Franklin Fire Department awarded SAFE & Senior SAFE program grant

SAFE & Senior SAFE program grant

 

"The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce that we have been awarded $9,800 through a state grant for the SAFE and Senior SAFE program."

 

 

Shared from -> https://x.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1910362401419014207?

 

 

For the full list of grant awards -> https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-32-million-in-fire-safety-grants

 

Boston Globe: "In re-filed bill, Healey takes second swing to allow cities and towns to raise taxes on hotels, meals, cars"

"Governor Maura Healey on Friday filed legislation geared toward cities and towns that would cement the option for hybrid public meetings, and allow local leaders to raise the tax rate on hotel stays, meals, and cars in their borders.

The sprawling proposal, which Healey previewed to municipal leaders at the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s annual conference in Boston last week, mirrors parts of legislation that Healey filed a year ago, which died in the Legislature.

Among those provisions she’s reintroducing are three tax proposals that her administration last year estimated could collectively generate more than $150 million in new annual tax revenue for towns and cities.

Boston Globe: "In re-filed bill, Healey takes second
swing to allow cities and towns to
raise taxes on hotels, meals, cars"

They include a provision that would allow towns and cities to collect a 1 percent tax on meals in restaurants and local stores, up from the current 0.75 percent maximum. Healey’s bill would also create an option for cities and towns to charge an additional 5 percent on the motor vehicle excise fee residents pay."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/31/metro/healey-municipal-bill-taxes/

or 

Link to legislation document -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/healey-files-mea/download

Link to Gov Healey's press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-files-municipal-empowerment-bill-to-enhance-ability-of-local-leaders-to-deliver-high-quality-services-for-their-communities

Senator Rausch Makes Important Additions to Health Care Cost Containment Legislation

Today (Jan 8, 2025), State Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham) joined legislative colleagues, health advocates, and members of the administration as Governor Maura Healey signed into law a pair of critical health care cost control bills, one aimed at pharmaceuticals and the other providing major health care sector oversight to protect Massachusetts residents from soaring health care costs. 

The laws respond directly to the Steward Health Care collapse and will offer patients financial relief by capping the prices of certain drugs, erecting guardrails against private equity in health care, and giving the Attorney General and state health regulators more oversight authority.  

"This health care cost containment legislation will help hundreds of thousands of Bay Staters avoid the stress and uncertainty of rapidly rising health care costs," said Senator Becca Rausch, lead sponsor of several bills included in the final package. "More than 40% of Massachusetts residents have trouble paying for health care for themselves or their families. That is unacceptable. The strong oversight and reporting measures signed into law today will improve affordability and accessibility to Massachusetts' world-class health care. I'm so proud that my legislation to give the Health Policy Commission more tools in its cost oversight toolkit was part and parcel of this package. I am truly grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Cindy Friedman, and our partners in the House for persevering on this legislation until it crossed the finish line, and to Governor Healey for signing these two bills into law."  

The Health Policy Commission (HPC) is an independent state agency that monitors health care spending growth annually and sets a reasonable target for that growth. Senator Rausch's language allows HPC to exercise its oversight authority if a provider's total health care expenditures grow at a faster rate than the benchmark and streamlines the oversight of providers who significantly expand their scope of care. Providers will have to issue advance notice of material changes, including mergers and acquisitions, so HPC can assess whether they may substantially impact health care spending.  

Additionally, the suite of bills that became law today expand the scope of data collection and public review of health care and related transactions by regulators, increase visibility and accountability for transactions involving private owners of health care resources, enhance data sharing requirements to improve transparency around health care entities and their ownership, and begins the process of improving access to primary care statewide. Today's legislation reemphasizes the Commonwealth's commitment to prioritizing patients over profits. 

Gov Healey "signed two bills to cut prescription drug costs and make sure patients always come before profit"

Governor Healey's press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-laws-lowering-health-care-costs-and-strengthening-oversight

State of the Commonwealth scheduled for Jan 16 at 7 PM (video)

Jan 16 at 7 PM (video)

Via MA Governor Maura Healey:

"On January 16, I'll deliver my 2025 State of the Commonwealth Address from the State House. This year, we're going to keep bringing down costs, cutting through the red tape and making Massachusetts the #1 state to live, work and learn.  

Watch at http://Mass.gov/SOTC"

Shared from -> https://x.com/MassGovernor/status/1876389328214958407

For reference the 2024 State of the Commonwealth can be found here ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utiXKNHWWSg

The scheduled 2025 State of the Commonwealth can also be found here ->    https://www.mass.gov/state-of-the-commonwealth

Celebration of the 2024 MA Climate Bill held on Tuesday, Dec 3

Governor Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) posted Tue, Dec 03, 2024:

"We brought together labor and lawmakers, industry and advocates to end the years-long delays tying up clean energy infrastructure – and they got it done.

With this bill, we're cutting through the red tape and clearing the way for good jobs, cleaner air and lower energy costs for https://t.co/HijcirX8Ge"

Environmental League of Massachusetts (@EnviroLeagueMA) posted Tue, Dec 03, 2024:

"MA leads the way! @MassGovernor celebrated signing the 2024 #ClimateBill today, which will transform #CleanEnergy siting & permitting, improve community engagement & increase #RenewableEnergy access. 

We applaud the signing of this bill & its acceleration of a clean energy future. https://t.co/tMUpPsC1Ye

Celebration of the 2024 MA Climate Bill held on Tuesday, Dec 3

Franklin's Rep Roy captures a selfie at the event

Rep Roy posted to his blog 

https://jeffreyroy.com/2024/12/04/governor-signs-climate-and-energy-bill/

The formal, public bill signing happened on Tuesday, Dec 3 as noted above. The legislation did get signed earlier and the press release (including link to the actual legislation item) can be found here -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/governor-healey-signs-climate-law-to.html

 

Governor Healey Signs Climate Law to Advance Clean Energy Transition, Create Jobs and Lower Costs

Governor Maura Healey signed into law An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers. This legislation will accelerate clean energy development, improve energy affordability, create an equitable infrastructure siting process, allow for multistate clean energy procurements, promote non-gas heating, expand access to electric vehicles and create jobs and support workers throughout the energy transition.  

The reforms to the siting and permitting processes were based on the recommendations of Governor Healey’s Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting and also include environmental justice informed requirements for cumulative impact analysis for clean energy projects and establishing a fund for under-resourced organizations to engage in the siting process and in proceedings before the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), fulfilling a campaign promise.   

“Accelerating clean energy development will create good jobs, lower costs, attract more businesses to Massachusetts, and grow our climatetech economy,” said Governor Healey. “This legislation includes important provisions to lower energy costs for families and businesses, including expanding bill discounts to middle-class households and increasing access to clean energy measures that reduce customer expenses such as solar, heat pumps, and electric vehicles. These reforms will also end the years-long delays for solar, wind, and other critical electric infrastructure, which play a critical role in our ability to be a global leader in clean energy and climatetech. I’m grateful to Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Chair Roy, and Chair Barrett for their partnership on this important bill.” 

“By working together, we can deliver balanced solutions and drive meaningful change during the clean energy transition,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is grateful to the members of the Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting, including Chairs Roy and Barrett, for their time and efforts. The reforms enacted in this law are the result of months of meetings between stakeholders, sitting around a table hashing out our differences. Today, we can celebrate the results of those efforts and get to work on implementing this important law.” 

At the core of the bill are major reforms to the process by which wind, solar, storage, and other electric infrastructure like substations and transmission are sited and permitted. Based on the recommendations of the Governor’s Commission, the new law establishes a 12-month deadline for municipal permitting and requires municipalities to issue a single permit at the end of their process. Similarly, state permits will be issued together by the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) after a 15-month period. Appeals will be directed the state Supreme Judicial Court, ending the years-long appeals process that has delayed vital infrastructure. The law also directs the Department of Energy Resources to create site suitability criteria to ensure natural resources are protected in the siting process.  

“For decades, the siting and permitting process has been a major hindrance to the clean energy transition. I’m incredibly proud that we were able to find consensus and enact these historic reforms at such a critical time. This new infrastructure is going to strengthen the reliability of our grid, improve public health, grow our economy, and help us transition off polluting fossil fuels,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This law also makes major strides for environmental justice. Our environmental justice communities have hosted significantly more energy infrastructure. Now, we will have a strong framework to ensure that every voice is heard in the siting process and that these new facilities are sited equitably.” 

“Today, we have something to celebrate—a next generation climate law that sends a strong market signal that our future is healthy, clean, and low carbon,” said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. “I’m eager to get to work with DCAMM Commissioner Baacke in partnership with other administration officials and stakeholders to chart the Commonwealth’s course to reduce embodied carbon in our procurement supply chains.  By purchasing materials like steel, cement, wood, glass, and asphalt manufactured in new ways that emit far fewer greenhouse gases, we’ll achieve our net-zero goals and build critical infrastructure that is of the highest quality with a lower impact on our climate.” 

The law also makes improvements to equitable siting and the community engagement process, which has historically been challenging to navigate. Municipalities will be granted automatic intervenor status in EFSB proceedings. A fund to support municipalities, organizations, and individuals who lack the resources will benefit from a new fund to support their needs for qualified legal representation and expert analysis. The EFSB will also require a cumulative impact analysis for projects seeking to site in environmental justice communities, so that no neighborhood becomes overburdened with infrastructure that the entire state benefits from. The Office of Environmental Justice and Equity and the Division of Public Participation at the Department of Public Utilities – both established under Governor Healey – will be enshrined in law. 

An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers includes other important reforms to facilitate the transition to clean energy. Offshore wind tax credits are expanded, and the state will be authorized conduct a procurement process for storage and to join other states’ procurements of clean energy. The law also authorizes the administration to study and propose other reforms to the procurement process. As clean energy production ramps up, it will be important that the costs burdens associated with maintaining the gas system will be minimized and workers are supported. The law authorizes the gas utilities to sell geothermal heat and includes provisions that support energy workers. The DPU is given clear authority to adjust to how gas maintenance is financed and establish discount rates for moderate-income customers. Finally, the law also updates the appliance standards that apply to electric vehicle chargers and creates pathways for more to be installed. 

“This critical legislation builds on the work that is being done to modernize the Commonwealth’s energy grid, increase clean energy generation, and to combat the climate crisis while creating jobs in the process,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “The reforms related to siting and permitting of clean energy infrastructure will be crucial in the process of transitioning the Commonwealth’s energy grid away from fossil fuels over time. I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this bill into law, as well as my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for their hard work." 

“Today, Massachusetts has proven once again that we will take decisive action to address the climate crisis,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “With the Governor's signature, we move closer to our goal of net zero emissions by 2050 through codifying siting and permitting reform, expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and incentives, addressing the high cost and long lifespan of gas infrastructure projects, and protecting rate payers from bearing the costs of this transformational shift. I am proud that the Legislature prioritized such bold initiatives to address the existential threat of climate change, and I am particularly grateful to Senator Barrett for his thoughtful advocacy throughout this process. I would like to thank the Governor for her signature, Majority Leader Creem and my Senate colleagues for their efforts, and Speaker Mariano, Representative Roy and our partners in the House for getting this important bill across the finish line.” 

“For too long, it’s been extremely challenging for disadvantaged communities to participate in the energy decisions that impact their electricity bills and neighborhoods. I applaud the Legislature for passing and Governor for signing this impactful climate and energy legislation that includes a new intervenor support program, which will help the Commonwealth achieve a more just and equitable clean energy future,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. The intervenor support program, recommended by the Stakeholder Working Group convened by my office, will give communities the resources they need to meaningfully engage in and shape our clean energy future." 

“This bill has several important facets for sustainability and meeting our state's ambitious and legally enforceable goals to reduce carbon emissions,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “It provides a framework to accelerate the production and storage of renewable energy and includes powerful language to expedite the restoration of our wetlands, which are incredibly effective at sequestering carbon and providing coastal storm defense.” 

“This legislation advances critical updates for the siting and permitting of clean energy infrastructure, ensuring a supportive and reliable electric grid, and building out electric vehicle charging infrastructure, among so many other things,” said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “By overhauling outdated state permitting and siting processes, the Commonwealth aims to secure an equitable, accelerated buildout of clean energy generation and infrastructure that we need to reach our climate goals and power our electrified clean energy future. These reforms are coupled with measured steps to promote solar energy system development, ensure that our gas companies comply with climate targets, procure more clean energy and storage solutions, and use grid-enhancing technologies and advanced meters to increase efficiency, while ensuring that this transition balances consumer safety and system reliability with protections for union workers.” 

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2967

“This bill sets a balance,” said Senator Mike Barrett (D- Lexington).  "We need to upgrade the grid without swamping the household budget.  People want to keep the lights on but at a price they can afford.  And some day, if they haven’t done so already, they’ll want to drive electric vehicles.  In dozens of ways in this bill, and notably by restraining gas expansion as we pursue electric expansion, we make sure the future is green and clean and we also protect middle class and working class pocketbooks.” 

“This comprehensive law is a reminder of the power Massachusetts has to advance groundbreaking climate solutions—no matter who is in power in DC,” said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem, chair of the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change. “The law includes a wide range of policies that move us closer to net-zero emissions, including essential reforms to our gas system. By preventing gas investments that are both imprudent and contrary to our climate mandates, the bill will keep costs down and prevent wasteful spending of ratepayers’ hard-earned money.” 

"This legislation shows we're committed to creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for our Commonwealth," said Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn). "By streamlining permits, ensuring stakeholder input, and investing in new technologies, we're not just taking steps to meet our climate targets—we're continuing to position our state as a clean energy leader. This bill will help grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. I'm grateful for Chair Roy's hard work, Speaker Mariano's leadership, and all my colleagues' strong support.” 

“I’m so pleased that the legislature was able to come together to approve this most important bill.  This legislation is instrumental in providing the necessary tools to move the Commonwealth forward in greening our communities and embracing our clean energy future.” said Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton). “It is a win-win-win for everyone.  This legislation will help to create thousands of new jobs, lower the cost of energy and significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions which will improve overall public health.”   

Continue reading the press release online at the Governor's page ->   https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-climate-law-to-advance-clean-energy-transition-create-jobs-and-lower-costs

Link to the legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2967

State Representative Jeff Roy rolls out 2024 endorsements

United States Senator Ed Markey has endorsed Jeffrey Roy in his State Representative race in the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin and Medway). 

“I am proud to endorse Rep. Jeff Roy for re-election as the State Representative for Franklin and Medway. He has been a partner and champion on climate and energy issues, spearheading efforts to pass landmark climate and energy bills, as well as legislation to address substance use disorder, economic development, and civil rights. And he has consistently delivered critical local aid to Franklin and Medway. I look forward to continuing to partner with him."

United States Senator Ed Markey has endorsed Jeffrey Roy

In addition to Markey, Roy has been endorsed by Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Speaker of the House Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Massachusetts & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council, Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers & Scientists, Massachusetts Nurses Association, and 1999SEIU. He has also been endorsed by Franklin Town Council Chair Thomas Mercer; Franklin Town Council Vice-Chair Robert Dellorco; and Franklin Town Council Clerk Glenn Jones.

Governor Healey shared the following: 

“Representative Roy has been a highly effective and skilled legislator for more than a decade, advancing important laws addressing education, economic development, healthcare, criminal justice, and civil rights. In his role as Chairman of the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee, Jeff spearheaded efforts to pass landmark climate and energy legislation to legislation strengthening protections for survivors of abuse and exploitation. His district and the Commonwealth will benefit from his continued leadership at the State House."

Attorney General Campbell noted that Jeff 

“has been a partner in the work, including protecting our environment and addressing climate change. With significant local and state government experience, he is passionate about getting things done and having an impact on all of his constituents, including his seniors, students, and those often forgotten.”

In its endorsement, the Mass State Police Commissioned Officers Association President William “Duke” Donaghue remarked that MSP COA 

“deeply appreciates your past support for law enforcement and your commitment to public safety in the Commonwealth. Your proven leadership and dedication aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure the safety of our communities and the well-being of our members.”

Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch stated: 

“The Massachusetts AFL-CIO Executive Council has officially voted to endorse your re-election. On behalf of nearly half a million members across the Commonwealth, we are proud to support candidates like you who have demonstrated a commitment to the values and principles of the Labor Movement, and create an economy that works for working people.”

"I am absolutely thrilled to receive the support and endorsement from all of these groups and individuals," noted Roy. "In my years in the Massachusetts House I have built strong and lasting relationships and have partnered with them to make Massachusetts and our communities great places to live, work, and raise a family. With their continued support, I am confident we can continue to deliver results for Massachusetts."

You can view the complete list of endorsements and testimonials at https://jeffreyroy.com/testimonials/.

Since 2013 Jeff has been part of a legislative team that has addressed the issues of education, economic development, the coronavirus pandemic, health care, substance use disorder, criminal justice, civil rights and social equity, gun safety, climate change, energy, and the environment. In addition, he led efforts to:

• Draft and pass the bill accelerating a responsible, innovative and equitable clean energy transition in 2024;

• Draft and pass an act to prevent abuse and exploitation in 2024;

• Draft and pass the clean energy and offshore wind bill in 2022;

• Finalize the Roadmap Bill on climate change in 2021;

• Draft and pass the Genocide Education Act in 2021;

• Draft and pass legislation on Step Therapy and Patient Safety in 2022;

• Draft and pass legislation relative to sexual violence on higher education campuses in 2021;

• Draft and pass legislation increasing transparency and financial reporting requirements for higher education institutions in 2019;

• Draft and pass legislation that increased transparency and civic engagement by creating a searchable online database of legal notices in 2015;

• Pass legislation lowering thresholds on specialty license plates, making them available to smaller charities and causes in 2015; and

• Pass legislation to create a Regional Dispatch Center for Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville in 2013.

He has also led efforts to bring millions of dollars in local aid for schools, roads, infrastructure, public safety, arts, recreation, substance use disorder, economic development, historical preservation, and food insecurity. He has also helped thousands of constituents with issues involving unemployment, health care, human services, and other matters with state agencies.

Roy is seeking re-election as the State Representative for the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin & Medway). He is the Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy and previously served as Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, and the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance. 

He is also the Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus, which promotes and encourages “Making It” in Massachusetts. Previously, he served as a member of the Franklin Town Council, and the Franklin School Committee where he held the position of Chair for 9 of his 10 years. He also chaired Franklin's Master Plan Committee from 2012 to 2013.

For more information on Jeffrey Roy, please visit http://jeffreyroy.com/

Governor Healey Signs Into Law Comprehensive Midwifery and Maternal Health Legislation for Massachusetts

Law expands access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has signed into law a comprehensive midwifery and maternal health legislative package that creates a state licensure pathway for certified professional midwives and lactation consultants, encourages the creation of more freestanding birth centers, establishes a grant program to address maternal mental health and substance use disorder, and expands the statewide universal postpartum home visiting program. This legislation also mandates that insurers cover post-pregnancy mental health screenings and pediatric well visit appointments once per calendar year up to age six.

"I am so very happy, proud, and grateful that the midwives and maternal health bill is now law," said Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham), lead Senate sponsor of multiple bills included in the omnibus legislation. "In addition to joining the 38 other states that already license certified professional midwives, this single legislative package squarely addresses our maternal health crisis, honors patient choice in maternal care, improves patient outcomes, reduces inequities in maternal health care, lowers health care costs, enhances access to pediatric care, boosts post-pregnancy mental health care, and much more. With this reproductive justice legislation, we significantly uplift people deciding for themselves whether, when, and how to parent. Today is the culmination of years of work by so many advocates, experts, and lawmakers, to save and improve lives as we reaffirm that Massachusetts values women's health and self-determination."

The ceremonial bill signing at the State House Grand Staircase was full of joy amongst the more than 100 people who attended. It was profoundly powerful for legislation about midwifery, a profession undermined for far too long, to be signed at the heart of our state's power and legitimacy. 

A central pillar of the legislative package is licensure for certified professional midwives, or CPMs, a bill Rausch has filed and championed in the Massachusetts Senate, co-filed by Representatives Kay Khan and Brandy Fluker Oakley in the House of Representatives. The legislation creates the Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health (DPH) to license and provide oversight of licensed CPMs, enhancing their professional self-governance, practice autonomy, and authority to use important and life-saving medication. The law also ensures equitable reimbursement of certified nurse-midwives by requiring that they receive payment rates equal to those for the same services performed by a physician under MassHealth. 

In an effort to proactively address mental health needs, the legislation requires MassHealth and commercial insurance coverage for post-pregnancy depression screenings for all post-pregnancy patients, without regard to how a pregnancy may have ended. The legislation also requires screenings to be offered at maternal and other adult care appointments, rather than exclusively at pediatric appointments, thereby reaching all post-pregnancy cases, including miscarriage. The inclusion of all post-pregnancy cases reflects a bill filed by Rausch earlier this term. Further, DPH will develop and maintain a comprehensive digital resource center on post-pregnancy mental health conditions and services and conduct a pregnancy loss awareness program. 

Two other priorities championed by Rausch are encompassed in the legislation: a provision to improve patient safety by requiring licensed supervision of pregnancy-related ultrasound services, co-filed by Representative Sally Kerans; and a requirement that insurers cover well-child pediatric visits for young children once per calendar year rather than once every 12 months, co-filed by Representative Sean Garballey, so families can stay on schedule with their children's birthdays even if a doctor's appointment has to be postponed or rescheduled. 

To encourage the creation of more freestanding birth centers, which operate independent from hospital systems, the law requires DPH to promulgate updated regulations governing the licensure of freestanding birth centers to ensure safe, equitable, and accessible birth options. 

The legislation also requires that MassHealth cover noninvasive prenatal screenings to detect whether a pregnancy is at increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities for all pregnant patients regardless of age, baseline risk, or family history. The law requires health insurers to provide coverage for medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk and products derived from it, serving as a critical source of nutrition for the growth and development of babies, particularly for vulnerable premature infants. To better support new mothers in their feeding journeys, the law also authorizes the Board of Allied Health Professionals to license lactation consultants to ensure their services are eligible for reimbursement through the patient's insurance.  

The law provides critical support for birthing people and their families during the postpartum period, including requiring DPH to conduct a public awareness campaign about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and to develop and maintain a digital resource center that will be available to the public. It also requires that perinatal individuals be offered a screening for postpartum depression and major depressive disorder, and that those services be covered by health insurance plans. To better address barriers in access to care and reduce racial inequities in maternal health, the law expands the universal postpartum home visiting program administered by DPH and provides coverage for the program's services.  

Additionally, the law requires DPH to develop and disseminate public information about pregnancy loss to the public and perinatal health care workers to prioritize the physical and mental health care of patients affected. It also requires DPH to establish a program to conduct fetal and infant mortality reviews (FIMR) to identify social, economic, and systems level factors associated with fetal and infant deaths and inform public health policy programs. The law also includes a provision that will allow Massachusetts residents to use earned paid sick time in the event of a pregnancy loss. 

The law ensures that the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee will have access to essential records required to conduct thorough and timely reviews of maternal deaths and pregnancy complications. This will enable the Committee to formulate comprehensive recommendations to improving maternal outcomes and prevent mortality. The law also establishes a grant program under the Executive Office of Health and Human Services aimed at addressing maternal mental health. This program will support the establishment or expansion of initiatives serving perinatal individuals, particularly those in underserved populations, to improve mental health, behavioral health, and substance use disorder. 

The law establishes a nine-member task force to study the current availability of, and access to, maternal health services and care, as well as essential service closures of inpatient maternity units and acute-level birthing centers. The task force will identify methods of increasing financial investment in, and patient access to, maternal health care in the Commonwealth. 

The legislative text can be found online -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4999

Governor Healey Signs Into Law Comprehensive Midwifery and Maternal Health Legislation for Massachusetts

Massachusetts Legislature Enacts Comprehensive Midwifery And Maternal Health Bill

Thursday (August 15, 2024), the Massachusetts Legislature enacted a comprehensive midwifery and maternal health bill that creates a state licensure pathway for certified professional midwives and lactation consultants, encourages the creation of more freestanding birth centers, establishes a grant program to address maternal mental health and substance use disorder, and expands the statewide universal postpartum home visiting program. This legislation also mandates that insurers cover post-pregnancy mental health screenings and pediatric well visit appointments once per calendar year up to age six. 

“I am so immensely proud that the midwives and maternal health bill is on Governor Healey’s desk,” said Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham), lead Senate sponsor of the midwives and pediatric appointment bills.  “In addition to joining the 38 other states that already license certified professional midwives, this single legislative package squarely addresses our maternal health crisis, honors patient choice in maternal care, improves patient outcomes, reduces inequities in maternal health care, lowers health care costs, enhances access to pediatric care, boosts post-pregnancy mental health care, and much more. With this reproductive justice bill, we significantly uplift people deciding for themselves whether, when, and how to parent. I cannot wait for our Governor to sign it into law.” 

A central pillar of the legislative package is licensure for certified professional midwives, or CPMs, a bill Rausch has filed and championed in the Massachusetts Senate. The Senate previously passed the midwifery licensure bill by unanimous vote in 2020, in Rausch’s first term. The bill creates the Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health (DPH) to license and provide oversight of licensed CPMs, enhancing their professional self governance, practice autonomy, and authority to use important and life-saving medication. The bill also ensures equitable reimbursement of certified nurse-midwives by requiring that they receive payment rates equal to those for the same services performed by a physician under MassHealth. 

In an effort to proactively address mental health needs, the legislation requires MassHealth and commercial insurance coverage for post-pregnancy depression screenings for all post-pregnancy patients, without regard to how a pregnancy may have ended. The legislation also requires screenings to be offered at maternal and other adult care appointments, rather than exclusively at pediatric appointments, thereby reaching all post-pregnancy cases, including miscarriage. The inclusion of all post-pregnancy cases reflects a bill filed by Rausch earlier this term. Further, the DPH will develop and maintain a comprehensive digital resource center on post-pregnancy mental health conditions and services and conduct a pregnancy loss awareness program. 

Two other priorities championed by Rausch are encompassed in the legislation: a provision to improve patient safety by requiring the administration of ultrasound services be supervised by a licensed healthcare professional who provides medical care for pregnant individuals; and a provision to improve access to pediatric care that ensures coverage for wellness visits for young children once per calendar year, rather than once every 12 months, so families can stay on schedule with their children’s birthdays even if a doctor’s appointment has to be postponed or rescheduled. 

“Today the legislature took much needed action to strengthen access to physical and mental health care for pregnant people and new parents in Massachusetts,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This is an important step to help ensure all expecting individuals regardless of background or economic status have access to the health services they need. I offer my sincere gratitude to Senator Friedman for her leadership of the committee, each conferee, and our partners in the House for their hard work on this legislation.” 

“Today we made important strides to reduce maternal health disparities by breaking down barriers to safe, adequate and equitable maternal health care,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and of the conference committee. “This bill takes significant steps to expand coverage and protections for essential health services that are key to improving maternal and perinatal health outcomes, as well as increasing access to care for those whose needs and pain have often been ignored. While we still have work to do to cover and protect the full spectrum of pregnancy care, this legislation addresses some of the most pressing needs and improves the health care system statewide.” 

To encourage the creation of more freestanding birth centers, which operate independent from hospital systems, the bill requires DPH to promulgate updated regulations governing the licensure of freestanding birth centers to ensure safe, equitable, and accessible birth options. 

“It is with immense gratitude that we get to revel in this moment of progress, celebrating the Senate’s monumental commitment to improving the quality of life, maternal and mental health care for our most at-risk constituents. With the birth justice bill on its way to Governor Healey’s desk, we are taking a crucial step forward in tackling the Black maternal health crisis by expanding prenatal, postpartum, mental health, midwifery, and doula care, while enabling the growth of free-standing birth centers across our Commonwealth,” said Senator Liz Miranda (D-Boston). “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the 28-member, Special Legislative Commission on Racial Inequities in Maternal Health for their vital recommendations, as well as the coalition of advocates who have committed unwavering support to seeing this bill through to the end. Together, we are advancing perinatal care and ensuring better health outcomes for individuals and families throughout our Commonwealth. I am proud to share this moment with you all and look forward to a brighter, more equitable future for all.” 

The legislation also requires that MassHealth cover noninvasive prenatal screenings to detect whether a pregnancy is at increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities for all pregnant patients regardless of age, baseline risk, or family history. The bill requires health insurers to provide coverage for medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk and products derived from it, serving as a critical source of nutrition for the growth and development of babies, particularly for vulnerable premature infants. To better support new mothers in their feeding journeys, the bill also authorizes the Board of Allied Health Professionals to license lactation consultants to ensure their services are eligible for reimbursement through the patient’s insurance.  

The legislation passed yesterday provides critical support for birthing people and their families during the postpartum period, including requiring DPH to conduct a public awareness campaign about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and to develop and maintain a digital resource center that will be available to the public. It also requires that perinatal individuals be offered a screening for postpartum depression and major depressive disorder, and that those services be covered by health insurance plans. To better address barriers in access to care and reduce racial inequities in maternal health, the bill expands the universal postpartum home visiting program administered by DPH and provides coverage for the program’s services.  

“Massachusetts has some of the best health outcomes in the country, but we have a glaring and persistent disparity in maternal health outcomes, especially when it comes to the experience of Black mothers,” said Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro), who co-chairs the Joint Committee on Public Health. “The maternal health bill passed by the Legislature will expand access to care for all mothers and ameliorate the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis here in Massachusetts. I am proud to stand behind so many brilliant women colleagues in advancing this vital legislation.”  

Additionally, the bill requires DPH to develop and disseminate public information about pregnancy loss to the public and perinatal health care workers to prioritize the physical and mental health care of patients affected. It also requires DPH to establish a program to conduct fetal and infant mortality reviews (FIMR) to identify social, economic, and systems level factors associated with fetal and infant deaths and inform public health policy programs. The bill also includes a provision that will allow Massachusetts residents to use earned paid sick time in the event of a pregnancy loss. 

The bill ensures that the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee will have access to essential records required to conduct thorough and timely reviews of maternal deaths and pregnancy complications. This will enable the Committee to formulate comprehensive recommendations to improving maternal outcomes and prevent mortality. The bill also establishes a grant program under the Executive Office of Health and Human Services aimed at addressing maternal mental health. This program will support the establishment or expansion of initiatives serving perinatal individuals, particularly those in underserved populations, to improve mental health, behavioral health, and substance use disorder. 

The bill establishes a nine-member task force to study the current availability of, and access to, maternal health services and care, as well as essential service closures of inpatient maternity units and acute-level birthing centers. The task force will identify methods of increasing financial investment in, and patient access to, maternal health care in the Commonwealth. 

Having passed both chambers, the bill now sits before the Governor for her consideration.  

Massachusetts Legislature Enacts Comprehensive Midwifery And Maternal Health Bill

Governor Maura Healey Signs Historic HERO Act, Ushering in New Era for Veterans in Massachusetts

"Governor Maura Healey signed off Thursday on a new veterans’ benefits law that she touted as “a big deal,” while Veterans’ Services Secretary Jon Santiago told a packed town hall that the Holyoke Veterans Home had been awarded licensure by the Department of Public Health.

The state-run facility in Holyoke was plagued by scandal in 2020 after a deadly COVID-19 outbreak killed more than 70 veterans living there. Reform of the system was spurred on by a 2022 law, which mandated that both the Holyoke and Chelsea veterans homes achieve DPH licensure.

“It’s hot off the press that both of those homes are now licensed by the Department of Public Health, something that people thought was unimaginable, impossible after COVID-19,” Santiago told attendees at the bill-signing ceremony."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/08/08/metro/mass-governor-signs-big-deal-veterans-bill/

Gov Healey press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-maura-healey-signs-historic-hero-act-ushering-in-new-era-for-veterans-in-massachusetts

Direct link to the HERO Act legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4976

Governor Maura Healey Signs Historic HERO Act, Ushering in New Era for Veterans in Massachusetts

Healey-Driscoll Administration: Changes to Emergency Assistance Prioritization, Safety-Net Sites Announced 7/23/24

The Healey-Driscoll administration is announcing changes to its Emergency Assistance (EA) prioritization and safety-net sites for families experiencing homelessness. These changes are intended to address the system’s continuing capacity constraints, lower costs, and protect the financial sustainability of the EA system. 

Beginning August 1, 2024, families will be prioritized for placement in EA shelters if they are homeless because of a no-fault eviction or because of sudden or unusual circumstances in Massachusetts beyond their control, such as a flood or fire, or if they have at least one member who is a veteran. Families will continue to be prioritized if they have significant medical needs, newborn children, are at risk of domestic violence, or are homeless because of fire, flood, or other disasters.

Healey-Driscoll Administration

Families who are not prioritized for placement in EA shelters will be eligible to stay at a “temporary respite center” for up to five days. On August 1, the state’s safety-net sites in Chelsea, Lexington, Cambridge and Norfolk will be transitioned to temporary respite centers. Norfolk is the newest of these sites and is nearing capacity. The administration will not be opening additional respite center sites due to operational and financial constraints.

Families who choose to stay at a temporary respite center will be required to wait six months or more for placement in the state’s emergency family shelter system. They will remain eligible for other diversion services, such as reticketing and the HomeBASE program. Families who have been in temporary respite centers prior to the policy change on August 1 will retain their prioritization for placement into EA shelter, and the state will begin helping them leave these sites according to the date in which they entered. This policy does not apply to United Way shelter sites.

“We have been saying for months now that the rapid growth of our Emergency Assistance shelter system is not sustainable. Massachusetts is out of shelter space, and we simply cannot afford the current size of this system. Our administration has taken significant action over the past year to make the system more sustainable and help families leave shelter for stable housing. But with Congress continuing to fail to act on immigration reform, we need to make more changes,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why we are making changes to EA prioritization and transitioning our safety-net sites to five-day temporary respite centers. This is in line with the policies of other cities facing similar challenges as Massachusetts and will help give families some relief for a few days while they access the diversion services we can provide, such as reticketing.”

Last year, Governor Healey declared that a state of emergency exists in Massachusetts due to rapidly rising numbers of immigrant families arriving in Massachusetts in need of shelter and services and a severe lack of shelter availability in the state. In the fall, she announced that the EA system was at capacity at 7,500 families.

The administration has focused on getting immigrants work authorizations, English classes, and placed into jobs to give them the tools they need to move into stable housing and to meet the workforce needs of our employers. Governor Healey successfully advocated for U.S. Department of Homeland Security to hold a work authorization clinic in Massachusetts and processing times have significantly increased. Since November 2023, the administration has helped nearly 3,800 immigrants apply for work authorizations, the vast majority of which have been approved, and nearly 1,250 have been enrolled in ESOL classes. Across the system, nearly 1,300 EA residents have gotten jobs.

The administration also expanded the HomeBASE program, which helps cover rent and other costs for families with children under 21 years old or pregnant people and offered mobile vouchers to the approximately 1,200 EA families who were in EA longer than 18 months. 

As a result of these efforts, the number of families leaving the EA system has steadily increased each month, with more than 330 families leaving each month recently – the highest numbers in years.

The Legislature recently passed a nine-month length of stay requirement in EA shelters, which Governor Healey signed into law and recently implemented. Governor Healey also previously implemented a 30-day recertification requirement at safety-net sites.

Last month, Governor Healey sent members of her administration to the U.S. Southern Border to meet with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Joint Task Force-North, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and families to educate them about the lack of shelter availability in Massachusetts. The Governor also recently ended the practice of families overnighting at Logan Airport and increased outreach around the state’s reticketing program, which provides families with transportation to another location where they have friends or family or another option for a safe place to stay.

Shared from -> https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-changes-to-emergency-assistance-prioritization-safety-net-sites

Governor Healey Signs Bill Banning Revenge Porn, Expanding Protections Against Abuse and Exploitation

Governor Maura T. Healey today (6/20/24) signed into law An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation, which seeks to prevent abuse and exploitation, strengthen protections for survivors, and enhance education for young people about the dangers of sexting and deepfakes.

The law adds Massachusetts to the states that have acted to prohibit image-based sexual assault – sometimes referred to as "revenge porn," which is the non-consensual sharing of explicit images. The law extends to "computer-generated images," such as "deepfakes," which have recently caused alarm. It will also expand the criminal harassment statute to prohibit the distribution of sexual images without consent and increase the maximum fines for criminal harassment convictions.

(L - R) State Rep Jeff Roy, Lt Jason Riley, Gov Maura Healey

The new law also addresses teen sexting provisions from a bill filed by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). Rep. Roy worked with Franklin Police Lt. Jason Reilly for several years to make these changes to the law. Currently, minors who possess, purchase, or share explicit photos of themselves or other minors are charged with violating Massachusetts child pornography laws and are required to register as sex offenders. The legislation signed today instead authorizes commitment to the Department of Youth Services (DYS), but also allows minors to be diverted to an educational program in lieu of criminal punishment. A district attorney, however, is allowed to petition the court to bring criminal charges in extreme cases.

The educational diversion program, to be created by the Attorney General, would provide teenagers with information about the legal and nonlegal consequences of sexting, which would be made available to school districts. DESE should also encourage districts to implement media literacy programs in their schools as a prevention measure.

"This legislation represents a coordinated effort and a holistic approach to address an increasingly prevalent behavior and provides mechanisms to protect individuals victimized by those who threaten, intimidate, and harass the subjects of these images," said Roy, a lead sponsor of the bill. "The sexting provisions provide law enforcement officers with a middle ground that will allow them to educate kids about the consequences of their actions without ruining their lives. It will have a tremendous impact on people who have become entangled in the web and transmittal of images that can cause traumatic and lifetime harm through a diversion program that will educate them about the legal and personal consequences of this behavior."

Representative Michael S. Day (D-Stoneham), House Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and House Chair of the conference committee noted: "The House has heard the urgent call of survivors to enhance protections and ensure that our laws keep up with technology. But the House does not just listen, we act. This law will provide essential protections to survivors of predatory acts while, at the same time, intelligently addressing risky adolescent behavior through education and not necessarily only criminalization."

Lt. Reilly was present for the bill signing along with Rep. Roy and a host of state leaders and advocates.

The Governor's press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-bill-banning-revenge-porn-expanding-protections-against-abuse-and-exploitation

Link to the Legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4744

Governor Healey Signs Chapter 90 Bill to Improve Bridges, Roads, and Infrastructure Across Massachusetts

"At an event in Melrose today (05/03/24), Gov. Maura Healey signed a transportation bond bill that includes $200 million for the Chapter 90 local road and bridge program for fiscal 2025 and $175 million for specified additional infrastructure programs.  

In addition to funding for the Chapter 90 reimbursement program, the $375 million bond package includes $25 million for a supplemental road maintenance program favoring rural communities, and $150 million for the following six existing transportation-related programs:

• Municipal Pavement Program
• Municipal Small Bridge Program
• Complete Streets
• Municipal Bus Enhancement Program
• Mass Transit Access grant program
• Municipal/RTA Electric Vehicle Fleets program"

Shared from -> https://www.mma.org/gov-signs-375m-transportation-bond-bill/ 

Read the full press release from Gov Healey's office ->    https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-chapter-90-bill-to-improve-bridges-roads-and-infrastructure-across-massachusetts

Governor Healey Signs Chapter 90 Bill to Improve Bridges, Roads, and Infrastructure Across Massachusetts

State of the Commonwealth - Governor Maura T Healey (video) Jan 17, 2024

Did you miss the Governor's State of the Commonwealth on Wednesday? The video link shared previously is useful, or this has fast forwarded to the point where the Chaplain gives the convocation and the evening formally begins. 

You can also skip further ahead to about 1:02:00 when Governor Healey makes her entrance or to 1:05:00 when Senate President Spilka gets to introduce Governor Healey and she finally gives her State of the Commonwealth address at about 1:06:00

State of the Commonwealth page -> https://www.mass.gov/2024-state-of-the-commonwealth