Cape Ann Seniors On the Go! 2022 Schedule

Happy to help. Under all that snow is fertile soil for growing great gardens. Check out the The 10 Elm Foundation, they are a dynamic non-profit organization with deep roots.

www.10elmfoundation.org/

116,632 Noon Hour Power Outages Statewide

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has tracked 116,632 households without power at this time. Gloucester has 244 customers impacted, Rockport has 43 locations without power, and Amesbury has only 2 outages.

 

Rockport MBTA Commuter Rail Train Delayed

The MBTA reports that Rockport Line Train 1104 (10:13 am from West Gloucester) is stopped at Beverly and is 20-30 minutes behind schedule due to a switch issue.

 

Plum Island Shelter Available - PITA Hall

Plum Island residents will be able to come to PITA Hall throughout the storm. Ron Barrett, President of the Plum Island Taxpayers and Associates, was hard at work throughout the day and night preparing the hall. We were there stocking up with food, beverages, and other supplies late last night. 

The Plum Island Taxpayers and Associates is a non-profit organization of volunteers who help support people and property on the island. https://www.plumislandtaxpayers.org/

Massachusetts Power Outages Tally 116,964

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency's power outage map represents power outages for four power companies in Massachusetts, but does not include municipal utilities. Data is provided by utilities every 15 - 30 minutes. MEMA Power Outage Map http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html

Governor Baker Urges All Residents to Avoid Travel Throughout Winter Storm

Governor Charlie Baker today is urging the people of the Commonwealth to avoid non-essential travel and prepare for the upcoming winter storm, which is expected to severely impact much of Massachusetts and bring blizzard conditions. Current forecasts predict eastern Massachusetts may receive 18 to 24 inches of snow, with as much as 30 inches possible in certain areas of the South Shore, with over 12 inches in central parts of the state and lesser amounts in western Massachusetts. 

Beginning Friday night, and continuing throughout the day Saturday, the storm has the potential for strong winds, heavy snow and limited visibility, as well as flooding in some areas. Forecasts also predict high snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour with strong wind gusts, creating white out conditions and poor visibility on roadways and making it hazardous for travel.

Due to the forecast, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is implementing a tractor trailer travel ban on the state’s interstate highways from Saturday between 6:00 a.m. through midnight for tractor trailer trucks, tandems and special permit haulers. MassDOT urges all of these large truck drivers to plan accordingly and to stay off the roads to allow MassDOT crews to work.

The Massachusetts National Guard has equipment and personnel standing by to assist the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and local authorities with high water and stranded driver rescues if needed.

“We are actively monitoring this weekend’s winter storm, and we are urging residents to stay home and to allow crews to safely treat and clear roadways,” said Governor Baker. “We will keep the public informed, and we remind everyone to please check in on neighbors in need and to assist in keeping sidewalks and fire hydrants clear.”

“This storm has the potential for high winds and flooding in some coastal regions,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We will continue to collaborate with state agencies and local officials as the storm progresses, and we encourage residents to ensure they are prepared.”

This storm could cause power outages throughout the state, particularly along the coast, in eastern and southeastern Massachusetts and on the Cape and Islands. Utility crews are being staged to assist in restoring power. People are reminded to stay away from any downed utility wires.

MBTA and Commuter Rail:

The MBTA has announced that service on the Green Line’s D Branch and on the Mattapan Line is suspended Saturday. Shuttle buses will replace both D Branch service and Mattapan trolleys. Additionally, ferry service between Charlestown and Long Wharf is suspended tomorrow. Many buses are expected to operate on Snow Routes as weather conditions worsen. Crews will be working to clear snow and ice and respond to incidents such as downed trees, throughout the transit system, including the Commuter Rail, and T customers are asked to use caution on platforms and at bus stops.

The Commuter Rail will operate on a regular weekend schedule for Saturday. On the Fitchburg Line, the planned bus diversion is canceled for Saturday and trains will operate between Littleton and Wachusett. MBTA and Keolis crews will be pre-positioned at key facilities and infrastructure (switches, signals, etc.) to help ensure normal operations. Switch heaters and snow jets will be activated in critical areas as snow and ice begin to accumulate Friday night to ensure normal flow of train traffic.

The MBTA’s Emergency Operations Center will closely monitor rail and bus service throughout the storm and provide updates to commuters at www.mbta.com/winter. Service alerts will be posted on Twitter at @MBTA and @MBTA_CR.

Highway Safety:

MassDOT has approximately 3,900 pieces of state and vendor equipment available for snow and ice operations and this includes over 1,400 plow and spreader combos, 2,100 plows, and 460 front-end loaders. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has postponed road tests scheduled on Saturday, January 29 due to the storm. Massport advises travelers to check with airlines as most airlines have already postponed flights scheduled for Saturday. MassDOT urges members of the public to stay updated on reduced speed limits, tractor trailer bans and roadway conditions.

Public Safety:

The State Emergency Operations Center at Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Headquarters will activate Saturday for the duration of the storm to monitor its impacts, coordinate response efforts and support impacted communities. MSP will have increased staffing for storm patrols and will offer additional support as needed statewide, and MSP Marine Unit assets and equipment will be pre-positioned to assist in flood-rescue efforts if needed. Residents are encouraged to check with their local public safety officials for shelter and other resources available during and after a storm, and can call 2-1-1 for any non-emergency storm questions.

The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with MEMA, National Weather Service, MassDOT and MSP to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. Please visit mass.gov/snow to learn what you should do before, during and after a winter storm.

DCR Winter Storm Advisory

Parking Bans Along Agency-Managed Parkways 

Starting today, January 28, 2022, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will implement parking bans along agency-managed parkways due to a winter storm event that is likely to impact the Commonwealth. Parking bans will be consistent with local municipal bans in which the parkways are located. As in past years, parking bans are expected to be lifted shortly after the completion of snow clearing operations.

Additionally, Boston residents with a South Boston Resident Parking Program permit (vehicle sticker) issued by the City’s Parking Clerk will be able to park at DCR’s Castle Island parking lot. Parking will be permitted overnight and up to at least 48-hours after a storm event-mirroring the City’s space saver policy at the Castle Island Parking lot. Standard parking rules will apply. Residents must do their best to park within the marked parking spaces and avoid parking in prohibited areas like fire lanes, cross walks, curb cuts, etc.

All DCR-managed parkways will adhere to local municipal parking bans. As of 5:00PM this evening, the following municipalities have announced parking bans, which will impact DCR parkways:

· City of Boston: Parking ban will go into effect starting Friday, January 28, 2022, at 9:00PM.

o Impacted DCR Parkways include, but are not limited to, William Day Boulevard, Charlesgate East and West, Fortsyth Way, Morton Street, Market Street, Park Drive, Shore Road, and Chestnut Hill Driveway.

· City of Quincy: Parking ban will go into effect starting Friday, January 28, 2022, at 4:00PM.

o Impacted DCR Parkways include, but are not limited to, Quincy Shore Drive.

· Town of Winthrop: Parking ban will go into effect on January 28, 2022, at 10:00PM.

o Impacted DCR Parkways include, but are not limited to, Winthrop Shore Drive.

· City of Malden: Parking ban will go into effect on January 28, 2022, at 5:00PM.

o Impacted DCR Parkways include, but are not limited to, Boundary Road, East Border Road, Fellsway East, Highland Avenue, and West Border Road.

· City of Revere: Parking ban will go into effect on January 28, 2022, at 6:00PM.

o Impacted DCR Parkways include, but are not limited to, Broadsound Avenue, Oak Island Street, Ocean Avenue, Revere Beach Boulevard, Revere Beach Parkway, Revere Street, Shirley Avenue, State Road, Wave Avenue, West Street, and Winthrop Parkway.

Governor Baker's Storm Update at 5

Governor Charlie Baker will be joined by public safety and transportation officials to provide an update on the upcoming winter storm. A live stream will be available on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr at 5.

National Grid has shared the following information:

"National Grid has 3,621 field-based personnel as part of our emergency response operations across New England. This includes overhead line, forestry, contractors, underground, damage assessment, wires down, transmission, and substation workers. This also includes 912 external line and forestry crews we’ve secured to assist with the effort. Crews are in place and ready to respond. Additional line and forestry crews have been staged on Nantucket in advance of the storm.

The company has been preparing for the storm for several days, and is continuing to monitor the weather, communicating with local officials, first responders, and life support customers. The Company offers the following tips and reminders: 

Customers Should Stay Connected: 

• Report power outages at www.nationalgridus.com or call 1-800-465-1212. 

• Use your mobile device to track outage information and storm-related safety tips through National Grid’s mobile site accessible at www.ngrid.com/mobile. 

• Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram; we post all the latest storm and restoration updates. 

• Track outages and estimated restoration times at www.nationalgridus.com/outage-central 

• To stay connected during storms and outages, text to 64743 using any of the below commands. 

o REG to sign up for text alerts 

o OUT to report an outage 

o SUM followed by your town, county, or state to get a summary of outages in your area 

o HELP for the full list of commands 

Stay Safe: 

• Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency response organization. 

• Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it’s an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food. 

 • People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a life support customer, call the company’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-322-3223. 

• Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period. 

Electric Safety: 

• If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to operate it outdoors. Before operating generators, disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize the safety of line crews and the public. 

 • If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored. 

 • Reminder: It’s not safe to work in an elevated bucket during periods of increased wind gusts. Our line workers begin restoration work only when conditions are deemed safe. 

Gas Safety: 

• If you suspect a natural gas leak: 

• Get Out - All occupants should leave the house immediately. Do not use the telephone or light switches for any reason. 

• Call – After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call the National Grid 24-hour gas emergency numbers: 

• New England:1-800-640-1595 

• Stay Out - Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe. 

Additional safety information may be found at https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Storm-Safety/."

Registry of Motor Vehicles Road Test Cancelations

Due to the impending snow storm tomorrow the Registry of Motor Vehicles has cancelled ALL ROAD TESTS scheduled across the state.

I WILL BE ON AIR WITH NORTHSHORE 104.9 TO GIVE BLIZZARD PREPARATION INFORMATION

I will be on-air with North Shore 104.9fm this morning at 8:15 to provide updates and information about preparations for the impending storm. The National Weather Service predicts total snow accumulations of 18 to 24 inches. Winds gusting up to 60 mph, possibly as high as 70 mph at times across Cape Ann. 

I will be sharing storm-related updates throughout the day/ Let's start with these preparedness and safety information sources: Safety and preparedness tips for nor’easters and coastal storms: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/noreaster-coastal-storm-safety-tips 

Safety and preparedness tips for extreme cold: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/extreme-cold-safety-tips

Power outage preparedness and safety information: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/power-outage-safety-tips 

Flood safety tips: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/flood-safety-tips

Winter storm preparedness and safety information: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/winter-storm-safety-tips 

Safe winter driving tips: https://www.mass.gov/winter-weather-driving 

Winter safety tips for pets: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/winter-pet-safety-tips

The National Weather Service also reports that storm-day travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.

Storm On Track

Please take steps to prepare for a strong Nor'easter storm which is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds and pockets of coastal flooding to parts of the state. The National Weather Service reports that the storm will move in late Friday night and will intensify overnight into Saturday. 

The area of heaviest snowfall will hinge on the exact track of the storm system which remains uncertain. Based on the current forecast, the area of greatest risk for over 1 ft. of snow will be Eastern Mass, Cape Cod, and the Islands where 12”- 18” is expected. 8”- 12” is expected in central parts of the state. 

Temperatures will be very cold in the wake of the storm with wind chills remaining frigid into Sunday.

 

Senate Honors Victims For Holocaus tRemembrance Day

To mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, I moved today that the Massachusetts Senate observe a moment of silence to remember victims of the Holocaust for International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Now, 77 years later we remember all those who were lost or suffered then and since. I thank my colleagues for their support.

#HolocaustRemembranceDay 

 

Baker-Polito Administration Files Fiscal Year 2023 Budget and Tax Relief Proposals

$48.5 billion budget filed alongside comprehensive tax relief plan 

The Baker-Polito Administration today filed its Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget proposal, a $48.5 billion plan that continues to support economic growth across Massachusetts and sustains efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, while fully funds the Student Opportunity Act, and making key investments in other critical areas, including housing and health care.

Alongside this fiscally responsible and balanced budget proposal, submitted as House 2, the Baker-Polito Administration is filing a comprehensive tax proposal to provide relief for housing and childcare costs, eliminate the income tax for hundreds of thousands of low-income taxpayers, and maintain Massachusetts’ competitiveness. The proposed changes would allow nearly $700 million to remain in the hands of taxpayers on an annual basis starting immediately in tax year 2022.

“Our Fiscal Year 2023 budget will help position Massachusetts strongly for the future by making key investments to support economic growth, sustain our nation-leading educational system, and support the health and wellbeing of our residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “At the same time, we are able to grow our reserves to historic levels and offer a tax relief proposal that will provide substantial relief for low-income seniors and working families. We look forward to working with our legislative colleagues to adopt a spending plan for FY23 that supports a strong and equitable economic recovery across the Commonwealth.”

“The FY23 budget recommendation maintains our Administration’s strong support for cities and towns with another increase in local aid consistent with tax revenue growth alongside other substantial investments to help the economic growth and development of Massachusetts communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This plan takes advantage of our strong fiscal position to increase opportunity for individuals and families and continues our work in priority areas including treatment and prevention of substance addiction, sexual assault and domestic violence, promoting equality and diversity, and increasing access to education, job skills training, and high-value careers.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration is proud to submit an FY23 budget that is fiscally responsible, brings the Rainy Day Fund to record levels, and makes significant investments to support those who need it most, all while affording tax cuts that will help hundreds of thousands of taxpayers across the Commonwealth,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. “We look forward to collaborating with the Legislature in the coming months to finalize a spending plan that continues to support growth, opportunity, and recovery across the state while limiting future budgetary risk.”

Tax Relief Proposal

The comprehensive tax relief plan filed today alongside the FY23 budget includes proposals that will provide $700 million in tax relief to low-income families and residents and maintain Massachusetts’ competitiveness. With a strong revenue picture and the budget projecting a significant deposit in to the Stabilization Fund, the Commonwealth can afford to provide this relief for working families and seniors. The plan proposes to:

Double the maximum Senior Circuit Breaker Credit to lower the overall tax burden for more than 100,000 lower-income homeowners aged 65+

Increase the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $5,000, allowing approximately 881,000 Massachusetts renters to keep approximately $77 million more annually

Double the dependent care credit to $480 for one qualifying individual and $960 for two or more, and double the household dependent care credit rate to $360 for one qualifying individual and $720 for two or more to benefit more than 700,000 families

Increase the Massachusetts adjusted gross income (AGI) thresholds for “no tax status” to $12,400 for single filers, $24,800 for joint filers, and $18,650 for head of households, which will provide direct relief to more than 234,000 low-income filers

Double the estate tax threshold and eliminate the current “cliff effect” that taxes the full amount below the threshold

Change the short-term capital gains tax rate to 5% to align the Commonwealth with most other states

House 2 Fiscal Overview

The proposed FY23 budget is based on the $36.915 billion consensus tax revenue estimate, which anticipates a 2.7% growth in total collections over revised FY22 tax estimates. House 2 recommends a total of $48.5 billion in authorized spending and transfers, excluding the Medical Assistance Trust Fund transfer, which is approximately 0.5% above Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22).

Through fiscally responsible policies and in close collaboration with the Legislature, the Baker-Polito Administration has brought the budget into structural balance and built up financial reserves to historic high levels. With a current balance of $4.64 billion, the Stabilization Fund is already more than four times greater than its balance at the start of the Administration.

The House 2 budget includes a $749 million increase to the Stabilization Fund, which, in combination with projected FY22 transfers, will grow the fund to an all-time high of $6.64 billion by the end of FY23.

Providing Record Investments in Massachusetts Students

In the House 2 budget, an increase of $591.4 million is recommended to fully fund the Student Opportunity Act, including $485 million in Chapter 70 funding, with a focus on school districts serving low-income students, for a total of $5.989 billion. The FY23 proposal also includes a $41 million increase over FY22 for special education circuit breaker reimbursement for cities and towns, and a $64.8 million increase in charter school reimbursement funding.

House 2 recommends $31.1 million to scale up college and career pathway programs for high school students with a focus on equity and recruitment of high-need student populations. This funding will allow over 17,100 students, representing 6% of all Massachusetts high schoolers, to enroll in these programs.

The FY23 budget proposal also includes a $1.45 billion investment for college readiness, affordability, and degree completion. This funding includes more than $155 million in financial aid grants, including $18 million to support an expansion of the MASSGrant Plus program that will enable all low-income, in-state undergraduate students to attend public higher education without incurring debt for mandatory tuition and mandatory fees – the largest increase in financial aid in over two decades. Investing in Housing Stability

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the state’s existing housing challenges and brought further economic instability for many across the Commonwealth. In House 2, the Administration proposes historic reforms and investments in rental assistance, re-housing benefits, and housing vouchers to expedite recovery and create long-lasting improvements in housing stability and access to homeownership. Building on the Eviction Diversion Initiative (EDI), which has distributed more than $500 million in state and federally funded rental assistance to individuals, families, and landlords in crisis, House 2 significantly expands state funding and eligibility for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) and HomeBASE programs, with the goal of reducing evictions and homelessness.

The budget recommends $80 million for RAFT, an increase of $58 million (264%) above FY22, which will support a permanent benefit limit increase to $7,000 over 12 months, versus $4,000 pre-pandemic, and serve an estimated 15,000 households, up from 5,000-6,000 previously. $56.9 million is recommended for HomeBASE, a $30.9 million (119%) increase above FY22, to serve more than 4,100 families in FY23, versus a projected 1,885 in FY22. It will also support an increase to the maximum benefit from $10,000 over one year to $20,000 over two years, which will allow for more extensive and flexible support to households.

House 2 also proposes reforms to the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) to maximize utilization of mobile vouchers and align benefits with federal rental assistance programs operated by the same local housing authorities. $145.6 million is projected to be available for MRVP in FY23, an increase of 223% since FY15, which will support a reduction in tenant rent share from 40% to 30%, projected to benefit more than 9,000 households across the Commonwealth, and a shift to a new payment model to give families more housing choice and flexibility.

Expanding Affordable Childcare Options

House 2 provides $802 million in funding for the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), an increase of $273.9 million (52%) since 2015. This funding includes $693.7 million in funding for income-eligible and DCF- and DTA-related childcare, which incorporates $53.9 million to annualize the implementation of a more equitable parent fee scale that improves childcare affordability. The updated fee scale will result in virtually all subsidized families paying a fee that is 7% of their income or less in FY23.

Expanding Health Care Services for the Most Vulnerable

The House 2 budget proposal protects core programs and builds on investments made over the last seven years with meaningful health care reforms that will expand services for and reduce the burden on the most vulnerable, while improving the accessibility of equitable, world class care for all Massachusetts residents.

The budget recommends $17.811 billion gross / $7.169 billion net for MassHealth, which includes $115 million to expand outpatient and urgent behavioral health services informed by the Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, a multi-year blueprint that incorporates feedback from hundreds of individuals, families, providers, and other behavioral health stakeholders. The MassHealth budget recommendation also incorporates an increase of $21 million to expand the Medicare Savings Program, which will reduce out-of-pocket health care spending and prescription drug costs for approximately 34,000 low-income seniors and disabled individuals.

The Administration is also proposing new investments to support families that are fostering children in the care of the Department of Children and Families and encourage recruitment of additional foster parents, including $13.4 million that will support approximately 4,500 families who provide care for 6,700 children.

Promoting Diversity and Opportunity

The FY23 budget proposal builds on the Administration’s longstanding commitment to promoting equality and opportunity for communities of color with more than $20 million invested in targeted DESE college and career pathway programs, including Early College, Innovation Pathways, and Dual Enrollment programs. It also maintains over $30 million for other initiatives aligned with the recommendations of the Governor’s Black Advisory Commission (BAC) and Latino Advisory Commission (LAC). This funding includes support for YouthWorks Summer Jobs, small business development, financial literacy, and workforce training.

House 2 provides $3.9 million to the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) to continue its work to ensure accountability and compliance with diversity goals, oversee agency diversity spending, and audit and review spending data.

Encouraging Economic Growth and Development

House 2 continues the Baker-Polito Administration’s focus on promoting economic growth, opportunity, and equity for communities across the Commonwealth. The proposal includes $4 million for the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program to support an estimated 1,500-2,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses, especially those owned by women, immigrants, veterans, and people of color. House 2 proposes $7.5 million for the Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant program.

This budget maintains support for the Career Technical Initiative, providing $17.9 million in total funding across the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and DESE. The initiative is designed to address the worker shortage and skills gap in the trades and technical fields, including plumbing, HVAC, manufacturing, and robotics, and it offers industry-recognized credentialing and career pathways with training aligned to apprenticeships and post-secondary degrees.

These investments build on the Administration’s work through the COVID-19 pandemic to support more than 15,400 businesses across the Commonwealth with over $700 million in relief. This program – the largest per capita state-sponsored business relief program in the nation – prioritized aid for specific economic sectors and demographics known to be the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and worked with a wide range of partners to ensure businesses that needed it most applied to the program.

Addressing Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have created additional challenges for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Polito, has continued to work closely with community partners and stakeholders to ensure that survivors and their families have access to necessary services and supports.

House 2 furthers these efforts by recommending $123.4 million in total funding for services dedicated to the prevention and treatment of sexual assault and domestic violence, a 91% increase in funding since FY15.

Substance Addiction Treatment and Prevention

The Administration, working closely with the Legislature, has nearly quadrupled funding for substance addiction treatment and prevention since taking office. These efforts have helped the Commonwealth add more than 1,200 patient treatment beds, including more than 800 beds for adults at varying treatment levels. House 2 proposes $543.8 million in total funding across multiple agencies for a wide range of harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programs that support individuals struggling with substance addiction and programs that work to prevent substance addiction through education, prescription monitoring, and more.

THE BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION’S FY23 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS BY NUMBERS

Supporting Local Government

Increases the Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) investment by $31.5 million compared to the FY22 budget, consistent with the expected 2.7% growth in tax revenue and keeping a promise made by Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito at the outset of their administration

Total UGGA investment of $1.2 billion to local cities and towns across the Commonwealth

Under the Baker-Polito Administration, total annual UGGA has increased by $253.9 million

$6 million in funding for Community Compact related programs including best practices and regionalization and efficiency grants, an increase of $2.4 million (66%) above FY22 $4.8 million for the Public Safety Staffing Grant Program managed by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

$3 million for district local technical assistance

K-12 Education

Fully funds the landmark Student Opportunity Act, adding a total of $591.4 million in new spending.

$485 million in Chapter 70 funding, for a total Chapter 70 investment of $5.989 billion

$41 million increase for special education circuit breaker reimbursement for local cities and towns

$64.8 million in additional funding for charter school reimbursement

In addition to Chapter 70, provides $952.8 million for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, including $31.1 million to scale up proven programs that will develop and expand college and career pathways for more than 17,100 high school students, a $12 million increase above FY22 funding

Early Education and Childcare

$802 million for Early Education and Care (EEC), an increase of $273.9 million (52%) since FY15. The recommendation includes:

$53.9 million to annualize the implementation of a more equitable parent fee scale that improves childcare affordability across the Commonwealth

$9.2 million across the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and EEC that would provide childcare subsidy access for individuals participating in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training programming

$5.5 million across the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and EEC to increase enrollment of DCF-involved children in childcare and expand a temporary childcare program to reach more children and provide additional wraparound services

Higher Education

$1.45 billion for the Department of Higher Education, University of Massachusetts, and state universities and community colleges, which includes:

More than $155 million in financial aid grants, including $18 million to support an expansion of the MASSGrant Plus program that will enable all low-income, in-state undergraduate students to attend public higher education without incurring debt for mandatory tuition and mandatory fees

$22 million in financial aid for Massachusetts students attending private institutions

$8.8 million for foster care financial aid and fee waiver programs to maintain support for over 1,400 students attending private and public campuses who are currently or were previously in DCF custody and care, or who have been adopted through DCF

Housing and Homelessness

$716.5 million for the Department of Housing and Community Development, a $132.4 million (23%) increase above FY22, including:

$213.2 million for the Emergency Assistance family shelter system

$145.6 million for MRVP to support more than 9,000 vouchers in FY23, an increase of 223% since FY15

$85 million in funding for Local Housing Authorities

$83.3 million, a $25.4 million (44%) increase above the FY22 GAA, for Homeless Individual Shelters

$80 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), an increase of $58 million (264%) above FY22

$56.9 million for HomeBASE Household Assistance, a $30.9 million (119%) increase above FY22

$12.5 million for the DMH Rental Subsidy Program, a collaborative program through which DMH provides mental health services and DHCD provides rental assistance

$8.2 million for Housing Consumer Education Centers to help renters and homeowners secure and maintain stable housing

$5 million to continue an innovative model to create new housing opportunities with wraparound services for chronically homeless individuals

Economic Development

$10 million for a new direct appropriation supporting the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, a quasi-public agency tasked with building the life sciences community in Massachusetts

$7.5 million for the Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant program to support development in socially and economically disadvantaged communities

$4 million for the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program for entrepreneurs and small businesses, especially those owned by women, immigrants, veterans, and people of color

$2.5 million for Advanced Manufacturing Training

Labor and Workforce Development

$440.1 million for workforce development programs and initiatives across a wide range of state agencies, a $191.3 million (77%) increase since the Administration took office

$16.9 million in total funding to continue transforming vocational high schools into Career Technical Institutes running three shifts per day to provides pathways to high-demand vocational trade careers, including plumbing, HVAC, manufacturing, and robotics

$16.2 million for the YouthWorks Summer Jobs Program to subsidize summer job opportunities and provide soft job skills education for youths

$600,000 for a new appropriation to expand research and analytics capabilities to enhance data-driven workforce development strategies

Health and Human Services

$230 million for Chapter 257 human service provider funding under the new rate methodology that better reflects the cost of benchmarking direct care and clinical staff wages

$115 million to expand outpatient and urgent behavioral health services

$21 million to expand the Medicare Savings Program, reducing out-of-pocket health care spending and drug costs for approximately 34,000 low-income older adults and disabled individuals

$10 million in grants to local health departments to support municipalities' capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic

$671.9 million for the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, a $400.1 million (147%) increase since FY15

$84.1 million to fully fund the Turning 22 program at DDS

$1.191 billion for the Department of Children and Families, an increase of $363.6 million (44%) since 2015, including $13.4 million to support families that are fostering children in DCF care and to encourage recruitment of new foster families

$49.3 million for the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home, a $13.2 million (37%) increase above FY22, which supports the Fall 2022 opening of a new 154-bed state-of-the-art Community Living Center.

Substance Addiction Prevention and Treatment

$543.8 million provided in FY23 across a variety of state agencies, an increase of $424.5 million (356%) since FY15. Funding includes:

$184.1 million for a variety of treatment and prevention services at the Department of Public Health

$260 million through a Section 1115 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) waiver from the federal government

$31 million for inpatient treatment beds operated by the Department of Mental Health

$65.9 million across public safety and law enforcement agencies, primarily for the provision of medication-assisted treatment

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

$123.4 million across the budget, a 91% increase since FY15, which includes:

$56.1 million in funding for the Department of Public Health to carry out domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and survivor services, as well as emergency and transitional residential services for victims and their children

$42.9 million for providing shelter, services, and housing assistance for individuals and families who are victims or at risk of domestic abuse in their current living situations

$7.9 million for statewide sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) programs for adults and adolescents in hospital settings and pediatric SANE programs in child advocacy centers

$2 million to expand services for survivors of human trafficking, including $1 million through the Safe and Successful Youth program and $1 million in a new appropriation in the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

Promoting Equality and Opportunity

More than $50 million supporting the recommendations of the Black Advisory Commission (BAC) and the Latino Advisory Commission (LAC), including:

$23.1 million to support higher education and career pathways for high school students in underserved communities through the Early College, Innovation Pathways, and Dual Enrollment programs

$4.8 million for the STEM Starter program across 15 community colleges

$4.5 million to support the YouthWorks Summer Jobs program

$5.9 M for Adult Basic Education (ABE)

$2.5 million for the Urban Agenda program

$1.9 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund

$3.9 million for the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO)

Transportation

$1.512 billion in total budget transfers for the MBTA

$456 million for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), including $95 million for snow and ice operations and $3.4 million to support implementation of new funds provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

$94 million for Regional Transit Authorities

$11.6 million for the Merit Rating Board

Energy and the Environment

$4 million for the Summer Nights program, an increase of $2.7 million (208%) versus FY22 funding

$30.5 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program, which will provide more than 27.4 million nutritious meals for individuals and families

$3.7 million for climate change and adaptation preparedness

$1.3 million to expand the Swim Safe Massachusetts program to enhance and promote water safety

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

$14.3 million to support for the 87th and 88th Massachusetts State Police Recruit Training Troops, which are expected to bring on 175 new troopers each

$78.3 million in total funding for re-entry and diversion programming across the Commonwealth, a $42.6 million (120%) increase since 2015

$12.3 million in funding for the Shannon Grant program to fund anti-gang and youth violence prevention efforts

$10.4 million to fully fund tuition and fee waivers for National Guard members

$8 million for the Municipal Police Training Commission to implement bridge academies, expand training capacity, and annualize training requirements such as de-escalation and school resource officer trainings

$5.8 million is also provided for new appropriations supporting the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission and four other commissions created in the Police Reform bill.

Securing and Modernizing Government IT

$164.1 million for the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security to support:

Management of Cyber Security Operations Center (SOC)

Continued migration of applications and infrastructure to cloud, third-party on-premise, and Software as a Service (SaaS)

Continuation of EOTSS customer engagement initiative to enhance IT and security service offerings across Commonwealth agencies

IT strategy consulting services in support of priority state agency and cross-secretariat initiatives

Business intelligence (BI) and data analytics support for state agencies

Centralized software and IT contract compliance program

Statement Regarding The MBTA Fatal Accident From Senator Tarr, And Representatives Robertson And Gordon

My office released the following statement with Representatives Robertson and Gordon regarding the MBTA fatal accident In Wilmington at the North Wilmington MBTA Commuter Rail Station 

Boston- Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) Representative Dave Robertson (D- Tewksbury), and State Rep. Ken Gordon (D - Bedford) released the following statement regarding a fatal accident at the North #Wilmington MBTA Commuter Rail Station. 

"We are saddened by the loss of Roberta Sausville in this tragic accident and our condolences go out to her family, friends, and the Wilmington community. In the wake of this terrible tragedy, we have been in contact with representatives of the MBTA and Wilmington town officials. 

We will continue to work with them, the town's police and fire departments, and others as necessary in order to ensure the safety of all who transit this area at the grade crossing serving the North Wilmington MBTA station now and in the future. 

There needs to be a full understanding of, and accounting for, the events that caused the death of Ms. Sausville."

Fighting Back Against Cyber Attacks

Congratulations to the municipalities and school districts within the Senate district that I represent for being selected to receive funding and support from the state’s Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program. Cybersecurity experts report that hackers frequently target local governments with attacks that can damage equipment, steal confidential data, and deny access to files in ransomware demands. A report studying 7 years of data showed the average ransom amount demanded by cybercriminals was $835,758. 

Municipal and public school employees will gain access to critical cybersecurity training in order to best prepare the Commonwealth's local workforce to identify, avoid, and defend against cyber attack techniques. 

Boxford, Essex, Gloucester, Groveland, Ipswich Public Library, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Middleton, Newbury, North Andover, North Reading Public Schools, Rowley, West Newbury, West Newbury, Pentucket Regional School District, Wilmington and Wilmington Public Schools

Order Your FREE Rapid Antigen At-Home Tests Now

FDA-authorized at-home rapid antigen tests are now available free of charge for every residential address in the U.S. these can be ordered online at www.COVIDtests.gov. There is a maximum of four tests per household -expect up to 12 days for shipment. 

Also, you should know - 

Insurance Reimbursement for At-⁠Home Tests 

Your health insurance company will pay you back for 8 at-⁠home tests per month for each person on the plan. 

At-⁠Home Tests at Retailers and Pharmacies 

At-⁠home tests are available for sale around the U.S. Check with local retailers and pharmacies to see where at-⁠home tests are available. 

20,000+ Free Testing Sites 

No-cost antigen and PCR COVID-⁠19 tests are available to everyone in the U.S., including the uninsured, at more than 20,000 sites nationwide.

 

Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.

In his lifetime he brought people together to love one another and work towards securing justice for all. His dream lives on. 

 #MartinLutherKingDay #MLKDay

National Blood Crisis And Local Opportunities To Help

The Red Cross says they are experiencing the worst blood shortage in more than 10 years. This low blood supply has forced some hospitals to defer patients from needed surgeries, even organ transplants. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed. Please, consider making a blood donation today. 

Thank You- 

Bruce 

American Red Cross of Massachusetts www.redcross.org/local/massachusetts.html

hwww.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive

Patton Homestead Open House

Public Welcome to @pattonhomestead for a family friendly Open House January 22nd, 11:30-4pm. Hopefully we will have some snow by then, and if so, please bring a SLED then warm up by the fire pits! The interior of the house will be open to the public as well, so come check out the co-work spaces of @incubatecoworking and some pretty amazing businesses! 

There will be some really great food and drink options too,.

Warming Centers Available

Given the extreme low temperatures, the City of Gloucester has established warming centers at the Rose Baker Senior Center located 6 Manuel F. Lewis Street and the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library at 2 Dale Avenue. Those unable to get out of the cold can go to these locations during regular business hours. The Grace Center located on 10 Church Street will also be open from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. We ask, if possible, that you look in on your elderly and mobility impaired neighbors to ensure that they are safe and staying warm.

Don't Let Hydrants Hide

Clearing the snow from a fire hydrant is an easy way to help protect you, your family, and your neighbors. When firefighters have to locate and then shovel out fire hydrants time is lost that could be used to save life and property. 

Winter snow can hide hydrants making them difficult to find. Please help by adopting the fire hydrant closest to your home or business and keep them clear of snow. Also, it is smart to clear your home furnace and exhaust vents of snow that may have accumulated. Blocked vents can elevate levels of carbon monoxide an odorless yet lethal gas. Be safe when you are out there clearing blocked hydrants and exhaust vents.

 

New Way To Access Your COVID-19 Digital Vaccine History

“My Vax Records” Provides New Option to Access Vaccine History and QR Code to Verify COVID-19 Vaccination 

 The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a tool that gives residents a new way to access their COVID-19 digital vaccine card and vaccination history. The new tool, called My Vax Records, allows people who received their vaccination in Massachusetts to access their own vaccination history and generate a COVID-19 digital vaccine card, which would contain similar vaccination information to a paper CDC card. The COVID-19 digital vaccine cards produced by the system utilize the SMART Health Card platform and generate a QR code that can be used to verify vaccination. The Administration is not requiring residents to show proof of vaccination to enter any venue, but this tool will help residents who would like to access and produce a digital copy of their record.

Access the new tool at www.MyVaxRecords.Mass.Gov.

How It Works: The new tool is easy to use: a person enters their name, date of birth, and mobile phone number or email associated with their vaccine record. After creating a 4-digit PIN, the user receives a link to their vaccine record that will open upon re-entry of the PIN. The electronic record shows the same information as a paper CDC vaccine card: name, date of birth, date of vaccinations, and vaccine manufacturer. It also includes a QR code that makes these same details readable by a QR scanner, including smartphone apps. Once the SMART Health Card is received, users are able to save the QR code to their phone, such as the Apple Wallet, screenshot the information and save it to their phone’s photos, or print out a copy for a paper record. The system follows national standards for security and privacy. This system provides an optional way that residents can access their vaccination information and a COVID-19 digital vaccine card. This will provide residents with another tool to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, should it be requested by businesses, local governments, or other entities.

The system leverages the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS), the official database used by health care providers across the state to record vaccination information. The system relies on hundreds of providers inputting demographic and health information. Some users may not be able to immediately find their record, or may find an incomplete record. Residents whose record cannot be found or is incomplete can either contact their health care provider or contact the MIIS team to update their records. Learn more about the tool and view frequently-asked-questions at www.mass.gov/myvaxrecord.

Massachusetts has worked with VCI,™ a voluntary coalition of public and private organizations which developed the open-source SMART Health Card Framework in use by other states. The VCI coalition is dedicated to improving privacy and security of patient information, making medical records portable and reducing healthcare fraud.

My Vax Records is just one way residents can obtain their COVID vaccination record. Pharmacies that administered the COVID vaccine and many health care providers also are making SMART Health Cards available, or are providing additional options. Learn more https://www.mass.gov/info-details/requesting-a-copy-of-your-covid-19-vaccination-record

Cape Ann's Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute Making Waves

Yesterday, I joined with U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton, Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Gloucester's Mayor Greg Verga, and members of the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Inc. to tour their facilities, and talk about the powerful impact that GMGI is having on life sciences, the next generation of advances in workforce training, and our understanding of molecular genomics. 

At every turn, GMGI has worked to pioneer not only scientific discovery but also new efforts to attract and train young area talent in their Gloucester Biotechnology Academy. Representative Ferrante and I have helped secure millions of state dollars for GMGI for the state-of-the-art laboratory to train new generations of biotechnology technicians, And funding for a marine program to be run by the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute in coordination with the University of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries, and $1.3 million in the economic development bill for a GMGI and Ocean Genome Legacy/Northeastern Marine Science Center joint proposal to mine the rich genetic diversity of marine organisms through new sequencing technologies. 

Congressman Moulton praised GMGI and he is right to do so because they are quickly moving towards being a leader in marine biotechnology. The research and training performed at GMGI and through the accademy are not only important for what it will teach us about our precious marine resources, but it will also be critical for informing our sound decisions about managing the fish stocks that support our commercial fishing industry, our economy, and our way of life. 

 

Boosted

Learning about booster shots doesn't have to be confusing. For the latest information, you can visit the Center For Disease Control's website -https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html. There you can find out the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccines. You can also get the latest Massachusetts data and information at https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-updates-and-information

 

Newburyport Inauguration 2022

I was very pleased to be invited to be the guest speaker at this year's inauguration of the incoming officeholders of the City of Newburyport. The At-Large and Ward Councilor members of the City Council, members of the School Committee, and Mayor-Elect Sean Reardon all were sworn in at the City Hall Auditorium yesterday morning. The act of taking the oath of office is an important event that combines legal tradition, ceremony, and a public expression to serve. Congratulations and thanks to all for making the commitment on behalf of your neighbors. 

With: Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove#newburyport State Representative James Kelcourse, #Newburyport Public Schools Superintendent Sean Gallagher, Essex County Sheriff's Department Kevin Coppinger. and others.

 

Happy New Year Friends!

Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year.