August 2012

topDear Neighbor,
 

Over the past few months the legislature has passed several new laws that will have real and direct benefits for the residents of our district. Most significantly, I joined my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a groundbreaking healthcare cost control bill that is expected to generate savings for consumers and businesses. We also passed a balanced budget with bi-partisan support that maximizes aid to our towns, including increased funding for senior centers, for special education in our schools, and for the Community Preservation Act, all initiatives that I advocated for on our behalf.  

Concerns that many of you raised about delayed response to long power outages earlier this year were addressed in comprehensive utility storm response legislation.

Best wishes for a wonderful and safe remainder of the summer!

 

Sincerely,
Rep. Carolyn Dykema Signature
New Healthcare Law Will
Control Cost of Health Insurance for

Families and Businesses

 

In July, I joined my colleagues in the House and Senate to give bi-partisan support to healthcare cost control legislation that will save an estimated $200 billion for families, seniors and businesses in our district and across the state over the next 15 years.

 

The bill includes an amendment that I co-sponsored, that changed the employer "fair share" contribution formula so that it's easier and less costly for small businesses to comply with requirements related to offering health insurance to employees.  

 

Other provisions of the bill can be found here.

 

I believe the new law, which takes action on unsustainable cost growth in the industry, is crucial for our residents' health and the health or ouf economy. It was drafted with input from doctors and healthcare providers, hospitals, insurance officials and most importantly, residents. It carefully balances cost control with protecting the excellent quality healthcare that Massachusetts is known for.

MBTA Retracts Surcharge Policy for On-Board Commuter Rail Tickets

  

The MBTA announced that they will modify a new policy that would have levied a $3 surcharge on commuter rail customers who purchase tickets on board the train. As part of the fare increase plan that took effect on July 1st, the MBTA decided to charge customers an additional $3 for purchasing tickets on board the commuter rail.

 

Although this policy was aimed at increasing efficiency and limiting fare evasion, the surchage would have dramatically increased the cost of the commuter rail for riders from our communities which do not have a ticket window or kiosk available to purchase tickets in advance.

 

I joined my MetroWest colleagues in the legislature to oppose the unfair policy and request a waiver for communities like our where pre-purchase is difficult. I was pleased the MBTA responded to our concerns by modifying the policy. Adding more discipline to our fare collection process is an important initiative, but it needs to be done in a fair manner, consistent with the goal of increasing ridership on public transportation.

 

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Rep. Dykema Helps Launch MetroWest Veterans Consortium 

 

This spring I brought together leaders in the MetroWest veterans community to launch the MetroWest Veterans Consortium. The Consorium aims to coordinate efforts and advocacy to improve services for those who have served or are serving in the armed forces.

 

The roundtable format encourages sharing of ideas and allows local veterans to air concerns and challenges directly with legislators and advocates. Several areas of interest have already been identified, including the need to improve transportation to the VA and the need to better understand the challenges and needs of reservists and guardsmen and women who are playing a greater role in our military than ever before.

 

If you or a family member is an active member of the military or a veteran, and you have thoughts you would like to share with the Consortium or if you need assistance, please contact the office at 617-722-2210.

 

Local Projects Included in State Bond Bill

 

I'm pleased to announce that authorization for funding for several local projects was included in the transportation bond bill signed by the Governor. Further advocacy is needed to access the funding, but inclusion in the bond bill is an important first step.

  • $150,000 to alleviate flooding on Rte. 16 in Holliston
  • Reauthorization of $1.75m for downtonw roadway constriction in Hopkinton
  • $100,000 to evaluate giving limited access to the MassPike for EL Harvey trucks to alleviate traffic on local roads in Hopkinton and Westborough

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Rep. Dykema Votes  for New Fiscal Management & Public Safety Laws

 

This summer, I joined my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Governor, in passing laws to improve state fiscal management practices and make changes to the Commonwealth's criminal statutes.

 

These new laws address two critical issues for our Commonwealth: fiscal discipline and public safety.

 

An Act to Improve the Administration of State Government and Finance includes provisions that formalize performance management and measurement standards, requires performance management information be provided to the legislature for more informed budgeting, and requires five-year prospective budget estimates to facilitate longer term planning. The bill also changes the payment schedule for state payments to towns from quarterly to monthly which will improve local cash flows.

 

Updates to the crime statutes include provisions that eliminate the possiblity for parole for the most violent, repeat offenders who have been sentenced to three years or more in state prison more than twice. It also provides for a more formal framework around how parole decisions are made. Other provisions seek to address concerns around prison overcrowding by shortening "mandatory minimum sentences" for non-violent drug offenses, and protects "good samaritans" who seek medical assistance for drug overdose victims from prosecution.

 

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MetroWest Economic Development
Groups Share Ideas

 

Helping foster an economic climate that promotes job growth has been, and continues to be, a high priority for me and my colleagues in state government. The same economic focus is seen in our communityities, all of which have active economic development initiatives underway.

 

Earlier this summer I convened the economic development committees from all the towns in the 8th Middlesex district along with officials from the state and region to discuss their work and understand what efforts we can take at the state level to help.

 

Among the concerns raised were local and state permitting processes. Water infrastructure permitting was specifically identified, which is an issue I've been working on. There's a lot more work to do to help bring jobs to our Commonwealth and I'll continue to partner with our towns to address this important issue.

 

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New Law Will Improve Utility Storm Response

 

Since the severe storms and long power outages that affected many across the 8th Middlesex district last summer and fall, the legislature has been working to increase responsiveness and accountability from electric utilities when responding to and preparing for storms.

 

 This fall, I testified before the Department of Public Utilities on how our communities were effected by the storms and articulated concerns expressed by public safety officials and residents. For many in our region, long outages were more than an incovenienence, especially for those with private wells who lost access to water, those who depend on medical equipment powered by electricity, and those whose businesses were negatively affected.

 

A number of my recommendations, including the need for increased coordination with public safety officials and improved communications with the public, were echoed by Attorney General Martha Coakley, who in late July recommended record fines against both NStar and National Grid for failing to comply with requirements in the wake of the storms.

 

After months of discussion, the legislature passed, and the Governor signed, a new law that will require any penalty collected from a utility for violating their storm response plans or standards to be credited back to the ratepayers rather than going to the state. The new law also requires public utility companies to provide daily estimates to customers about when electricity will be restored and requires companies to 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.

  

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In This Issue
New Healthcare Cost Control Law
MBTA Retracts MW Commuter Surcharge
Rep. Dykema Helps Launch Vets Consoritum
Local Projects Included in Bond Bill
Rep. Dykema Votes for New Fiscal Management and Public Safety Laws
MW Economic Development
New Utility Storm Response Law
Honoring Our Unsung Heroines
Hopkinton Seniors Visit the State House
Honoring Our Unsung Heroines
 Health Alert:
DPH Warns of High EEE Risk in Westborough
The Department of Public Health has increased the risk level of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) infection to "high" in Westborough due to the presence of mosquitos carrying EEE. Visit the DPH website for more information about how to protect yourself and your familiy, including minimizing time outdoors.  
District Office Hours
  
I value the opportunity to meet with you  and encourage you to stop by during my upcoming district office hours  to share concerns, questions and opinions on state and local issues or simply to chat over a cup of coffee
 
As always, in addition to these scheduled times, I am available to schedule an appointment on other days.  Please call the office at (617) 722-2210 or email [email protected] to schedule a personal meeting at the State House or in the district.

Holliston
Friday, Sept. 7, 8:00am
Pejamajo Cafe
770 Washington St.

Hopkinton
Friday, Sept. 7, 11:30am
Bill's Pizza
14 Main St.

Medway
Friday, Sept. 14, 8:00am
Coffee Sensations
116 Main St.

Southborough
Friday, Sept. 21, 8:00am
Mauro's
2 Main St.

Westborough
Friday, Sept. 21, 10:00am
Tatnuck Booksellers
18 Lyman St.
Dykema Receives Regional Spirit Award
    
On June 14th, Rep. Dykema was honored to receive the 2012 Regional Spirit Award from the MetroWest Regional Collaborative for her work on municipal healthcare reform and water infrastructure.

 

The MetroWest Regional Collaborative is an advocacy organization for locally initiated, regional solutions to policy and planning challenges shared by MetroWest communities. 
Hopkinton Eagle Scout Candidates 
Visit the State House
    
   
MassVetsAdvisor is a new website that provides a comprehensive list of benefits and programs for veterans and their families. Visit www.massvetsadvisor.org
Fun & Fundraising for
ALS Care and Supports
  
This year our ALS fundraising team "The Crushers" made a strong showing at the annual Ernie Kampersal Softball Tournament. The tournament raises funds for Compassionate Care ALS. Thanks to all our players!
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