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:
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.
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
“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.
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.
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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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.SENATE . .
. . . . .
. . .
. . .
. SRes136
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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
