March 2024 | The Stanley Report 

Dear Friend,

March'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

Rep. Stanley met with officials from DCR, Ward 8 Councilor CathyAnn Harris, and members of the YMCA of Greater Boston to discuss the potential of utilizing the Forest Grove Reservation in Waltham for a summer camp.

Rep. Stanley joined AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa in wearing pins to support caregivers of older family members, part of AARP's initiative to highlight the importance of our caregivers. 

Rep. Stanley addresses a advocates at Older Adult Lobby Day at the State House in February. 

Rep. Michelwicz speaks at Rep. Stanley's annual St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Rep. Stanley addresses attendees at his annual St. Patrick's Day celebration.

A great crowd gathered at Rep. Stanley's St. Patrick's Day party at Mighty Squirrel Brewing Company.

Chairman's Corner

Rep. Stanley Cosponsors Alzheimer's Association's

Advocacy Day and Legislative Briefing

Rep. Stanley joined forces with Senator Jehlen to cosponsor the Alzheimer's Association's Advocacy Day and Legislative Briefing at the State House on March 6, 2024. Decked out in purple to raise Alzheimer's awareness, legislators and advocates attended a comprehensive legislative briefing on the latest in Alzheimer's research and treatment, led by Rep. Stanley, House Majority Leader Michael J. Moran, Senator Jehlen, and Chair Danielle W. Gregoire.

A dynamic panel discussion on the current state and future prospects of Alzheimer's featured prominent figures including Dr. Daniel Press, Chief of Cognitive Neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dr. Edmarie Guzman-Velez, Assistant Professor and Neuropsychologist at Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Jim Wessler, CEO, Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH, Katie Brandt, Director of Caregiver Support Services, Frontotemporal Disorders Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Joe Montminy, an advocate living with dementia and a former member of the Advisory Council on the National Alzheimer’s Project Act.

The Department for Developmental Services issues statement on Fernald 

On January 11, 2024, the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) discovered that several of the buildings located at the former the Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center campus in Waltham, MA, sold by the Commonwealth to the City of Waltham in December 2014, contained documents appearing to relate to personal records of individuals served by DDS at the Fernald Developmental Center, as well as personnel records relating to DDS staff. DDS inspected the property after receiving complaints about documents on the property. DDS released the following statement about the incident:

"The Department for Developmental Services is committed to protecting the privacy of the people it serves and is acting in accordance with HIPAA to support any individual impacted by the failure to remove sensitive documents from the former Fernald Developmental Center when it was sold to the City of Waltham in 2014.

DDS worked with the City of Waltham to conduct a review of all accessible buildings at the site to locate and remove any materials present. This process was completed this month, and all documents will be securely stored at a DDS facility pending a determination from the Records Conservation Board on retention requirements.

DDS is committed to supporting any individual potentially impacted by this incident and, equally as important, ensuring the protection of all personal and confidential health information in our facilities, residences, and Area/Regional Offices across the state."

Rep. Stanley Helps Pass Bill to Increase State’s Competitiveness for Federal Funds

Rep. Stanley and members of the House of Representatives passed a bill that will enable the Commonwealth to leverage the interest earned by the Stabilization Fund, which currently stands at a historically high balance of $8.2 billion, to bolster our ability to compete for federal funds and pay down debt obligations, such as pensions and other post-employment benefits. With the passage of this bill, Massachusetts will be able to more aggressively compete for federal funding made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act.

The legislation passed establishes the Commonwealth Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund to be administered by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F). The fund will consist of the interest earned on the Stabilization Fund in each fiscal year, any money appropriated to the fund, and interest earned on the fund. 

Waltham Organizations Awarded Cultural Investment Portfolio Grants

Rep. Stanley is delighted to announce that four esteemed Waltham organizations have been honored with Cultural Investment Portfolio (CIP) grants from the Mass Cultural Council (MCC). Congratulations are extended to Metalwerx, Gore Place, Grow Native Massachusetts, and The National Center for Jewish Film for their achievements in securing CIP grants.

Since its inception in 2010, this grant program has provided vital unrestricted operating support to numerous arts and culture organizations statewide. In fiscal year 2024, MCC is awarding $6,988,800 to 338 organizations, recognizing their importance in the Commonwealth’s cultural ecosystem and ensuring that they continue to thrive.

Rep. Stanley Attends ARC Advocacy Day

Rep. Stanley attended the 46th annual legislative reception held by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) and The Arc of Massachusetts. The event, which attracted nearly 400 advocates at the Massachusetts State House, honored Rep. John Lawn with the ARC Legislator of the Year Award. The theme of this year's reception, "Reaffirming Our Commitment to Those in Need," underscored the ongoing advocacy required for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism, particularly considering the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Stanley and Staff Meet with Waltham YMCA at State House

Rep. Stanley and legislative aide James Zanghi convened with Waltham YMCA leaders at the State House during YMCA Advocacy Day on Wednesday, February 28th. Amanda Walsh, Maggie Bayer, and Mellissa Oppedisano from the YMCA engaged in discussions about ongoing collaboration between Rep. Stanley and the YMCA on key priorities including youth engagement, early childhood care/education investment, and afterschool programming. 

Tom organized a meeting today with DCR, Ward 8 Councilor CathyAnn Harris, and members of the YMCA of Greater Boston to discuss the potential of utilizing the Forest Grove Reservation in Waltham for a summer camp.

Rep. Stanley Engages with More Than Words Youth Advocates at State House

As part of the Children’s League’s Transition Age Youth Coalition’s Day at the State House, Rep. Stanley had the opportunity to meet with youth advocates from More Than Words. Transition age youth, aged 18-22, face unique challenges as they "age out" of the foster care system without the support of a permanent family upon entering adulthood. During the meeting, advocates shed light on the limited awareness and utilization of available support and services among youth in this age group. Many are unaware of the opportunity to receive assistance until the age of 22, and even fewer actively engage due to various barriers, ultimately perpetuating a cycle of homelessness among youth.

Rep. Stanley's commitment to addressing these systemic issues was evident through his co-sponsorship of legislation aimed at promoting public safety and improving outcomes for young adults. Known as the "Raise the Age" bill, this legislation seeks to reform the current system by ending the automatic prosecution of older adolescents as adults, thereby extending the juvenile jurisdiction to include 18–20-year-olds. By providing young adults with the opportunity for rehabilitation through supportive programming and educational pursuits, this bill aims to reduce recidivism rates and offer second chances for growth and development.

Rep. Stanley Supports Bill to Protect Animals in Traveling Exhibits and Shows

Rep. Stanley submitted testimony to House Committee on Ways and Means urging support of legislation he cosponsored relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows. Currently, many kinds of animals are participants in circuses, fairs, and other traveling shows where they are unfairly treated and even harmed.  

The bill ensures that the Commonwealth will no longer play a role in endangering the safety of captive elephants, big cats, primates, and bears to inhumane traveling show conditions. The bill would specifically prohibit the use of these animals in traveling shows in the state, allowing them to move and live natural lives. Banning these animals from these types of venues would also improve public health and safety as hundreds of people, including scores of children, are injured by elephants, big cats, primates, and bears used in circuses and traveling shows every year.

Rep. Stanley Asks Ways and Means to Advance “I Am” Bill

In a letter to House Committee on Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Rep. Stanley expressed support for the I AM bill to increase access to disposable menstrual products. The bill would require public schools, homeless shelters, and prisons and jails to provide access to free disposable menstrual products. Advancing this legislation represents an important step for gender equality and would also reduce the stigma around menstrual health. Passage of this legislation would also help address some of the Commonwealth’s economic, health, and educational inequalities.

Rep. Stanley Addresses Advocates at Massachusetts Assisted Living Association Advocacy Day

The Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (MALA) extended an invitation to Rep. Stanley to speak at their annual advocacy day held at the State House. Assisted living residences (ALRs) are pivotal in our continuum of care, supporting over 16,000 older adults in remaining within their communities. During the event, Rep. Stanley interacted with advocates and MALA members, focusing on elder affairs priority legislation (S.2527). This legislation aims to enable ALRs to offer basic health services to their residents. Additionally, the bill proposes a study on expanding access to ALRs for Medicaid-eligible older adults through the Frail Elder Waiver. Such measures align with Rep. Stanley's commitment to enhancing affordable housing options with services for older adults, a shared priority with co-chair Senator Pat Jehlen. 

Mass Humanities "Expand Massachusetts Stories" Grants Available

Mass Humanities’ Expand Massachusetts Stories Advancing Equity Track grant program will award up to 15 grants to applicants whose projects are led by people from historically excluded communities, and whose organizations meet additional criteria. Selected applicants will develop final applications through a non-competitive review and approval process that includes cohort workshops and application development support with Mass Humanities staff and additional advisors. Proposals not selected into the track that are still eligible for Expand Massachusetts Stories grants may apply through the Open Track. Learn more. 

Rep. Stanley Participates in Waltham Open Space Meeting

Rep. Stanley attended a Waltham community meeting, hosted by Cathyann Harris Ward 8 City Council and the Waltham Planning Department, to discuss development projects for Koutoujian Playground and the development of open space amenities for Woerd Avenue. Rep. Stanley looks forward to continuing this conversation with the community and will share further updates.

Waltham Cultural Council receives Mass Cultural Council Funds

Rep. Stanley is pleased to announce that the Waltham Cultural Council (WCC) received a $31,100 grant from Mass Cultural Council's (MCC) Local Cultural Council (LCC) program. Every year MCC works to support the 329 local and reginal cultural councils who administer this local arts grant program, which means that every year the state budget appropriation we voted on is used to make grants in every community across Massachusetts, statewide. To view a list of all the awards the Waltham Cultural Council has given out this year, click here. 

Boston University Offers Series on Aging

Boston University’s (BU) research publication, The Brink, is featuring a seven-part special series on aging. BU researchers explore some of the top issues and questions surrounding older generations, including Alzheimer’s Disease, aging equity, finances, living past 100, and rethinking senior culture. Learn more.

Join the IRS Direct File Pilot!

IRS Direct File is a groundbreaking new service that lets people file their taxes for free directly with the IRS from their smartphone or personal computer. It’s available in English and Spanish and is simple, secure, and always free. Support is available via live chat and with dedicated IRS support specialists. Learn more.

2024 Waltham Police Public Safety Survey



Waltham Police created a survey to better assess how they can serve the public in Waltham. Please take a few moments to fill out this survey and share it with others who would benefit from the services that this department delivers. Access the survey here.

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.

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 30, Parker, age 21 & puppy Regan