Original 12-hour spray, Vicks DayQuil Cold and Flu Relief Liquid and NyQuil Cold and Flu Relief Liquid, Cold-Eeze Cold Remedy lozenges, Mucinex DM, Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold and Cough, Robitussin Peak Cold Multi-Symptom, and Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Nighttime Warming Liquid. The generics of all the products were also checked, except for the Tylenol Cold, which could not be found in most stores.
For name-brand drugs, CVS had the highest average price for five drugs, and Walgreens had the highest average price for three drugs. Walmart had the lowest average price for five drugs, and Target had the lowest average price for three drugs. Average prices were generally about $3 apart between high and low, although Mucinex was over $5 different from it high ($16.99 at Walgreens) and low ($10.68 at Walmart).
For the generics, results were similar. CVS and Walgreens had the highest averages for three drugs each, and Stop & Shop one. Walmart had the lowest average for six of the drugs, Target the other one. There were significant price differences in the nasal spray, which was $7.99 on average at CVS and $2.24 at Target, and Robitussin, which was $7.85 at CVS and $2.72 at Walmart.
The survey reinforced the savings consumers can find on generics with the same active ingredient as a name brand. NyQuil generic was over $3.50 less at CVS on average compared to the name brand. The Mucinex equivalent was $6 less on average for the generic at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Target, even though the generic was typically in a 30-tablet pack compared to 20 tablets for the name brand.
New Bill Will Freeze Unemployment Insurance Rate Increases to Support Massachusetts Businesses
Governor Patrick signed a $127.1 million supplemental budget that will provide immediate relief to Massachusetts' businesses by freezing employer contributions to the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund at current levels. This new law prevents a scheduled rate hike from taking effect, helping to save businesses $421 million this year. Including the savings associated with this change, the Patrick-Murray Administration has saved Massachusetts businesses approximately $1.2 billion in the last three years by freezing unemployment insurance rate increases. Without this legislation employers would have seen an average increase of $173 per employee.
EOLWD Increases Flexibility of Workforce Training Fund
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced increased flexibility of its Workforce Training Fund application process to respond to the evolving needs of businesses across the Commonwealth. The key new features are that businesses may now submit applications for training funds on a rolling basis as well as apply for a grant via consortia. The fund is a great opportunity for organizations to build workers' skills. Employers may apply for grants of up to $25,000 for technical assistance programs, or they may apply for grants of up to $250,000 for full training programs. Training programs may last up to two years.
Businesses are encouraged to apply for a grant via consortia. Third parties may apply on behalf of and manage grants for a business consortium and up to 10% of a grant may be used to cover associated administrative costs. Third parties may include community colleges, workforce investment boards, community-based organizations, chambers of commerce, and career centers among others.
Under the Patrick-Murray Administration, over $58.8 million has been used to train over 79,605 Massachusetts workers since 2007. The Workforce Training Fund, which is financed entirely by Massachusetts employers, provides resources to Massachusetts businesses to train current and newly hired employees. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit http://www.mass.gov/wtfp for additional information and requirements.
Mass 2-1-1, in Partnership with United Way, Partners with Department of Veterans Services
To learn more about the services available to veterans by MA 2-1-1 and the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services, the chief advocate for veterans and their families in the Commonwealth, please click here. 2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services Information and Referral. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families seeking services or volunteer opportunities and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies. 2-1-1 makes it possible for people to navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human service agencies and programs. By making services easier to access, 2-1-1 encourages prevention and fosters self-sufficiency. It also is hoped that it will reduce the number of non-emergency calls inappropriately made to 911.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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