News from Beacon Hill

Lincoln and Lexington Receive MCC Grants

The Massachusetts Cultural Council recently awarded $14 million in grants to the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF) which will support new building projects for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, schools and communities across Massachusetts. The grants will fund 81 projects that will expand access and education in the arts, history, and sciences; create jobs in construction and cultural tourism and improve the quality of life in many cities and towns across Massachusetts.

The Lexington Historical Society will receive a grant for $80,000for accessibility improvements, and life safety and systems upgrades. The Massachusetts Audubon Society in Lincoln will receive $80,000 to replace and upgrade components of three exhibition structures on Drumlin Farm. The DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Lincoln will receive $100,000 for Phase 1 of its 2020 Master Plan that incorporates consolidating staff offices and relocating the museum café for year-round accessibility.

With these new grants the Mass Cultural Facilities Fund will have invested nearly $70 million in the Massachusetts creative sector in projects in 118 cities and towns since 2007. These grants have helped restore and preserve many of our Commonwealth's historic buildings, leveraging private sector dollars that have kept our travel and tourism sector growing and thriving.  More than 15 million people visit organizations funded by the Mass Cultural Facilities Fund annually, with nearly one third of those visitors coming from out-of-state.

State officials recently held a groundbreaking for the Route 2 Bridges project in Lexington. The $50.3 million project will replace the structurally deficient bridges that carry traffic on the busy Route 2 corridor over Interstate 95. The work will be performed using accelerated bridge construction to complete the project more quickly and with less impact on the public.  For an update on construction July 14-July 25, click here. 

The project includes two new bridges providing three travel lanes and one auxiliary lane in each direction. The work also includes realignment of portions of Route 2 to improve clearance over I-95, along with reconstruction and resurfacing of a two-mile section of I-95.

The contractor for the design-build project is SPS New England, Inc. A design/build project allows construction to begin almost immediately on critical elements of a project even as final design elements are being approved.

The bridge and highway designs are scheduled to be completed in early 2015 with construction complete by November 2016.  MassDOT issued the notice to proceed with the project on April 22 following the passage of the Transportation Bond Bill.

During construction, a minimum of two travel lanes and one auxiliary lane will be maintained in each direction on Route 2.  A minimum of four travel lanes and one auxiliary lane in each direction will be maintained on I-95 during peak travel times.  

Rep. Stanley Attends DCR Event to Kick Off Charles River Weed Clean Up

Rep. Stanley sponsored an amendment to the FY15 House budget for $350,000 to fund aquatic invasive weed (water chestnuts) removal in the Charles River Lakes District. Reps. Khan and Lawn and Sens. Creem and Barrett also sponsored the amendment. Funding in this amount was passed in the House but reduced to $150,000 in the Senate.

To kick off the clean-up, he attended a Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) event on the Charles to kick off the weed cleanup.  Thanks to FY14 funding, DCR expects to clear the weeds from the Lakes District this summer using large scale mechanical harvesters. Because these weeds are prolific and hardy, elimination will likely require another 3-4 years of mechanical harvesting after which whatever weeds remain can be controlled with a low-cost maintenance program. The outlook when finished: a restored river providing rich habitat and a full range of recreation opportunities. Downstream areas will also be protected from the spread of these invasive species.

Rep. Stanley hears testimony at House Post Audit and Oversight Hearing on DCF

Rep. Stanley and his colleagues on the House Post Audit and Oversight Committee questioned DCF Interim Commissioner Erin Deveney at a recent hearing. Deveney and staff along with the CWLA and SEUI 509 representatives testified regarding progress within the Department of Children and Families (DCF).   Deveney was appointed as Interim Commissioner two and a half months ago by Governor Patrick and Secretary Polanowicz.

Since being appointed, Interim Commissioner Deveney has implemented a 60-day action plan based on the recommendations found in the Child Welfare League of America's report on the agency. DCF has implemented an enhanced supervision model and training program for FY15, improved mobile technology and revised a visitation guide to ensure consistent and valuable observations from each visit.

Rep. Stanley Attends Sexual Abuse Bill Signing

Rep. Stanley stood with other legislators, advocates and victims as Gov. Patrick signed a bill filed by Rep. John Lawn and himself that will provide sexual abuse victims like Rozanne Sliney the chance at justice. Last month, Rep. Stanley and his colleagues in the House voted in favor of Rep. John Lawn's bill to extend the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual assault to bring civil claims against their abusers.  Rep. Stanley cosponsored the bill which will enable victims of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits up until the time they turn 53 years old, an additional 35 years on top of what is currently allowed.   The bill will also increase from three years to seven years the period in which a lawsuit can be filed after the recovery of repressed memories of childhood abuse. 

Legislature Passes Balanced FY15 Budget

Rep. Stanley and his colleagues in the Legislatures passed a $36.5 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15) focused on economic growth and increased government accountability and oversight. The spending plan makes important investments in local aid, education, and human services including substance abuse treatment and prevention and mental health care.

This budget enhances the Commonwealth's partnerships with cities and towns through numerous funding streams including $945.8 million to Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), a $25.5 million increase from FY14 and $4.4 billion for Chapter 70, a record funding level. The spending plan provides $257.5 million for the Special Education Circuit Break, ensuring full funding for the third consecutive year and $70.3 million for Regional School Transportation to reimburse municipalities at 90 percent, marking the highest rate in the program's history.

In addition to educational investments through local aid, this year's budget extends Massachusetts ongoing commitment to strengthening its educational systems to foster equality and provide residents with a competitive edge. The budget allocates $15 million to expand access to early education and funds a grant program at $9.1 million to support Early Head Start and Head Start programs. The budget also prioritizes higher education through investments in state universities, community colleges and the University of Massachusetts and includes $519 million for UMass which will enable a freeze in tuition and fees for the second year. In addition, the budget dedicates money to implement the STEM Starter Academy, an initiative created in the FY14 budget aimed at strengthening and expanding STEM programming in community colleges.

Rep. Stanley Helps Pass Comprehensive, Balanced Gun Violence Legislation

Rep. Stanley helped pass comprehensive gun violence legislation which, for the first time, authorizes a police chief to deny a firearm identification (FID) card if there is credible information that the applicant poses a public safety risk, authorizes licensed gun dealers to access criminal offender record information (CORI) and prohibits a convicted felon from acquiring a FID card. The bill passed the House 112 to 38.

The bill enhances record-keeping efforts and takes decisive steps to curtail gun trafficking by establishing a criminal firearms and trafficking unit within the State Police. To address any loopholes created by secondary sales, the legislation requires the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) to create an online portal for private sales. This will ensure that secondary sales are subject to proper monitoring and information sharing without placing an additional burden on gun owners. The bill also requires local licensing authorities to trace any firearm used to commit a crime and report relevant data, brings Massachusetts into compliance with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, and requires gun dealers to obtain a CORI check when hiring employees.

To improve violence prevention, the bill creates a more standardized licensing process. While law enforcement officials have a procedure for issuing a license to carry (LTC), which is used to purchase or possess any legal firearm including hand guns, this bill establishes a similar process for the issuance of a FID card which is used for a shotgun or rifle. The legislation specifies that a person may only be denied a FID card or LTC based on unsuitability if they are deemed a risk to public safety based on reliable information. It also updates the law so that a licensing authority, upon a determination of unsuitability, must provide the applicant with the specific reasons for such determination in writing.

The legislation increases the fine for failure to report a lost or stolen firearm; requires applicants renewing their LTC or FID cards to verify that they have not lost any firearms or had any firearms stolen; establishes penalties for gun dealers who fail to report a lost or stolen weapon; and increases the penalties for improper storage while improving related awareness and education measures for gun owners.

The legislation includes provisions that will have immediate effects on school safety as well as provisions that will result in identifying best practices. It directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to develop a safe and supportive schools framework that each school district will then individualize and implement, and requires school districts to have a school resource officer to provide security services. The bill also requires schools to develop plans to address the mental health needs of their students; requires schools to have two-way communication devices for specific use with police and fire officials; increases the penalty for carrying a firearm on school grounds and makes the offense a statutory right of arrest; and establishes a special commission to study and report on mental, emotional and behavioral health in public schools.

This legislation extends the House's commitment to addressing mental health problems and preventing domestic violence. It includes a number of provisions to ensure law enforcement officials have appropriate public documents relating to applicants' health and criminal histories and requires courts to report information regarding domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health. More than 60 percent of all firearm deaths are categorized as suicides. The bill heightens suicide prevention efforts and training for educators, health care providers and firearm owners and dealers. It also directs the Department of Public Health (DPH) to collect, analyze and report on suicides and creates a physician training program so doctors can advise on suicide and the risk posed by guns in homes.

The legislation does not disqualify individuals with a misdemeanor punishable by less than two years from acquiring a firearm; eliminates the 90 day renewal process for FID cards and ensures legal protection for individuals who have applied for renewal; lowers fines for expired cards; allows individuals to petition for judicial review for any restrictions placed on licenses; and allows minors to hunt with supervision of an individual who holds a FID or LTC card.

The legislation also eliminates Class B licenses; increases the punishment for being armed with a firearm while carjacking; and establishes penalties for unlawfully transporting firearms into the Commonwealth for the commission of criminal activity or unlawful distribution.

Residents will vote on four ballot questions on 11/4

Election Day is set for November 4th, 2014 and voters will see four questions on the ballot, according to

Secretary of State William Galvin, the state's elections chief.  The questions will include the potential of the elimination of gas tax inflation indexing at the top, the proposed expansion of the bottle deposit law, the initiative aiming to repeal the 2011 casino law and an initiative looking to guarantee earned sick time for employees.

Rep. Stanley and House Pass Legislation to Combat Substance Abuse Epidemic

Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that increases access to treatment for individuals confronting substance addition and takes significant steps to combat the current epidemic.   The bill seeks to set patients on a path to sustainable recovery by both increasing access to care and improving the standard of care. Under this legislation, all insurance plans in the Commonwealth will cover acute treatment services, clinical stabilization and medical detox for at least ten days, and patients will have access to treatment without having to obtain prior authorization first. Additionally, licensed drug and alcohol counselors will be added to the list of specialists covered to allow these providers to bill insurers for their services. 

The legislation expands on efforts taken by the House last year by allowing for the emergency scheduling of substances by the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health (DPH).  DPH will now have the authority to temporarily categorize a substance as "schedule I' on an emergency basis to avoid imminent hazard to public safety or preserve public health. Additionally, this bill authorizes DPH compile a list of prescription drug drop boxes and other safe locations where people will be able to dispose of excess prescription drugs.

To increase oversight and enhance the Commonwealth's ability to respond to public health problems, this legislation increases the membership of the Drug Formulary Commission (DFC) to include representatives from the Department of Insurance, DPH, Medicaid and chronic pain and addition medicine specialists. The DFC will also be required to recommend a list of chemically equivalent substitutions for opiates that are less likely to be abused to encourage the prescription of abuse-deterrent medications.

House Engrosses Water Infrastructure Bill

The House engrossed legislation that will provide financial assistance to cities and towns for drinking water, wastewater and storm water facilities. The bill includes $3 million in funding for planning and technical assistance grants; adds $50 million annually to the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program which provides loans to municipalities for drinking water, wastewater and storm water facilities and improvements; creates new lower and no-interest loans through the SRF program; and creates a new principal forgiveness/grant program for certain projects; and creates a mechanism that allows the state to provide a 1:1 financial match for connection costs to regional water or wastewater systems, including the MWRA.

The bill provides financial incentives to communities that choose to implement innovative or "green" water management approaches using SRF funding.  It also expands the scope of the Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to include water innovation; provides MassCEC with $1.5 million to leverage private investment by local water innovation companies and startups, which supports a growing cluster of water innovation companies that can create jobs in MA by filling a $960 billion global need for better water management technologies.  Additionally, funding will support the creation of local jobs including planners, engineers and labor.

House, Senate Pass Legislation to Improve Oversight, Licensing and Quality Standards for Compounding Pharmacies; Gov. Signs Bill

Rep. Stanley helped pass final legislation that will increase oversight, improve quality and safety standards, and establish rigorous transparency and accountability practices for pharmacies engaged in the compounding of sterile and complex non-sterile drugs. The bill creates comprehensive and uniform standards that will govern the operations of specialty pharmacies engaged in compounding, an industry that previously lacked consistent standards at both the state and federal level. This legislation was carefully crafted in response to the 2012 meningitis outbreak linked to contaminated drugs produced at the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Massachusetts.  Gov. Patrick signed the bill on 7/10.

The legislation addresses the unique needs of this industry by requiring the Board of Registration in Pharmacy to establish specialty licenses for retail sterile compounding pharmacies, retail complex non-sterile compounding pharmacies, institutional pharmacies, which include hospitals, and out-of-state businesses selling their products in Massachusetts. Additionally, all licensed compounding pharmacies will now be required to adhere to strict quality control protocols, production standards and reporting requirements.

House Passes Strict Campaign Finance Legislation to Improve Transparency of Super PACs

Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that strengthens campaign finance regulations and requires super PACs to disclose their funding sources. To ensure the public has timely and relevant information before voting, the bill updates reporting timeframes and mandates that entities disclose expenditures in state, county and local elections within seven days. Additionally, PACs that run television advertisements would have to list the top five contributors on the commercial. If passed, Massachusetts will be one of two states with this type of provision.

Specifically, the bill requires entities that make independent expenditures (IE) to process four separate reports over a period of time to ensure there are no significant post-election disclosures. If an IE is made within ten days of an election, the report must be electronically filed within 24 hours.  The bill also boosts individual limits on annual campaign contributions from $500 to $1,000, the first increase since 1994.

Legislature Votes to Raise Minimum Wage; Lower Business Costs through Reform

Rep. Stanley helped pass final legislation to increase the minimum wage to $11 per hour by 2017 and lower costs for businesses through an updated unemployment insurance rating table and multi-year rate freeze. Adjusting for inflation, the minimum wage in 1968 would be worth $10.72 today. The compromise legislation increases wages for tipped workers to $3.75 per hour by 2017. Current law sets wages at $2.63 for tipped workers. In addition, the minimum wage for agriculture and farming will increase to $8 per hour from $1.60 per hour under this bill.

As part of unemployment insurance reform, the bill expands the experience rating table to allow stable employers to pay lower rates and require negatively rated employees to pay higher rates, from $0.73 per employee to $11.13 per employee. The expanded rating table also sets the taxable wage base at $15,000, an increase of $1,000 to achieve employer savings while ensuring the maintenance of a health UI trust fund.

House Establishes Framework for Paroling Juvenile Murderers

The House passed legislation in response to recent judicial decisions deeming juvenile sentences without the possibility of parole unconstitutional. The new framework applies to individuals between the ages of 14 and 18 convicted of first-degree murder. Under the legislation, individuals convicted of first-degree murder with "deliberate premeditation with malice aforethought" or "extreme cruelty and atrocity," become eligible for parole in 25 to 30 years. Those convicted of felony murder become parole eligible in 20-25 years.

To shield victims' families from having to testify excessively, the legislation establishes a ten year setback period that allows the parole board to extend the period of time before a prisoner can next present him or herself to the board. This is only applicable in the most extreme cases, when prisoners make no effort to rehabilitate themselves.

DPH Advances 11 Registered Marijuana Dispensary Applicants to Next Phase of Selection Process

The Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that 11 Registered Marijuana Dispensary applicants will advance to the Inspection Phase of the selection process following the successful completion of the Department's Verification Phase, which included enhanced background checks and information verification. These 11 applicants would bring 97 percent of the Commonwealth's population within 30 miles of a Registered Marijuana Dispensary, ensuring patient access across the Commonwealth.

During the verification process, investigative firm Creative Services, Inc. (CSI) completed 176 enhanced individual and corporate background checks on investors, staff and related companies, and conducted investigative interviews with applicants to verify all information submitted as part of their applications. Additionally, DPH contacted more than 200 individuals to verify applicants' representation of local support. The Department also closely reviewed each applicant's business and operational plans, investor lists, source of funds and investments and information resulting from any background checks.

The results of these reviews were used by the executive director to determine which applicants were suitable to advance to the Inspection Phase. Before dispensaries are allowed to open, DPH will conduct inspections on grow-readiness, and processing and retail-readiness to ensure product safety and quality, security, storage and transportation and responsiveness to patient needs. In addition, applicants must complete municipal approval processes, including zoning and permitting before any dispensary is awarded a final Certificate of Registration to open.

Five Applicants Eligible to Apply in Open Counties

The Department has identified five applicants eligible to apply for dispensaries in counties that currently do not have a dispensary (open counties). The application process for eligible applicants seeking to operate in open counties will begin July 9 with the selections scheduled for October of this year.

Massachusetts voters approved the Medical Use of Marijuana ballot initiative in November 2012 with 63 percent of the vote and majority support in 349 of 351 cities and towns. DPH then held listening sessions, engaged stakeholders and passed regulations to promote the program's goals of patient access and public safety.

The 11 applicants selected today to enter the Inspection Phase have previously completed Phase 1, which included an application review; Phase 2, which included initial background checks, an independent expert review, screening by the Selection Committee, and executive director review; and the Verification Phase, which included enhanced individual and corporate background checks, application information verification, business and operational plan review, and funding and investment source review.

Two Trial Attorneys Nominated to District Court Bench

Governor Patrick announced two judicial nominations: William J. O'Grady as Associate Justice of the Chicopee District Court and William A. Rota as Associate Justice of the Southern Berkshire District Court.  William O'Grady has practiced civil and criminal litigation at the firm of Parker & O'Grady in Southampton and Springfield since 1985. He previously worked as a litigation associate for five years at the Springfield firm of Cohen, Rosenthal, Price, Mirkin, Jennings & Berg. O'Grady also has been an Associate City Solicitor in Chicopee since 1986 and in Westfield since 2009.  William Rota has over 30 years of private practice experience in civil and criminal litigation. He has been a sole practitioner in Pittsfield since 2000. Rota worked as an associate and a partner at the Pittsfield firm of Cain, Hibbard, Myers & Cook from 1986 to 2000 and as an associate at a small firm in Boston from 1981 to 1983. He also served as an Assistant District Attorney in Berkshire County from 1983 to 1986, assigned to the District Court.

Governor Patrick Signs Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Legislation

Governor Patrick signed "An Act Establishing a Domestic Worker's Bill of Rights" on June 26th. The bill extends basic work standards and labor protections to approximately 67,000 nannies, housekeepers, care givers and other home workers.  The bill guarantees that domestic workers get breaks for meals and rest, termination notices, and work evaluations. It also clarifies their work duties and state laws regarding what deductions employers can make for food and lodging. The Attorney General's Office has been charged with enforcing the bill of rights once it goes into effect April 1, 2015. The law also ensures that domestic workers are protected from discrimination and sexual harassment and brings their employers under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.

Governor Patrick Signs Legislation to Address Gas Leaks

Governor Patrick signed a bill aimed to ensure public safety, protect the environment, reduce costs and create jobs by reducing potentially hazardous gas leaks in Massachusetts.  The legislation establishes a uniform natural gas leak classification standard for the Commonwealth and requires all Grade 1 leaks, which are the most serious, to be repaired or receive continuous surveillance until the hazard is eliminated. Grade 2 leaks are now required to be repaired within 12 months, while Grade 3 leaks require reevaluation. Gas companies will file an initial plan that includes a timeline for removing all leak-prone infrastructure on an accelerated basis. Every five years, gas companies will provide a summary of its replacement progress to date and a summary of work to be completed during the next five years.

The bill further increases public safety by requiring strong communication between municipalities and gas companies regarding projects exposing gas infrastructure. Gas companies are also required to prioritize any repairs detected within school zones. The bill also calls for the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to design and offer programs that will increase the availability, affordability and feasibility of natural gas service for new customers at the local level.

MA Per Capita Prison Health Care Spending Seventh In U.S.

A study published by the Pew Charitable Trusts and the MacArthur Foundation states that MA spends the 7th highest in the nation on prison health care spending in the U.S.  Contributing factors to the rising costs include the rising age of inmates, close proximity to hospitals and diseases like Hepatitis C and mental illness.  Overall spending on prison health care rose from $81.6 million in 2007 to $95.3 million in 2011, an increase of 17 percent compared to a nationwide 13 percent average.

State Public Health Officials Announce Season's First Positive Mosquito Sample for West Nile Virus

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in a mosquito in Massachusetts for the first time this year. A WNV infection was confirmed by the State Laboratory Institute in a mosquito sample which was collected on July 3 in the Town of Clinton. No human cases of WNV or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been detected so far this year.

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2013, there were eight human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

To learn more about protecting yourself and your loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes, click here. 

Government Center Station Closure

Beginning March 22, 2014, Government Center Station will be closed for two years while crews work to reconstruct the station into a fully accessible, safer, modern, more comfortable facility.  During the Station's closure, both Blue and Green Line trains will pass through Government Center Station but will not stop there.  For more information, click here. 

"MyLegislature" 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.

Check out the 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

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 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.

Health Care Cost Containment Website

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. 

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.

File for unemployment insurance benefits online or by phone

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.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program

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

MassDOT RMV urges eligible drivers to renew their licenses online

 
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. 

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.

The Scouting programs of Massachusetts offer many varied opportunities for youth.  Cub Scouting is a year-round, family-oriented part of the Boy Scouts of America program designed for boys who are in first through fifth grades (or are 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the 10 purposes of Cub Scouting: character development, spiritual growth, good citizenship, sportsmanship and fitness, family understanding, respectful relationships, personal achievement, friendly service, fun and adventure, and preparation for boy scouts.

The Girl Scouts of America programs are also available for the same age range. In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Through a myriad of enriching experiences, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, girls grow courageous and strong. Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others.

If you're interested in either program, the best way for you to get information is through the "Be a Scout" tools online.  Just enter your address, and the information for the closest units will be displayed. For info on Boy Scouts, visit https://beascout.scouting.org/.  For info on Girl Scouts, visit

http://www.girlscouts.org/join.asp.

The Stanley Report is a great way to spread the word about an upcoming event!  Please forward any community, civic or nonprofit upcoming events that you would like included in next month's Stanley Report.  If interested, please email Mark Phillips, Rep. Stanley's legislative assistant, with information about your event.    

The Lexington Arts & Crafts Society