FY2015 State Budget Released

On Wednesday, January 22, 2014, Governor Patrick submitted his Fiscal Year 2015 budget proposal to the House of Representatives.  The final budget (after it is enacted by the Legislature and approved by the Governor) will take effect on July 1, 2014 and will run through June 30, 2015. To learn more about the budget process, click here.

Rep. Stanley Co-chairs FY15 Joint Committee Budget Hearing

On Monday, February 10th, Rep. Stanley, Representative Carolyn Dykema and Senator Patricia Jehlen hosted a Fiscal Year 2015 Joint Ways and Means Committee budget hearing at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown.   Rep. Stanley and his colleagues heard testimony from agencies including the Dept. of Children and Families, Dept. of Youth Services, Dept. of Transitional Assistance, Dept. of Developmental Disabilities- Disabled Persons Protection Commission, Mass. Rehab Commission, Mass. Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Mass. Commission for the Blind and Office of Refugees.

Rep. Stanley files bill to help raise funds for services and staff to care for the developmentally disabled

To help fix the funding crisis within our state's human service system, Rep. Stanley filed a bill to help raise funds for services and staff to care for the developmentally disabled. Rep. Stanley's bill, House Bill 156, would direct 50 percent of sales of institutional properties and 50 percent of savings from running the institutions to fund Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2008, the state's evidence-based rate setting process

Rep. Stanley filed the bill in response to the state's efforts to move from institution-based care to community services and support. An institutional closure plan is in place to downsize and close institutions across the state. However, community-based human service providers have not received a statewide adjustment to rates for the cost of their services since 1987. These providers need to be funded properly to meet federal court orders regarding the closure plan.  Rep. Stanley's bill will help solve this funding problem and help provide critical care for the developmentally disabled. 

Rep. Stanley's Vote Confirms Commitment to Investing in Local Aid and Transportation 

Rep. Stanley and his House colleagues approved a $12.7 billion bond bill to assist Massachusetts communities in paying for local transportation-related projects.   The bond bill authorizes $300 million in Chapter 90 funding to help cities and towns complete road, bridge and infrastructure improvement projects. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the House has either raised or level-funded Chapter 90. The legislation also includes a provision designating South Station the "Governor Michael S. Dukakis Transportation Center at South Station."

The legislation will improve and modernize the state's infrastructure system through projects including:

$2.97 billion for state-wide roadway and bridge projects; $350 million in investments for Regional Transit Authority improvements; $125 million to support the Department of Conservation in preserving and improving historic parkways; and $2.5 billion for MBTA rail improvements including new Red and Orange Line cars. The bill also includes $50 million in grant monies for the 'complete streets' project which supports investments that accommodate users including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit.

Rep. Stanley questions Commissioner Olga Roche

Rep. Stanley and his legislative colleagues questioned the State Dept. of Children and Oversight Commissioner Olga Roche concerning the tragic disappearance of Jeremiah Oliver. According to the Commissioner, in this particular case, the social worker did not falsify reports. He/she simply did not visit the child for an extended period of time. Three employees have been fired.

Rep. Stanley Helps Pass Supplementary Budget, Freezes Unemployment Insurance Rate

Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that, for the fifth consecutive year, freezes a scheduled increase in the unemployment insurance (UI) assessment paid by all employers.   This action is estimated to relieve the average employer from an approximate 30 percent increase for UI per employee while allowing employees to receive the same benefits under this rate. In the coming months the House plans to systemically improve the UI system as it addresses minimum wage.  The bill also provides increased funding for the Department of Children and Families (DCF), homelessness programs, and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  This bill passed the House 146 to 2 and now moves on to the Senate.

The supplemental budget allocates $2.78 million to DCF, thus providing adequate funds to meet the department's request of a 15:1 caseload ratio. This action follows increases in DCF funding over the past three budget cycles.

Because the House recognizes the challenges residents face during the winter, this legislation provides an additional $20 million for heating assistance and about $45 million to provide low-income homeless families with access to housing. Additionally, the Department of Transportation may spend up to additional $50 million for snow and ice removal dependent on the state's needs.

The bill includes a $15 million recapitalization of the Brownfield's redevelopment fund which will allow the current pipeline of projects to continue and increase development opportunities on currently vacant and underutilized properties across the Commonwealth.

Rep. Stanley and the House of Representatives in unanimously approving a bill to further enhance the state's ability to anticipate, repair and guard against natural gas leaks to improve public safety.  The bill establishes an infrastructure replacement program to accelerate the process of replacing aging pipelines in a manner that can lower capital costs for companies and gas rates for consumers. The legislation also creates uniform classification standards with corresponding requirements and timelines for repair, surveillance or reevaluation. The bill now moves to the Senate.

The legislation establishes a Gas Expansion Program which makes natural gas service available to new consumers and allows companies to offer financing programs to those switching to natural gas. This should result in cost savings for households, businesses and municipalities.  Additionally, anticipated improvements will reduce greenhouse emissions as an estimated 5,600 leak-prone pipes in Massachusetts are repaired.

The legislation will also require gas companies to coordinate surveys, replacements and repairs with municipalities and state paving organizations; mandate gas companies to report location, classification and date of leak to DPU; authorize DPU to establish a minimum winter patrol standard for cast-iron pipelines; and increase worker safety by requiring minimum safety standards for utility infrastructure.

MA Takes Actions to Ensure All Residents Have Access to Health Care Coverage

Governor Patrick announced a series of actions that will provide a clear path forward to developing a fully functioning website that will give residents easy access to the choice, benefits and expanded subsidies created by the Affordable Care Act. The Governor announced the appointment of Sarah Iselin as a temporary new Special Assistant to the Governor for Project Delivery to lead the consolidated state government management of website functionality, and the formation of a new technology and policy partnership with Optum to complete the Health Connector website. These actions will ensure that Massachusetts will provide excellent online customer service while remaining the national leader in health care reform and coverage.

$42 Million for Community Partnerships to Promote Health and Wellness

Forty million in grants were awarded to nine community-based partnerships to help fight chronic illness and improve health outcomes while reducing health care costs. Part of the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund, this first-in-the-nation effort is part of a $60 million grant over four years created by the Legislature and administered by the Department of Public Health (DPH).

The Fund supports community-based partnerships in achieving measurable health goals through research-based interventions. Working together, municipalities, healthcare systems, community organizations, businesses, regional planning organizations and schools design community-specific programs addressing issues such as: hypertension, smoking, falls prevention among older adults and pediatric asthma. As a condition of funding, each partnership must achieve specified health and cost saving benchmarks on at least two of the four health issues prioritized by the Trust.

Funded partnerships will work to reduce rates of the most prevalent and preventable health conditions, advance healthy behaviors, increase the adoption of workplace wellness or health management programs and address health disparities. 

Massachusetts Approves 20 Registered Marijuana Dispensaries

The Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana (MMJ) Program announced the first 20 Registered Marijuana Dispensaries approved for provisional licensure to operate, which will lead to patient access and hundreds of jobs across the Commonwealth. The Registered Marijuana Dispensary Selection Committee made their selections based on a review of 100 Phase 2 finalists, using objective scoring guided by state procurement principles. The process included extensive background checks and was based on factors such as overall quality of the application, appropriateness of the site, local support, and the applicant's ability to meet the overall health needs of registered patients while ensuring public safety.

The law, overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2012, allows for up to 35 dispensaries across the state. The first 20 approved dispensaries will be spread across 10 of Massachusetts' 14 counties. All approved applicants are non-profit entities responsible for seed-to-sale control of the business, including the dispensary and secure cultivation facility.

Governor Patrick Announces Two Boston Municipal Court Nominations

Governor Patrick announced two judicial nominations: Debra A. DelVecchio as Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court, East Boston Division and Lisa A. Grant as Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court, South Boston Division. DelVecchio has maintained a criminal and civil litigation practice based in Salem since 1995. Her prior legal experience includes three years as Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County, three years as a Department of Justice tax attorney and four years as a litigation associate at a Boston firm.  Grant has practiced law in Boston for 29 years, including the past 24 years as a sole practitioner in Boston. She maintains an active litigation practice with a concentration on criminal defense.

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Opens New Vertex Facility in Boston

Governor Patrick joined Vertex Pharmaceutical's leadership, industry stakeholders and state and local officials to celebrate the grand opening of the company's new 1.1 million-square-foot global headquarters at 11 Fan Pier Boulevard in Boston. Construction began in June 2011, and a 15-year lease for the space was signed in May 2011. Vertex is a global biotechnology company that aims to discover, develop and commercialize innovative new medicines so people with serious diseases can lead better lives.  The new facility, encompassing two connected buildings, is designed to stimulate collaboration and attract new talent to Vertex.

Massachusetts Launches Landmark Initiative to Reduce Recidivism among At-Risk Youth

The Commonwealth launched the nation's largest financial investment in a Pay for Success (PFS) initiative, which is designed to improve outcomes for hundreds of at-risk young men in the probation system or leaving the juvenile justice system. The Massachusetts Juvenile Justice Pay for Success Initiative will not only improve the lives of young people, but also reduce crime, promote safer and stronger communities and save taxpayer dollars.  The Commonwealth's PFS initiative is part of an ongoing commitment by the Patrick Administration to reform the juvenile justice system and provide tools to keep youth on the right track to achieve future success.

This initiative, in partnership with Roca, Inc., Third Sector Capital Partners and commercial and philanthropic funders, is the largest PFS financial investment in the country and is designed to encourage innovative solutions to chronic social problems and improve outcomes for individuals in Massachusetts. PFS contracts allow governments with limited resources to expand innovative social programs and only pay for those that actually make a difference.

Governor Patrick Announces $12M Investment in Summer Jobs for At-Risk Youth

Governor Patrick announced a $12 million investment in the successful YouthWorks Summer Jobs Program as part of his Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Budget proposal. The investment is a $3 million increase over the FY14 budget, and will provide youth across the Commonwealth with opportunities to gain valuable work experience while simultaneously building stronger and safer communities.  The YouthWorks Program, a summer jobs program, provides subsidized employment to low-income and at-risk youth ages 14-21 in 31 communities across the Commonwealth. These employment opportunities provide youth with job experience, beneficial career skills and a chance to give back to their communities.

Kaprielian Appointed Secretary Of Labor and Workforce Development

Governor Patrick appointed Rachel Kaprielian, the current Registrar of the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), as Secretary of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD). Secretary Joanne F. Goldstein is departing the Administration to accept a job at Northeastern University as an Associate Vice President. The Governor will join Secretary Goldstein and Registrar Kaprielian for the announcement at noon today in Doric Hall at the Massachusetts State House.

Kaprielian brings to her new position the expertise and experience needed to serve the Commonwealth's workers, job seekers and employers. As Registrar and State Representative, Kaprielian has advocated for smart and consumer-friendly policies, innovative job training initiatives, comprehensive pension reform, municipal and regional organizational reforms, aggressive anti-tobacco policies and Early Intervention programs for at-risk children. As Secretary, she will oversee the Commonwealth's five labor and workforce agencies: the Departments of Unemployment Assistance, Career Services, Labor Standards, Industrial Accidents, and Labor Relations as well as the quasi-public agency Commonwealth Corporation.

Governor Patrick Signs Executive Order to Create Safer, More Secure Schools

Governor Patrick signed Executive Order No. 548 establishing a cross-Secretariat Task Force on School Safety and Security. This Task Force will be charged with developing a model school safety and security plan that school districts can adapt and implement to ensure that students and educators are safe in the event of an emergency situation. Governor Patrick signed the executive order this morning following a roundtable discussion with parents, educators, public safety and public health officials at the A.C. Whelan Elementary and Susan B. Anthony Middle School complex in Revere.

State Announces $50M for Comprehensive Climate Change Preparedness Initiatives

Governor Patrick announced a $50 million investment for a statewide plan to address the present and future impacts of climate change in Massachusetts. These investments will assess and address vulnerabilities in public health, transportation, energy and the Commonwealth's built environment. 

The plan includes a $40 million municipal resilience grant program, to be administered by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), that will enable cities and towns to harden energy services at critical sites using clean energy technology. The grants will be funded through Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP), which are paid by electric retail suppliers if they have insufficient Renewable or Alternative Energy Certificates to meet their compliance obligations under the Renewable and Alternative Portfolio Standard programs.

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will work with utilities to determine ways to accelerate storm hardening and deploy micro-grids and resiliency projects for transmission and distribution. In addition, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) will establish an inventory of generation facilities vulnerability and preparedness plans.

Operation Money Wise

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.