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News from Beacon Hill
Senate Special Election Dates
Massachusetts will hold a special election to fill the vacancy left by the appointment of Senator John Kerry (D) as U.S. Secretary of State. The general election is scheduled for June 25, 2013, following a primary election on April 30, 2013. Polls open at 7:00AM and close at 8:00pm. The voter registration and party enrollment change deadline is April 10, 2013. For information on registering to vote, click here.
Rep. Stanley Attends DCR Stewardship Council Meeting; Discusses Walden Pond Master Plan
At a meeting of the DCR Stewardship Council, Rep. Stanley learned information about the Walden Pond State Reservation Master Plan. The plan included recommendations related to a new visitor center and accompanying site improvements including constructing a new visitor center with interpretive space and office space, developing a new park access road to reduce traffic queuing on Route 126, constructing a network of universally accessible paths, including a ramp to connect crosswalk to the beach/bathhouse and improving the main crosswalk, including the addition of flashing lights, with a textured/colored surface.
Walden Pond State Reservation is an internationally acclaimed National Historic Landmark due to its association with Henry David Thoreau and his profoundly influential work Walden; or Life in and the Woods. Simultaneously, the Reservation is a heavily visited recreational facility as it provides a diverse set of recreational activities, including high demand water-based activities.
Rep. Stanley Attends Meeting on Crosby Corner Construction and Potential Route 2 Traffic
On March 12th, Rep. Stanley attended a meeting in Concord with Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, Sen. Barrett, Rep. Atkins and officials from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation about Crosby's Corner and Route 2 traffic. Attendees discussed a major infrastructure project that was recently launched in the Route 2 Corridor - the Crosby's Corner flyover. The Crosby's Corner project will present significant challenges to those choosing to commute by car on Route 2. Rep. Stanley and other elected officials representing cities and towns along Route 2 discussed the operational impacts of these capital improvements and how they can best proactively mitigate potential commuting challenges.
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Awards Tax Incentives to Two Lexington Companies
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) announced that its Board of Directors has awarded $23.85 million in tax incentives to 25 life sciences companies, including Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Inc. and Synageva BioPharma Corporation in Lexington. The recipient companies have committed to creating more than 1,000 new jobs in the Commonwealth in 2013, nearly 100 more than were committed to during the last round of tax incentives.
The Life Sciences Tax Incentive Program was established in 2008 as part of Massachusetts' 10-year, $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative. The program authorizes up to $25 million in tax incentives each year for companies engaged in life sciences research and development, commercialization and manufacturing. The primary goal of the program is to incentivize life sciences companies to create new sustained jobs in Massachusetts.
Rep. Stanley hears testimony about Gov.'s proposed investments in transportation and education
Gov. Patrick testified before the Joint Committee on Ways and Means FY14 Budget Hearing on behalf of his proposed investments in transportation and education to create opportunity in MA. The Governor's FY14 budget includes a $1 billion annual investment in the Commonwealth's transportation system to maintain the current transportation assets we have today and launch a number of high-impact transportation projects across Massachusetts that, if built, will create thousands of jobs and spur economic development across the Commonwealth. The plan also includes a $550 million investment in education, reaching $1 billion over four years, to provide universal access to high quality early education for children across the state, from birth through age five; fully fund K-12 education and allow for extended school days in high-need schools; make college more affordable and accessible for high school graduates; and allow our community colleges to expand their efforts to provide students with the knowledge and skill training needed to succeed in the workplace.
Governor Patrick Signs Social Worker Safety in the Workforce Legislation
Governor Patrick signed Social Work Safety in the Workforce legislation that will further enhance Massachusetts' efforts to protect those who are caring for our most vulnerable residents.
The bill, originally signed into law on February 15, 2013, as part of the FY13 Supplemental Budget, requires all direct services providers who receive funding from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide workplace violence prevention and crisis response plans.
Under the law, violence prevention and crisis response plans must be updated at least annually for social workers, human services workers, volunteers and all other employees. The legislation outlines the specifics of what prevention plans should include, and allows for HHS to offer additional training for employees.
Governor Patrick Announces New Online Tool to Show Impact of Investment Proposals on a Family's Budget
Governor Patrick unveiled an online tool that shows the impact of his Fiscal Year 2014 (FY14) budget proposal on an individual or family's budget. Click here to view the tool as well as maps that outline the education and transportation plans that will help grow jobs. Residents will enter information including their annual income and filing status, and will be able to view the impact of the Governor's proposal on their personal taxes.
To support almost $2 billion in meaningful investments that will strengthen the state's economic future, the FY14 budget calls for the creation of a simpler and fairer tax system that lowers the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 4.5 percent, and raises the income tax to 6.25 percent. All proceeds from the sales tax will be dedicated to a public works fund that will support the Administration's 21st century transportation plan, as well as the school building fund and other public infrastructure projects, and will be off limits for any other purpose.
To make that increase fair to all according to their ability to pay, the Governor has proposed doubling the personal exemptions for every taxpayer and eliminating a number of itemized deductions. Making those changes gives the Commonwealth a tax code that is simpler and fairer. The changes to state sales, income and business taxes will make Massachusetts comparable on taxation to our neighboring states and those with which we compete.
State Unveils Plan to Prevent and End Veterans' Homelessness
Joined by Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services Secretary Coleman Nee, Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein, officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Massachusetts Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness (ICHH) and veteran service providers, Lieutenant Governor Murray outlined the Massachusetts Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness' Integrated Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness Among Veterans. To read the plan, click here.
The plan seeks to ensure all Massachusetts veterans will have a stable place to call home. The objectives of the plan are to reduce the number of homeless veterans in the Commonwealth by 1,000 (based on the annual Point In Time count) by the end of 2015 and to statistically end veteran homelessness in Massachusetts. The annual Point In Time count measures the number of homeless persons in the U.S. on a single night in January 2012, including the number of homeless veterans.
The objectives will be achieved by four primary goals: 1) Rehouse and stabilize veterans who become homeless by implementing a housing strategy; 2) Ensure veterans most at risk of homelessness remain housed to prevent homelessness; 3) Increase access to benefits and resources for veterans through greater intervention; and 4) Align and integrate federal, state, and community resources to support veterans through effective partnerships. Each goal, focused on housing, prevention, intervention, and partnerships, is supported by a detailed action plan to accomplish the goal over time.
DHCD Receives $5.3 Million Award for Supportive Housing
Lieutenant Governor Murray joined U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) New England Regional Administrator Barbara Fields and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Regional Director Christie Hager to announce a $5.3 million award to the Patrick Administration's Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) as part of the state's effort to increase supportive housing units and help hundreds of residents with disabilities avoid homelessness or unnecessary institutionalization.
DHCD will use this federal funding to offer rental assistance to 100 extremely low-income persons with disabilities, many of whom are transitioning out of institutional settings or are at extreme risk of homelessness. This funding offers permanent housing and critically needed supportive services to ensure these at-risk individuals find their place within the fabric of their community. In addition to the 100 units funded by HUD's Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (PRA Demo), DHCD has committed 50 vouchers that will provide a rent subsidy to the same population.
The HUD funding is part of $98 million awarded nationwide to 13 state housing agencies for rental assistance to extremely low-income persons with disabilities, many of whom are transitioning out of institutional settings or are at extreme risk of homelessness. HUD's Section 811 PRA Demo program enables persons with disabilities who earn less than 30 percent of median income to live in integrated mainstream settings. The state housing agencies are working closely with their state Medicaid and health and human service counterparts to identify, refer and conduct outreach to persons with disabilities who require long-term services and supports to live independently.
Gov. Patrick Discusses Importance of College Affordability to Future Growth at Student Financial Aid Day
Governor Patrick addressed hundreds of college students at Student Financial Aid Day before they fanned out across the State House seeking legislative support to increase state funding for financial aid programs. Governor Patrick's FY14 proposed budget creates opportunity for students and their families across the Commonwealth by making college more affordable and accessible.
The Governor's FY14 budget calls for renewed investment in education in order to create opportunity across the Commonwealth and to keep the Massachusetts economy growing. The proposed budget would provide universal access to high quality early education for children across the state, from birth through age five; fully fund K-12 education and allow for extended school days in high-need schools; make college more affordable and accessible for high school graduates; and allow community colleges to expand their efforts to provide students with the knowledge and skill training needed to succeed in the workplace.
The Administration will invest a total of $6.79 billion in education in FY14, including over $550 million in new targeted investments that will bring Chapter 70 funding to $4.39 billion, the highest in state history. These investments also include $152 million in FY14 to make college more affordable and accessible for students.
Governor Patrick to Lead Trade Mission to Colombia to Pursue Job Growth and Economic Opportunity
Governor Patrick announced he will lead a coalition of the Commonwealth's business executives and government leaders on a Massachusetts - Colombia Innovation Partnership Mission to promote job creation and expand economic opportunity. Colombia has a thriving innovation, life sciences and clean energy economy, and this mission will strengthen the Commonwealth's partnership with Colombia and help create collaboration that will spur job creation in Massachusetts. The trip comes less than a year after the United States signed a free trade agreement with Colombia, opening up an estimated $1.1 billion market for U.S. exports; and continues the Commonwealth's reach into Latin America following recent missions to Brazil and Chile.
From February 16-19, the Massachusetts-Colombia Innovation Partnership Mission included stops in several cities throughout the country including Bogota and Cartagena. Over the course of the mission, the Governor and his delegation met with top Colombian government and business leaders including Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon, Colombian Minister of Defense Juan Carlos Pinzon, Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, the Vice Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and President of the Port Society of Cartagena Captain Alfonson Salas Trujillo. The Governor also met with the two national entities tasked with promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and research in Colombia: Colciencias and InnPulsa Colombia, and Colombia's national cabinet-level department tasked with developing and implementing policies to strengthen the innovation economy.
State Announces Funding To Promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (Stem) Education
Lieutenant Governor Murray announced $140,000 in competitive grants to enhance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives for three Regional STEM Networks in Massachusetts. Among the state's seven Regional STEM Networks, the three awards supported by the state's STEM Pipeline Fund include $39,780 to the Pioneer Valley STEM Network, $57,037 to the Boston STEM Network, and $43,183 to the Northeast STEM Network. The Boston STEM Network's proposal was also submitted in partnership with the MetroWest, Northeast and Central STEM Networks.
Massachusetts has also been selected as a leading state and partner in working towards increasing STEM student achievement and the number of trained educators in STEM. 100Kin10 works to "prepare all students with the high-quality STEM knowledge and skills needed to tackle the most pressing national and global challenges of tomorrow" (www.100kin10.org). The organization's mission is to respond to President Barack Obama's goal of providing 100,000 new, excellent STEM teachers over 10 years as outlined in his 2011 State of the Union. Massachusetts is among the organizations accepted as 100Kin10 partners based on its innovation and boldness of commitment towards expanding, improving and retaining the best of the nation's STEM teaching force. The Governor's STEM Advisory Council will work with the state's Executive Office of Education to update the Massachusetts STEM Plan to strengthen educator development and preparation as part of the 100Kin10 initiative.
Governor Patrick Announces Three Judicial Nominations
Governor Patrick announced three judicial nominations: Robert L. Ullmann as an Associate Justice of the Superior Court; Gloria Y. Tan as an Associate Justice of the Juvenile Court, Middlesex County Division; and Jonathan R. Tynes as an Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court, Roxbury Division. Robert Ullmann has been a partner at Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLP in Boston since 1995, handling criminal litigation and complex civil matters. His legal career began in 1981 with a clerkship at the New Jersey Supreme Court. Gloria Tan has served as the Deputy Director of the Criminal Justice Institute at Harvard Law School since 2011. She began her legal career at the Committee for Public Counsel Services, where she worked as an attorney in the Boston trial unit from 1998 to 1999 and in the Youth Advocacy Project from 1999 to 2003. Jonathan Tynes serves as the Chief Assistant District Attorney in the Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court, a position he has held since 2006. He began his career in the Suffolk District Attorney's Office in 1999 as a prosecutor in the Boston Municipal Court, and also worked as a member of the Homicide Response Team and the Superior Court General Felony Unit.
Governor Patrick Discusses Importance of College Affordability
Governor Patrick addressed hundreds of students from Massachusetts community colleges, state universities and University of Massachusetts campuses at a rally to kick off Public Higher Education Advocacy Day at the State House. Students spent their day seeking legislative support to increase state funding for financial aid programs. Governor Patrick's Fiscal Year (FY) 14 proposed budget creates opportunity for students and their families across the Commonwealth by making college more affordable and accessible.
The Governor's FY14 budget calls for renewed investment in education in order to create opportunity across the Commonwealth and to keep the Massachusetts economy growing. The proposed budget would provide universal access to high quality early education for children across the state, from birth through age five; fully fund K-12 education and allow for extended school days in high-need schools; make college more affordable and accessible for high school graduates; and allow community colleges to expand their efforts to provide students with the knowledge and skill training needed to succeed in the workplace.
Governor Patrick Joins Environmental Officials and Biologists on Black Bear Survey
Governor Patrick joined Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rick Sullivan, Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Commissioner Mary Griffin and state wildlife officials on an expedition to document the newest members of the state's black bear population. The team discovered two cubs born approximately four to six weeks ago. The cubs, both male, weighed in at approximately six pounds. Based on last year's breeding status, the Conway bear is one of 16 radio-collared sows believed to have given birth this winter.
While newborn cubs are too small to tag or collar, MassWildlife records each cub's physical condition, weight and gender. Biologists also check the physical condition of mother bears, as well as the condition and fit of their radio collars.
Information gathered at the den in Conway today adds to that compiled through one of longest, continuous studies of black bears in the United States. DFG's Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) began the study with the Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in 1970.
MassWildlife has been solely responsible for the project since 1999 and is currently examining reproductive success, cub survival, adult female survival and human-bear interactions. Numbering only about 100 bears when the study began, the Massachusetts black bear population has grown to approximately 3,000 today.
Winter Storm Resources
Visit the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency's (MEMA) website for information on weathering the aftermath of Nemo. Available information includes roof collapse and storm drain safety, tips to stay safe while cleaning up after the storm, power outage safety tips, how to find updates on Twitter using the hashtag #MAStorm, non-emergency help and shelter info and instructions on how to receive storm alerts on your cellphone.
Resources to help you find a job in 2013
Finding a job can be difficult, so Massachusetts offers a number of programs and services to help job seekers find work. Massachusetts One-Stop Career Centers connect workers and employers through job fairs and workshops, while the office of Labor and Workforce Development offers detailed job hunting information, including tips on writing a resume and cover letter, interviewing and networking, as well as career planning advice. The state also offers a variety of training opportunities for job seekers to obtain the education and skills needed for good paying jobs and careers. Additionally, special Section 30 Training Benefits programs exist for the unemployed. Please click here to learn more.
Ways to Save Money on Your Winter Heating Bills
Whether you heat your home with gas, oil, electricity or some other fuel you can save money by "winterizing your home." By taking steps to make your home more energy efficient you will lower your energy consumption and thereby reduce your heating bill. Click here to view 15 things to do now to winterize your home.
Mobile ticketing for Commuter Rail now available
Commuter Rail customers: Buy your single-ride, 10-ride tickets, and monthly passes via the MBTA's new mobile app for smartphones. Single and 10-ride tickets are now available for the Fitchburg, Haverhill, Lowell, and Newburyport/Rockport Lines. Purchase your monthly pass from your smartphone. No waiting required. Please click here to learn more.
2013 outdoor recreational licenses available
Purchase your 2013 hunting, sporting, fishing and trapping license online, at any walk-in license vendor location, or at the MassWildlife District office. Please click here for more information.
New Health Care Cost Containment Website
Governor Patrick launched the next phase of health care reform, signing legislation that builds on the Commonwealth's nation-leading access to care through landmark measures that will lower costs and make quality, affordable care a reality for all Massachusetts residents. The mission of the Center of Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) is to improve health care quality and contain health care costs by critically examining the Massachusetts health care system and providing objective information, developing and recommending policies, and implementing strategies that benefit the people of MA. Click here to visit CHIA's website which outlines information on the law, notice of upcoming events and a single portal for connecting with other health care related state agencies, authorities and commissions.
Get Emergency Information on Your Smartphone
Ping4alerts! is a new mobile communications app for alerting the public in emergencies and disasters. Through geofencing technology, ping4alerts! enables the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to send highly targeted, instant multimedia alerts to iPhone and Android devices to notify citizens about situations and events happening near them. The ping4alerts! FREE mobile app is one way that MEMA sends emergency information and messages. To learn more, click here.
Do you have unclaimed property in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts State Treasury has identified hundreds of thousands of new individuals, charities and businesses over the last six months that are entitled to over $60 million in unclaimed property. As part of an effort to return this money, the Treasury will be publishing in newspapers a list of names identified over the past six months owed more than $100.
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 unclaimed and turned over to the Treasury for safekeeping after three years with no activity. In addition to the $60 million that the Treasury identified over the last six months, the Commonwealth is holding over $2 billion in trust until rightful owners can be identified.
The newly released list will include 11 accounts over $100,000, 23 accounts between $50,000 and $100,000, 434 accounts between $10,000 and $50,000 and 10,795 accounts in excess of $1,000. Due to space constraints the list will not include the names of approximately 297,000 individuals identified in the last six months who are owed less than $100, but anyone can easily check to see if they are owed money at www.findmassmoney.com or by calling 888-344-MASS (6277). One in ten people in Massachusetts has unclaimed property in their name.
Mass.gov Offers Open Government Website
To foster an "open government," Mass.gov offers information about legislative and regulatory processes, public records, campaign finance reports, lobbyist registrations and reports, open meetings and more. Residents can also get details on the state budget, see where the state's money comes from, locate a law on a topic that is of interest to you or obtain information on any city or town in Massachusetts. Residents can also view detailed information on state government spending. To learn more and visit the site, click here.
MassDOT RMV Customer Service has New Number
MassDOT announced a new telephone number for Registry of Motor Vehicles business and transactions, 857-DOT-8000/857-368-8000. The number serves the RMV's Call Center which answers an average of 45,000 calls each month. Over the next year, customers will become familiar with the 857-DOT area code and exchange as MassDOT offices across the Commonwealth transition to the new number. The telephone transition will result in annual phone bill and maintenance savings of approximately $422,000.
Concerned about lead in your home?
Lead is a toxic metal that can come from a number of materials found in and around our homes, including old paint and contaminated soil. If you have lead pipes, or brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures, it can enter your drinking water via the plumbing. Lead exposure frequently occurs without any symptoms, and can cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and death. Children six years old and younger are most at risk. The state offers information about lead and removing it from your home. To learn more, visit the Health and Human Services' website.
File for unemployment insurance benefits online or by phone
The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) administers the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, providing temporary assistance to unemployed Massachusetts workers. Click here to get help with filing a new claim.
Find Volunteer Opportunities at Connect & Serve Connect & Serve is a free web-based volunteer portal administered by the Massachusetts Service Alliance. The Connect & Serve website is a valuable resource for organizations who recruit volunteers and for individuals who wish to find fulfilling volunteer opportunities in their communities. Click here to find a volunteer opportunity near you.
Connect & Serve's user-friendly design has many features to increase the visibility of opportunities across the state, including a quick search function highlighting impact areas, an easy zip-code radius search, and a monthly service projects calendar. All volunteer opportunities are promoted through a statewide collaboration with volunteer connector agencies to build awareness to a wider audience in all regions of the state.
Exciting New Veterans Resource!
The Patrick 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.
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 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. 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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