January 2024 | The Stanley Report | | |
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Dear Friend,
Happy New Year!
January's issue of The Stanley Report includes the latest news from Waltham and Beacon Hill.
As always, please feel free to contact me if you need assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Stanley
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Congratulations to the Waltham Youth Cheer U10 Small Level 1 and Large Level 2 Teams on winning the state championship! | |
Rep. Stanley and several legislative colleagues attended the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization's In-District Meeting to discuss the organization’s housing priorities: public housing, affordable rental/ homeownership and reentry from incarceration. Waltham constituent Michelle Phillips spoke at the meeting. | |
Rep. Stanley was pleased to join Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll at the Waltham city government inauguration earlier this month. He looks forward to serving the City with new Council President McLaughlin and fellow council members. | |
2023 Constituent Service Highlights | |
In 2023, my office addressed over 1,500 calls and messages from 9th Middlesex residents, assisting with accessing benefits, resolving issues, and liaising with state agencies. Ensuring top-notch constituent services has always been a priority. I aim to promptly respond and assist. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Excited to hear from everyone in 2024! | |
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Chairman Stanley and Elder Affairs Committee Issue Favorable Reports
In December, Rep. Stanley and members of the Elder Affairs Committee took favorable action on several bills, including legislation to allow basic health services in Assisted Living Residences and legislation to establish a process to license home care agencies. Rep. Stanley is grateful to co-chair, Senator Jehlen, Vice Chair Lipper-Garabedian, Vice Chair Velis, and the members of the Elder Affairs Committee for all their work on behalf of this legislation benefiting older adults in the Commonwealth.
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Rep. Stanley and Colleagues Pass Bill to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation | |
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Rep. Stanley and members of the House passed legislation that combines several separate legislative initiatives into one bill that will help to prevent abuse and exploitation, while also enhancing protections for survivors. The legislation addresses teen sexting and image-based sexual assault, commonly referred to as “revenge porn;” expands the definition of abuse to include coercive control for the purposes of obtaining a restraining order; and extends the statute of limitations for certain domestic violence offenses from six years to 15 years.
Currently, minors who possess, purchase, or share explicit photos of themselves or other minors are charged with violating Massachusetts child pornography laws and are required to register as sex offenders. The legislation passed today instead authorizes commitment to the Department of Youth Services (DYS), but also allows minors to be diverted to an educational program instead of criminal punishment. A district attorney, however, is allowed to petition the court to bring criminal charges in extreme cases.
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Waltham Community Rallies for Child Fighting Cancer
Rep. Stanley, Rep. Lawn and members of the Waltham community attended a Bentley Hockey game. At the event, Walthamites helped raised money for Declan Lyons, a three-year old fighting brain cancer. To support Declan and his family during this difficult time, please consider a donation. Read more about Declan here.
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Learn More about the Massachusetts Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit
The Massachusetts Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit was designed by the Legislature to help provide tax relief for older adults. Rep. Stanley’s office designed a brochure to help constituents learn more about the credit and its requirements. This brochure is not an official tax document. If you have questions regarding the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, please contact a tax professional or the Department of Revenue at 1-800-392-6089. View the brochure.
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Waltham’s Riverwalk Project Receives $1.4 Million
As part of Governor Healey's recent $24 million investment in trails across the Commonwealth, Waltham will receive $1.4 million for the Riverwalk Park Project to help complete the City’s portion of the Charles River Greenway, and $2.4 million for the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail (MCRT) in Waltham. The $24 million investment, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will make possible projects in environmental justice communities that otherwise might have waited years.
The MassTrails Grant Program is an inter-agency grant program through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, EEA, and DCR, that provides matching grants, technical assistance and resources to individuals, municipalities, non-profits, and other public entities. These funds go toward the design, construction, and maintenance of diverse, high-quality trails, including hiking trails, bikeways, and shared-use paths. The program supports projects that build public-private partnerships and provides essential funding for project development, design, and construction of shared-use pathways, facilitating connections to where people live, work, and recreate.
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Waltham receives funding for local transportation infrastructure projects
Rep. Stanley announced that Waltham is set to benefit from a substantial infusion of funds dedicated to local transportation infrastructure projects. An allocation of $581,301, derived from the revenue generated by the Fair Share Amendment, complements the $1.5 million already granted to Waltham in FY24 through the Chapter 90 program. This funding initiative, part of the broader commitment by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, sees a total of $100 million being distributed to the state's 351 cities and towns to bolster local infrastructure.
The financial support, originating from the Fair Share Amendment, empowers communities to embark on construction, preservation, and improvement endeavors, fostering the longevity of capital facilities. Eligible projects encompass an array of initiatives, from highway developments to pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including the installation of sidewalks, bicycle lanes, new pavement, retaining walks, crossing signals, and other essential elements of transportation infrastructure.
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Waltham Cultural Council Announces Awards
The Waltham Cultural Council (WCC) announced the award of 56 grants totaling $47,070 for arts and cultural programs in Waltham. The WCC is part of a network of 329 local cultural councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community. In addition to state funding, the Waltham Cultural Council also receives funding from the City of Waltham. For FY 2024, 71 applications were received requesting a total of $124,728. A complete list of this year’s recipients can be here.
Decisions about which activities to support are made at the community level by municipally appointed volunteers. The members of the Waltham Cultural Council are Lauren Fournier, Penny Letichevsky, Amy Marks, Coe McIninch, Carolyn Melbye, Sharyn Nolan, Eileen Peng, Dave Raymond, and Mike Veloso. The Waltham Cultural Council will seek applications again in the fall. Applications and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available at www.mass-culture.org. Applications are due mid-October.
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DPU Investigates Energy Affordability for MA Ratepayers
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) issued an order today opening an inquiry to examine measures to address the high cost of energy bills experienced by many Massachusetts residents. This inquiry will allow the DPU to consider improvements to current energy affordability programs to reduce the energy burden that impacts residential ratepayers. The DPU seeks input from residents whose budgets are strained from paying their utility bills while trying to make ends meet. Massachusetts residents struggling with the energy burden are invited to send their comments before March 1, 2024. Learn how to submit a comment here.
To ease the impact of the rising costs associated with the transition to clean energy, the DPU opened this investigation to better understand energy affordability problems felt by low- and moderate-income (LMI) ratepayers who are struggling to manage payments of their utility bills. This Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeks feedback on the following: design of residential energy affordability programs; program administration, such as the process to verify people’s income; small commercial and industrial energy affordability issues; and general questions and concerns regarding energy affordability.
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Rep. Stanley and staff serve as jurors in a mock trial at Waltham District Court
Rep. Stanley and Waltham School Committee member/legislative aide James Zanghi served as jurors at the Discovering Justice and McDevitt Middle School Waltham Mock Trial. At the event, held at Waltham District Court, student attorneys argued a First Amendment case, supporting academic milestones and pathways towards civic engagement.
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Three Waltham Businesses Receive Hotel and Motel Relief Grant Program Awards
Mass Growth Capital Corporation’s (MGCC) Hotel and Motel Relief Grant program recently gave awards to TJL Corp., Westin Waltham Hotel and Embassy Suites by Hilton Boston Waltham. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts made funds available to hotels and motels negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program awards grants up to $2,000,000 per property for eligible hotels and motels, prioritizing those based on revenue loss, economic impact, and equity and demographics. This project is being supported by federal award to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. These funds were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s FY2023 Economic Development Bill.
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New Grant Available to Plan, Expand or Launch Supportive and Social Day Program
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) announced a new $4.5 million grant opportunity to increase the capacity of Supportive and Social Day Programs. Funding is provided by the American Rescue Plan Act Home and Community-Based Services. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for planning, and grants of up to $300,000 are available for expanding or launching a program. EOEA will host a Bidder’s Conference on January 18 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM to provide more information and answer questions about the Supportive and Social Day Program Expansion Grant.
Email MAHCBSgrants@pcgus.com to receive information about the Bidder’s Conference. Any of the following can apply if they are in Mass. and they serve Mass. residents 60 years of age and older and/or individuals of any age living with ADRD: Community-based non-profit organizations, Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs), Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), and Councils on Aging (COAs). Apply online before Friday, February 16, 2024 using the MassGRANTS application portal.
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AARP Massachusetts Now Accepting 2024 Community Challenge Grant Applications
AARP Massachusetts invites local eligible non-profit organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 6 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its eighth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.
The Community Challenge is open to eligible nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2024. To apply and view past grantees, click here.
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Executive Office of Veterans Services Introduces Transition Toolkit
The Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) announced a transition toolkit which provides a concise and detailed layout for programs, services, and benefits available to those service-members transitioning to civilian life. Access the toolkit here.
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Waltham Public Schools Receive Early College Support Grant
Waltham Public Schools and Waltham High School received a $75,000 fiscal year 2024 Early College Support grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
for their early college program with Framingham State University and Massachusetts Bay Community College in Framingham. Early college programs provide thousands of students across the state, especially first-generation collegegoers, access to college completion and career success. For more information on DESE's early college support grants, click here.
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Notes from the Waltham City Council
• The Waltham Traffic Commission will hold a meeting on Thursday, January 18, at 10 a.m. in the Waltham City Council Chamber in City Hall. Click here to view the agenda.
• The Waltham City Council approved $68,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the engagement of a consultant to conduct the first phase of a Moody Street Pedestrian Mall Study.
• Responding to the Waltham Public Library's (WPL) request, Mayor McCarthy has proposed Council approval for an allocation of $275,000 from the "Library State Aid" account. This funding will be utilized to acquire a Library Bookmobile, along with provisions for the wrap design/logo installation. It's important to note that the library state aid account is supported by the state legislature through the state budget.
The addition of a Bookmobile to the WPL is aligned with the goal of enhancing community service. This mobile library will play a crucial role in reaching individuals who lack regular access to the physical library. The WPL collaborated with the Fire Department and CPW in the process of purchasing the vehicle and worked closely with Purchasing Agent Crystal Philpott on obtaining a quote. Additionally, the WPL team visited a neighboring bookmobile to gather insights and ensure an informed decision.
• Working closely with the Waltham Fire Department (WFD), Mayor McCarthy has asked the Council to greenlight $695,000 in Capital funding for acquiring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for WFD firefighters. To ensure the well-being of city firefighters and align with NFPA Standards and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, WFD firefighters are provided with two sets of turnout gear. Over the past year, the WFD Safety/Gear Committee collaborated with various vendors, conducted thorough research, and carried out gear trials to pinpoint specifications, a manufacturer, and a vendor that best caters to the needs of the WFD community.
The current primary gear for WFD was purchased in 2017, and the backup gear dates back to 2011. The latter has now surpassed the recommended 10-year useful lifespan, in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards, necessitating its retirement. The proposed new PPE will be put into service as the members' primary set, the 2017 set will transition into backup gear, and the 2011 gear will be taken out of service.
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Regan's Corner
Meet Regan! Rep. Stanley and his family rescued a pup and named her Regan. Regan loves long walks, playing games in the yard, making friends and lounging with Rep. Stanley!
Help an animal find a home! Learn more about The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and ways you can help.
The Animal Rescue League continues to support legislation that enhances and improves protections for animals, and to oppose reforms that endanger the welfare of animals in Massachusetts. Learn more about ARL's current legislative agenda here.
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About Rep. Stanley
State Representative
City Council
Former City Council President
State Committee:
Co-Chairperson, Joint Committee on Elder Affairs
Member of:
Massachusetts Elder Nutrition Commission
Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias
City Council:
Veterans Committee
Economic Development Committee
Committee of the Whole
Education: Suffolk University (MPA), Bentley University (BS - Management), Mass Bay Community College (AS - Business Administration)
Community Involvement (Past & Present):
Waltham Boys & Girls Club, Waltham Youth Basketball Association, Basketball Plus Program, Central Middle School Basketball, Little Nippers Baseball, Warrendale Little League, Waltham Youth Soccer, Waltham Police Athletic League, CCD Teacher, St. Jude Church, Waltham Lions Club, Waltham Rotary Club, Reagle Players Board of Directors, Warrendale Little League Board of Directors, Waltham Partnership for Youth Board of Directors, Waltham Day Center (Homeless) Advisors Board, Waltham Family School Advisory Board, Waltham Safe & Healthy Schools YRBS Steering Committee, Reach Beyond Domestic Violence Advisory Board, Waltham Public Library Planning Committee, Waltham Sons of Italy, Middlesex Area Enough Abuse Campaign
Awards:
Work, Community, Independence - Human Service Advocate of the Year, COFAR - award recipient for support of people with mental disabilities, MassBay Community College Distinguished Alumni Award WATCH CDC - Housing Advocate Award, Minuteman Senior Services - Certificate of Appreciation, Boston Bar Assoc., Greater Boston Legal Services and MetroWest Legal Services - Pillar of Justice Award, Shining Star Award, Edinburg Center, Community Health Center Leader Award, The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, Dignity Award Certificate of Appreciation,
Home Care Ally Award, Home Care Aid Council
Personal:
Married to the former Kimberly A. Bayliss
Children: Ryan, age 29, Parker, age 20 & puppy Regan
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