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News from Beacon Hill
Rep. Stanley Votes to Reaffirm Commitment to Investing in Local Aid and Transportation
Rep. Stanley joined his colleagues in the Legislature to unanimously pass legislation that provides essential local aid to cities and towns. The unanimous votes override the Administration's veto of $177 million in unrestricted general government aid (UGGA). The funds, originally included in the Legislature's FY14 budget, mark the first increase in UGGA since FY10. The legislation provides $920.23 in UGGA, a $21.25 million increase from FY13.
The House and Senate also cleared the two-thirds majority to enact a transportation finance plan that guarantees $805 million in new resources for the transportation system by Fiscal Year 2018 and includes all tax provisions assumed in both the House and Senate Fiscal Year 2014 budgets, generating $500 million in new tax revenue. Both the local aid and transportation legislation are now passed into law.
Rep. Stanley Cosigns Letter to Abolish, or Retroactively Extend the Statue of Limitations in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Rep. Stanley joined Rep. Lawn, Sen. Brownsberger and other colleagues by signing a letter to Speaker DeLeo and Senate President Murray, requesting the opportunity to vote to abolish, or retroactively extend the Statue of Limitations in child sexual abuse cases. Many victims are not ready when the statute expires for them at the present age of 21. An extension will help older victims by giving them their day in court and encourage victims to come forward and expose predators and protect children.
Legislature Passes Sales Tax Holiday Bill
Rep. Stanley approved a bill creating a sales tax holiday on August 10th and 11th, marking the eighth year the Commonwealth will provide a two-day sales tax exemption. The legislation is designed to increase sales for local businesses and provide relief to consumers, particularly as families prepare for a new school year. As in previous years, the sales tax holiday will apply to purchases under $2,500. It excludes vehicles, motorized boats, tobacco, meals and utilities. The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.
Senate votes to study the feasibility of hosting the 2024 summer Olympics in MA
By a vote of 38-1, the MA Senate passed a resolution to study the feasibility of hosting the 2024 summer Olympics in the Commonwealth. The resolve creates a nine-member commission, requesting that the commission report back by March 1, 2014 after examining the prospects of working with other New England states and examining impacts on infrastructure, transportation, lodging, event locations, security, costs and benefits. The resolve requests that the commission hold its firsts official meeting by Sept. 30, 2013. The resolve now moves to the House for consideration.
Massachusetts Military Reservation is Renamed Joint Base Cape Cod
Governor Patrick signed Executive Order to change the name of the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) to Joint Base Cape Cod to more accurately reflect the ongoing missions and collaborative partnerships happening on the base. Joint Base Cape Cod is the largest military installation in geographical size in the Commonwealth, covering 22,000 acres on Upper Cape Cod, and is a uniquely organized joint installation with components from the Army National Guard (Camp Edwards), Air National Guard (Otis Air National Guard Base), United States Coast Guard (Air Station Cape Cod) and United States Air Force (6th Space Warning Squadron PavePAWS). In addition, there are close to 30 other tenants on JBCC with affiliation to the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and other federal, state and county entities. JBCC employs nearly 4,000 full and part-time military, federal and state civilian employees and had an economic impact of $405 million in 2011.
Renaming the MMR at this time will serve several important purposes to properly brand the base, more accurately reflect both the current and future joint relationships that exist on base, support the base commanders' need and desire to link themselves more closely together, and coordinate activities between the base commanders through the JBCC Executive Director and the base's Joint Oversight Group. Renaming the base also better positions the overall installation and the important missions conducted there against potential downsizing initiatives such as BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure Commission), Force Realignments and Mission Changes.
Governor Patrick Celebrates the 150th Anniversary of Massachusetts' 54th Regiment
Governor Patrick honored the famed 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment at a ceremony commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Wagner in Charleston, S.C. Joined by descendants of the officers and soldiers and flanked by the color guard of the 54th Regiment, Gov. Patrick then laid a wreath in honor of the bravery of the first black regiment from the North in the Civil War 150 years ago. Speakers and presenters included: Governor Patrick, Secretary of Health Human Services John Polanowicz, Executive Director of the Museum of African American History Beverly Morgan-Welch, Berklee College of Music Assistant Professor Jerome Kyles, poet, musician and educator Regie Gibson, and Harry Pratt, a descendent of Colonel Edward Needles Hallowell who was an officer in the Union Army and commander of the 54th Regiment after the death of Colonel Shaw.
The 54th Massachusetts Regiment was officially authorized by the War Department in January 1863 and was composed primarily of free black soldiers. The Regiment was recruited by Governor John Andrew, Frederick Douglass and other abolitionist leaders after the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation that same year. The Regiment was commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, who was the son of Boston abolitionists and formerly a Captain in the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry before accepting this ground breaking command. Colonel Shaw led the Regiment's attack on July 18, 1863, at the Battle of Fort Wagner, which represented a turning point for the nation, the 54th Regiment and the eventual outcome of the Civil War. This battle encouraged further enlistment and mobilization of African American troops; some 200,000 would serve by the end of the war, a key development that President Abraham Lincoln once noted as helping to secure the final victory, and gave the Union Army a much needed numerical advantage over the South.
MA to Partner with Feds on Food Stamp Fraud Crackdown
State and local law enforcement will be able to investigate retailers engaged in food stamp trafficking under a new agreement with the United States Agriculture Department. USDA Northeast Regional Administrator James Arena-DeRosa signed an agreement with state Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Stacey Monahan to allow MA to collaborate on investigations and gain access to federal database analysis that highlights suspicious transactions. The DTA administers the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program through EBT cards. Four municipalities, including Everett, Taunton, Attleboro and Pittsfield, have signed sub-agreements with USDA to conduct local investigations.
Governor Patrick Announces District Court Nominations
Governor Patrick announced two judicial nominations: Cesar A. Archilla as Associate Justice of the District Court, Circuit; and Thomas L. Finigan as Associate Justice of the Stoughton District Court.
Cesar A. Archilla has served as a member of the Massachusetts Parole Board since 2010. Prior to this appointment, he worked for four years as a criminal defense attorney in Salem and for over six years as an Assistant District Attorney in Essex County. Archilla also worked for 13 years prior to becoming an attorney at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. He is a graduate of Atlantic Union College (B.S., 1986) and Suffolk University Law School (J.D., 1998). Archilla resides in Swampscott. He is slated to fill a circuit position on the District Court.
Thomas L. Finigan is the Chief of the Narcotics Unit and a member of the Homicide Team at the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office. He joined the office as an Assistant District Attorney in 1997. Finigan's legal career also includes five years as an associate at Choate, Hall & Stewart and five years as an investment attorney for The New England in Boston. Finigan is a graduate of Boston College (B.S., 1982) and Boston College Law School (J.D., 1985). He is a resident of Milton. If confirmed, Finigan will fill the vacancy on the Stoughton District Court created by the retirement of the Honorable Francis T. Crimmins.
Governor Patrick Announces $31 Million in Federal Block Grants for Community Improvements
Governor Patrick announced that 38 cities and towns across the Commonwealth will receive $31 million in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to support housing rehabilitation, public service projects and local infrastructure. The CDBG program is the Commonwealth's largest available resource for neighborhood revitalization projects and helps meet the housing and public service needs of low- and moderate-income communities while building and repairing infrastructure vital to the health and safety of all residents. The infrastructure projects help communities create and maintain jobs while providing important improvements to the lives of residents in each city and town. Historically, 40 percent of CDBG funds distributed have been used for these job-creating projects.
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and funds are distributed by DHCD to cities and towns in Massachusetts with populations of less than 50,000. Eligible communities with populations greater than 50,000 receive program funding directly from HUD. Communities may apply for CDBG funding for activities including: housing rehabilitation projects, infrastructure repair or replacement, construction or rehabilitation of public facilities, neighborhood improvement projects, economic development loans and other business assistance programs, social service upgrades, downtown improvement projects and architectural barrier removal and planning. The maximum grant for a single community is $900,000. Regional applications are accepted.
New Website Features Improvements
Updates to the public website will allow users to personalize their experience when navigating bills, committees, hearing information and connecting with legislators. Through "MyLegislature" users can create a user-id and password to access their secure MyLegislature account. Users can identify specific bills, hearings, committees and legislators that they are interested in following and their personalized homepage will display each selection. Any hearings scheduled for their selected committees will automatically be included in their MyLegislature hearing list. In addition, users can further personalize MyLegislature by identifying any accessibility needs. The updated website also includes an easy-to-use format to connect with legislators. The public website can be found at www.malegislature.gov.
UI Online, a new web-based unemployment insurance system
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) announced the launch of a new web-based unemployment insurance (UI) system known as UI Online effective July 1. UI Online will provide easier access to services for employers and jobseekers streamline the claims process and strengthen the state's ability to prevent, detect and rectify UI fraud. With UI Online, services currently offered by telephone or via an in-person visit will now also be available on the web. To learn more, click here.
Summer Reading for Children, Teens and Adults
Find a reading program at the library, get new book suggestions for readers of all ages, and spend time relaxing with a good book on your next vacation. Click here to learn more.
First-Time Homebuyer Tips
Spring is a popular time to think about purchasing a home, and as a first-time homebuyer in Massachusetts, you may have questions about the process. Luckily, there are state and federal programs to help you through it, including assistance with down payments - being a low- to moderate-income household does not necessarily mean you can't own the home of your dreams - seminars and more. Click here to learn three great tips on buying a home.
Boston to Cape Cod Weekend Rail Service
State transportation announced weekend rail service between South Station in Boston and Hyannis on Cape Cod from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There will be space for bikes on the train, which will connect with Cape Cod bus and ferry services. On Fridays, the commuter rail will depart South Station at 5:12 p.m. for Middleborough and will continue to Hyannis. Additionally, trains will depart Boston at 8 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Returns trips will leave Hyannis at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Fares are $20 one-way and $35 round-trip.
Check out the NEW Massachusetts Business One-Stop
Are you doing business in Massachusetts or just getting started? Our one-stop business portal has the information and tools to help you succeed. Click here to learn more.
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.
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.
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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