Thursday, April 29, 2021

Up Next: Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will be joined by Secretary of Education James Peyser, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy and Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta, following a tour of Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, to make an announcement relative to the Baker-Polito Administration’s Career Technical Initiative (CTI). A live stream will be available at www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr in about 40 minutes​. 


 


Read more...

Denim Day

Yesterday I joined with 100 members of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, and millions of people across the globe, to support survivors and educate others about all forms of sexual violence. 

Denim Day began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim wore tight jeans, she implied consent. I stand with sexual assault survivors and the Caucus of Women Legislators to support the mission of #DenimDay every day.


 


Read more...

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plans for Continued Reopening

Face Coverings Order to be Relaxed for Some Outdoor Settings 

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries effective May 10th and put plans in place for further reopening on May 29th and August 1st. The Administration continues to take steps to reopen the Commonwealth's economy with public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction. This includes drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations. Massachusetts remains first in the nation for first vaccine doses and total doses administered per capita, among states with more than 5 million people. The Administration will also relax the Face Coverings Order for some outdoor settings, effective April 30th.

Phase IV, Step 2 Industries and Gathering Changes:

On March 22, Massachusetts loosened capacity restrictions and advanced to Step 1 of Phase IV of the reopening plan. Since then, case rates dropped by 20%. The positivity rate has dropped to the lowest levels recorded since last summer.

Effective Monday, May 10th:

Large venues such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks currently open as part of Phase 4, Step 1 at 12% will be permitted to increase capacity to 25%.

The Commonwealth will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries including amusement parks, theme parks and outdoor water parks that will be permitted to operate at a 50% capacity after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health.

Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events will be permitted to take place with staggered starts after submitting safety plans to a local board of health or the DPH.

Youth and adult amateur sports tournaments will be allowed for moderate and high risk sports.

Singing will also be permitted indoors with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses.

Effective May 29th:

Subject to public health and vaccination data, gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings and private settings.

Subject to public health and vaccination data, additional Phase 4, Step 2 industries will be permitted to open including:

Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals, at 50% of their previous capacity and after submitting safety plans to the local board of health.

Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries, will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90 minute limit and no dance floors.

Subject to public health and vaccination data, the restaurant guidance will be updated to eliminate the requirement that food be served with alcohol and to increase the maximum table size to 10.

Effective August 1st:

Subject to public health and vaccination data, remaining industries will be permitted to open including:

* Dance clubs, and nightclubs

* Saunas, hot-tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs and other facilities

* Indoor water parks

* Ball pits

All industry restrictions will be lifted at that time, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries, with businesses encouraged to continue following best practices. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

Depending on vaccine distribution and public health data, the Administration may consider re-evaluating the August 1st date.

The Department of Public Health will also continue to issue guidance as needed, including guidance to still require masks indoors.

Face Coverings Order:

Effective April 30th, the Face Coverings Order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings.

Face coverings will only be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance.

v Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking.

At smaller gatherings in private homes, face coverings are recommended but not required. The $300 fine as an enforcement mechanism will be eliminated.

For more information, visit mass.gov/reopening.


Read more...

Mass Cultural Council Festivals Program Grants Awarded

The #PowerOfCulture is vitally important to Massachusetts, we have an impressive and valuable cultural community that needs nurturing and support - particularly as we combat this pandemic. So, I am happy to share that several organizations in the Senate district that I represent were awarded funds for their festivals. 

This year's festivals will take several forms - some will be completely virtual and others will continue in-person, but with public health guidelines. Lets's support the creators.

Five Ponds Festival, Wenham

Five Ponds Creative Writing Festival: to support Five Ponds Creative Writing Festival with the production, promotion and/or development of festival audiences.

North Andover Youth & Recreation Services, North Andover

North Andover Summer Common Shows: to support North Andover Summer Common Shows with the production, promotion and/or development of festival audiences.

Rockport Illumination Fund, Rockport

Rockport Illumination Weekend: to support Rockport Illumination Weekend with the production, promotion and/or development of festival audiences.

Windhover Foundation, Rockport

Windhover LIVE Summer Dance Festival: to support Windhover LIVE Summer Dance Festival with the production, promotion and/or development of festival audiences.


Read more...

Monday, April 26, 2021

Baker-Polito Administration Files Legislation to Improve Road Safety

The Baker-Polito Administration today filed legislation to improve road safety, entitled, “An Act Relative to Improving Safety on the Roads of the Commonwealth.

”The legislation includes provisions previously filed by the Administration in 2019 and several new proposals, including increasing penalties for individuals who cause personal injury while driving on a non-administratively suspended license.

“These proposals will make Massachusetts roadways and streets safer for all travelers and will help reduce roadway fatalities across the state,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This legislative package builds upon laws enacted in 2019 to prevent and enforce distracted driving, and we look forward to working with our partners in the Legislature to take additional steps to improve road safety.”

“This legislation will make a difference for all travelers in the Commonwealth including pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. "We are grateful for the input from municipal leaders, advocacy groups and non-profit organizations, which allow us to take steps that will save lives and prevent injuries in communities throughout the Commonwealth.”

“The new laws are first and foremost in keeping with our goal to reduce the number of deaths on our roads,” said Acting Secretary of Transportation Jamey Tesler. “Crashes due to distracted driving, speeding, and other unsafe driving behaviors, continue to occur on Massachusetts roadways despite reduced driving levels during the pandemic, and these proposals will help refocus and change current driving habits and behaviors to ensure that individuals remain safe.”

“Preventing roadway injuries and fatalities is a priority for all of us at EOPSS,” said Public Safety Secretary Thomas Turco. “These common-sense proposals are important to make sure that drivers, passengers, and vulnerable road users like pedestrians and bicyclists can all get home safely.”

An Act Relative to Improving Safety on the Roads of the Commonwealth, includes proposals on the following new and previously filed topics:

Primary Seatbelt: allows law enforcement to stop motorists for not wearing a seatbelt.

Haley’s Law: increases penalties for individuals who cause personal injury while driving on a non-administratively suspended license. New provisions would create three levels of new “aggravating factors” to driving while suspended: 1) Driving negligently/recklessly: fine up to $1,000 and up to 5 years in prison; 2) Causing “serious bodily injury:” fine up $3,000 and house of correction up to 2.5 years; and 3) Causing death: fine up to $5,000 and mandatory 2 years to a maximum of 10 years in prison. Current statute simply penalizes for driving while suspended.

Traffic Camera Enforcement Local Option: allows localities to place red light cameras at intersections (and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)/MassDOT-owned roads that serve as local roads with DCR/MassDOT permission). Cameras would be restricted to collecting photographs only upon a violation and only of the vehicle license plates. Violations would include running a red light and making an illegal turn on a red light.

Bicycle Safe Passing: requires a driver to maintain a 3 foot “safe passing distance” and to travel at a speed that is reasonable and proper when passing a bicyclist or pedestrian when there isn’t any physical separation (such as a protected bike lane or curb). Thirty-six other states have “safe distance” requirements.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Changes: a refile of previously filed changes to the state’s CDL laws, which include updates to conform to federal law.

Crash Data Reporting: proposes adding to reporting requirements crash information involving “a vulnerable user,” a term which would include pedestrians, bicyclists, public works or public safety personnel working in the right of way, individuals on farm tractors, and users of other mobility devices such as scooters and in-line skates. Current statute requires drivers to report any crashes resulting in serious bodily injury, death, or property damage in excess of $1000. This reporting on crashes involving vulnerable users will assist municipalities and state transportation entities to identify problem areas or emerging trends.

Side Guards and Additional Mirrors: requires all Commonwealth-owned and operated vehicles over 10,000 pounds to have side guards, convex mirrors and cross-over mirrors. Additionally, all Commonwealth and municipal contractors would be required to have these devices by January 1, 2024. Side guards protect bicyclists and pedestrians from being swept under large vehicles, which can happen, for example, when vehicles are making tight turns at intersections. The convex mirrors complement the side guards.

Low-Speed Mobility Device Advisory Working Group: given the growth in use and acceptance of micro-mobility solutions like electric scooters and bicycles, and their unclear status in state law and local regulation, this bill calls for MassDOT to convene an advisory group to recommend a new statutory framework to ensure safe use while encouraging these low-carbon transportation alternatives.


Read more...

Saturday, April 24, 2021

"Shred The Peak"

Reading Municipal Light Department Battery Storage Facility 

I took a tour given by the Reading Municipal Light Department General Manager, Coleen O’Brien of the Reading Municipal Light Department Minuteman Battery Energy Storage System with State Rep Jeff Roy, House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. A few years ago the Legislature provided a grant funding program to advance the energy storage segment of the Massachusetts clean energy industry.

This project received a $1 million state grant for the installation of these energy storage units. At the ribbon-cutting two years ago The BESS was the largest stand-alone energy storage unit in the state. Energy storage technologies can reduce costs for consumers by storing energy during off-peak hours when costs are low and using the stored energy during peak periods. You can learn more about the BESS Shred 

The Peak initiative at https://www.rmld.com/home/pages/shred-peak





 


Read more...

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Happy Earth Day

There is so much good in, on, and around our world. 

 #EarthDay 


 


Read more...

Monday, April 19, 2021

Unemployment Assistance

The Department of Unemployment Assistance recently issued 2021 Unemployment Insurance (UI) rate notices, which included a tax schedule freeze on schedule “E” for 2021. The tax schedule freeze slowed the annual employer contribution growth, on average, per employee. To provide employers with additional time to prepare for their Q1 contributions, the deadline to pay Q1 contributions for private contributory employers has been extended to Tuesday, June 1, 2021 by emergency regulation. 

The Baker Administration is further evaluating the solvency rate increase and will provide more information at a later date. Quarterly Employment and Wage Detail filings are still due by Friday, April 30, 2021, in order to maintain the integrity of the Unemployment Insurance system and ensure the system can continue paying claimants.


Read more...

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Celebrating the Cape Ann Savings Bank's 175th Anniversary

I was pleased to present a Senate Citation to the Cape Ann Savings Bank this morning to help them celebrate this momentous occasion. The bank, founded in Gloucester on April 15th of 1846, has been connected to the greater Cape Ann community for many generations. I learned that the bank has identified a number of non-profit organizations and is giving $175,000 to support their charitable missions. 

Congratulations to bank President Bob Gillis and the wonderful employees of the Cape Ann Savings Bank.



 


Read more...

Sumner Tunnel Centennial - Massachusetts Department of Transportation Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project Update

What is happening?

The Sumner Tunnel, between East Boston and the North End, will be undergoing a full restoration beginning in 2022. The purpose of these upcoming meetings is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the project. All views and comments made at the hearing will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible. How will this affect you?

The Sumner Tunnel Centennial Project will create significant impacts to the community and commuters during construction. During the meetings, MassDOT will review the construction activities and schedule, tunnel closures, traffic detours, and community impacts. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments.

When

Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

4/27 Webinar Link

Webinar ID: 889 2113 5782

Passcode: 860159

Dial-in Option: 888-788-0099

 

Thursday, April 29, 2021, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

4/29 Webinar Link

Webinar ID: 862 2389 6416

Passcode: 765313

Dial-in Option: 888-788-0099


 


Read more...

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Up Next:

Governor Charlie Baker will provide an update on COVID-19 vaccination. He will be joined by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, Boston Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy, The BASE Founder & President Robert Lewis, Jr., and El Mundo Boston President & CEO Alberto Vasallo. A live stream will be available at www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr- check in about 11:35 AM.

Read more...

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Extending Grace Period for Certain Expired Inspection Stickers through End of May

Vehicle owners with expired March 2021 and April 2021 inspections stickers have through May 31, 2021 to obtain inspections 

Law enforcement aware of these instances of expired stickers due to Applus’ vendor outage

Additional time will be granted for failed motor vehicle inspection and retests

Due to the nationwide system outage of motor vehicle inspection services by its vendor Applus Technologies (Applus) impacting inspection stations and motor vehicle owners, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is extending a grace period for specific motor vehicle inspection requirements. The requirements are outlined below and include an extension which now allows vehicle owners with expired March 2021 and April 2021 inspections stickers to have through May 31, 2021 to obtain inspections. The RMV is working in close partnership with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA), the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and other stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of the outage.

The RMV is allowing a grace period for certain expired motor vehicle inspections. The RMV has advised law enforcement that compliance with the safety/emissions inspection requirement has not been possible since March 30, in light of the outage caused by the malware attack against Applus.

● Motor vehicles with expired inspection stickers from March 2021 (“3” sticker on windshield) and April 2021 (“4” sticker on windshield) are extended until May 31, 2021, to obtain an inspection.

● Newly purchased vehicles registered on or after Tuesday, March 23, 2021, should be granted until April 30, 2021, to obtain an inspection. Newly purchased vehicles must typically be inspected within seven (7) days of registration.

● Customers who recently had an inspection rejection and are in the 60-day free retest window will be afforded one extra day for each day Applus’s system remains unavailable but should plan to facilitate their inspection as soon as possible once the system is restored and stations are online.

The RMV will hold the vendor accountable for this disruption and is working with Applus to restore services as soon as possible. Applus has indicated that their systems will be operating by Saturday, April 17th in Massachusetts and the Registry will continue working with the vendor to meet this goal. It has been 15 days since the Registry learned of the Applus cyber-attack, and the outage has had a significant impact to the many business owners who employ staff to deliver vehicle inspection services to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

For additional information and details on these and other RMV service offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.mass.gov/rmv


Read more...

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Update Regarding Janssen Vaccine from the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative

AMESBURY -- The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative has been notified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Heath that federal authorities have called for a pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, effective immediately. 

At 7 a.m. Tuesday, the CDC tweeted that the Federal Government has called for a pause on use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine after rare clotting cases occurred in some patients. Approximately 2,000 people have received this vaccine at LMVRC clinics in Amesbury and West Newbury. 

The collaborative is anticipating guidance from state and federal authorities on any advisories or information that may need to be sent to those patients. A Janssen clinic scheduled for Thursday, April 15 with approximately 250 registered patients has been cancelled, however all patients registered for this clinic will be contacted and given the opportunity to register for a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine during a clinic session this weekend. No patient will lose their opportunity to receive a vaccine. 

"This is an unfortunate situation, but as always we will abide by the guidance and information we receive from our state and federal health partners," said Amesbury Fire Chief and Health Director Ken Berkenbush. "We are pleased that we will be able to hold our patients faultless and ensure that all patients who would have received a Janssen vaccine this week will have the chance to receive a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine." 

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative comprises Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.


Read more...

*** The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Diseases Control Recommend Pause in Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine *

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health this morning is notifying all Massachusetts providers to pause administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, effective immediately. 

The FDA will have a 10 AM. press conference which we will live stream on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr , and the CDC on Wednesday plans to convene its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on Wednesday to review the cases. 

 "Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative confirms @MassDPH has asked clinic to pause #janssenvaccine distribution after Federal Government has called for a pause on use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine after rare clotting cases," tweeted John Guilfoil.  The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative (LMVRC) is a partnership between Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.

 


Read more...

Monday, April 12, 2021

Up Next: Baker Briefing at Noon

Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will join Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, Massachusetts Health Connector Executive Director Louis Gutierrez​ and Family Health Center of Worcester President & CEO Lou Brady after a tour of the vaccination site at Family Health Center of Worcester and provide an update on COVID-19 vaccination. A live stream will be available at https://www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr about noon.


 


Read more...

MassDOT Advisory: Newbury

Scheduled Overnight Test Openings of the Plum Island Drawbridge over Plum Island River 

Test openings will occur through April 11, through 4:30 a.m. on Monday, April 12 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that it will be conducting multiple test openings of the Plum Island Drawbridge located on the Plum Island Turnpike over the Plum Island River in Newbury. The test openings will take place from 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, through 4:30 a.m. on Monday, April 12. 

The purpose of the test openings is to ensure that the drawbridge is ready to operate for the upcoming boating season and to train new drawbridge operators. The drawbridge testing operations are part of a $4.19 million District 4 drawbridge operation, maintenance and repair contract awarded to SPS New England. Drivers who are traveling through the area should reduce speed and use caution.


Read more...

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Update on Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Inspections

Inspections are not expected to resume at locations until potentially Saturday, April 17. 

The following is an update from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in regard to the nationwide system outage of motor vehicle inspection services by the RMV’s vendor, Applus Technologies (Applus).

Status of vehicle inspections

Applus Technologies, a vendor that facilitates vehicle inspections in MA and several other states, experienced a cyber-attack in several states on March 30, preventing the RMV’s vehicle inspection stations from conducting vehicle inspections statewide. The RMV will hold the vendor accountable for this disruption and is working with Applus to restore services as soon as possible. Applus has indicated that their systems will be operating by Saturday, April 17th in Massachusetts and the Registry will continue working with the vendor to meet this goal. It has been 12 days since the Registry learned of the Applus cyber-attack, and the outage has had a significant impact to the many business owners who employ staff to deliver vehicle inspection services to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Background information

The RMV is allowing a grace period for specific motor vehicle inspection requirements outlined below:

· Motor vehicles with expired inspection stickers from March 2021, (“3” sticker on windshield), should be granted until April 30, 2021, to obtain an inspection.

· Vehicles newly purchased or registered on or after Tuesday, March 23, 2021, should be granted until April 30, 2021, to obtain an inspection. Newly purchased vehicles must typically be inspected within seven (7) days of registration.

· Customers who recently had a failed inspection and are in the 60-day free retest window will be afforded one extra day for each day Applus’s system remains unavailable but should plan to facilitate their inspection as soon as possible once the system is restored and stations are online.

The RMV has advised law enforcement that compliance with the safety/emissions inspection requirement has not been possible since March 30, in light of the outage caused by the malware attack against Applus. The RMV is working in close partnership with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA), the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and other stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of the outage.

Historically, motor vehicle inspections average approximately 15,000 per day, with as many as 20,000+ inspections being conducted on the first two days of the month and the last two days of the month. The RMV estimates that there are between 40,000 to 50,000 vehicles that may still have a March sticker and require an inspection.

Please visit https://www.mavehiclecheck.com/ for more information on the outage.


Read more...

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Expansion of Pre-Registration System

The Baker-Polito Administration announced today the expansion of the pre-registration to include some regional collaboratives and improved features to allow for vaccination location selection during appointment booking. 

Later this week, the Commonwealth’s preregistration system will expand to include the first regional collaboratives to the system. The Amherst/Northampton and Marshfield regional collaboratives will be the first to come online, and more regional collaboratives are working with the Command Center and tech teams to ensure they meet the operational and technological requirements to be added to the preregistration system. 

Next week, the user experience for the preregistration system will change for people who are contacted with the opportunity to book appointments. People will have the opportunity to select their vaccination location before proceeding to select from available appointments. To date, around 1.5 million people have preregistered using our system, with over 800,000 having been contacted with the opportunity to book appointments. We will continue to make improvements to the system in the weeks ahead, to make the process even easier as more people become eligible.


Read more...

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Implementing Grace Period for Certain Expired Inspection Stickers Law enforcement aware of these instances of expired stickers due to Applus’ vendor outage Vehicle owners with expired March 2021 stickers should plan to obtain inspection by end of April; additional time requested for newly purchased or registered vehicles Additional time will be granted for failed motor vehicle inspection and retests Due to the nationwide system outage of motor vehicle inspection services by its vendor Applus Technologies (Applus) impacting inspection stations and motor vehicle owners, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is allowing a grace period for specific motor vehicle inspection requirements outlined below. The RMV is working in close partnership with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA), the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and other stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of the outage. The RMV continues to urge Applus to safely and swiftly restore services and provide additional information on the extent of the outage’s impact, which began on Tuesday, March 30. The three-phase process required to return the MA Vehicle Check program to full service that is secure and safe has been in progress. These phases are 1) Remediation (completed), 2) Restoration and System Testing (current phase), and 3) Go-Live and Post- Go-Live Support. The restoration phase, which is the current phase, involves a deliberate and methodical resetting of Applus Technologies’ IT environment and will take some time to restore the safety and emissions stations to testing capabilities fully. Based on recent conversations, inspections will not be performed today, Tuesday, April 6, Wednesday, April 7, Thursday, April 8, or Friday, April 9. “The RMV shares the frustrations and disappointment with the tremendous inconvenience Applus’s outage is causing and recognizes the significant impacts on customers and business owners across the Commonwealth,” said Acting Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “The RMV remains committed to its efforts to ensure Applus makes Massachusetts a priority in quickly and safely returning the inspection program to operation.” The RMV is allowing a grace period for certain expired motor vehicle inspections. The RMV has advised law enforcement that compliance with the safety/emissions inspection requirement has not been possible since March 30, in light of the outage caused by the malware attack against Applus. Motor vehicles with expired inspection stickers from March 2021 (“3” sticker on windshield) should be granted until April 30, 2021, to obtain an inspection. Vehicles newly purchased or registered on or after Tuesday, March 23, 2021, should be granted until April 30, 2021, to obtain an inspection. Newly purchased vehicles must typically be inspected within seven (7) days of registration. Customers who recently had an inspection rejection and are in the 60-day free retest window will be afforded one extra day for each day Applus’s system remains unavailable but should plan to facilitate their inspection as soon as possible once the system is restored and stations are online. The RMV is taking these and other steps to mitigate the impacts of Applus’s outage. Additionally, the RMV, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, has formally notified Applus that it is in breach of its contract and is exploring all possible remedial measures pursuant to the terms of the contract as Applus works to restore service as expediently as possible. For additional information and details on these and other RMV service offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.mass.gov/rmv or https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rmv-covid-19-information.

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Implementing Grace Period for Certain Expired Inspection Stickers 

Law enforcement aware of these instances of expired stickers due to Applus’ vendor outage

Vehicle owners with expired March 2021 stickers should plan to obtain inspection by end of April; additional time requested for newly purchased or registered vehicles

Additional time will be granted for failed motor vehicle inspection and retests

Due to the nationwide system outage of motor vehicle inspection services by its vendor Applus Technologies (Applus) impacting inspection stations and motor vehicle owners, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is allowing a grace period for specific motor vehicle inspection requirements outlined below. The RMV is working in close partnership with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA), the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and other stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of the outage.

The RMV continues to urge Applus to safely and swiftly restore services and provide additional information on the extent of the outage’s impact, which began on Tuesday, March 30. The three-phase process required to return the MA Vehicle Check program to full service that is secure and safe has been in progress. These phases are 1) Remediation (completed), 2) Restoration and System Testing (current phase), and 3) Go-Live and Post- Go-Live Support. The restoration phase, which is the current phase, involves a deliberate and methodical resetting of Applus Technologies’ IT environment and will take some time to restore the safety and emissions stations to testing capabilities fully. Based on recent conversations, inspections will not be performed today, Tuesday, April 6, Wednesday, April 7, Thursday, April 8, or Friday, April 9.

“The RMV shares the frustrations and disappointment with the tremendous inconvenience Applus’s outage is causing and recognizes the significant impacts on customers and business owners across the Commonwealth,” said Acting Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “The RMV remains committed to its efforts to ensure Applus makes Massachusetts a priority in quickly and safely returning the inspection program to operation.”

The RMV is allowing a grace period for certain expired motor vehicle inspections. The RMV has advised law enforcement that compliance with the safety/emissions inspection requirement has not been possible since March 30, in light of the outage caused by the malware attack against Applus.

Motor vehicles with expired inspection stickers from March 2021 (“3” sticker on windshield) should be granted until April 30, 2021, to obtain an inspection.

Vehicles newly purchased or registered on or after Tuesday, March 23, 2021, should be granted until April 30, 2021, to obtain an inspection. Newly purchased vehicles must typically be inspected within seven (7) days of registration.

Customers who recently had an inspection rejection and are in the 60-day free retest window will be afforded one extra day for each day Applus’s system remains unavailable but should plan to facilitate their inspection as soon as possible once the system is restored and stations are online.

The RMV is taking these and other steps to mitigate the impacts of Applus’s outage. Additionally, the RMV, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, has formally notified Applus that it is in breach of its contract and is exploring all possible remedial measures pursuant to the terms of the contract as Applus works to restore service as expediently as possible.

For additional information and details on these and other RMV service offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.mass.gov/rmv or https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rmv-covid-19-information.


Read more...

Baker-Polito Administration Reminds the Public that Individuals 55+ and Individuals with One Certain Medical Condition Eligible for Vaccine April 5th, Adopts CDC Guidance for New Medical Conditions to Expand Eligibility for More Individuals on April 5th Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services

In addition, the Administration announced that Massachusetts will adopt the CDC’s updated list of medical conditions. This week, the CDC added more medical conditions that are linked to an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (full list here). Massachusetts will adopt this guidance and make individuals eligible starting April 5th if they have one of these medical conditions. As a result of adopting the CDC’s list, more residents will be eligible starting April 5th.

Baker-Polito Administration Reminds the Public that Individuals 55+ and Individuals with One Certain Medical Condition Eligible for Vaccine April 5th, Adopts CDC Guidance for New Medical Conditions to Expand Eligibility for More Individuals on April 5th Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services

55+ and Residents with One Certain Medical Condition On Monday, April 5th, residents 55+ and residents with one certain medical condition will be eligible to receive vaccine at any of the Commonwealth’s over 300 vaccination locations, including 269 pharmacy locations. With this group, more than 1 million additional residents will be eligible for vaccine in the Commonwealth. The full timeline is available at mass.gov/COVIDVaccinePhases

The Administration was informed early this week of a one-time increased shipment of 100,000 J&J vaccines that will arrive in the state early next week. Depending on supply from the federal government, it could take weeks for people to be notified that an appointment is available at a mass vaccination site. Individuals can learn more about the Commonwealth’s vaccination sites and pre-registration by visiting vaxfinder.mass.gov. CDC Guidance

In accordance with CDC guidelines, the Commonwealth has adopted recent additions to the list of conditions that cause individuals to be at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Individuals with one of the following conditions are eligible on Monday, April 5th: 

* Cancer 

* Chronic kidney disease 

* Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension

* Dementia or other neurological conditions

* Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)

* Down syndrome

* Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension)

* HIV infection

* Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)

* Liver disease

* Overweight and obesity

* Pregnancy

* Sickle cell disease or thalassemia

* Smoking, current or former

* Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant

* Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain

* Substance use disorders

For individuals that have already pre-registered but would like to update their information to reflect the new medical conditions recognized by the CDC and Massachusetts as of April 5th: The administration is building a feature for individuals to edit their submission that will be made available soon


Read more...

Up Next at 2:30:

Governor Baker will receive his COVID-19 vaccination at the Hynes Convention Center mass vaccination site and will provide an update on COVID-19. A live stream will be available at www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr.


 


Read more...

Monday, April 5, 2021

Massachusetts residents 55 years old and older, and those with one qualifying medical condition are eligible to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine at any of the more than 300 vaccination locations in MA. The full timeline is available at http://mass.gov/COVIDVaccinePhases  To preregister go to http://vaxfinder.mass.gov


 


Read more...

Auto Inspections System Still Down

Outage To Last At Least Through Tuesday 

The Registry of Motor Vehicles reports that that inspection stations will be unable to perform inspections because Applus Technologies, the vendor that provides vehicle inspection software, is still not functioning after an attack on the software on March 30. This shutdown affects Massachusetts and seven other states. The RMV has informed law enforcement officials about the inspection system shutdown so that drivers with expired stickers do not face fines or penalties.


 


Read more...

Captain Lester S. Wass Post 3 of the American Legion Easter Meals

Thank you to the members of Post 3 and to the many volunteers who helped prepare, serve and deliver hundreds of Easter meals this year to those in need in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Ipswich, and the Essex area on Easter Sunday. 

I will share Post 3's mission statement for this event here: No one should be alone and without a hot meal on Easter Sunday.









 


Read more...

Sunday, April 4, 2021

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL



Read more...

Friday, April 2, 2021

MassDOT Advisory: Wenham, Manchester, Gloucester

Temporary Overnight Lane Closures on 128 Northbound and Southbound

Closures are scheduled to begin on Monday April 5, 2021, and are needed to facilitate construction operations 

Work will be conducted weekly, from Sunday through Thursday, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning

WENHAM/MANCHESTER/GLOUCESTER – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that it will be implementing temporary single lane closures on Route 128 northbound and southbound from Grapevine Road in Wenham to Grant Circle in Gloucester. The closures will begin on Monday, April 5, 2021, and will take place weekly, from Sunday through Thursday, during overnight hours from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning. This work is scheduled to continue through November 2021, and then resume in Spring 2022.

The closures are needed to allow crews to safely and effectively conduct construction operations as part of the ongoing resurfacing and related work project on Route 128. A single lane of traffic in will be maintained in both directions during construction operations. Traffic on Route 128 northbound or southbound could be impacted by the temporary lane closures.

Signs, traffic control devices, temporary detour signs and variable message boards will be used to guide drivers through the work zone.

The work is part of a $16.9 million resurfacing and related work project on Route 128. The full project is currently expected to be completed in October 2023.

MassDOT encourages drivers to reduce speed and use caution while approaching and traveling through the work zone and to allow for extra time through this area.

All work is weather dependent and is subject to change without notice.

 


Read more...

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Up Next: Governor Charlie Baker's Briefing

Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will join Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, Chelsea City​ Manager Thomas Ambrosino, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center President & CEO Manny Lopes and La Colaborativa Executive Director Gladys Vega to tour the vaccination site at the La Colaborativa headquarters in Chelsea and provide an update on COVID-19 vaccination. A live stream will be available at my Facebook page www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr around noon.

Read more...

Vehicle Inspection Stations Closed Today

RMV Says Vendor Has Not Provided a Timeline For Restoration 

Here is a press release from Applus, the vendor involved: 

Applus Technologies Identifies Malware Incident, Temporarily Disrupting Massachusetts Vehicle Inspections

BROOKFIELD, WISCONSIN (March 31, 2021) Applus Technologies, Inc. detected and stopped a malware attack which has temporarily interrupted the process of conducting vehicle inspections in Massachusetts and other locations. The restoration involves resetting Applus Technologies’ IT environment and will take some time to fully restore the functionality of vehicle inspections.

“Unfortunately, incidents such as this are fairly common and no one is immune,” said Darrin Greene, CEO of the US entity, Applus Technologies, Inc. “We apologize for any inconvenience this incident may cause. We know our customers and many vehicle owners rely on our technology and we are committed to restoring normal operations as quickly as possible.”

For information regarding this incident and updates on the operational status, please contact Applus Technologies at ContactUs@MAVehicleCheck.com.


 


Read more...