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News from Beacon Hill
House and Senate Pass $38.1 Billion Budget
House and Senate members approved a compromise $38.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2016 by votes of 153-1 in the House and 31-5 in the Senate. The compromise legislation now heads to Governor Baker for approval. Some highlights of the legislation include changes to the MBTA system, a bump in spending on social services, and increases in both the state's earned income tax credit and spending on programs to help prevent homelessness and opioid crisis. Additionally, the bill prevents state spending on the 2024 Olympics without Legislature approval and requires public meetings before decisions are made.
Jane Doe Inc. thanks Rep. Stanley for leadership in addressing sexual & domestic violence
Rep. Stanley recently received a letter from Jane Doe Inc. and its 57 sexual and domestic violence member programs to emphatically thank him for his efforts to significantly increase state budget line items that fund life-saving support for victims of sexual and domestic violence and their families. The letter expressed appreciation for Rep. Stanley's leadership which helped provide additional resources for victims and survivors and their children in the future.
Rep. Stanley led the amendment process for the budget line item which funds programs and services for people at risk of domestic violence, a line item that saves and rebuild lives. These additional resources will make a difference for everyone who is touched by sexual and domestic violence across the state.
Rep. Stanley's budget efforts help fund substance abuse line items
Rep. Stanley's efforts during the recent budget progress successful helped several substance abuse line items in the FY16 budget. The budget included $2.5 million for a Vivitrol Pilot Program which allows access to vivitrol, a non-narcotic drug that blocks the effect of opiates or alcohol for a period of 30 days, while in an inpatient setting and before discharge to a lower level of care. The budget also included $1.5 million to expand MOAPC (Mass Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative) grants and $3 million for new clinical stabilization beds, providing additional treatment after detoxification. The budget also established a trust fund and program for municipal bulk purchasing of Narcan (overdose reversal medication).
Department of Public Health Launches Opioid Addiction Awareness Campaign
State Officials and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) launched the Stop Addiction in Its Tracks public awareness campaign to educate parents about the warning signs of opioid misuse as part of the Commonwealth's preventative strategy and the Governor's Opioid Working Group's recommendations.
The campaign will run throughout the summer on television and online, driving viewers to www.mass.gov/StopAddiction, an information hub to guide parents on how to best talk to their children, explain treatment options and provide assistance for those seeking help at 1-800-327-5050. In addition to the website, online-only videos, banners and web-ads, the campaign will consist of several television public service announcements.
Hydropower Legislation would Increase Access to Clean, Cost-Effective Renewable Energy
In an effort to stabilize New England's electricity rates while meeting the state's Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) goals, the Baker Administration filed legislation to diversify the state's energy portfolio through the procurement of cost-effective, hydropower generation. This legislation will not only increase the reliability of New England's electricity system, but will provide Massachusetts' ratepayers with a clean, cost-competitive alternative to coal and oil generation. An Act Relative to Energy Sector Compliance with the Global Warming Solutions Act, filed in the State Senate, seeks to require Massachusetts utilities to jointly and competitively, solicit long-term contracts for clean energy generation resources and associated transmission together with the Department of Energy Resources. In addition to the benefits this legislation will bring to the regional electricity market, clean energy generation will position Massachusetts to reach its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets. This legislation will enable Massachusetts to achieve over 5 percent of this required emissions reduction which is equivalent to taking approximately 1 million cars off the road, or replacing fossil fuel with renewable energy to power 1.2 million homes.
Additionally, the legislation will permit Massachusetts utilities to collaborate with other New England states, including Connecticut and Rhode Island, in the procurement of hydroelectric resources. The resulting multi-state partnership will enable the Commonwealth to procure clean generation resources in the most cost-effective manner possible.
State Appoints New State Police Superintendent
Governor Baker announced the appointment of Major Richard McKeon to serve as Superintendent and Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police (MSP). A 33-year veteran of the State Police, Major McKeon currently serves as Deputy Division Commander of the Division of Investigative Services. Governor Baker also thanked retiring Superintendent, Colonel Timothy Alben, for his leadership and over three decades of service to the Commonwealth as a member of the Massachusetts State Police. Major McKeon's appointment will be effective July 12. Major Richard McKeon joined the Massachusetts State Police in 1982 and is currently the Deputy Division Commander of the Division of Investigative Services where he is responsible for oversight of investigative units, administrative resources and intergovernmental coordination with local, state and federal law enforcement, most notably, throughout the response and investigation of the Boston Marathon bombings. Prior to his promotion in 2011, McKeon served as a Captain and Unit Commander for the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney's Office in Auburn. Major McKeon graduated from Framingham State College and obtained his Masters in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts.
Administration Releases FY16 Capital Budget Plan Investing Over $2.125B in Communities, Infrastructure, Economic Development
The Baker Administration released the Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) capital budget, including a $2.125 billion bond cap on General Obligation Bonds, the same level as Fiscal Year 2015, and an accompanying spending plan that invests in communities by budgeting for Chapter 90 transportation funding, extends the Accelerated Bridge Program, makes critical investments in economic development and devotes significant funds toward fixing and maintaining state assets. The collaborative plan addresses the needs of communities and public sector agencies across state government and invests the taxpayers' money prudently across several essential areas while responsibly managing the Commonwealth's debt.
$1.25M will Combat Youth Violence and Gang Activity
Governor Baker announced a $1.25 million funding increase for the Shannon Grant program to support regional and multi-disciplinary approaches to combat gang and youth violence. Communities and organizations from Pittsfield to Boston will see a funding boost to combat youth violence this summer. The Shannon Community Safety Initiative provides funding to communities that demonstrate high levels of youth violence and gang problems, a comprehensive plan to work with multi-disciplinary partners, and a commitment to coordinated prevention and intervention strategies. Governor Baker authorized a $1.25 million supplemental allotment to the 15 Shannon Grant Community Safety Initiative Sites and Local Action Research Partners (LARPs). Communities customarily use this funding for social intervention and opportunity provision programs as well as gang task force personnel costs and overtime crime analysis. The governor's action means that the Shannon Community Safety Initiative will be fully funded at $8.25 million.
Early Childhood Mental Health Grants
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) awarded six grants to provide regionally-based social and emotional development supports for early education programs serving young children. The six agencies selected to provide services in communities across the state include Behavioral Health Network (West), Community Healthlink, Inc (Central), Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (Northeast), Enable, Inc. (Metrowest), Justice Resource Institute, Inc. (Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands) and Home for Little Wanderers (Greater Boston). The "Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Services Program" is a joint effort of the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and the Department of Mental Health (DMH), and part of a broader comprehensive statewide system of mental health services for families in need across Massachusetts. The $1.25M investment through these grant awards will provide early education and care professionals and families with supports, strategies, and services that address the developmental behavioral challenges that some children and their families face, and help reduce the incidence of suspension and expulsion in early education and care settings. The agencies funded through this grant will coordinate classrooms observations of children; assessments of children's physical environments; training, coaching, and mentoring to help educators identify behavior risks and prevent or reduce social-emotional issues; and referrals to community-based services that meet the mental health, social welfare, and other basic needs of children and their family members.
Early Educator Professional Development Grant
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) awarded five regional grants to support professional development for early education and care programs across the state. The grants support the continuation of the state's Educator and Provider Support (EPS) networks. Educators who work in an EEC-licensed or license-exempt early education and care or out-of-school time program and meet eligibility criteria may request to participate in EPS grant-funded opportunities. Educators wishing to participate in college coursework through the grant must take these courses to meet requirements for EEC certification, early childhood credential or and degree in early childhood education or a related field. Educators seeking a degree are required to first apply for the Early Childhood Educators (ECE) Scholarship as the payer of first resort.
House Approves Electronic Legal Notices Bill
The House unanimously passed legislation that requires Massachusetts newspapers to publish legal notices of government hearings online as well as in their traditional hard copies. The bill aims to boost public access to public records, documents and hearings and reform access to public notices. Under the bill, legal notices will be published on a statewide website maintained by newspaper publishers. The bill bans also the charging of fees to access public notices on newspaper websites or on the statewide website.
$3.3 million in federal grant will help manufacturing jobs
Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcester counties will receive $3.3 million in new federal grant funds to train dislocated workers and position them in manufacturing jobs. The Sector Partnership National Emergency grant assists people who are likely to deplete unemployment benefits through partnerships with employers, community colleges, vocational technical schools and career centers. Massachusetts is one of 27 states awarded a total of $138 million in grants.
Gov. Baker Nominates Justice Scott Kafker Appeals Court Chief Justice
Governor Baker nominated Justice Scott Kafker to serve as Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court. Justice Kafker has served as an Associate Justice of the Appeals Court since 2001, and is nominated to fill the vacancy being created by the retirement of Chief Justice Phillip Rapoza, announced in February. Associate Justice Scott L. Kafker joined the Massachusetts Appeals Court in March of 2001, appointed by then Governor Paul Cellucci. Prior to joining the Appeals Court, Justice Kafker served as chief legal counsel for the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and deputy chief legal counsel to Governor William F. Weld. Before joining the Boston law firm of Foley, Hoag & Elliot as an associate, Justice Kafker served as a law clerk to Judge Mark L. Wolf of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Justice Kafker has taught constitutional law at Boston College Law School since 2009 and serves on the Supreme Judicial Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure. He graduated from Amherst College in 1981 and obtained his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1985.
Reach Out and Read Grant
The Department of Early Education and Care announced that it has awarded a grant to Reach Out and Read, Inc. to provide early literacy programming for children that supports their school readiness. Reach Out and Read works with pediatricians to inform parents about the importance of reading aloud to children, and provides books for distribution at well-child visits. For more information about the Reach Out and Read program, please click here.
Mass. Launches Online Voter Registration
Massachusetts residents can now register to vote online. To submit an online application, you must have a valid driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). You must also have a signature on file with the RMV. Please 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.
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. 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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