June 2023 | The Stanley Report 

Dear Friend,

June's issue of The Stanley Report includes important information about legislation I am supporting this session as well as local and state news.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you need assistance.

Sincerely,

Tom Stanley

A visitor from Our Lady's School in Waltham in the House Chamber.

Rep. Stanley's cousin Rebecca Stanley and Rep. John Lawn’s nephew William Guden visits the State House with his class from Our Lady's School.

Our Lady’s students visiting Rep. Stanley in the State House this week on Flag Day.

Elder Affairs Committee Advances Long-Term Care Bill

The Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, co-chaired by Rep. Stanley (D-Waltham) and Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville), is pleased to announce a favorable committee report on An Act to improve quality and oversight of long-term care. This priority legislation enhances the quality of care for residents of nursing homes, ensures accountability of facility owners and operators, and improves direct care staff recruitment and retention. The bill, originally filed in the House by Rep. Stanley and House Vice-Chair Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose) and in the Senate by Sen. Jehlen, takes a comprehensive approach towards updating needed transparency and oversight reforms for the long-term care industry while also providing additional supports for direct care workers. Read the press release here.

Rep. Stanley and Joint Committee on Elder Affairs Hold Hearing on Health, Safety and Training

The Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, chaired by Representative Stanley and Senator Patricia Jehlen held a hearing on proposals to improve health, safety, and training across the continuum of care. Highlights include proposals seeking to prevent elder abuse, providing dementia care in SCO programs, and creating the office of the elder advocate. Read the full release here. 

Rep. Stanley Speaks at Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts State Advocacy Day

Representative Stanley addressed members of the Alzheimer's Association during the Massachusetts State Advocacy Day speaking program held at the State House. Throughout the day, association members dedicated their efforts to advocating for policies that provide support for individuals living with Alzheimer's and their family caregivers. Jim Wessler, the president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, commenced the speaking program. In Representative Stanley's remarks, particular emphasis was placed on two priority bills of the Association: H.629/S.383, aimed at enhancing Alzheimer's and dementia care within Senior Care Options (SCO) programs, and H.614, pertaining to early-onset Alzheimer's disease. These bills are currently under review by the Elder Affairs Committee.

Waltham Resident Honored as Commonwealth Heroine

Juliet Najjumba, the CEO and founder of Africano Waltham, has been selected as a distinguished member of the esteemed Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2023 by the Commission on the Status of Women. Rep. Stanley had the privilege of nominating Juliet earlier this year, recognizing her remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment to our community. On June 23rd, in a ceremony held at the State House, Juliet and the rest of the extraordinary 2023 class will be honored for their outstanding achievements. This well-deserved recognition serves as a testament to Juliet's indomitable spirit and the positive impact she has made in empowering others.

African Cultural Services, Inc. (“Africano Waltham”) is a 501© (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to support African immigrant youth and their families from the City and surrounding communities. Located in downtown Waltham, Africano Waltham serves as a home away from home and a go-to resource for immigrants, helping to connect them with local resources and the broader community. The organization provides a wide range of services, including after-school programs, summer camps, cultural outreach, health and wellness programming, and a food pantry. 

Rep. Stanley Celebrates Waltham Civics Day at Middle Schools 

Rep. Stanley visited the 8th grade classes at Kennedy Middle School and John W. McDevitt Middle School for Waltham Civics Day! In 2018, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a civics education law that re-established civic education as a core subject for public school students and required them to participate in a civics project in 8th grade and high school. 

The 8th-grade students at Kennedy and McDevitt worked in groups on projects that involved making a policy change which required them to contact elected officials and/or government agencies for advice. One student group reached out to Rep. Stanley’s office on behalf of legislation promoting student mental health. 

Three Waltham Life Sciences Companies Receive Funding Awards

ElevateBio Technologies Inc., Nova Biomedical Corporation and Snapdragon Chemistry Inc. in Waltham will receive tax incentive awards provided through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s (MLSC) Tax Incentive Program. In May, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $24.4 million in tax incentive awards to 43 life sciences companies during an event at Moderna’s clinical manufacturing facility in Norwood. The awards are expected to create 1,584 new life sciences industry jobs in the Commonwealth.

The MLSC Tax Incentive program is offered to companies engaged in life sciences research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing in Massachusetts, providing incentives to companies of all sizes looking to expand their efforts by creating new, long-term jobs in the state.

Edward M. Augustus to Serve as Housing Secretary

Worcester City Manager Edward (Ed) M. Augustus will serve as the state’s first Housing Secretary in more than 30 years. Augustus, who helped to create thousands of new housing units at all income levels during his tenure in Worcester, will lead Governor Healey’s new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities beginning June 1.

Governor Healey filed legislation to create the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities on March 1. The legislation moves the Department of Housing and Community Development out of the current Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development into the new secretariat and broadens its scope of work to also include housing production. This new cabinet-level secretariat will be solely dedicated to housing and driving solutions to create more homes and lower costs. It will focus on the urgent need to build places to live that are affordable and closer to public transit – giving residents access to jobs, medical care, groceries, and other essential services. 

Waltham Stanley Elementary School Students Visit State House

Rep. Stanley was honored to host a State House visit from the incredible fifth graders of Stanley Elementary School. The students had the remarkable opportunity to engage with Governor Maura Healey herself, leaving them with memories and an enhanced State House experience. Rep. Stanley extends heartfelt gratitude to Governor Healey for generously sharing her time and making this extraordinary encounter possible. The future leaders of our nation were truly inspired by this remarkable occasion!

Rep. Stanley Pens Letter in Support of Wage Transparency

In a letter to the chairs of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, Rep. Stanley expressed support for House Bill 1849 relative to wage transparency. H.1849 would require employers – both public and private – of 15+ employees to disclose salary ranges. Specifically, the bill mandates for publicly reported salary ranges in job applications, during a new applicant hiring process, or if requested by an applicant or employee. This wage transparency is critical to building trust between employees and employers and ensure equity in the hiring process. Moreover, it will also decrease the amount of unequal and pay discrimination complaints and lawsuits filed every year.

Rep. Stanley Urges Passage of Pesticide Legislation

Rep. Stanley sent written testimony to the joint chairs of the Committee on Environment Joint and Natural Resources and Natural Resources in support of H.825/S.487 relative to pesticides. Currently, licensed and certified pesticide applicators are required to submit annual reports detailing the quantities of all pesticides used. Pesticide dealers are also required to submit annual sales reports for restricted use products.

To better organize and track this data, H.825/S.487 requires the state to digitize this record-keeping. This will also allow for easier follow-up when these records are requested by the public. The bill also requires public institutions to incorporate IPM strategies over SGARs, such as sealing cracks, proper trash management and proper outside upkeep to prevent nesting borrows.

Rep. Stanley testifies on behalf of his community health centers bill

Rep. Stanley and Senator Miranda submitted testimony to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing in support of their bill relative to the primary care workforce development and loan repayment grant program at community health centers. Rep. Stanley and Sen. Miranda re-filed H.1245/S.781 to highlight the ongoing need for loan repayment for the health center workforce. There continues to be a growing demand for the programs under last session’s ARPA law as a portion of eligible applications remain unfunded due to lack of resources. This legislation would ensure that the Commonwealth maintains its commitment to state-level student loan repayment options at our health centers.

Rep. Stanley visits MetalWerx Studio

Rep. Stanley recently visited MetalWerx Studio in Waltham. During the visit, he toured its jewelry school and community studio. Metalwerx is a local non-profit that holds classes, workshops, outreach programming, and more - all within a supportive community of artists and learners - to promote the art of jewelry and metals. Learn more about MetalWerx. 

June is PRIDE Month!

Pride Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate victories secured for LGBTQ people in the name of equality, but also highlight challenges these individuals and families still face in the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts needs more affordable housing for LGTBQ seniors like The Pryde in Hyde Park, Boston's first welcoming and affordable senior housing for LGBTQ older adults and allies. This is a priority of the special legislative LGBT Aging Commission and Rep. Stanley will continue to support their great work.

Governor Healey Announces Creation of Massachusetts Community Climate Bank, Nation’s First Green Bank Dedicated to Affordable Housing

Governor Healey announced the launch of the Massachusetts Community Climate Bank, the nation’s first green bank dedicated to affordable housing. This landmark initiative, seeded with $50 million in state funds from the Department of Environmental Protection, is designed to maximize investment in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. 

One of the Climate Bank’s primary goals is to attract private sector capital and federal funds available under the Inflation Reduction Act to finance building retrofits aligned with the state’s long-term climate objectives and new construction of decarbonized buildings. The bank will focus on the affordable housing market, where residents bear a disproportionate burden in energy costs and climate impacts, to promote an equitable energy transition and to meet the needs of environmental justice populations. Over time, the bank will diversify investments to include other decarbonization measures that benefit communities. 

Are you eligible for SNAP — a.k.a. funds for food shopping?

SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is a federal nutrition program (formerly known as Food Stamps) that provides eligible residents with monthly financial assistance to purchase food and other benefits that help you save. SNAP works to boost your food budget and the local economy! Find out if you are eligible for SNAP today by visiting GettingSNAP.org or chat with Project Bread’s counselors at 1.800.645.8333 to learn more.

DHS Extends REAL ID Deadline

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the REAL ID enforcement date from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025. Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel and to enter certain federal facilities. TSA publishes a list of its acceptable identification documents on its website.

Regan's Corner

Meet Regan! Rep. Stanley and his family rescued a pup and named her Regan. Regan loves long walks, playing games in the yard and making friends!

Help an animal find a home! Learn more about The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and ways you can help.

The Animal Rescue League continues to support legislation that enhances and improves protections for animals, and to oppose reforms that endanger the welfare of animals in Massachusetts. Learn more about ARL's current legislative agenda here.

About Rep. Stanley

State Representative

City Council

Former City Council President

State Committee:

Co-Chairperson, Joint Committee on Elder Affairs

Member of:

Massachusetts Home Care Licensing Commission

Massachusetts LGBT Aging Commission

Massachusetts Elder Nutrition Commission

City Council:

Veterans Committee

Economic Development Committee

Committee of the Whole

Education: Suffolk University (MPA), Bentley University (BS - Management), Mass Bay Community College (AS - Business Administration)

Community Involvement (Past & Present):

Waltham Boys & Girls Club, Waltham Youth Basketball Association, Basketball Plus Program, Central Middle School Basketball, Little Nippers Baseball, Warrendale Little League, Waltham Youth Soccer, Waltham Police Athletic League, CCD Teacher, St. Jude Church, Waltham Lions Club, Waltham Rotary Club, Reagle Players Board of Directors, Warrendale Little League Board of Directors, Waltham Partnership for Youth Board of Directors, Waltham Day Center (Homeless) Advisors Board, Waltham Family School Advisory Board, Waltham Safe & Healthy Schools YRBS Steering Committee, Reach Beyond Domestic Violence Advisory Board, Waltham Public Library Planning Committee, Waltham Sons of Italy, Middlesex Area Enough Abuse Campaign.

Awards: 

Work, Community, Independence - Human Service Advocate of the Year, COFAR - award recipient for support of people with mental disabilities, MassBay Community College Distinguished Alumni Award WATCH CDC - Housing Advocate Award, Minuteman Senior Services - Certificate of Appreciation, Boston Bar Assoc., Greater Boston Legal Services and MetroWest Legal Services - Pillar of Justice Award, Shining Star Award, Edinburg Center, Community Health Center Leader Award, The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, Dignity Award Certificate of Appreciation

Personal:

Married to the former Kimberly A. Bayliss

Children: Ryan, age 29, Parker, age 20 & puppy Regan