CommonWealth Magazine: "Split-in-two committee to hold dueling hearings this week"

"Those interested in testifying on bills dealing with offshore wind and energy storage may have to do double-duty this week.

The feuding House and Senate chairs of the Legislature’s Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee are splitting the panel in half, with the House members taking testimony on bills dealing with offshore wind and energy storage on Thursday and Senate members holding their own “parallel hearing” on the same bills on Friday.

The two feuders – Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin and Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington – both say they are acting on principle in a fight about the rules that govern their legislative committee.

Roy said his concerns trace to the end of the legislative session last year, when Barrett used the powers provided under the rules to control which bills were released from committee. He said action on major energy legislation was delayed and hundreds of other bills were blocked, which means they ended up with the label “ought not to pass.”

Barrett said he is refusing to engage in any legislative business with Roy until the House chair either agrees to new rules or abides by the rules that were in force last year, which require the consent of both chairs to schedule a hearing or an executive session where legislation is acted on."

Continue reading the article online ->  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/split-in-two-committee-to-hold-dueling-hearings-this-week-2/ 

The golden dome of the State House. (Photo by Andy Metzger)

CommonWealth Magazine: "Mass. House approves unaltered tax plan"

"THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to pass its $1.1 billion tax relief bill exactly as pitched earlier this week. A provision that would adjust an obscure tax giveback law dominated most of the tax plan debate but ultimately made it through to the final bill unchanged.

The mid-afternoon vote, which approved the package, 150-3, advances a measure that top House Democrats say will bolster the state’s competitiveness and affordability and bring tax rates in line with those in other states. Its top-line features are cuts in the short-term capital gains tax from 12 percent to 5 percent and raising the estate tax exemption from $1 million to $2 million, along with tax deductions targeting parents, caregivers, seniors, and lower income renters. 

“Let’s hope it makes us more competitive and people will hesitate before moving,” House Speaker Ron Mariano said earlier in the week about the tax package. “We don’t want you to leave. We want you to stay here.”

The tax debate will now move to the Senate."

Continue reading the article online at CommonWealth Magazine -> 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/mass-house-approves-unaltered-tax-plan/ 

The legislation text can be found online ->  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3770

CommonWealth Magazine: "Mass. House approves unaltered tax plan"

The MA House Ways & Means budget: via Commonwealth Magazine, Boston Globe, and direct link to budget

Via CommonWealth Magazine: What follows is an explainer about what’s in the House Ways and Means budget proposal for fiscal 2024.

"How big is the House Ways and Means budget?

It comes in at nearly $56.2 billion, and that’s before lawmakers start adding earmarked spending during the budget debate that starts April 26. The budget is about $170 million higher than Gov. Maura Healey’s proposal because the governor wants to give more money back in the form of tax relief while the House would phase in many of its tax breaks over time, allowing the branch to spend more money now.

That spending total seems like a lot of money.

It is a lot. For perspective, the state budget in fiscal 2016 was $38.4 billion. Over the last eight years, the state budget has grown by $17.8 billion, or 46 percent."

Continue reading the article online ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/gambling/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-house-budget-proposal/

Boston Globe coverage on the budget -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/04/12/metro/mass-house-unveils-millionaires-tax-plan/

The House Ways & Means budget can be found online -> 

https://malegislature.gov/Budget/HouseWaysMeansBudget 

MassBudget provides a budget browser to view comparisons between and among categories and years  https://massbudget.org/budget-browser/

The MA House Ways & Means budget: via Commonwealth Magazine, Boston Globe, and direct link to budget

"The site operates as 'a nonpartisan, open source, and nonprofit project;”

"ONE OF THE most well-worn complaints among political watchers in Massachusetts is that the government can be, well, hard to watch. The state Legislature is one of the least transparent lawmaking bodies in the country – exempt from public records laws, with decisions often made in closed committee sessions with little revelation about who voted for or against a given piece of legislation.

Being generally outraged about local government on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites may be cathartic, but is perhaps not the most efficient way to push for change. Now a team of volunteers is taking a swing at making online engagement with the Legislature feel a bit more civil, structured, and achievable for individuals and organizations.

The website MAPLE (the Massachusetts Platform for Legislative Engagement) launched this month, focused on encouraging and facilitating public testimony on legislation. The Legislature does collect and post some public testimony already, but the MAPLE group is trying to improve what they see as an imperfect system. A motivating question for the co-creators was whether the online spaces where the public gathers to express views online could “be designed better to allow us to channel our energy for productive improvements for the communities that we touch?”

Continue reading the article online at Commonwealth Magazine ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/a-digital-push-for-more-legislative-participation-2/

Check out the MAPLE site yourself here ->  https://www.mapletestimony.org/

 

"The site operates as 'a nonpartisan, open source, and nonprofit project;” 

MMA: "Legislature passes supplemental budget with pandemic-era extensions, key investments"

The House and Senate both passed a compromise supplemental 2023 budget bill today that includes a majority of the governor’s proposed “immediate needs” bond bill as well as extensions of pandemic-related authorizations related to public meetings and outdoor dining.

The bill was originally filed by Gov. Maura Healey in January, and both chambers had passed slightly different versions earlier this month.

The final bill (H. 47) includes extensions to pandemic-related authorizations that were set to expire next week.

The bill would:

• Allow remote and hybrid meeting options for public bodies through March 31, 2025

• Allow remote and hybrid participation options for representative town meetings through March 31, 2025

• Permit reduced quorums for open town meetings through March 31, 2025

• Extend the expedited outdoor dining permit process through April 1, 2024

Continue reading the MMA article online ->
https://www.mma.org/legislature-passes-supplemental-budget-with-pandemic-era-extensions-key-investments/

The legislation started as H.47 and ended up on the Governor's desk as  H.58 ->  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H58

MMA: "Legislature passes supplemental budget with pandemic-era extensions, key investments"

Senate Passes $368.7 Million Supplemental Budget; now to Reconcile Cmte before going to Governor Healey

Bill funds essential services relied on by vulnerable populations, extends COVID-era measures, authorizes public works bonding to support cities and towns

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed a $368.7 million supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). The legislation funds vital services that support vulnerable populations and address food insecurity, housing instability, the state's long-term COVID-19 response, economic development, essential support services for incoming immigrants and refugees, and more. Notably, the bill extends initiatives first implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as outdoor dining, remote public meeting access, and support for assisted living residences. The bill further authorizes $814.3 in bonding to bolster the Commonwealth's clean water and other public works projects for cities and towns, as well as to support the Commonwealth's ability to compete for competitive federal grant funds. 

"This supplemental budget ensures that our Commonwealth continues to support the most vulnerable among us while also building on the lessons we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I'm proud to say that this body has proven once again that it has the courage to chart a course that leaves no place or person in the Commonwealth behind. As I have said since the start of the pandemic, we must go 'back to better,' not 'back to normal.' With today's supplemental budget, I am pleased to see the Senate take one more step toward this goal. I would like to thank my colleagues, especially Chair Rodrigues and his dedicated team at Senate Ways and Means, for their hard work and contributions to this supplemental budget."

"As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, the Legislature has taken the necessary steps to keep the economy of the Commonwealth on a firm footing. The passage of this supplemental budget today utilizes robust tax revenues to its fullest effect, making substantial investments in economic development, housing, education, and the social service safety net. Those investments, along with a forward-thinking long-term bond authorization, will keep Massachusetts as a leader in the key economic sectors for decades to come," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "Thanks to the strong leadership of Senate President Spilka, and the commitment of my colleagues in the Senate, we sent a clear message to the people that we will always look to protect our marginalized communities, support our education and health care workforce, and invest in local infrastructure as the Commonwealth continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic."

The bill invests $368.7 million to address several time sensitive needs for an array of programs relied on by some of the most vulnerable residents of the Commonwealth, including $130 million for SNAP food assistance benefits to provide a glide path for families who were receiving enhanced SNAP benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, $68 million for the Early Education C3 stabilization grant program, $65 million for the continuation of free school meals, $45 million for emergency shelter assistance, and over $40 million to support affordable housing for immigrants and refugees. Other measures funded in the bill include:

• $8.3 million for judgments, settlements, and legal fees
• $7 million for coordinated wraparound services for incoming immigrants and refugees
• $2 million for the reimbursement of SNAP benefits for victims of benefit theft
• $2 million for the preparation and execution of the 114th National NAACP conference, which is taking place in Massachusetts in 2023, which was adopted via an amendment from Senator Liz Miranda
• $1 million for a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the misleading tactics of so-called crisis pregnancy centers and their lack of medical services
• $250,000 for Reproductive Equity Now's free abortion-related legal hotline

The bill also authorizes $814.3 billion in capital expenditures to support economic development projects. Notably, these include $400 million for the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, which provides grants to cities, towns, and other public entities for infrastructure projects, and $200 million for state matching funds to compete for federal grant opportunities, including those funded through the CHIPS and Science Act, which encourage innovation in Massachusetts. Other bonding items authorized by the bill include:

• $104 million for the Clean Water Trust Fund
• $34 million for a program to revitalize underutilized properties
• $30 million for state matching funds to compete for federal broadband expansion grants and improve state broadband infrastructure
• $15 million for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative, which supports innovation within the state's manufacturing industry, including by offering technical assistance to manufacturers and attracting talent from outside of the state
• $14 million for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program
• $9.3 million for broadband middle mile supports
• $8 million for the Smart Growth Housing Trust Fund

Reorganizing the societal shifts that have taken place during the pandemic, the bill also addresses several pandemic-era related measures, including:

• Permanently allowing public corporations and nonprofits to hold meetings by means of remote communication
• Permanently allowing notaries public to conduct remote online notarization using communication technology
• Extending the ability of graduates and students in their last semester of nursing education programs to practice nursing in accordance with guidance from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
• Extending the ability of municipalities to allow outdoor dining services
• Extending the ability of public bodies to allow remote participation by members in public meetings
• Extending flexibilities given to cities and towns that allow for town meetings to be held in hybrid or fully remote capacities and that ease the threshold for a quorum
• Extending the ability of nurses employed by assisted living residences to provide skilled nursing care in accordance with valid medical orders, provided the nurse holds a valid license to provide such care

Senator Liz Miranda (D-Boston) and Senator Robyn K. Kennedy (D-Worcester) both gave their inaugural Senate speeches during consideration of the supplemental budget. Senator Miranda spoke on behalf of her amendment for $2 million to support the NAACP's 114^th national conference, which will be taking place in Massachusetts in 2023. The amendment was subsequently unanimously adopted. Senator Kennedy highlighted how the supplemental budget's $68 million investment in C3 early education grants will provide crucial stability to the early education sector.

As a previous version of this legislation has passed the House of Representatives, the two branches will now reconcile the differences between the bills.

As near as I can tell, the House version is H.58 -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H58

and the Senate version (as per this press release) is S.23 ->  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S23

Senate Passes $368.7 Million Supplemental Budget

MA House acts to extend remote/hybrid options through 2025, awaiting Senate action

"The House bill’s $585 million in bonding authorizations include $400 million for the MassWorks Infrastructure Program and $104 million for the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust.

The House included other MMA priorities — extensions to pandemic-related authorizations that were set to expire within the next month. The bill would:

• Permit remote and hybrid meeting options for public bodies through March 31, 2025
• Permit remote voting options for representative town meetings through March 31, 2025
• Permit reduced quorums for open town meetings through March 31, 2025
• Extend an expedited process for temporary permits for outdoor dining service and to-go cocktails through April 1, 2024

The House bill (H. 58) includes nearly $86 million to address the migrant housing crisis, a slight boost over Healey’s request. The funding would be used to expand shelter infrastructure and the provider workforce. It includes $41 million focused on communities with a large influx of school-aged children due to shelter placement."

Continue reading the article from Mass Municipal Assoc

https://www.mma.org/house-oks-budget-bill-with-pandemic-extensions/

The text of the legislation can be found ->  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H58

 

MA House acts to extend remote/hybrid options through 2025, awaiting Senate action

Some hybrid aspects in new MA House rules set for this next session

"THE HOUSE on Wednesday unanimously adopted its rules for the two-year term that began four weeks ago, agreeing to eliminate a pandemic-era policy that allowed representatives to participate in sessions and vote remotely.

The rules package also outlines a new hybrid committee hearing structure that will allow for both in-person and remote participation from most legislators and the public.

The reforms headlined a package assembled by House Democrats, who rejected amendments offered during debate to give representatives 60 minutes, rather than 30, to review large floor amendments and to publish how representatives vote on bills in committee.

The House rejected nearly every proposed amendment that was not withdrawn and opted to largely stick with the package rolled out by top Democrats on Tuesday."

Continue reading the article online ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/under-new-rules-house-returns-to-in-person-sessions/ 

Some hybrid aspects in new MA House rules set for this next session

Consensus on the MA revenue forecast remains to be set but 2 hours of hearing updates gets it started

"TOP BUDGET OFFICIALS from the Legislature say they intend to abide by the will of the voters and make sure all revenue from the new millionaire tax goes to “new initiatives” in transportation and education.

Exactly what would qualify as a “new initiative” hasn’t been decided yet (is a new bus or subway car a new initiative?), nor has any decision been made on whether the money would be evenly split between education and transportation.

“That’s all to be discussed,” said Sen. Michael Rodrigues, the chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee."

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/special-treatment-considered-for-revenue-from-millionaire-tax/

"STATE REVENUES are expected to rise slightly in the coming fiscal year, but top budget officials from the Legislature and Healey administration say it’s still unclear whether there is enough money to enact permanent tax cuts.

At the end of last year’s legislative session, former governor Charles Baker and Senate leaders wanted to press ahead with $500 million in permanent tax cuts in addition to nearly $3 billion in one-time refunds from the state’s tax cap law."

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/top-budget-officials-still-undecided-on-tax-cuts/

"State revenue officials said Tuesday they could collect at least $1.4 billion — and perhaps up to $1.7 billion — next fiscal year from Massachusetts’ newly enshrined tax on its wealthiest earners, kick-starting months of debate over how to steer the new injection of tax money.

The projection, offered Tuesday in a legislative hearing, marked the first official estimate state officials have provided on what they think the so-called “millionaires tax” will contribute to coffers in its first year since taking effect Jan. 1. Narrowly passed by voters on the November ballot, the measure increases the state’s 5 percent income tax rate to 9 percent on annual income exceeding $1 million."

Continue reading the article in the Boston Globe (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/24/metro/new-millionaires-tax-could-generate-least-14-billion-next-year-state-officials-project/

The 2 hour hearing that generated these articles is available for video replay on your schedule  https://malegislature.gov/Events/SpecialEvents/Detail/403/Video1

The Big 3 on budget issues: From left, Matthew Gorzkowicz, Gov. Maura Healey's secretary of administration and finance; Sen. Michael Rodrigues, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee; and Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. (Photo by Bruce Mohl)

Mass Legislature Passes Bill to Prevent Student Loan-related License Revocation

Bill will prevent individuals with outstanding student loan debt from having their  

professional licenses revoked 

 

On Monday, November 21, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to prevent individuals who default on their student loans from having their license or professional certification revoked as a result. As of Fall 2022, approximately one million Massachusetts residents hold a combined total of nearly $31 billion dollars in federal student loan debt, with an average debt of $34,146 per borrower. 

  

"Student loan debt disproportionately affects young, low-income individuals who are making the kinds of investments in their future that we should be encouraging," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Revoking professional licenses that they obtained with a student loan does nothing to solve the problem of loan defaults, and it actively makes the problem worse by preventing new professionals from having the means to pay off their loans. I want to thank Senator Eldridge for his attention and determination in seeing this common-sense bill over the finish line." 

  

"I am proud to announce that the Senate has passed the license revocation ban bill, known as an act prohibiting license revocation for student loan default. Nearly one million Massachusetts residents are struggling because of student loans. As the federal moratorium approaches its end, we must recognize Covid-19's continuous impact on employment and borrowers' financial situations," said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. "The bill will ensure that borrowers, who are heavily burdened by student loans, can still continue their career and work towards repayments of their educational loans. Thank you to Representative Higgins for her leadership on filing and fighting for this legislation. Congratulations to the hard-working advocates, and staff." 

 

Under current Massachusetts law, residents can have their licenses or professional certification revoked, denied, or refused for renewal as a result of defaulting on their student loan debt. Massachusetts is one of only 14 states with such a law. The bill does away with the law and blocks any state agency or board of registration from denying or revoking any license or professional or occupational certificate or registration based on an individual's default on an educational loan. 

 

The bill does not change the state's ability to use traditional loan collection tools. 

 

Having previously passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the bill goes to the Governor for his consideration. 

Mass Legislature Passes Bill to Prevent Student Loan-related License Revocation

Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Open Spaces

The Massachusetts Legislature on Thursday passed legislation that protects open and public spaces throughout the Commonwealth and ensures their conservation for future generations. This legislation, known as the Public Land Preservation Act, permanently preserves and protects the amount of land designated as open spaces and prevents it from being used for other purposes. 

 

“As we work to mitigate the effects of climate change we see and feel every day, it’s important that we do not allow the quality and acreage of open lands in Massachusetts to decrease,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Open lands protect against floods, reduce heat from man-made roads and cities, increase carbon capture from plants and soils, protect our clean drinking water, and provide residents with wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities. I want to thank all the conferees, especially Senator DiDomenico for his leadership and Senator Eldridge for his years of attention and perseverance in seeing this legislation passed, as well as Senator Rodrigues for his review and support.” 

  

“I am thrilled that we have reached an agreement on this bill which will protect our public land so our communities can have parks, green spaces, and clean water to enjoy throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Sal N. DiDomenico (D-Everett), Chair of the Senate Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. “Protecting our public lands is so critically important in our state because they also help protect our residents from the effects of climate change; our forests keep our air clean, our trees cool down our streets and communities, and our wetlands mitigate the effects of flooding and storms. I am grateful for Senate President Spilka’s dedication to getting this important bill passed, Senator Eldridge and Representative Balser for their years of work on this issue, and all the conference committee members for their help getting this bill over the finish line.” 

 

“I am extremely proud that an agreement has been reached between the House and Senate on the landmark Public Land Preservation Act (PLPA), which will strengthen the state’s commitment to ensuring that there is no net loss of open space in the Commonwealth," said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and the bill’s original sponsor. "I'm grateful to Senate President Spilka's commitment to passing this environmental legislation, the work of the conferees, and the persistent advocacy by conservation groups. I also want to acknowledge the godfather of PLPA, Phil Saunders, who dedicated his professional life to passing this bill.” 

 

“With the passage of the Public Lands Preservation Act today, our public lands and open spaces will be preserved and protected for current and future generations to come,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and thank you to Senator Eldridge, Senator DiDomenico, and others for their leadership on this vital issue as well. Ensuring the preservation of our most important public lands, farms, recreational areas, drinking water supply lands, sensitive wildlife habitats, forests, and other conservation and open space lands is critical in our collective efforts to adapt to and confront climate change, while protecting the public health of our communities, and passage of this legislation is a testament to the Senate’s steadfast commitment to protecting our environment at all costs.” 

  

Since its passage as a ballot initiative in 1972, Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution has recognized the importance of public lands. Lands acquired for conservation purposes under Article 97 have protected status, and such lands’ sale or conversion to other use must be approved by a two-thirds vote of each branch of the Legislature. Recognizing the importance of maintaining public lands, the Legislature, working with the Administration, has for many years ensured ‘no net loss’ of open spaces by requiring equivalent replacement land into open space when disposing of Article 97 land.  

 

The conference report passed by the Legislature today codifies a ‘no net loss’ policy into law, making it legally binding. It ensures a public process takes place when a public entity considers disposing of Article 97 land and that replacement land is located nearby and of comparable acreage, fair market value, and natural resource value. The legislation includes a provision that allows for a cash payment in lieu of replacement land, provided that the payment amount is no less than 110 per cent of the value of the land and the money is used to purchase replacement land within three years.  

 

Having passed the Senate and the House of Representatives, the bill now goes before the Governor for his consideration.

Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Open Spaces

MA Legislature Enacts Sweeping Economic Development Bill

The Massachusetts Legislature on Thursday passed a wide-ranging $3.76 billion relief package to provide targeted energy assistance, support ongoing transportation needs, and invest in the state’s small businesses, caregivers, health care system, affordable housing, and efforts to fight climate change.

 

“This compromise legislation makes critical investments to ease the financial burden facing individuals and families, puts money back in taxpayers’ pockets and helps prepare our economic landscape for new challenges,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I am proud of the significant investments made to assist residents with rising utility costs, boost affordable housing production, support our health care system, keep our climate goals on track and stabilize the early education and childcare sectors. We also take meaningful steps to ensure a record $3 billion in tax relief payments for taxpayers, the most ever in state history, is paid for. I am grateful to House Speaker Mariano, Chairs Rodrigues, Michlewitz, Lesser and Cusack, their staffs and my colleagues in Senate and House for their work on this legislation. I look forward to seeing it quickly signed into law.”

 

“As Massachusetts continues to experience rising prices and financial uncertainty, I’m proud of the action taken by the Legislature today that will help to ease the financial hardship plaguing the Commonwealth’s economy,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “From vital investments that will provide relief for rising energy costs and boost housing production, to critical support for hospitals and the MBTA, this package allocates significant funding where it is needed most, while promoting economic growth through support for our small businesses and investments in our communities. I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and members of the conference committee, as well as Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate for the hard work required to get this done.”

 

“The agreement reached by the Senate and House conferees and passed by the Legislature today is a comprehensive relief package that supports our state’s long-term economic health and responsibly closes the books on fiscal year 2022, while positioning us to meet new challenges facing our Commonwealth’s economy,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steadfast leadership and support, Senators Lesser and O’Connor for their contributions as my fellow conferees, Chair Michlewitz and the House conferees for their partnership, and to my colleagues in the Senate for their input that helped us to finally getting this bill across the finish line. Because of the advocacy of each Senator, this conference committee report reflects our commitment to provide much-needed breathing room for families and individuals facing rising costs and facing the pinch of inflation, while making targeted investments to stimulate sectors of our economy during this uncertain time.”

 

“This well-rounded spending package makes significant, targeted investments into major sectors of the Commonwealth’s economy. Whether it is supporting our distressed hospitals, boosting housing production across the state, providing immediate fiscal relief to the MBTA, or offering much needed fuel assistance to those who need it most, this legislation will help a wide variety of residents and industries across the Commonwealth and make us more competitive with other states” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “I want to thank my colleagues in the Legislature for their hard work and dedication to getting the final version of this legislation over the finish line.”

 

“Today we put forward a final economic development and tax relief package that will address many of the pressing concerns families face in Massachusetts and empower the modern worker,” said Senator Eric P. Lesser, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “With each passing year, it is getting harder and harder to plant down roots in our state with skyrocketing housing costs, rising inflation, and an economy that is increasingly dependent on innovation and new technology. This legislation helps us meet that moment and empower the worker of the future with significant investments in housing, job training, downtown revitalization, and climate resiliency. I am grateful to my colleagues for working together to craft a final bill that will alleviate those stresses for residents and encourage our Commonwealth to think big about our future.

 

“The Economic Development legislation will provide needed resources in a myriad of policy areas across the Commonwealth,” said Rep. Mark J. Cusack, House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Revenue. “These are much-needed funds and investments that will keep Massachusetts with a solid economic foundation. We know people and businesses are still hurting from the pandemic and we take seriously our obligation to improve our collective quality of life, particularly right now.”

 

In addition to $3.76 billion in direct investments, this compromise legislation ensures that the Commonwealth responsibly pays for the historic $3 billion one-time tax relief that will be returned to an estimated three million taxpayers over the coming weeks. Combined, this $6.76 billion in tax relief and direct investments will provide much-needed breathing room for families, small businesses and individuals feeling the pinch of inflation. Notably, the bill closes the books on Fiscal Year 2022 and dedicates $500 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), leaving a balance of $1.74 billion in federal resources for future use.

Appropriations

Over $1.4 billion invested to support health and human services programs, including:

• $350 million for hospitals that have become fiscally strained during the pandemic

• $225 million for rate increases for human service workers and providers

• $200 million for COVID-19 response efforts

• $195 million for nursing facilities and rest homes

• $80 million for Community Health Centers

• $20 million to reduce gun violence and related trauma throughout the Commonwealth, including:

• $3 million for a grant program to support school safety infrastructure improvements

• $2 million to provide behavioral health-related supports and resources in schools to reduce instances of gun violence

• $20 million to bridge impending federal cuts to Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) programs and maintain critical victim service programs

• $17.5 million for reproductive and family planning services

• $14 million for facilities that treat individuals with an alcohol or substance use disorder in the Commonwealth

• $5 million to support harm reduction efforts and services to address substance use disorder in the Commonwealth

• $2.5 million for grants to support the nursing workforce talent pipeline

$540 million invested to support clean energy and climate resiliency initiatives, including:

• $250 million to accelerate and support clean energy initiatives, including:

• $100 million to promote and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, through the MOR- EV program as well as supports for the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure

• $100 million for ports and port infrastructure to support the clean energy economy

• $50 million for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to accelerate the transition to and expansion of renewable energy

$175 million for the conservation and improvement of publicly owned lands and investments in green spaces, with an emphasis on investments in environmental justice communities

• $115 million for the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, including:

• $15 million for planning and implementing water pollution abatement project in watersheds designated as nitrogen sensitive areas

$409.5 million invested to support affordable housing, including:

• $304.5 million to support and boost housing production, including:

• $100 million for the Commonwealth Builder Program to support the production of for-sale, below market housing to expand homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers and socially disadvantaged individuals in communities disproportionately impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic

• $100 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund established to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing

• $100 million to support the production of workforce housing

• $50 million for the Equitable Developers Financing Program to support the development of new housing in certain underserved communities

• $25 million for regional low-threshold housing to support individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability and who struggle with substance use disorder

• $20 million for housing options and additional support services and resources to address the needs of immigrants and refugees

• $10 million for public housing redevelopment

Over $500 million invested to support early education, economic development, workforce development and community support initiatives, including:

• $153 million for small businesses grant relief, including $45M for minority, women, and veteran owned businesses.

• $150 million for early education and care providers through the continuation of the Commonwealth Cares for our Children (C3) stabilization grant program, including $60 million for subsidized providers.

• $112 million to support the MBTA’s ongoing efforts to address the Federal Transportation Administration’s staffing and safety directives

• $100 million for the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust fund to offset estimated overpayments made during the course of the pandemic

• $75 million for investments in broadband infrastructure and access across the commonwealth

• $57 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), ensuring relief to families facing rising energy costs.

• $50 million to promote the attainment of debt-free higher education for students pursuing careers in high-demand industries, such as health care, education, and cybersecurity

• $25 million for food security infrastructure grants

• $12 million to support the agricultural and blue economy sectors

• $2.5 million for computer science teacher development 

The bill now goes to the Governor for further consideration.

MA Legislature Enacts Sweeping Economic Development Bill

Boston Globe coverage of the legislation -> (subscription maybe required) https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/11/03/metro/legislature-sends-38-billion-spending-bill-baker-heres-what-is-isnt-included/

MA Senate Passes Legislation to Help People with Disabilities Live Independently, now sent to MA House for their review

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed two bills to help people with disabilities live independently in Massachusetts. First, An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities takes steps to ensure that people with physical disabilities who rely on wheelchairs are not stranded for long time periods in the event of the breakdown of an in-warranty wheelchair. Second, An Act relative to supported decision-making for agreements for certain adults with disabilities recognizes supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship, allowing certain people with disabilities to retain greater decision-making power over their lives.

Having passed the Senate, the bills now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

"I have fought my entire career to make Massachusetts a more inclusive place for people of all abilities to live, work, and play," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "It is especially fitting that the Senate has passed these bills on the same day that we adjourn in memory of Paul Spooner, a committed and tireless disability rights and inclusion activist working in MetroWest and a dear friend of mine. By helping us move closer to our goal of ensuring that all people have opportunities to live independently, we honor Paul's legacy and make the Massachusetts a more compassionate and accessible Commonwealth. I want to thank the many Senators who worked to ensure the passage of these bills, including Senators Rodrigues, Lovely, Cronin, Moran, and Gomez."

"The passages of these bills today speak volumes of the Senate's long and unwavering commitment to making life better for people with disabilities," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steadfast leadership for putting the issues of accessibility and inclusion front and center, ensuring we do what's right for our people, and thank you to Senators Lovely, Cronin, and Moran for your leadership on these critically important bills. Because of our collection today to support wheelchair users and recognize supported decision-making agreements, we have made our Commonwealth stronger and more inclusive."

Expanding Wheelchair Warranties

Wheelchair repair poses substantial problems for people with physical disabilities in Massachusetts. In the event of a wheelchair breaking or otherwise failing to function, it is not uncommon for those who use wheelchair to need to wait for weeks for repairs, including for wheelchairs under warranty. This leaves these individuals stranded at home and unable to go to work, school, medical appointments, grocery shopping, or elsewhere. This creates a crisis for individuals and families and often exacerbates other health conditions. Existing state law does not set any timeline for assessing repairs or require dealers to offer wheelchairs on loan within a fixed time period.

Legislation passed by the Senate today addresses these problems by strengthening consumer protections for those who use wheelchairs. The legislation requires that wheelchair manufacturers, lessors and dealers provide consumers with written notification of the warranty for their wheelchairs, and increases the minimum duration for an express warranty on wheelchairs to two years. If an in-warranty wheelchair stops functioning, the bill requires that manufacturers, lessors, and dealers assess the wheelchair within three days, provide a temporary wheelchair on loan within four days, and cover collateral costs to the user.

"I am so grateful to Senate President Spilka for her commitment to expand consumer protections to support the independence and dignity of our disability community. This bill's passage is an important step forward to protect wheelchair users and their families,"" said Senator John J. Cronin (D-Lunenberg), chair of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government. "The bill implements critical protections in the law to prevent wheelchair users from being stranded in their homes for prolonged periods when their wheelchair or mobility device becomes inoperable."

To enforce these new requirements, the bill authorizes the state attorney general and consumers to commence legal actions against any violation of provisions protecting wheelchair users from unfair and deceptive business practices relating to warranty-fulfillment.

Independent living through supported decision-making agreements

Supported decision-making is an alternative to guardianship for individuals with an intellectual or development disability, dementia, or mental health diagnosis. Unlike in traditional guardianship, where a guardian makes medical, financial, or other life decisions for a person with disabilities, supported decision-making allows an individual with a disability to make his or her own decisions with the support of a designated person or team of trusted supporters. In such an agreement, 'supporters' assist in communicating and understanding decisions but cannot override an individuals' own choices.

"I am incredibly proud that this life-changing legislation has advanced through the Senate," said Senator Joanne B. Lovely (D-Salem), chair of the Senate Committee on Rules. "Supported decision-making agreements maximize the dignity, freedom, and independence of persons with disabilities and provide a proven, cost-effective, and less restrictive alternative to guardianship. Thank you, President Spilka, Chair Rodrigues, and the many advocates who worked tirelessly to move this bill forward. Everyone should have the opportunity to be the decision-maker of their own lives, and this legislation will empower many for whom that was not previously possible."

"People with disabilities deserve the freedom to maintain their independence and dignity," said Senator Susan L. Moran (D-Falmouth), chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. "I'm proud to vote for this bill to enable supported decision making for people with disabilities, and take another strong step in supporting residents with disabilities in the Commonwealth."

"I have had the opportunity, as the Senate Chair of Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities to meet with many individuals across our state who are both strong advocates for supported decision-making and could greatly benefit from this bill," said Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), Chair of the Senate Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. "Supported decision-making is a no brainer that allows individuals, including those with disabilities and elders, to maintain their rights and independence, allowing them to choose one or more trusted advisors to provide assistance in making decisions about their lives. I am thrilled that this legislation is moving forward and I know it will change many lives."

The legislation passed by the Senate today legally recognizes supported decision-making agreements, acknowledges them as a viable alternative to guardianship for some individuals, and establishes guardrails to ensure that these agreements keep an individuals' best interests at heart. In cases where there is evidence of undue influence or coercion, the law renders such decision-making agreements invalid. The legislation permits members of the public, and requires mandated reporters, to petition the Probate and Family court to revoke or suspend a supported decision-making agreement in cases where there is suspicion of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Under the bill, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services will create training on supported decision-making, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will assist in informing students and their families or guardians about supported decision-making as needed.

An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S3136

An Act relative to supported decision-making for agreements for certain adults with disabilities

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S3132

Senate Passes Legislation to Help People with Disabilities Live Independently

CommonWealth Magazine: "Here’s what passed in marathon all-night legislative session"

"IN A MARATHON all night session, the Massachusetts Legislature finally finished many of their key priorities of the 2021-2022 legislative session, even as one key priority – tax reform – remained undone. They passed bills on equity in the cannabis industry, legalizing sports betting, and tightening gun licensing laws in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling. While lawmakers typically go into the wee hours of the morning when concluding formal sessions on July 31, in a highly unusual move, this year’s Legislature not only worked through the night but was still going as the Monday workday began.  

“The final bill comes before us for its passage,” House Speaker Ron Mariano intoned just before 7 a.m. before breaking into an unscripted comment. “Easier said than done,” he added.  "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/courts/heres-what-passed-in-marathon-all-night-legislative-session/

 

You can check What's on the Governor's Desk at this page ->

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/on-the-governors-desk

Boston Globe coverage of the last session and what made it or didn't (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/31/metro/billions-tax-relief-sports-betting-gun-control-its-all-line-final-hours-mass-legislative-session/

Read more about the inner workings of the State House by following "Lisa Kashinsky's must-read rundown of what's up on Beacon Hill and beyond"

https://www.politico.com/massachusettsplaybook

Massachusetts House Speaker Ron Mariano takes a call in the entryway to the House chamber on the final day of formal sessions on July 31, 2022. | Lisa Kashinsky/POLITICO