September 6, 2012 -State Primary
The Massachusetts state primary election will take place on September 6, 2012. The general election will take place on November 6, 2012. The last day to register for the general election is October 17, 2012. To learn more about these elections, please visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Elections Division website.
Legislature Approves Final Economic Development and Jobs Legislation
The Legislature approved legislation that implements strategically-focused economic development policies to make Massachusetts more competitive by improving the state's innovation economy, promoting economic prosperity through infrastructure investments and streamlined permitting, facilitating the expansion of new and existing businesses, and training our workforce for the future.
This legislation makes investments in infrastructure through the creation of the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, which will serve as a one-stop-shop for infrastructure funding, thus simplifying the process for municipalities and enabling the state to allocate the funds in the most efficient manner. Additionally, given the recent success of Boston's Innovation District, this bill makes more funding available for project financing via the I-cubed program.
In an effort to further strengthen the innovation economy, this bill aims to prime the workers of tomorrow through the Innovation Investment Fund and the Talent Pipeline Program. The Innovation Investment Fund, which will offer matching grants to research and development projects sponsored by the state's world-class universities and research institutions, will put Massachusetts ahead of others on the front of innovation and economic development. The Talent Pipeline Program allows students and young innovators to get a head start on their future by matching stipends for interns at technology and innovation start-ups. These early connections will make for a strong innovation economy in the long term.
The legislation provides for a recapitalization of the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund with a focus on "middle skill" jobs through collaboration between public educational institutions, workforce investment boards, and local employers. This legislation also encourages economic growth by expanding expedited local permitting, which will enable communities to use the Chapter 43D local option program to promote residential development in addition to commercial and mixed-use development that are currently allowed by law.
Realizing that small businesses are the lifeblood of our Commonwealth, this bill provides financial support and a new online resource for owners. The bill first builds on the state's already-strong commitment to small businesses by authorizing PRIM to invest at least $100 million in institutions that make capital available to small businesses and early-stage companies. And this bill also creates the Small Business Online Portal, which is a one-stop-shop for small-business owners looking for help or information.
MA Leads Again in Health Care with First-In-Nation Payment Reform Bill
Rep. Stanley helped complete work on a framework of nation-leading health care reforms, sending to the Governor a comprehensive, landmark cost-control bill estimated to save the Commonwealth $200 billion over the next 15 years while improving the quality of care, increasing patient access, and strengthening the transparency and accountability of the state's entire health care system. The bill comes at a crucial time as health spending is projected to double from 2009 to 2020, outpacing both inflation and growth in the overall economy, while Massachusetts residents and businesses continue to struggle with increasing premiums and other health care costs.
The legislation, for the first time in the nation, establishes a statewide health care cost growth benchmark for the health care industry equal to the potential growth of the state's gross state product (GSP) from years 2013 to 2017, then dropping it 0.5 percent below potential GSP from 2018 to 2022 and back to potential GSP for 2023 and beyond. Meeting this goal will result in an estimated $200 billion in savings in the health care industry over the next 15 years which will be passed onto businesses, municipalities and residents of the Commonwealth who are struggling with increasing premiums and other health care costs.
Senate, House Agree on Legislation Preventing Mortgage Foreclosures
The legislature sent legislation to the Governor that will prevent unnecessary and unlawful foreclosures, reduce the number of abandoned properties across the Commonwealth and help remove one of the biggest remaining barriers to the state's ongoing economic recovery. Gov. Patrick signed the legislation.
The bill requires banks and other lenders to offer loan modifications to borrowers in certain circumstances to avoid foreclosures. Lenders must conduct a complete financial analysis of the loan and offer a modification if it would be more beneficial to receive lower monthly mortgage payments than to foreclose on the home.
There is a 150-day timeframe for deciding whether or not to offer the loan modification which may come in the form of a reduced interest rate or principal, or an extension of the loan repayment period. The modified loans would allow borrowers to stay in their homes, lenders to avoid foreclosure costs and potential market losses, and neighborhoods to avoid the problem of abandoned properties and vacant lots.
Loan modifications would be available for owner-occupied homes and apply to loans that are considered risky, such as mortgages with teaser rates, loans made with no income documentation, and interest-only loans. Borrowers who qualify will be provided with contact information for loan modification specialists in the Attorney General's Office who assist borrowers in their negotiations with lenders.
Legislature Approves Crime Bill
The Legislature passed a tough and balanced sentencing bill that cracks down on habitual offenders and establishes new requirements to improve the functions of the state parole board. The bill requires the habitual offender tag to be placed on anyone convicted of two crimes from a list of the most serious offenses, including murder, rape and kidnapping. It mandates that any habitual offender found guilty of a third offense from the list of most serious crimes would be ineligible for parole. The legislation also closes a loophole that currently prevents federal sentences from counting toward habitual offender status.
The bill raises the parole eligibility threshold to a two-thirds vote of the parole board from the current majority vote for anyone serving a life sentence and allows judges to set an imprisonment term between 15-25 years before an initial parole eligibility date. Inmates with life sentences arising from separate and distinct incidents would not be eligible for parole.
Legislature Passes Electricity Cost, Competition Bill
Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that directly addresses competition among utility companies and the high costs of electricity which is a major obstacle for business growth in Massachusetts. The average electric rate in Massachusetts is 14.24 cents per kilowatt hour - the seventh highest in the United States and well above the national average of 10 cents. The bill addresses the high cost of electricity in Massachusetts in an effort to support job creation and economic recovery. It seeks to reduce the price of electricity by identifying cost-drivers, reviewing rates on a more regular basis, and demanding more competition.
To establish competition in the market, the bill ends the current long-term contract program under the Green Communities Act by December 2012 and requires investor-owned utilities to competitively bid proposals from renewable energy suppliers for long-term renewable energy contracts. And by increasing the overall net metering cap from 3 percent to 6 percent, the legislation doubles the existing limits on municipal and privately-owned projects that generate their own renewable energy. Anaerobic digestion projects will now be eligible for net metering credits, an important addition to the program for Commonwealth farmers.
Community Preservation Act Legislation Signed
Rep. Stanley cosponsored a bill to stabilize the declining statewide trust fund match of locally-raised Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding. After Gov. Patrick signed the legislation, the Community Preservation Coalition praised legislators, advocates and other supporters for their efforts.
The legislation included the additional $25 million in funding for the statewide CPA Trust Fund from the FY 2013 budget surplus which will substantially increase the statewide trust fund used to match locally raised CPA funds. Combined with the current trust fund revenue from the deeds recording fees, the distribution to CPA communities in the fall of 2013 will be dramatically higher, meaning that municipalities will be able to complete more community preservation projects.
In addition to a much needed boost for the trust fund, the legislation allows communities to use CPA funds to rehabilitate recreational assets that were not created or purchased with CPA funds. This provision is especially important to more densely developed communities that don't have as much open space but have outdoor recreation assets in need of capital improvements. The proposal also calls for allowing communities that pass CPA with a minimum one percent real property surcharge to use other sources of municipal revenue to boost the amount of money qualifying for the annual statewide CPA Trust Fund match.
CPA allows adopting municipalities to place a surcharge of up to three percent on real property in order to create a local dedicated fund for the four CPA purposes: open space preservation, historic preservation, outdoor recreation, and affordable housing. Adoption of CPA triggers annual distributions from the statewide CPA Trust Fund, which derives its revenues from fees collected at the state registries of deeds. Funds from the CPA Trust Fund are distributed each year to participating communities; however distribution amounts have declined precipitously in recent years due to the decline of the real estate market. Meanwhile, communities have continued to adopt the program, and as a result, the average CPA community's match has fallen from 100 percent to this year's projected 22 percent.
Since being passed in 2000, 148 communities, 42 percent of the municipalities in the state, have adopted CPA. Using a combination of local and trust fund dollars, those communities have preserved 14,900 acres of open space, made over 2,500 appropriations to protect historic resources, developed 5,080 units of affordable housing, and funded 730 outdoor recreation projects.
Governor Patrick Signs Energy Bill
Governor Patrick signed S. 2395, "An Act Relative to Competitively Priced Electricity in the Commonwealth." The law aims to protect Massachusetts ratepayers while providing greater reliability and energy independence for all residents of the Commonwealth.
The bill includes the extension of long-term contracts between the utilities and renewable energy companies, which will keep the supply of renewable energy credits in balance with the growing demand and ultimately lead to significant cost savings for ratepayers. The extension helps reduce the Commonwealth's dependence on foreign sources of energy, keeping investment dollars in MA.
The legislation also raises the cap on net metering, a valuable incentive to customers who install renewable energy technologies. It allows customers to run their meters backwards and sell power back to the distribution company for credits. The cap will rise to three percent for both public and private projects. Anaerobic digestion is also added to the list of eligible technologies able to net meter; the amount of hydroelectric power was also increased. Raising the net metering cap grows the clean energy industry, creates jobs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Governor Signs Cyber Cafe Bill
The Governor signed a bill to ban illegal gambling activities at "cyber cafes" throughout the state. Past investigations by Attorney General Coakley have revealed that "cyber cafes" can offer illegal online gambling through the sale of internet access. Although the Attorney General is curbing this behavior through regulation, this legislation is intended to further protect the interests of consumers across MA with respect to 'cyber cafes.' "Cyber Cafes" sell internet time, allowing patrons to play online slots and other games on the premises. Patrons can then win "points" in the video games which can be redeemed for cash at the "cyber cafe."
The bill would establish a new crime for conducting or promoting a sweepstakes that is executed through the use of the entertaining display of an electronic machine. The new crime would carry a penalty of up to $250,000 per offending machine and/or imprisonment of up to 15 years in the state prison. The bill, however, would specifically exempt the state lottery, pari-mutuel wagering on horse races, bingo and charitable gaming.
House Approves Temp Workers Right to Know Bill
Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that will require staffing agencies to provide written notice to workers regarding critical information about their employment, increasing transparency and improving the regulation of temporary employment operations.
Firms may provide the written notice in a variety of ways and will have until the first pay period to provide the information. Staffing agencies will be required to disclose the following to their workers upon employment: contact information for the agency, the worksite, the agency's workers compensation carrier and the department of labor standards; position description including any special clothing or protective gear or training needed for the job; rate of pay, designated pay day and if there will be overtime pay; daily start and end times as well as, where known, expected duration of employment; and details of any meals or transportation to be provided as well as relevant fees. This does not apply to professionals, secretaries or administrative assistants.
The bill also prohibits firms from charging fees for registration of the agency, any goods or services (unless otherwise stated in a written contract), bank cards or other forms of wage transfer, drug screens, CORIs, transportation costs under certain circumstances, or any fees or costs that would reduce the employees pay to below minimum wage. Firms will be prohibited from falsely advertising a name not registered with the department, assigning an employee to a worksite by force, fraud, or for illegal purposes, and refusing to return on demand personal property, fees or costs charged in excess of this law.
Senate, House Approve State Government and Finance Reform Bill
The Legislature sent bipartisan legislation to the governor that makes fundamental changes in the operations of state government, updating antiquated finance laws and implementing performance measurement requirements for all government agencies and programs to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability.
The final legislation requires the use of data to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of agencies and programs throughout state government, including the executive branch. For the first time, each agency will be required to have a performance management system in place and develop a strategic plan for measuring performance that can be evaluated publicly and by the Legislature and Governor.
Legislature Approves Storm Response Bill; Gov Signs
Rep. Stanley voted in favor of legislation to improve emergency response services of Massachusetts public utility companies. Widespread power outages across the state last year during Tropical Storm Irene in August and an October snowstorm exposed areas of concern and prompted the legislative action.
The bill requires public utility companies to provide three-times-daily estimates to customers about when electricity will be restored following a 24-hour damage assessment period. It also requires companies during major storms to set up a call center which must be located in Massachusetts within 50 miles of a utility's service territory and have sufficient staffing to handle calls.
Utilities must also report storm outages to the state and designate a community liaison in each community when implementing an emergency response plan. To enhance that effort, the legislation requires utilities to designate staff at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to help coordinate statewide response.
Furthermore, utilities will pay an assessment charge to help the Department of Public Utilities pay for storm investigations. The cost of this assessment cannot be passed onto customers, nor can any costs of penalties assessed on utilities for violating emergency preparation and response requirements.
Bill to Improve Water Safety for Children Signed
Gov. Patrick joined family members, advocates and legislators to sign S. 2075, "An Act Improving Water Safety for Children in the Commonwealth." Also known as "Christian's Bill," the legislation will improve water safety to decrease the risk of drowning for children at camps and recreational programs.
Filed after the tragic and untimely death of Christian Frechette, a 4 year old boy from Sturbridge who drowned at summer camp in 2007 while swimming in a lake without a life jacket, the new law prohibits municipal and recreational programs or camps for minor children from barring a parent, guardian or person with custody of a minor from providing a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. This provision is unique nationally in empowering parents to ensure personal protection for their children.
This legislation will improve the water safety of children by requiring that camps and recreational programs must determine each child's swimming ability, at the first swimming session, in order to identify and classify non-swimmers and at-risk swimmers; confine children to swimming areas within the limits of their assessed swimming skills; adhere to DPH-promulgated regulations, establishing a system to have Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) for minors designated as non-swimmers or at-risk swimmers; and allow programs to require parents, guardians and custodians to provide PFDs for their minor children. The bill also requires that each Amphibious Landing Vehicle, such as the popular duck tour boats in Boston, have a Personal Flotation Device for every child passenger under the age of 10.
Legislature Approves Major Reform of CHINS System
The Legislature approved legislation that will update the current system for handling children who consistently get in trouble at home or at school, including runaways and students who are habitually truant, transforming the 38-year-old Children in Need of Services (CHINS) program that critics say unnecessarily puts troubled children in front of a judge before seeking services to help the children and their families. The bill breaks down barriers between the juvenile court, parents and the community, and it creates a second access point for children to receive necessary services.
The pilot program, established under the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, diverts children from the legal process when appropriate and instead provides behavioral, medical and mental health treatment and a number of other behavioral and preventative services including special education evaluations, mentoring, family and parent support, and after-school and out-of-school opportunities.
Secretary Sullivan Appoints New Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Chief
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan announced the appointment of Alicia Barton McDevitt as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). Ms. Barton McDevitt replaces outgoing CEO Patrick Cloney, who is leaving the organization to pursue new opportunities in the private sector.
Prior to joining MassCEC, Ms. Barton McDevitt served as Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Planning at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). She also served in various positions including Assistant Secretary for Environmental Review, Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Director, and Deputy General Counsel at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs from 2007 to 2011. Ms. Barton McDevitt earned a juris doctor from Boston College Law School and a bachelor's degree in natural resources from Ohio State University.
New Inspector General Named
Governor Patrick, Attorney General Coakley and Auditor Bump recently selected Assistant Attorney General Glenn A. Cunha to serve as Inspector General. A lawyer with a master's degree in business administration, Cunha has worked in the public and private sectors for 30 years, building complex investigations, prosecuting cases in court and preventing and detecting fraud in many areas, including insurance, public benefits, charities and fraud by public officials. Cunha replaces outgoing Inspector General Gregory Sullivan, who will complete his second five year term, the maximum allowed by statute, on August 2, 2012.
Administration Announces Federal Grant Award for School, Public Housing Energy Efficiency Projects
Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rick Sullivan announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $715,000 to the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) for energy efficiency projects in Massachusetts schools and public housing developments, while pursuing opportunities for renewable energy-powered heating and cooling. The initiative is a partnership between DOER, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development and the Massachusetts School Building Authority. With this award, Massachusetts became one of 22 states selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct energy efficiency upgrades in public facilities or develop local policies and programs to help reduce energy use in public buildings.
The funding - which seeks to leverage more than $165 million in energy efficiency financing from low-cost bonds and the Mass Save utility-funded programs - is targeted to enable energy efficiency improvements across 11 million square feet of regional public schools and public housing developments between now and2020. In addition to energy efficiency measures, these projects will seek to reduce high cost fuels such as oil, baseboard electricity and propane through installation of renewable thermal technologies, such as pellet boilers, solar heating and hot water systems, and highly efficient heat pumps.
Legislation to Improve Quality of Care for Dementia Patients Signed
Governor Patrick signed legislation to improve the quality of care for dementia patients by establishing regulations to specify minimum safety and quality standards for dementia care units in long-term facilities, as well as requiring dementia-specific training to staff in long-term facilities.
Under the bill, the Department of Public Health is required to implement: dementia-specific training for all direct care workers, activities directors and supervisors of direct care workers in both traditional nursing homes and dementia special care units; activities programs in dementia special care units that provide dementia-specific activities; and guidelines for dementia special care unit physical design including, but not limited, to anti-wandering methods and promoting a therapeutic environment.
AG Coakley Launches Review to Propose New Utility Service Quality Standards
In light of the recent massive power outages that left thousands without electricity across the state, Attorney General Coakley has begun a review of standards used to measure the overall service quality of utility companies to determine if they are adequate or effective. Currently, utility companies are evaluated yearly by a set of service quality standards under the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Those standards are designed to make sure utilities maintain an acceptable level of preparedness for storms, infrastructure levels, and responsiveness to customers. Utilities also receive incentive payments for meeting those standards.
Currently, utilities can improve their overall scores by focusing on metrics unrelated to system reliability, such as reducing the number of rings before customer calls are answered or by speeding up the resolution of customer complaints. Performance improvements in such areas can mask weaknesses in actual system maintenance. The AG Office's review will assess whether the service quality data currently required to be reported by utilities provides adequate information to state regulators. It will also focus on retooling the current metrics used to grade utilities on their performance.
Patrick Administration Appoints a Global Warming Solutions Advisory Committee
Energy and Environment Secretary Rick Sullivan has appointed a Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) Implementation Advisory Committee to ensure Massachusetts meets its goal of attaining the boldest greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets in the nation. Energy Undersecretary Barbara Kates-Garnick and Environment undersecretary Phil Griffiths co-chair the GWSA Implementation Advisory Committee (IAC) and the group held its first kickoff meeting in June 2012. The group plans to meet again this fall.
The committee is charged with advising the environmental and energy agencies on plan development and strategy implementation to meet the Commonwealth's targets of 80 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by 2050 and a 2020 reduction target of 25 percent below 1990 levels.
2012 KIDS COUNT® Data Book
The 2012 KIDS COUNT® Data Book was recently released, published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Data Book compares all 50 states on key indicators of child well-being. The 2012 Data Book ranks Massachusetts 2nd overall in supporting children who live here. Please click here to access the report.
Broken down the Data Book ranks Massachusetts: 1st in education looking at measures including preschool attendance, 4th grade proficiency in math and reading and high school graduation rates; 2nd in health including number of low-birth weight babies, children without health insurance, child and teen deaths per 1,000 and teens who abuse alcohol or drugs; 10th in family and community including children living in single parent families, children whose parents do not have a high school diploma, children living in areas of high poverty and teen birth rates; and 11th in economic well-being including teens who are neither in school nor working, children living in poverty, children whose parents are unemployed or underemployed, and children who live in households with high housing cost burdens.
State Agriculture Officials Celebrate Fair Season
With summer underway, officials from the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources (DAR) are highlighting the 42 agricultural fairs throughout the Commonwealth. Packed with activities for everyone, fairs are a great way to connect families to the food on their table. For the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources' brochure on fairs, click here or for a free hard copy, email ellen.hart@state.ma.edu.
Free Fun Fridays
The Highland Street Foundation is once again sponsoring Free Fun Fridays this summer. Every Friday from June 29 to August 31, 5 exciting attractions from across the Commonwealth will be open to the public for free. This is a great opportunity for the citizens and visitors to the Commonwealth to experience the fabulous museums and cultural attractions Massachusetts has to offer. To view the schedule of events, please visit www.highlandstreet.org.
DPH Offers Health Promotion Clearinghouse Website
The website distributes publications and materials on important topics such as asthma, diabetes, nutrition & physical activity, sodium, stroke, substance abuse, tobacco cessation and prevention and more. These materials benefit a wide range of residents, including people interested in improving their health and making healthy choices, anyone in healthcare who provides information or education to patients and educators working with diverse populations. Visit www.maclearinghouse.com to learn more.
Exciting New Veterans Resource!
The Patrick-Murray Administration launched www.MassVetsAdvisor.org, a cutting-edge web portal that offers enhanced access to services and support for veterans living in the Commonwealth. The new site will help veterans and their family members access more than 200 state and federal benefits in one location, including programs for education, counseling, employment, health care and other services. MassVetsAdvisor streamlines comprehensive data from state and federal resources and lists only the benefits and services each veteran is qualified for, including an "action plan" to apply for the benefits. Veterans will be able to print, email, save or forward the action plan to their Veterans Services Officer for additional one-on-one assistance.
2012 MassWorks Infrastructure Program Application Materials Now Available
The 2012 MassWorks Infrastructure Program application materials are now online! The second annual MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant round will be open to new applications through an online system between Monday, Aug. 27 and Monday, Sept. 10.
The MassWorks Infrastructure Program provides a one-stop shop for municipalities and other eligible public entities seeking public infrastructure funding to support economic development and job creation. Municipalities with a population of 7,000 or less may also seek grants for road improvement that enhance safety.
A copy of the 2012 application, guidelines, scoring, FAQ and other relevant materials are now available on the HED website at http://mass.gov/hed/massworks. The electronic application system will open on June 1, providing applicants with more than 12 weeks to complete their application before the submittal period opens on Aug. 27. All of the data submitted during the 2011 grant round will be available for updating, providing for the easy reapplication of a project submitted in 2011. All decisions will be rendered by the end of October.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
WIC is a free nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services to Massachusetts families who qualify. WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. WIC's goal is to keep pregnant and breastfeeding women and kids under 5 healthy. To apply for WIC, call 1-800-WIC-1007 or contact a WIC Program in your community. Please click here for more info.
SAVE Partners with Veterans' Services to Support Veterans & Their Families
The fundamental principle of the Statewide Advocacy for Veterans' Empowerment (SAVE) program is to advocate for veterans who are not able to obtain the benefits they have earned due to institutional or personal barriers. The program's primary mission is prevention of suicide and mental health distress through the identification of issues facing veterans when they return from service and proactively providing them with access to benefits and services that may address these issues and result in positive transitions back to civilian life. SAVE acts as a liaison between veterans and their families and the various agencies within the federal and state governments. To learn more, please click here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Foreclosure Resource Center
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's web page offers resources for consumers, data and analysis, research and articles from our publications and information on policy and regulations related to foreclosures. Please click here to learn more.
Tour the State Library
The State Library welcomes Rep. Stanley's constituents to the library and arranges tours for school groups or other groups who wish to view the premises and see some of its special holdings. Staff can show materials about Rep. Stanley's district and about subjects of interest to Waltham and Lexington.To schedule a tour, please contact pamela.schofield@state.ma.us or call 617-727-2590 or email the reference department directly using the above number or e-mail reference.department@state.ma.us. You may also contact Rep. Stanley's office for assistance. You may wish also to visit the library's blog.
Job Opportunities with the Commonwealth of MA
A number of job listings are posted on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website. For more information, click
here.
