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State Rep.
Thomas M. Stanley
State House, Room 167
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-2230
Thomas.Stanley@mahouse.gov
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Rep. Stanley heard testimony at a Joint Committee on Ways & Means fiscal year 2018 budget hearing on the environment, energy and transportation. Pictured here is
Secretary Beaton with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) Commissioners.
Secretary Beaton testifying at the hearing.
MassDOT secretary Pollack testifying at the Ways and Means hearing.
Rep. Stanley and Rep. Lawn with Sylvia Dandrata, Education Manager at Waltham Creative Start, at Waltham Creative Start's Annual Legislative Breakfast.
Rep. Stanley attended National School Breakfast Week Celebration at the
Plympton Elementary School.
Rep. Stanley had a great time at Plympton Elementary School's "Fun-Fetti" party as part of National School Breakfast Week. Big shout-out goes to Chef Reva of Health Waltham for the delicious parfaits!!
Rep. Stanley with April Liles, Food Service Director, Waltham School Nutrition.
Rep. Stanley attended the Waltham Chamber's 100th Birthday celebration.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Ship
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Winter is Back
The retun of winter
March Snow
State House Rotunda
Snowy State House
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| MBTA Seeks Feedback on Eight Potential Waltham Bus Stop Eliminations
The MBTA is doing a system-wide review of all bus stops to determine if any can be eliminated due to low-ridership or inaccessibility (no sidewalk access) as a way to cut costs. The MBTA has identified eight Waltham bus stops for possible elimination. The proposed stops to be eliminated are 300 Bear Hill Road, Beaver Street and Valley View Road, 380 Trapelo Road, Waverley Oaks Road opposite Parkview Road, Warren Street and Brookline Street, Forest Street and Beaver Street, Trapelo Road opposite Berkley Street and Lincoln Street opposite Graymore Road. The MBTA is seeking public input through April 18th. To submit comments, email serviceplanning@mbta.com or call (617) 222-3200.
Rep. Stanley files bill to improve food labeling
Rep. Stanley filed H.1227, an act relative to food labeling, which will protect young children and pregnant women from unknowingly being exposed to neurologically damaging poisons found in many of the foods we all eat. The legislation will require the Department of Public Health to implement a food labelling program for commercially caught, landed and sold saltwater fish including: tuna, mackerel, swordfish, grouper, striped bass and bluefish. The label will provide consumers with information regarding the safety and risk factors of consumption of the fish based on toxin levels in the fish and their hazards to human health. Special notification on the health effects of young children, women of child-bearing age and pregnant women will be mandatory under the bill.
Rep. Stanley Cosigns Letter Supporting Pooled Trust
Rep. Stanley signed onto a letter to Assistant Secretary for MassHealth Daniel Tsai regarding proposed changes to the regulations for the use of special needs pooled trusts. The letter asks Sec. Tsai to delay the implementation of these proposed regulations and reconsider the change that will hurt people with disabilities ages 65 or older.
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services has proposed a change that would prohibit thousands of disabled seniors from using special needs pooled trusts to maintain their quality of life. There is concern that this change has the potential to harm some of our most vulnerable constituents with the potential of denying them access to services, goods, and support that enable them to continue living a healthy and comfortable life at home.
Rep. Stanley Cosigns Letter Requesting the Inclusion of the Expansion of the Housing Court in Budget
Rep. Stanley signed onto a letter to Chairman Dempsey, Vice Chairman Kulik and Assistant Vice Chairman Malia supporting inclusion in the House Ways and Means FY18 Budget of funding and authorization for the expansion of the Housing Court. One-third of the residents in the Commonwealth currently do not have access to a Housing Court.
The Housing Court has judges and staff with expertise in housing law and who are trained to provide tenants and landlords with a fair court process. Both landlords and tenants can access the resources that only Housing Courts have, including the Tenancy Preservation Program, Lawyer for the Day Programs and Housing Specialists. Homeless can be prevented and municipalities can address serious housing and health code violations efficiently and effectively.
Rep. Stanley Cosponsors Bill to Remove Reinstatement Fees for Drivers without a Conviction
Rep. Stanley is the co-lead on a bill with Rep. Ultrino relative to license reinstatement fees for drivers without a conviction. The legislation would ensure that drivers who have their licenses revoked for certain driving-related charges do not pay a reinstatement fee if the driver is found not guilty or if charges are dropped or dismissed.
Middlesex Human Service Agency Receives Workforce Training Fund Grant
MA Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development awarded the Middlesex Human Service Agency of Waltham a grant through the Workforce Training Fund General Program which helps address productivity and competitiveness by providing resources to invest in the Commonwealth's workforce, improve employee skills, and maintain the economic strength and viability of the state's businesses. Middlesex Human Service Agency was awarded $112,850 to train 195 workers by 2019.
The Baker Administration awarded $7.9 million in workforce training fund grants to 111 Massachusetts companies for training over 5,243 workers and creating an expected 522 new jobs. The Workforce Training Fund provides grants of up to $250,000 to companies in Massachusetts to pay for employee training over a two-year period. Grants are awarded to projects that will upgrade workers' skills, increase productivity, and enhance the competitiveness of Massachusetts businesses. Grants are matched dollar-for-dollar by the award recipients.
Feedback Wanted: MassDOT Capital Investment Plan
MassDOT wants to hear from you! MassDOT's five-year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) determines how MassDOT/MBTA prioritizes its transportation investments, from highway and bridge construction and regional airport infrastructure to renovations of Registry of Motor Vehicle walk-in centers and transit improvements. MassDOT is updating the CIP and wants to hear from you. Your input is essential to achieve a plan that best serves your community.
To learn more about the CIP process or to submit a comment, please visit www.mass.gov/massdot/cip or send an e-mail to masscip@state.ma.us. Comments will be accepted through Friday, March 17, 2017. Stay involved and please join MassDOT for public meetings in May 2017, after the release of draft revisions to the CIP.
Baker Administration Awards $11.8 Million in Workforce Skills Capital Grants
The Baker Administration awarded $11.8 million in Workforce Skills Capital Grants to 32 vocational schools, community colleges, and traditional public high schools, which will use the funds to purchase vocational technical equipment and expand skills training programs for careers in growing industries. Twenty institutions are first-time recipients of the Workforce Skills Capital Grants. The Workforce Skills Capital Grants program was created to assist educational institutions in demonstrating partnerships with industry and aligning curriculum and credentials with local businesses' demand, maximizing planning objectives and hiring or internship opportunities regionally.
National Consumer Protection Week
During the 19th annual National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Maura Healey is offering tips and resources to consumers to help protect themselves from fraud. The AG's Office will also be participating in consumer education and outreach events across the state.
The AG's Office fields thousands of consumer complaints annually and has helped many consumers resolve their complaint or get relief. Assisting a disabled combat veteran and his family in getting $54,000 in homeowners insurance. The AG's Office is dedicated to stopping fraud and prosecuting those who operate scams or engage in unfair business practices that harm consumers and also has a significant role in educating consumers about their rights. Learn more.
Baker Administration Awards over $850K in Community Compact Grants
The Baker Administration awarded over $850,000 in Community Compact Cabinet grants to 38 municipalities and 8 school districts across the Commonwealth. These grants will assist municipalities in exploring and implementing efficiency and regionalization initiatives. In December, the administration awarded more than $1 million to over 70 municipalities during the first round of Community Compact Cabinet's efficiency and regionalization grants.
The Community Compact Cabinet's Efficiency & Regionalization grant program is a new initiative for Fiscal Year 2017 that provides financial support for governmental entities interested in implementing regionalization and other efficiency initiatives that allow for long-term sustainability. The grants will provide funds for one-time or transition costs for municipalities, regional school districts, school districts considering forming a regional school district or regionalizing services, regional planning agencies and councils of governments interested in such projects.
The Governor's FY18 budget proposal filed in January, 2017 includes $2 million for the Community Compact Best Practices program and $2 million to continue supporting these thoughtful efficiency and regionalization grants. Also previously announced, the Governor's third capital budget, released this upcoming spring, will provide another $2 million for the Community Compact IT Grant program.
Baker Administration Files Legislation Seeking Federal Delegation of Water Protection Efforts
The Baker Administration filed An Act to Enable the Commonwealth's Administration of the Massachusetts Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. The legislation will allow the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to join forty-six other states in administering the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for federal water quality protection. Additionally, the proposal will allow the Commonwealth greater oversight of water quality monitoring, assessment, and water quality standards programs as well as increased data availability to ensure development of scientifically based permits that protect Massachusetts' waterbodies.
Under the federal Clean Water Act, EPA administers numerous water quality programs across the United States, including efforts like NPDES, which regulates public and private discharges of wastewater and stormwater. As states have the option of applying to the EPA for authorization to administer the program at the state level, subject to federal oversight, the legislation filed by the Baker-Polito Administration will make changes to the Commonwealth's Clean Waters Act, which is needed for MassDEP to make an application to the EPA.
Massachusetts, through MassDEP, has a decades-long history of effectively and successfully administering other federal environmental programs in areas of drinking water, hazardous waste, and clean air, as well as other state water programs such as Title 5, wetlands, and water management. In seeking authorization from EPA to administer the NPDES program, MassDEP will continue to promote the use of science-based water monitoring information during permitting decisions and will provide ongoing effective technical assistance to permittees, while ensuring compliance with permit requirements.
MassDEP will also embrace the concept of integrated planning and will work closely with local partners to establish a program that takes a holistic view of clean water requirements and implementation schedules.
The proposed $1.4 million in seed funding will enable MassDEP to hire 12 new staffers to phase-in NPDES program development, and conduct associated technical assistance and water quality analysis. This appropriation will increase in Fiscal Year 2019, as the program is fully implemented.
Massachusetts Students Lead Nation in Advanced Placement Success
Massachusetts is the top state in the nation in terms of the percentage of the class of 2016 that scored a 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement exam, according to the College Board. In addition, the Commonwealth had the highest five- and ten-year growth in the percentage of graduates who scored a 3 or higher. That accomplishment reflects both strong participation - approximately 44.1 percent of Massachusetts' class of 2016 took at least one AP exam while they were in high school - and frequent success, with 31 percent of the overall class scoring 3 or higher out of a possible 5 on an AP exam.
Participation by members of the class of 2016 rose by 4.1 percent compared to the prior year, and the number of graduates who scored a 3 or higher increased by 5.6 percent. A score of 3 or above on an AP exam shows that a student is capable of doing the work for an introductory college-level course in that subject area, according to the College Board. Massachusetts (31 percent) is first in the nation, ahead of Maryland (30.4 percent) and Connecticut (30.1 percent), in terms of the percentage of the class of 2016 who scored 3 or higher on an AP exam.
MassMEP Announces Development of an Innovative Manufacturing Ecosystem
MassMEP has been awarded a two-year grant, through the NIST Hollings MEP Department of Commerce, to fund a new initiative to embed a MassMEP Center staff member in the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) Manufacturing USA Institute. AFFOA enables a manufacturing-based revolution by transforming traditional fibers, yarns, and fabrics into highly sophisticated, integrated and networked devices and systems. MassMEP is pleased to be a part of this innovative national public-private partnership which is being led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
MassMEP will focus on three areas of project execution: marketing & sales training; identification and activation of high value manufacturers; and AFFOA supply chain development through direct project support to manufacturers. The business model represents an integration and formalization of the Center's own innovation strategy to increase responsiveness to manufacturers, to strengthen the bridge between OEMs (and start-ups), and to increase growth opportunities for Massachusetts manufacturer.
Given the investment in the Manufacturing USA Institutes in the Commonwealth, this program will benefit four Manufacturing USA Institutes: AFFOA, AIM Photonics, NextFlex and the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute. At the conclusion of the development phase of the program, MassMEP envisions a manufacturing ecosystem in the Commonwealth in which small and medium-sized manufacturing companies lead the nation in productivity, innovation, and global competitiveness.
Massachusetts Named Best State by U.S. News & World Report
Massachusetts has been named the best overall state in U.S. News & World Report's inaugural report. This best state ranking evaluates all fifty states in various categories, with Massachusetts ranked the #1 overall state, #1 in education, #2 in health care and among the top ten for economy and crime and corrections. Massachusetts was recognized for having the most accessible health care and is ranked third for Pre-K through 12th grade education. Massachusetts ranked well above the national average as #1 in enrollment for Medicare Advantage Plans, Higher Education Educational Attainment and College Readiness, and No. 2 in Patents Granted and Populations with Fast Download Speed.
Application Period Opens for 2017 Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education Awards
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is accepting nominations for its annual Secretary's Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education until March 28, 2017. EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton will present awards this spring to Massachusetts teachers and students involved in school-based programs that promote environmental and energy education.
All public and private Massachusetts schools (K-12) that offer energy and environmental education programs are eligible to apply for the Secretary's Award. In 2016, 27 schools and nonprofit organizations across the state were recognized for their work on issues including air quality, energy conservation, renewable energy, ocean science and wildlife conservation.
The Secretary's Advisory Group on Energy and Environmental Education will review applications the beginning of April 2017. Qualified entrants are invited to attend a formal award ceremony with Secretary Beaton at the State House later in the spring. Click here for an application.
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Publish your events in The Stanley Report!
We want to hear from you! The Stanley Report is a great way to spread the word about an upcoming event. Please forward any community, civic or nonprofit upcoming events that you would like included in next month's Stanley Report. If interested, please email
Mark Phillips, Rep. Stanley's legislative assistant, with information about your event.
WEBF Fundraiser on March 22
The 10th Annual "Educate Your Palate" Event will take place on Wednesday, March 22, 2017
at the Stonehurst Robert Treat Paine Estate at 6:00pm. The Culinary team once again has put together a delicious menu which will include beef tenderloin. Also, Gordon's Fine Wine and Liquors will sponsor wine, craft beer and scotch. The evening will showcase the talents of WHS students and raise money for the WEBF EEGP Grant Program. Learn more.
New Waltham Y Environmental Entrepreneurship Program
A new Waltham Y Environmental Entrepreneurship Program for teens, age 15-17, is beginning on March 16. Through this program, teens have the opportunity to learn real-world business skills along with knowledge of ecosystems gardening while earning a stipend. Teens use their training to set up a gardening service where they sell and install beautiful, low-maintenance native flowers shrubs, and grasses on properties throughout Waltham. dtudents develop 21st century career-readiness skills that prepare them for jobs and academic pursuits. Learn more.
Seeding the Future
Please join the Prospect Hill Community Foundation (PHCF) on April 5th to help Seed the Future of its programs and enjoy a night of dinner and entertainment as the PHCF hosts its First Annual Fundraiser. The event will take place from 7:30-10:00pm at City Streets Restaurant at 411 Waverley Oaks in Waltham. To buy tickets or learn more about the event, click here.
The PHCF is a mission driven organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Waltham residents, youth and adults, through community programs focused on education, life skills, and leadership. For more information about our programs or to make a donation, please visit prospecthillcc.org.
Do you have a loved one living with a mental health condition?
Family to Family, brought to the community by The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is offering a free program to help understand mental health conditions and medications and learn about supports and services in your community. The program starts Thursday, April 13, 2017 from 6:30-9 pm in Wellesley. To find out more and to register for the course, please contact: Nancy at 781-642-7284 or nestanton1@verizon.net or Suzi at 781-724-2709 or
suzinewman@verizon.net
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Winter Is (Still!) Here and Massachusetts Ski Areas Are Ready For You!
A dozen mountains mean there's something for everyone, from beginner level to seasoned pro. Not a skier yet? Grab your thermals, hit the slopes, and revel in the #skiMA experience! Learn more.
Waltham Symphony Orchestra Concerts
For information on concerts and events at the WSO, click here.
Waltham Public Library Offers Events
The Waltham Public Library offers many events for residents of all ages. To view a calendar of events, click here.
Meals on Wheels program
Through Springwell, the Meals on Wheels (MOW) program delivers lunch to homebound seniors who are unable to provide their own meals, and who meet certain guidelines. Special dietary considerations are available for those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. This daily check in by a volunteer driver may be the only social contact an elder has and helps reduce the isolation often experienced by disabled seniors. Drivers are trained to identify and report observations or emergencies that might indicate a medical problem or the need for more intervention. Learn more.
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State Representative: 2001 - Present
City Council: 1998 - 2004, 2006 - 2016
Council President: 2003
State Committees:
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight
Education:
Suffolk University (MPA), Bentley University (BS - Management), Mass Bay Community College (AS - Business Administration)
Board Member: Waltham Family School Advisory Board, Waltham Safe and Healthy Schools YRBS Steering Committee, Waltham Community Day Center (Honorary), Reach Beyond Domestic Violence Advisory Board, Safe Schools Healthy Students Initiative, Waltham Community, Enough Abuse Campaign
Awards
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Work, Community, Independence - Human Service Advocate of the Year, 2008 COFAR - award recipient for support of people with mental disabilities, 2003 MassBay Community College Distinguished Alumni Award WATCH CDC - Housing Advocate Award, 2007 Minuteman Senior Services - Certificate of Appreciation, 2006 Boston Bar Assoc., Greater Boston Legal Services and MetroWest Legal Services - Pillar of Justice Award, 2003 Shining Star Award, Edinburg Center
Personal:
Married to the former Kimberly A. Bayliss
Children: Ryan, age 23, Parker, age 14
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