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News from Beacon Hill
Energy upgrades at Hanscom
Hanscom Air Force Base is authorized to spend $231,000 for several energy upgrades to base infrastructure that will decrease building energy intensity and move the installation toward its greenhouse gas reduction goals. The Military Asset and Security Task Force (Mass-TF) released a Clean Energy Assessment & Strategic Plan for Massachusetts Military Installations. This report identifies energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy security, and technology piloting opportunities that will reduce base operating costs and increase energy security while reducing emissions in the Commonwealth.
Lincoln Awarded SAFE funding
The Lincoln Fire Department awarded $4,423 in Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) grants and $2,795 in Senior SAFE grants The SAFE program was created 20 years ago and since then, annual child fire deaths have been reduced by 72%. The Senior SAFE program continues in FY15 and is aimed at education seniors on fire prevention, general home safety and how to be better prepared in the event of a fire.
Gov. Charlie Baker Sworn In
On Thursday, January 8th, Governor Charlie Baker delivered his inaugural address to a joint session of the Massachusetts state legislature. Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Democratic Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, former Republican Massachusetts Govs. Mitt Romney and William Weld and former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown attended the ceremony.
As governor, Gov. Baker plans to fix and balance the state budget deficit. He also plans to tackle homelessness, the state's opiate abuse crisis, lowering the state's electricity costs and increasing charter schools in underperforming school districts. To view his remarks, click here.
Karyn Polito was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor. Later in the day, Gov. Baker swore in six of his chief advisers: Education Secretary James Peyser, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton, Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker, Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore, and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash.
Stanley Rosenberg Will Lead Massachusetts State Senate
The Massachusetts Senate elected Stanley Rosenberg as its new president. Rosenberg pledges to lead with openness and shared prosperity and leadership. In his inaugural address, Rosenberg mentioned expanding technological know-how to stretch government dollars, build infrastructure, invest in education, deal with climate change and fight drug addiction. To view his speech, click here.
House Committee Chairs Release Review on Department of Children and Families
Rep. Stanley, Chairman David Linsky and other members of the House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight and House Chair Kay Khan of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities released a report entitled "The House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight and House Members of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities' Review of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families." Click here to read the report.
The report provides a review of the Committees' investigation of the Department which began in December of 2013. In the report the Committees recommend that the Department continue to address caseload levels, while supporting management and supervisory staff, portable and stationary technology, continued training for workers and policies and procedures that best address the best interest of the child. The report also highlights the many ways in which the Department has strived to meet and continuously improve many of these directives.
Boston Chosen for U.S. 2024 Summer Olympic Bid
The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) chose Boston over Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco to represent the United States in a bid for the 2024 Summer Games. Boston will now compete against international bidders for the Olympic and Paralympic games. The International Olympic Committee's deadline for 2024 bid submissions is Sept. 15, 2015, with a final decision to be made at a meeting in Lima, Peru in September 2017.
In response, Mayor Walsh laid out a nine-month schedule of community meetings in neighborhoods across Boston. The city will hold its first public meeting on the Boston 2024 effort on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Suffolk Law School, 120 Tremont St. The meeting will be to discuss the benefits and impact on the City.
Chapter 90 Funds for Local Infrastructure Released
Governor Charlie Baker directed Acting Secretary of Transportation and Chief Executive Officer Frank DePaola and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to follow through on the Baker-Polito administration's commitment to release immediately $100 million in Chapter 90 transportation funds critical to job creation, public safety and economic growth. Each community's share of funding is predetermined by a formula that includes factors such as population, road miles and employment. The release of this $100 million constitutes the remaining one-third of additional Chapter 90 funding authorized in 2014.
Chapter 90 reimburses cities and towns for costs incurred for eligible transportation projects. Cities and towns must submit receipts to the Highway Department district in which they are located which verifies that the expenditures qualify for reimbursement under Chapter 90. The Highway Department districts in turn submit these receipts to the Department of Transportation's Fiscal Department which facilitates the reimbursements to cities and towns. Funding for Chapter 90 is accomplished through the issuance of bonds.
MA Health Connector
Visit the Massachusetts Health Connector website which helps MA residents find the right health insurance - with expert advice and affordable plans from top carriers. With up-to-date information, expert advice, free quotes, and affordable health plans from top carriers, Health Connector helps Massachusetts residents find the right health insurance and avoid tax penalties. Click here to learn more.
Northeast Utilities Announces New Name
Northeast Utilities (NYSE: NU), which operates New England's largest energy delivery company, today announced it will begin doing business under the new brand name of Eversource Energy on February 2nd. All of the company's subsidiaries, including Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P), NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas, Public Service Company of New Hampshire (PSNH), Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO) and Yankee Gas Services Company (Yankee Gas) will adopt and operate under the Eversource name.
The company's re-branding initiative will officially take place on February 2nd. Customers will receive more information regarding the brand change after the launch. As part of the change, Eversource plans to trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol ES. Changes to the comp
Major Federal Funding Commitment for Green Line Extension
Former Governor Patrick was joined by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx as he announced a $996 million federal grant agreement to extend the MBTA Green Line light rail service from East Cambridge to Somerville and Medford. The Green Line Extension (GLX) will provide faster and more efficient travel downtown Boston and will serve some of the region's most densely populated communities. Secretary Foxx and Acting Federal Transit Administrator Therese McMillan participated in a ceremony to commit the funds with Governor Patrick, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Michael Capuano, MassDOT Acting Secretary Frank DePaola, MBTA General Manager Dr. Beverly Scott and other federal, state and local officials.
The U.S. Department of Transportation will contribute approximately $996 million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Capital Investment Grant Program (New Starts) funding over the course of the $2.3 billion project with funds from the Commonwealth covering the remainder.
Former Gov. Patrick Announces Positive Results of Administration's Safe and Successful Youth Initiative
Before Gov. Baker took his oath, Governor Patrick announced the results of the Commonwealth's Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI), the Patrick Administration's comprehensive, interagency strategy for reducing youth violence in the Commonwealth. The evaluation, conducted by a third-party research organization over the past four years, highlights the significant returns on a $22.4 million investment in programs and services to reduce violence in 11 cities across the Commonwealth.
Over the last two years, SSYI engaged cities experienced 139 fewer violent crime victimizations on average per month compared to non-SSYI municipalities. In 2013, SSYI cities saw a 31 percent reduction in aggravated assaults compared to 2009, as well as a 25 percent reduction in homicide victimizations. Youth in these cities who exhibited the proven-risk characteristics but not engaged with SSYI were 42 percent more likely to be currently incarcerated than SSYI-engaged youth. This year alone, for every dollar invested, taxpayers have saved as much as $7.35 from the crime reductions produced through the program's support services.
Cong. Kennedy Will Serve Second Term as Honorary Co-Chair Of Stem Advisory Council
Former Governor Deval Patrick swore in Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III for a second term as the Honorary Co-Chair of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Advisory Council. Together with the Council's Co-Chair Dr. Jeffrey Leiden, Chairman, President and CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, this leadership model will continue to enhance STEM related efforts in the Commonwealth. Congressman Kennedy serves the Fourth District of Massachusetts in Congress and was recently appointed to the influential House Committee on Energy & Commerce. An engineer by training, he is a member of the Congressional STEM Caucus.
March of Dimes looks for support to reduce smoking among pregnant women
The March of Domes plans to launch a smoking cessation campaign in 2015 and is seeking support from the MA legislature. One out of 10 women smoke during pregnancy in the United States. The group would like the lawmakers to help them boost awareness of smoking-related birth problems, which can be linked to 23 to 34 percent of all Sudden Infant Death Syndrome cases. In 2013, the Commonwealth spent 4.4 percent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended $90 million on anti-tobacco programs, ranking behind 34 other states and Washington, DC. According to the March of Dimes, approximately 5 to 8 percent of all pre-term births are related to smoking, and 13 to 19 percent of low birth-weight babies can be attributed to smoking during pregnancy.
Winter Heating & Energy Savings Resources
In preparation for the upcoming winter, please be aware of winter energy efficiency and renewable energy resources available to Massachusetts consumers. The most up to date information including energy efficiency programs and rebates, do-it-yourself options and help with utility/fuel bills and fuel assistance can be found here.
Edward M. Kennedy Institute Announces March 2015 Public Opening
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate (EMK Institute) announced it will open to the general public with a formal dedication in March of 2015. Housed in a beautiful 65,000 square-foot facility designed by world renowned architect Rafael Viñoly, the Institute will be a dynamic center of learning and civic engagement. It will use cutting-edge technology to convey the history of United States Senate and its pivotal role in America's development and governance.
The Institute is located next to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The location, on the University of Massachusetts - Boston campus on Columbia Point, will enrich the cultural and educational life of Boston and the region and serve the country as a center of national and international scholarship and public discourse. As construction nears completion, a planned rollout will bring the Institute to life in stages in the next year with three tracks of targeted outreach, public activities, and initial programming leading up to the public dedication next March. For more information about the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, please visit www.emkinstitute.org. Follow the Institute on Twitter @emkinstitute.
Government Center Station Closure
Government Center Station is 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.
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.
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. 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. 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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