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Dear Friend,
With less than a month to go before the presidential election, our country is at a crossroads of how to govern itself in this era of political polarization. According to a recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll, a deciding factor in voters’ decision to choose a candidate for president is the issue of preserving democracy. The example set by my father Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr., "Tip" and President Ronald Reagan, both Irish-Americans who were on opposite sides of the political spectrum but managed to work together for the good of the country, seems to be far away from anything that is happening in Washington, D.C. right now. They disagreed over policy issues but both had a strong obligation to getting things done. The American people are hungry for similar civility among their elected officials, and we look forward to a new era in which we feel positive about the direction our democracy is heading, rather than fearing for its demise.
Even though my father was elected to a powerful position and served as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, he never forgot where he came from. He was deeply committed to his constituents from North Cambridge, representing them on Beacon Hill and then on Capitol Hill. He was also committed to his Irish roots and throughout his extensive time in public office, he extolled the importance of giving back.
His enduring legacy was on display in September in Buncrana in County Donegal, Ireland, where the 2024 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards were bestowed upon three people who exemplify the meaning of giving back: Caroleann Gallagher, a native of Arranmore Island who is a practicing attorney in the Chicago area and an active member of many Irish American community-based organizations and programs; David McCourt, Founder and Chairman of Granahan McCourt Capital and the Chairman of National Broadband Ireland; and Billy Higgins of South Boston, who founded the Southill Childrens Fund that provides programs and services for children in Boston and Ireland.
We applaud the honorees and know their work will make an impact on the future of Ireland and beyond.
Sincerely,
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Lindsay Toghill
Vice President
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Anna Darrow
Senior Account Executive
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The Massachusetts Legislature is in the final few months of the 193rd General Court, which ends on December 31. The new session, the 194th General Court, begins on January 1, 2025. The Legislature passed several major bills this summer before ending formal sessions on July 31. However, an economic development bill, climate bill, prescription drug pricing bill, and hospital oversight and reforms bill remain unfinished. Legislative Leadership has indicated they intend to hold formal sessions this fall to accomplish the economic development bill and perhaps the climate bill, which is highly unusual given formal sessions typically end on July 31. Regardless of what happens this fall, the Legislature had a productive close of the formal session with the following passed this summer and signed into law by Governor Healey.
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget: Governor Healey signed the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Budget on July 29, 2024. The budget is based on a tax revenue estimate of $41.5 billion, which is $208 million less than the FY24 tax revenue. The total $57.8 billion FY25 budget reflects an increase of $1.97 billion (3.5%) over FY24. Highlights of the budget include the highest levels of funding in 20 years for the MBTA, including doubling operational support, creating a first-of-its-kind Low-Income Fares Program, and authorizing $250 million for the Commonwealth Transportation Fund (CTF); year-round, fare free service at the state’s Regional Transit Authorities; a new Disaster Relief and Resilience Fund to improve the state’s ability to respond to natural disasters, such as last year’s flooding; full funding of the Student Opportunity Act; free community college for eligible students; 3% growth of unrestricted general government aid for municipalities; authorization of the closure and redevelopment of the MCI-Concord prison; and the legalization of online lottery games.
Affordable Homes Act: On August 6, 2024, Governor Healey signed the landmark Affordable Homes Act into law, which allocates $5.16 billion in bonded state funding over the next five years and includes policy measures aimed at addressing the state's escalating housing costs. The bill authorizes historic investments in modernizing the public housing system and strengthens programs for first-time homebuyers and homeownership opportunities. It also allocates resources to increase housing for low-and moderate-income residents. Key policy reforms include allowing accessory dwelling units, supporting the conversion of vacant commercial properties into housing, and promoting sustainable and green housing initiatives.
FutureTech Act: On July 29, 2024, Governor Healey signed the FutureTech Act, also known as the Information Technology (IT) Bond Bill, into law. The legislation aims to modernize IT systems throughout state government over the next five fiscal years, with $1.23 billion in bond authorizations allocated for these efforts. The bill includes significant investments to enhance the constituent experience across Massachusetts' state agencies, focusing on cybersecurity improvements, artificial intelligence advancements, and providing support to secretariats, public higher education institutions, and municipalities. These efforts are designed to enhance user access, reduce administrative challenges, and increase overall operational efficiency statewide.
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Overview of MA Ballot Questions | |
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Ballot Question 1: Auditor oversight of the Legislature. The Massachusetts state auditor, elected every four years, focuses on ensuring that state agencies comply with laws and regulations. Question 1 on the upcoming November ballot seeks to expand the auditor's ability to investigate some legislative activities. While the auditor currently cannot audit core legislative functions such as voting and policy decisions, Question 1 would allow oversight of non-core activities like compliance with training, cybersecurity, and purchasing rules. Auditors in other states sometimes audit legislatures with lawmakers' cooperation, but such investigations typically face resistance, as it has in Massachusetts.
Ballot Question 2: Eliminating the MCAS requirement. In Massachusetts, students need to meet both local district requirements and pass the 10th-grade MCAS exams to graduate from public high school. Question 2 proposes reducing the state's role in this process. If passed, students would still take the MCAS but would not need to pass it to graduate. Instead, local districts would set their own criteria for graduation, based on state educational standards but without needing specific state approval. This would give more power to local communities and teachers, potentially allowing for more personalized assessments of student achievement. However, it would also remove a common statewide graduation standard, potentially creating disparities across over 300 school districts.
Ballot Question 3: A union for rideshare drivers. Under current Massachusetts law, Uber and Lyft drivers cannot form unions. Question 3 seeks to change that by introducing sector-based bargaining, a new approach that would allow rideshare drivers from multiple companies to collectively negotiate for better pay, benefits, and protections across the entire industry. Sector-based bargaining is mostly untested in the U.S. and could face legal challenges. This measure would apply only to drivers who transport passengers, not food delivery workers or other gig workers. The goal of Question 3 is to improve driver welfare, addressing issues like low pay, poor health coverage, and irregular hours.
Ballot Question 4: Legalizing psychedelic drugs. Question 4 on the November ballot addresses the legalization of certain naturally occurring psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, mescaline, DMT, and ibogaine, for personal and therapeutic use. If passed, it would allow people to grow, share, and use these substances at home or in licensed therapy centers. Research shows that psilocybin has potential in treating serious mental health conditions, while other psychedelics are still being explored. Unlike marijuana, psychedelics would not be sold in retail shops, so individuals would need to grow their own or access them through therapy centers. Though similar measures have passed in states like Colorado and Oregon, Question 4 would cover a broader range of psychedelics. Passing this measure could put Massachusetts at odds with federal laws, which still classify these drugs as illegal.
Ballot Question 5: The minimum wage for tipped workers. Question 5 proposes phasing out the "tipped minimum wage," currently $6.75 per hour, by 2029. Under current law, tipped workers like waitstaff and bartenders must earn at least the state's full minimum wage ($15 per hour) when tips are included. If passed, employers would have to pay tipped workers the full minimum wage directly, regardless of tips. Tipped workers would still receive tips, but these could be shared with non-customer-facing employees, like kitchen staff. This change is currently not allowed but is common in states without a tipped minimum wage.
The above information, and additional detail, can be found at The Center for State Policy Analysis.
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Jim Gordon
Vice President
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Maddie McCullom
Account Executive
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With the 2024 Presidential Election weeks away, many members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate are in their home states and districts campaigning.
While legislators were working over the summer months, the O’Neill and Associates Federal Government Relations Team was busy in Boston and Washington, D.C. helping clients advance legislative and funding priorities and build and strengthen relationships with key members of Congress.
Some highlights included:
Washington, D.C. Visits
Katie Theoharides, President & CEO of The Trustees of Reservations, visited D.C. in June to meet with several members of the Massachusetts Federal Delegation. The Trustees is the nation’s first, and Massachusetts largest, preservation and conservation nonprofit. For over 125 years, the organization has been supported by 100,000 members, friends, and donors, and has cared for more than 100 places, 27,000 acres, and 120 miles of shoreline, in addition to hosting over 5,000 programs a year throughout Massachusetts. O’Neill and Associates is proud to partner with the Trustees by providing federal government relations services.
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From left to right: Congressman Bill Keating (D-MA-09); Trustees CEO & President Katie Theoharides | |
The Massachusetts Lodging Association (MLA) visited D.C. for the American Hotels and Lodging Association’s annual “Hotels on the Hill” day. Chris Pappas, who recently took the helm as President & CEO of MLA, was joined by fellow Massachusetts hoteliers for a series of meetings with members of the Massachusetts Delegation in September to discuss the top priorities and issues facing the industry. | |
From left to right: Kari Carr, Senior Vice President Asset Management, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust; Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA-2); Chris Pappas, President & CEO of Mass Lodging Association; Gary Thulander, Area Managing Director Wequassett Resort and Red Jacket Resorts (Cape Cod). | |
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District Events
This summer, we assisted The Trustees of Reservations in hosting Rep. Jared Huffman, a senior House Natural Resources Committee Member and one of the nation's top wildlife conservation leaders, to tour Nantucket's Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. We discussed the threat climate change poses to this natural barrier beach, the beach’s ability to protect the rest of the island from the open ocean, and the availability of federal funds from recent climate legislation to help the Trustees mitigate impact to the beach. We sincerely thank Rep. Huffman for his leadership, for visiting this Massachusetts treasure, and for his efforts to create federal policy that can bolster coastal resilience.
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From right to left: Trustees CEO & President Katie Theoharides; Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA-2); Susan Huffman | |
Sublime Systems, a leading innovator in the low-carbon cement space, recently celebrated the use of its game-changing product in the lobby and sidewalk of WS Development’s new, innovative net-zero building in Boston’s Seaport District. Public officials joined Sublime at the ribbon-cutting event, including Governor Maua Healey, Mayor Michelle Wu, U.S. Representatives Richard Neal and Ayanna Pressley, and U.S. General Services Administrator Robin Carnahan. | |
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Cape Cod Bridges:
Replacing the Cape Cod Bridges is one of the most important transportation projects in Massachusetts. O’Neill and Associates is proud to be collaborating with the Cape Cod Chamber and the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) in supporting the region’s interests and funding of this vital and historic project.
The CIBC is a business+ group and a united regional voice representing a diverse group of community leaders from Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Southeastern Massachusetts, and is advocating for the full funding and replacement of both the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges. These structures are crucial to the region’s economic health to facilitate the flow of both people and goods from Cape Cod to the mainland.
In July, the Biden Administration awarded Massachusetts with $993 million in FY24 Large Bridge Grant Funding from the IIJA Bridge Investment Program, helping to close the funding gap to secure the final tranche of funding for the $2.1 billion total cost for replacing the Sagamore Bridge. Local leaders in attendance included Governor Maura Healey, U.S. Senators Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Bill Keating, State Senators Susan Moran and Julian Cyr, and State Representatives Kip Diggs, Dylan Fernandes, Chris Flanagan and Sarah Peake. Attending from the Healey administration were MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, MassDOT Highway Administrator John Gulliver, and Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure at Mass A&F Quentin Palfrey.
The total amount of federal funding for the project is almost $1.72 billion, and Governor Healey’s administration has pledged $700 million in state funding. The Sagamore Bridge will be replaced first, and the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition will advocate for full funding to replace the Bourne Bridge. We look forward to continued success in supporting the CIBC throughout the project.
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Governor Healey, Senator Markey, Senator Warren, Congressman Keating and members of the Cape Cod delegation and the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition at the July Announcement of $993m in federal funds for replacement of the Sagamore Bridge. | |
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Ember Gardens:
Ember Gardens is an adult-use marijuana cultivator, product manufacturer, and retailer. It is involved with the Massachusetts Social Equity Program and is a Boston Equity business. Ember Gardens faced opposition to receive licenses for its retail location on Boston’s Newbury Street. Community members thought the location of the cannabis retail store would cause traffic-related issues in addition to possible reputation concerns. O’Neill and Associates was retained to help facilitate community relations amidst this opposition.
O’Neill and Associates and Ember Gardens engaged in a grassroots campaign to garner support from Back Bay residents, businesses, and nonprofits, which included the gathering of over 200 signatures from neighborhood residents in support of Ember Gardens. Through these efforts, Ember Gardens gained the support of the Mayor’s Office, and the team achieved approval from the Boston Cannabis Board. In conjunction with these efforts, in September 2024 Ember Gardens was approved by the Boston Zoning Board.
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OA in the Community
All politics is local, and so are the best ways to give back. That is why supporting the work we do in the community is so important.
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Battle for the Bay:
The annual Battle for the Bay golf tournament, a beloved community tradition, celebrated its fourth successful year this August to benefit the Charlestown and East Boston YMCAs. The event, sponsored by O'Neill and Associates, took place at Ferncroft Country Club.
Over 120 golfers from the greater Boston area participated in this friendly competition between the neighborhood YMCAs. The tournament raised $60,000, which will be used to support vital youth and teen programs in both neighborhoods. The Battle for the Bay remains a cornerstone of the local community calendar, fostering camaraderie, promoting healthy living, and making a lasting impact on the lives of young people.
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Emerge Massachusetts:
Emerge Massachusetts hosted its 2024 Women of the Year event in June. Emerge’s mission is to increase the number of Democratic women leaders from diverse backgrounds in public office through recruitment, training, and providing a powerful network. This year’s Women of the Year honorees were State Representative Tram Nguyen, Council President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti, Councillor Ayesha M. Wilson, and Senate President Karen Spilka. O’Neill and Associates Vice President Lindsay Toghill, Vice President Erin Riley, and Associate Director Jamison O’Neill were in attendance, as well as Seven Letter Partner Meaghan Hohl.
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Photo Credit: Emerge Massachusetts. From left to right: Megan Collins (MNA); Meaghan Hohl (Seven Letter); Jamison O’Neill (O’Neill and Associates); Erin Riley (O’Neill and Associates); Lindsay Toghill (O’Neill and Associates). | |
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Fairfield University Reunion:
O’Neill and Associates Senior Vice President Jamie Dunbar joined six former 1999 classmates on the Fairfield University 25th Year Reunion Committee. The Committee worked with Alumni Relations, Development, and the Fairfield Administration to plan the event, which had a very successful turnout. Jamie was honored to give the class toast. He continues to be an active volunteer and participate in events and initiatives for his alma mater Fairfield.
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Volunteering:
O’Neill and Associates Vice President Jim Gordon chaperoned a two-day trip his daughters took with the George Washington Middle School Band to Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, where they competed in a regional band concert and spent a day at the amusement park. Pictured below.
O’Neill and Associates Vice President Chris Tracy volunteers as a soccer coach and basketball coach for the Hanover Youth Athletic Association. Pictured below with his son.
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2024 Tip O'Neill Diaspora Awards | |
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The 2024 Annual Tip O’Neill Awards Dinner was held on September 27 at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana, Ireland. The Award celebrates the lifelong contributions of the Irish Diaspora to Ireland and world. This year, the Donegal County Council honored three individuals for their outstanding contributions to society, culture, health care, arts, and law.
The 2024 recipients were Caroleann Gallagher of Arranmore, Ireland who practices personal injury law in Chicago and is an active member of many Irish American community-based organizations and programs; David McCourt, Founder and Chairman of Granahan McCourt Capital and the Chairman of National Broadband Ireland, who is currently working in partnership with the Irish government in the largest public-private partnership in European telecoms to deliver Ireland’s €5 billion National Broadband Plan; and Billy Higgins, a businessman and community leader in South Boston who founded the Southill Children’s Fund in Limerick, Ireland.
For the 12th year, Tom and Shelly O’Neill participated in this prestigious awards dinner and thanked the honorees for their contributions to society, their love of Ireland, and commitment to giving back to others.
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From left to right: Julie & David McCourt; Shelly & Tom O’Neill | |
Front row, from left to right: Billy Higgins; Caroleann Gallagher; David McCourt. Back row, from left to right: Eoin Leonard (Donegal County Council); Charlie McConalouge (Minister of Agriculture); Tom O’Neill; Mayor of Donegal County Council Niamh Kennedy | |
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O’Neill and Associates mourns the loss of our dear friend Paul Sacco, the former Chairman and CEO of the Mass. Lodging Association (MLA). We will always remember Paul, and we hold his family close in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, Paul’s family requests that donations be made in Paul's memory to the Paul J. Sacco Hospitality Scholarship, which the MLA created in honor of Paul upon his retirement to support high school students entering the hospitality industry. Donations can be made online, or checks can be made out to "MLA Education Foundation" and mailed to MLA, P.O. Box 990189, Boston, MA, 02199.
Please click here to read Paul’s full obituary.
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