News from Beacon Hill

Rep. Stanley testifies on behalf of his bill before Joint Committee on Revenue

Rep. Stanley testified before the Joint Committee on Revenue in support of a bill he filed, H.2686, legislation to study the loss of revenues of the Commonwealth.  He is also a member of the committee.

The National Marine Fisheries has reported a drop in recreational striped bass fishermen participation in the Commonwealth of 29 percent (from 1,258,124 in 2006 to 897,115 in 2011).  Out-of-state anglers dropped from 484,288 in 2006 to 292,701 in 2011 - a 40 percent drop.  Using a 2003 comprehensive economic study of the striped bass fishery and its impact on tax and use revenue in the Commonwealth, this would be a loss of close to $400 million. Rep. Stanley's bill asks the House and Senate Revenue Committees with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to study this revenue loss and make recommendations to the Department of Marine Fisheries.

Rep. Stanley Files Amendments to FY16 House Budget

During the FY16 House budget debate, Rep. Stanley was successful in securing $75,000 in funding for the Waltham Tourism Council.  In addition, he filed an amendment with Jane Doe to increase House Ways and Means (HWM) funding to Domestic Violence Shelters and Support Services from $24,448,905 to $28 million.  The additional funding builds upon the passage of Chapter 260 of the Acts of 2014 last summer by increasing the number of community based domestic violence advocates across the state to address the unmet need for domestic violence victims and survivors. After the debate, the line item was funded at $26,148,905, a $1.7 million increase over the HWM allocation.  

Rep. Stanley also filed an amendment calling for a $150,000 increase to the Jewish Family and Children's Services Fragile Beginnings Program. Fragile Beginnings is the only program in MA and across the country that provides an extensive suite of wrap around, hospital-to-home services for premature babies, babies born with complex medical problems and mothers struggling with postpartum depression.  One out of nine babies is born prematurely in MA.  By investing in this program, the state saves money in reduced special education costs, improvements in health related indicators and fewer behavioral problems.  The final House FY16 budget included $100,000 for the Fragile Beginnings Program.  

Rep. Stanley Helps Pass Balanced FY16 Budget with No New Taxes or Fees

Rep. Stanley helped the House pass a FY16 budget which emphasizes economic growth through investments in multiple areas including education and local aid, reform to the state's transportation system, and an acute focus on improving behavioral health services. The $38.05 billion spending bill highlights the House's ongoing commitment to fiscal prudence and targeted investments, a practice that has resulted in Massachusetts retaining its AA+ bond rating, the highest in the state's history. The budget includes no new taxes or fees and reduces its reliance on one time revenue sources. For the first time since 2007, it does not withdraw any funds from the Commonwealth's stabilization fund, leaving the balance in excess of $1 billion.  The budget will now go to the Senate.

The budget enhances the House's longstanding reputation as a champion of municipalities. FY16 marks the first time that Massachusetts has access to slots revenue, providing a new funding stream of about $105 million. Investments in local aid include a $35 million increase to Unrestricted General Government Aid and an all-time high in chapter 70 funding of $4.5 billion, providing an increase of $25 per pupil.

The budget takes immediate steps to address systemic management problems at the MBTA. The budget will call for an independent audit of the T's maintenance protocols and fiscal liabilities. It also strengthens the Inspector General's internal special unit to monitor the quality, efficiency and integrity of the department's operating and capital programs. These updates follow the two transportation reform plans accompanied by major funding increases the House has passed since 2009.

Further distinguishing Massachusetts as a national leader in education, this legislation makes targeted investments in early education and care (EEC) that underscore the House's ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth's youngest students. The budget creates a framework to support expanded access to high-quality EEC programming while recognizing the efforts of our EEC workforce.

Recognizing that education and economic development are intrinsically paired, the budget restores funding to two of the House's hallmark programs, MassCAN and Talent Pipeline. It also enhances the House's focus on bolstering job opportunities for residents of all skillsets in diverse regions of the Commonwealth.   The FY16 budget strengthens behavioral health efforts in last year's budget and the landmark substance addiction law through numerous investments and programs.

In additional to behavioral health and substance addiction initiatives, the House's budget includes numerous provisions to support Massachusetts' most vulnerable citizens.  As it has in the past, the House focuses its homelessness efforts on prevention, this year devoting $20 million in new funding to programs that have achieved proven results.  Funding for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) is increased to a historically-high level to help families stay in their homes and out of the costly shelter program.

The budget passed by the House provides an increase of $2.5M in chapter 115 benefits for cities and towns and $250,000 for the train vets to treat vets program.  It also includes $350,000 to train veteran service officers (VSOs), $3.26M for veteran outreach centers and $100,000 for the Medal of Honor convention to be held in Boston. 

The House budget for fiscal year 2016 focuses on increased funding for the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, which oversees substance abuse and addiction services in the commonwealth and increased funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.  The House budget includes several new initiatives to address the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts involving pharmacies, bulk purchasing of opioid antagonists and long-term substance abuse treatment approaches.  The budget also includes important initiatives to address community health and unnecessary hospital emergency department use.

Employee Retirement Incentive Program Update

The Employee Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP) is now Chapter 19 of the Acts of 2015. The State Retirement Board developed an informative web page with information for executive agency employees who are considering whether or not to take advantage of the ERIP.  It includes important items such as the application (available here), the application timeline (May 11th - June 12th), eligibility, and information about available and required counseling.

The State Retirement Board intends to offer extended and weekend hours at the Boston office (located at One Winter Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02108) and the Springfield office (located at 436 Dwight Street, Room #109A, Springfield, MA 01103) to assist members with any questions they may have.  Click here to learn more or call the State Retirement Board directly at 617-367-7770.

Governor Baker Appoints New MCCA Board Members

Governor Baker announced the administration's appointments to the board of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) and a pause on the expansion plans for the Boston Convention Center and Exhibition Center (BCEC).  The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority consists of 13 members - nine appointed by the Governor who serve at the pleasure of the Governor and two members appointed by the Mayor of Boston. Additionally, the Secretary of Administration and Finance and the Collector-Treasurer of Boston (or their designees) serve as ex-officio members.

Administration Re-Launches Governor's Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

The Baker Administration unveiled an executive order to re-launch the Governor's Council to address sexual assault and domestic violence.  The executive order elevates the council to the Governor's Office and names Lt. Governor Polito as the chair.  Over the next year, the council will be charged with implementing Chapter 260 Domestic Violence legislation, enacted in 2014 and reviewing programs aimed at reducing sexual assault and domestic violence in the Commonwealth.

The new council will set and report on annual goals and recommendations related to the Commonwealth's funding, programs and best practices for the response, prevention and treatment of domestic violence and sexual assault. Consisting of up to 30 members representing providers, advocates, health care, the Attorney General's Office, law enforcement, the courts and higher education, the Council will meet at minimum every two months, conducting outreach and establishing committees to carry out their tasks. The Executive Director will carry out the day-to-day operations and support for the Council.

Legislation introduces statewide regulatory structure for transportation network companies

Governor Baker has filed legislation to institute a statewide regulatory framework for transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber, Lyft and Sidecar. "An Act Establishing Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Oversight of Transportation Network Companies" allows for the embrace of innovation in transportation, outlines strong standards for industry and consumer safety and moves to clarify the confusion and close the potential for gaps in insurance.

The legislation was developed in consultation with municipal leaders, company representatives and public safety advocates. Key components of the legislation include a modern regulatory system, increased public safety, closing insurance gaps, municipal partnerships and a phase-in period. The legislation provides a six month transitional period allowing TNC drivers to operate with private registration and insurance.

New Streetlights LED Conversion Project

Governor Baker and Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton at Lynn Heritage State Park announced a statewide energy efficiency initiative at Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) properties.  As part of an investment for energy savings, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and public safety, more than 4,500 street and outdoor lights across the Commonwealth will be converted to energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting and associated fixtures.

The two-phase project is expected to save the Commonwealth more than $500,000 every year.  Since LED lights have a lifespan of approximately 15 years, DCR will also save on maintenance costs. Once completed, the project is projected to save approximately 3 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, equivalent to annually providing electricity for 395 homes. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1,000 metric tons, equal to taking 223 cars off the road each year.

DCR is collaborating with the Department of Energy Resource's (DOER) Leading by Example Program to support the conversion. DCR is investing $1 million in capital funding and will leverage $1.2 million in Non-Building Energy Efficiency Investment Program (NEEIP) funds from the Department of Energy Resources. NEEIP provides green bond financing for self-supporting energy projects that will cover the cost of financing through energy cost savings. Phase 1 of the project will also qualify for some $280,000 in Mass SaveŽ incentives from Eversource, National Grid, and Chicopee Electric Light.

Sign up for Prescription Advantage Online or Over the Phone

Massachusetts residents who are elderly or living with disabilities can get supplemental assistance through Prescription Advantage to help pay for prescription drugs without insurance. Prescription Advantage is a prescription drug assistance program run by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA).  Prescription Advantage provides prescription drug coverage for eligible Massachusetts residents, including assistance with co-payments based on yearly household income, as well as an annual out-of-pocket spending limit. And for members with a Medicare Prescription Drug plan, Prescription Advantage can help to fill the coverage gap commonly referred to as the "donut hole."  Click here to learn more.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.