Monday, November 27, 2023

Senate Republican Caucus Letter to Conference Committee RE: Fiscal Year 2023 Closeout Supplemental Budget

On Wednesday, November 22nd, the Senate Republican Caucus released a letter calling on the Conference Committee to report in part on a number of important items that need to be addressed
RE: Fiscal Year 2023 Closeout Supplemental Budget.

Read the letter in detail below:







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Thursday, October 5, 2023

MRBA Meeting with US Army Corps of Engineers | Plum Island | 9.29.23



Productive MRBA meeting last week with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to discuss erosion issues on Plum Island.

Check out my interview with WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kendall Buhl:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-wbz-newsradio-1030-news-a-28657113/episode/local-state-officials-address-plum-island-124525775/ 

Also, check out PITA President, Ron Barrett's interview with WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Nightside with Dan Rea from 10.3.23: 

https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/featured/nightside-with-dan-rea/tab/podcasts/

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FY'24 Mass Cultural Council Grant Recipients

Mass Cultural Council announced the FY'24 recipients of the Festivals & Projects grant program.  In total, Mass Cultural Council granted $1,850,000 to 740 cultural projects and festivals statewide. The grants are $2,500 each and go to organizations to support their public activities that incorporate the arts, humanities, or sciences.

Please join me in congratulating the Festivals & Projects Recipients receiving grants in our District.




Mass Cultural Council announced the recipients of the Mass Cultural Council’s FY24 Cultural Investment Portfolio (CIP) and Gateway grant programs. In total, $6,988,800 has been granted to 338 cultural nonprofits this year through these two programs.

The CIP and Gateway provide general operating grants to nonprofit organizations that enrich Massachusetts’ cultural life. The Portfolio works to strengthen a creative and cultural sector that generates $1.2 billion in economic activity, creates thousands of jobs, and delivers programs to more than 20 million a year. 

Please join me in congratulating the CIP and Gateway Grant Recipients in our District.




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Gold Star Mothers and Family Day | Knight's of Columbus Rosary Prayer Service | 9.24.23





Sunday, September 24th was Gold Star Mothers and Family Day - a day of recognition of the sacrifices made by those who have paid the ultimate price and the burden the families are left behind to carry.  

I was honored to attend the Rosary Prayer Service led by the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, alongside the Gold Star Family Memorial Committee and Cape Ann Office of Veterans Services.

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Tax Relief for Commonwealth of Massachusetts | 10.4.23

 






With the stroke of Governor Healey's pen, our state government took a major step toward becoming more affordable and competitive with the enactment of “An Act to Improve the Commonwealth’s Competitiveness, Affordability, and Equity” (H.4104).
Tax relief for employers and households has consistently been a major priority for Senate Republicans, and I am glad we have been able to find bipartisan common ground with our colleagues across the aisle to deliver nearly $1 billion in needed and deserved relief from the high costs of living in our state.
We also found a path forward to reward Massachusetts employers for investing in our economy, setting the stage for economic growth.
Today marks a major benchmark for making the Commonwealth more affordable, and I was glad to serve on the 6-member conference committee that produced the final bill that has become law. That law sets the stage for more efforts in the days to come, giving us a good foundation to build on for the future.


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Blood Drive on Friday, 10/6 from 9AM-2PM in Ipswich

 



NATIONAL BLOOD SHORTAGE

Blood donors of all types are urgently needed now.

Join me and members of my team as we donate blood at an upcoming American Red Cross of Massachusetts blood drive in our district.

This Friday, October 6th from 9 AM – 2 PM @ John T. Heard Masonic Lodge in Main Hall, 70 Topsfield Rd., Ipswich, MA

Click here to sign up to donate TODAY: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive



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Wednesday, October 4, 2023

OCABR Flash Flooding Impacted Areas Resources for Constituents


On behalf of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), see below communication:

Resources for Constituents Given the Recent Storms and Catastrophic Flash Flooding that have Impacted Areas Throughout the Commonwealth.

The mission of OCABR is to protect and empower consumers through education and advocacy. Our office oversees the state’s Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) program as well as several consumer divisions, including the Division of Insurance.

It’s our hope that your constituents will not find themselves in situations where they will need to access these resources; however, OCABR would like to ensure that your offices are aware of them in case they do. Links below to some of our resources that may help and inform constituents should they need to navigate insurance claims and property repairs following a severe flood or storm.

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Division of Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions Following a Disaster: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-following-a-disaster

Guide to Disaster and Emergency Insurance Preparations: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/guide-to-disaster-and-emergency-insurance-preparations

Is My Flood Damage Covered? https://www.mass.gov/info-details/is-my-flood-damage-covered

Division of Insurance Hotline: (617) 521-7794, (8:45am – 5:00pm)

Home Repairs & Contractors

For most home repairs, contractors are required to be registered Home Improvement Contractors. It’s critical that homeowners look up a contractor’s registration and any complaints filed against their license before hiring them. In the event something goes wrong, and the homeowner needs to seek relief from the State’s Guaranty Fund, HIC registration is required.

Homeowner's guide to hiring a home improvement contractor: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-a-home-improvement-contractor

Check a contractor's registration: HIC Registration Lookup https://services.oca.state.ma.us/hic/licenseelist.aspx

OCABR Hotline: (617) 973-8787 (9:00am - 4:30pm)

Auto Repairs

Recognizing that some vehicles may become submerged during a flash flooding emergency and constituents may need to seek repairs, the following is a link to help them select a reliable repair shop and understand their rights:

Massachusetts Consumer Guide – Mechanics of Auto Repair https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-consumer-guide-mechanics-of-auto-repair


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Gloucester 400+ Naturalization Ceremony | 9.22.23

 





“Citizenship is an attitude, a state of mind, an emotional conviction that the whole is greater than the part…”    - Robert A. Heinlein

Friday, September 22nd, 2023, was an inspirational and moving day at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, as 97 people became U.S. citizens at a special naturalization ceremony.  The historic occasion took place in front of Tablet Rock beneath sunny skies and beside the location where early settlers established the first vestiges of Gloucester's fishing industry. Congratulations to those who persevered throughout the journey to citizenship.  Many thanks to the Gloucester 400+ Committee, its Tri-Chair, Bruce Tobey, and all of those who brought this incredible ceremony to the Gloucester community. 



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Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Medal of Fidelity Presentations in North Andover | 9.22.23

 

I was honored to join my legislative colleagues, members of the Massachusetts National Guard, and local officials at a ceremony at North Andover Town Hall organized by District Director of Veterans Services, Joseph Leblanc, for the presentation of the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity to the loved ones of 8 Veterans who served our nation in the armed forces and who have passed away. This moving and important ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation of such veterans and their families, and our solemn obligation to capture every opportunity to recognize their service on our behalf and to thank them for all that they have given to our country and the principles that we share.

The Medal of Fidelity was recently created to recognize service members or veterans from the Commonwealth who died as the result of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or combat-related diseases and illnesses.  To learn more, reach out to your local Veterans Service Officer or visit the Medal of Fidelity page at https://www.massnationalguard.org/index.php/quick-links/medal-of-fidelity.html.



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Monday, October 2, 2023

Salisbury Days SHINE Awards Ceremony | 9.21.23

 



Celebrated Salisbury Days by honoring SHINE Award recipients.  Tabitha Beebe was awarded the ‘Here and Now’ award and Louis Masello was awarded the ‘Lifetime’ award for being exceptional role models by participating in volunteer and humanitarian activities that continue to make a difference in town of Salisbury and surrounding towns in our community. 


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Boxford, Hamilton & Rowley Council on Aging BBQs | 9.21.23 & 9.27.23

 






Had the pleasure of attending Boxford, Hamilton and Rowley's Council on Aging BBQ.  Thank you to Secretary Elizabeth Chen from the Office of Elder Affairs for joining as the special guest speaker.


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HOWLETT BROOK FISHWAY OFFICIALLY OPENED | 9.21.23

 



It was an honor to join the Howlett Brook Fishway Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Topsfield.

Agree wholeheartedly with the below sentiments shared by the Ipswich River Watershed Alliance:

"Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate the upgraded fishway that now provides migratory fish passage between the Howlett Brook Watershed and the Ipswich River. This fish ladder has been defunct since the 2006 Mother's Day Flood - after 17 years fish can have better access to the Howlett Brook Watershed! We are so grateful to our restoration community - from legislators to conservation agents to fish biologists - your support is imperative.
Special thanks to State Senator Bruce Tarr, State Representative Kristin Kassner, State Representative Sally Kearns, NOAA Fisheries Service, SumCo Eco-Contracting, LLC, and the folks at the Town of Topsfield!"



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Beauport Financial Services LLC | Ribbon Cutting 9.21.23

 


Congratulations to Beauport Financial Services, LLC on their grand re-opening and the official ribbon cutting of their newly renovated offices!

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North of Boston Fall Tourism Marketing Grant Ceremony



Local Tourism Organizations Receive Mini-Grant Awards From North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Recently celebrated the local organizations, with The North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (NBCVB), receiving almost $48,000 in mini-grant funding as part of its mission to encourage the 34 cities and towns of Essex County as a tourism destination. Members, local chambers of commerce, and destination marketing organizations gathered with local officials at the Maria Miles Visitor Center to honor the tourism and hospitality industries that drive the local economy.  

The NBCVB is providing a portion of its funding from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism as mini-grants to our member partners to further their marketing efforts. Congratulations to the Fiscal Year 2023 Fall Tourism Marketing Grant recipients from or supporting tourism in our District:

·     Discover Gloucester Gloucester Seaport Trail

·     Essex National Heritage Commission Photo Library of Essex National Heritage area

·     Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce Fall and Winter Marketing Initiatives

·     Wolfe Adventures and Tours, in partnership with Historic New England for a new tour
       entitled History in the Making: Unveiling Essex County


         

         

         


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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2023


October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence is a critical health issue that impacts thousands of families in our state and across the nation. We must continue to raise awareness to prevent these kinds of acts from occurring and support those who need help. Together, we can end relationship violence.

Multifaceted - it may include verbal, physical, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse of a victim and is often hidden from public view.

Although it's not limited to women, domestic violence is the root of more injuries to women than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Abusers impact men, women, and children in a dynamic that distorts power over peace.

This observance helps bring awareness across the nation about domestic violence and its effects. Together we can break the silence and end the violence.

For information, services, and help for yourself or someone you care about:

Safelink: 1-877-785-2020 is a 24-hour, free, and confidential multi-lingual domestic violence hotline in Massachusetts

To find the domestic violence program nearest you outside of Massachusetts, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233)

Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence – (617)557-1807; www.janedoe.org

Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-office-for-victim-assistance

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers assistance and safety planning 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233 for live support. If you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto www.thehotline.org to chat online.


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Saturday, September 30, 2023

Hamilton-Wenham Fall Festival 2023

 



Enjoyed the 5th annual
Local HW Fall Festival, where they bring together local small businesses, live music, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and fun family activities for a great day for our community.

The festival took place in Hamilton on Railroad Avenue and across the street at the Shops at 300 Main.

Thanks to the festival's sponsors Hamilton Development Corporation and Salem Five Charitable Trust for helping to make this wonderful day happen.


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Happy Retirement to Newbury's Fire Chief Doug Janvrin


Honored to have joined in the celebrations at Newbury Fire Chief Doug Janvrin’s Surprise Retirement Party.  Congratulations on your retirement of 36 years of dedicated service to the community.


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National POW/MIA Recognition Day | 9.15.23

 






Recently, I had the honor and privilege of joining Representative Donald H. Wong, State Representative Steve Xiarhos, State Representative Jessica Giannino, Essex County Sheriff's Department and Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger Committee for a ceremony in recognition of POW-MIA National Recognition Day in our Middleton community.

Gold Star Father State Representative Steve Xiarhos was the guest speaker and shared his story of losing his son, Marine Nicholas Xiarhos. It was a touching tribute and moving ceremony.

This National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony, and so many like it across the Commonwealth and our great nation, honor those who were held captive and returned, as well as, those who remain missing.



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Granite Street Crossing Housing Project | 9.14.23

 


Celebrated the new Granite Street Crossing Housing Project - an inter-generational property with apartments for seniors and families. Thank you to Harborlight Homes, the Town of Rockport, Project Funders, Partners, and Granite Street Neighbors.

Kristin Carlson, Director of Real Estate Development, and Andrew DeFranza, Executive Director for Harborlight Homes, thanked everyone who helped bring this project to fruition, the Town of Rockport for their commitment in funding and having the will to complete this effort, and the neighbors of 5 Granite Street who collaborated and worked with HH for years to make the project the right fit for the community.

Learn more about this project: https://harborlighthomes.org/homes/senior-family-granite-street-crossing-rockport-ma/


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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

 


Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.
If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide:
Being Prepared for a Crisis:
Read NAMI’s guide, "Navigating a Mental Health Crisis”:
What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide:

Need more information, referrals or support?
Contact the NAMI HelpLine:

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Thursday, September 28, 2023

Senate Gives Final Approval to Tax Relief Measures | 9.28.2023

 


Senate Gives Final Approval to Tax Relief Measures

Today the Senate took action, long in the making, to provide desperately needed tax relief to respond to household budgets under stress and employers struggling to compete in a state whose costs are a major challenge.

I have been honored to not only serve on the conference committee for this legislation, but also to work across the aisle consistently to build consensus and partnership on a matter that has been a top priority for the Senate Republican caucus for years, and a necessity for the people who pay the bills for our state government.

Over the past two years, we have worked to illustrate the heavy burdens being carried by people in our state for things ranging from childcare to housing, and the uphill climb employers are facing on the road to greater prosperity for our economy. This legislation is a major first step that will make a real difference for all of them.

The following provisions are included in House Bill 4104:

Changes in the tax credit for a dependent child, disabled adult,
or senior, which will increase from $180 to $310 in FY23 and to
$440 in FY24, and will benefit over 565,000 families;

An increase in the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $4,000,
which will assist approximately 800,000 renters;

An increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit from 30% to 40%
of the federal credit, which will benefit approximately 400,000
taxpayers earning less than $60,000;

A doubling of the maximum Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit
from $1,200 to $2,400, indexed to inflation, which will assist
nearly 100,000 seniors;

The elimination of the estate tax for all estates valued under
$2 million and the establishment of a uniform credit of
$99,600, effective January 1, 2023;

Provisions allowing municipalities to provide up to $2,000 in
property tax reductions for older residents participating in the
senior work-off program, which is currently capped at $1,500;

A reduction in the tax on short-term capital gains from 12% to
8.5%;

The replacement of the current three-prong sales tax
apportionment for Massachusetts-headquartered businesses
that incorporates property, payroll, and sales with a new
system that only factors in sales;

An increase in the maximum tax credit for septic tank repairs
or replacement under Title V from $6,000 to $18,000, and an
increase in the amount that can be claimed to $4,000 per year;

The doubling of the lead paint abatement to $1,000 for partial
abatement and $3,000 for full abatement;

An increase in the statewide cap on the Housing Development
Incentive Program (HDIP) from $10 million to $57 million for
one year, after which the annual cap will be set at $30 million;

An increase in the annual authorization for the Low Income
Housing Tax Credit from $40 million to $60 million;

Provisions allowing cities and towns to adopt a local property
tax exemption for renters whose income falls below a certain
level set by the community;

Language making public transit fares and certain other
expenses eligible for the commuter expenses tax deduction;
and

Provisions exempting employer student loan payments from
being counted as taxable income by the state.

House Bill 4104 is now on Governor Maura Healey’s desk for her review and signature.


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Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Rockport Council on Aging BBQ | 9.12.23

 




Attended the Rockport Council on Aging BBQ at Rockport's Back Beach and Bandstand. Thanks to Rockport Senior Center, The Friends of the Rockport Council on Aging, and Senior Care Inc.


www.seniorcareinc.org

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Ceremonial Resolution | Childhood Cancer Awareness Month | September 2023

Photo Credit: Matthew J. Lee / The Boston Globe

1 in 285 children in the US will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and to show support for families impacted by cancer - four bridges will be glowing gold this evening to raise awareness for pediatric cancer.

I co-sponsored an important Ceremonial Resolution commending Milton Glows Gold, The Michael C. McHugh Memorial Fund, and The Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Alliance (Reid's Ride / Reid R. Sacco Adolescent & Young Adult -AYA- Cancer Alliance) for recognizing September 2023 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The Fore River Bridge connecting Quincy to Weymouth, The Zakim and Longfellow bridges in Boston, and the Kenneth M. Burns Memorial Bridge in Worcester will all shine bright gold.

Ceremonial resolution below:

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  SRes136

 

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

 

_______________

In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)

_______________

 

RESOLUTIONS COMMENDING MILTON GLOWS GOLD, THE MICHAEL C. MCHUGH MEMORIAL FUND, INC. AND THE REID R. SACCO ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT CANCER ALLIANCE FOR RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2023 AS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.

 

            WHEREAS, MILTON GLOWS GOLD, THE MICHAEL C. MCHUGH MEMORIAL FUND, INC. AND THE REID R. SACCO ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT CANCER ALLIANCE ARE RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2023 AS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH; AND

            WHEREAS, OVER 40 CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES ARE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER EVERY DAY, AND APPROXIMATELY 1 IN 285 CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER BEFORE THE AGE OF 20; AND

            WHEREAS, CANCER IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH BY DISEASE PAST INFANCY FOR CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES, WITH 1 IN 5 CHILDREN WHO ARE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER NOT SURVIVING AND THERE BEING MORE THAN 12 TYPES OF CHILDHOOD CANCERS AND 100 SUBTYPES OF CHILDHOOD CANCER; AND

            WHEREAS, GOLD IS THE OFFICIAL COLOR OF CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH BECAUSE GOLD SYMBOLIZES THE RESILIENCY OF CHILDHOOD CANCER HEROES, AND SUPPORTERS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS ARE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR A GOLD RIBBON TO SYMBOLIZE THEIR SOLIDARITY WITH THE CAUSE; AND

            WHEREAS, NATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1990 IN A PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION BY PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

            RESOLVED, THAT THE MASSACHUSETTS SENATE HEREBY COMMENDS MILTON GLOWS GOLD, THE MICHAEL C. MCHUGH MEMORIAL FUND, INC. AND THE REID R. SACCO ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT CANCER ALLIANCE FOR RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2023 AS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH AND THANKS ALL OF THESE GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR VALUABLE COMMITMENT TO THE COMMONWEALTH; AND BE IT FURTHER

            RESOLVED, THAT A COPY OF THESE RESOLUTIONS BE TRANSMITTED FORTHWITH BY THE CLERK OF THE SENATE TO MILTON GLOWS GOLD, THE MICHAEL C. MCHUGH MEMORIAL FUND, INC. AND THE REID R. SACCO ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT CANCER ALLIANCE.



SUBMITTED BY:
SENATOR TIMILTY
COSPONSORS:
SENATOR PAYANO
SENATOR OLIVEIRA
SENATOR TARR
SENATOR ELDRIDGE
SENATOR LEWIS
SENATOR VELIS
SENATOR KEENAN
SENATOR BRADY
SENATOR MOORE
SENATOR PACHECO
SENATOR COLLINS
SENATOR O'CONNOR
SENATOR FATTMAN
SENATOR DIDOMENICO
SENATOR GOMEZ




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