November 2024 | The Stanley Report 

Dear Friend,

November's issue of The Stanley Report includes the latest news from Waltham and Beacon Hill.

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

Sincerely,

Tom Stanley

Rep. Stanley joined Governor Healey and several of his colleagues in the House to present a proclamation recognizing Inflammatory Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

The Massachusetts State Association of PACE Programs (MassPACE) recognized Rep. Stanley as a 2024 State Champion for his leadership and commitment to elder care. 

The Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) honored Rep. Tom Stanley, Chair of the House Committee on Elder Affairs, with Mass-ALA’s Policymaker of the Year Award.

Rep. Stanley attended the 20th Annual Waltham Circle of Remembrance Brick Dedication on Veterans Day. Pictured (left to right) are

School Committee Member James Zanghi, Councilor at Large Paul Brasco, State Rep. and Councilor at Large Tom Stanley, Ward 4 Councilor and Council President John McLaughlin and Ward 9 Councilor Robert Logan. (photo credit: The Waltham Channel)

Rep. Stanley attended a ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking event to announce progress on several projects benefitting Waltham's green spaces and trails. (photo credit: The Waltham Channel)

Rep. Stanley attended a panel discussion on November 15 hosted by the Watch City Dems on the topic of solving the housing crunch.

Mass-ALA Honors Rep. Stanley, Highlight the Latest Trends and Resident Care Innovations in Assisted Living

Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) hosted its statewide 2024 Annual Conference and Tradeshow: Envisioning & Advancing Together on October 24 at the Boston Marriott Newton. The conference honored Rep. Thomas M. Stanley (9th Middlesex), Chair of the House Committee on Elder Affairs, with Mass-ALA’s Policymaker of the Year Award. It will also feature keynote speakers Dr. Michal A. Cadore, Sr., a retired NFL player with over 30 years of community service, and Matt Thornhill, a futurist and expert on aging.

Mass-ALA is the voice of assisted living in Massachusetts, representing certified assisted living communities of all sizes and service models across the Commonwealth, providing information and education, and advocating on behalf of members and the older adults they serve. A not-for-profit association dedicated to professionally operated assisted living residences that provide housing and services for individuals with varied needs and income levels, Mass-ALA promotes a model of care which treats all residents with dignity, provides privacy, and encourages independence and freedom of choice.

"I'm honored to receive Mass-ALA’s Policymaker of the Year Award," said Rep. Stanley, co-chair of the Elder Affairs Committee. "It has been a privilege working with Mass-ALA on policies benefiting our older adults, including the provision in our new long-term care reform law giving ALRs the ability to permanently offer their residents basic health services. The Elder Affairs Committee heard loud and clear from Mass-ALA, its members, residents and their families on the critical need for basic health services in assisted living. I'm grateful for Mass-ALA's steadfast advocacy - without it we would not have basic health services in the long-term care reform law."

Rep. Stanley Helps Pass Key Environmental and Economic Legislation

On November 14, Rep. Stanley and his legislative colleagues passed significant environmental and economic development bills.

The environmental legislation promotes electric vehicle adoption by expanding charging infrastructure, broadens eligibility for discounted utility rates, and recognizes fusion energy as a potential renewable resource.

The economic development bill allocates $500 million over the next decade to life sciences, adding health equity, biosecurity, digital health, and AI to the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center's mission. It also dedicates $400 million over 10 years to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to advance offshore wind and climate technology.

Additional provisions include allowing campaign funds to cover childcare expenses for candidates, renaming the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in honor of former Mayor Thomas Menino, and enabling public agencies to use project labor agreements.

Stay tuned for more details in December’s Stanley Report.

Rep. Stanley Honored as 2024 State Champion by MassPACE

The Massachusetts State Association of PACE Programs (MassPACE) has recognized Rep. Stanley as a 2024 State Champion for his leadership and commitment to elder care. He joins Elder Affairs Co-Chair Sen. Jehlen and her senior policy advisor, Vicki Halal, in receiving this honor. Rep. Stanley expressed his gratitude to MassPACE Executive Director Jennifer Maynard and Board President Kristine Bostek, Senior Vice President of Fallon Health PACE programs, for the recognition, highlighting MassPACE’s essential advocacy for the Commonwealth's 28 PACE centers. These centers and their interdisciplinary teams enable thousands of Massachusetts residents to remain in the comfort of their own homes or communities.

Since 2019, MassPACE has recognized State Champions at its annual meeting for their efforts in advancing PACE-related legislation and policy and for building awareness of the PACE program’s impact on older adults in the Commonwealth. As House Chair of the Elder Affairs Committee, Rep. Stanley championed the inclusion of PACE in MassHealth outreach in the FY25 budget, helping ensure more older adults have access to essential programs that support community-based living. His ongoing work on the Long-Term Care Reform bill also promises strengthened financial and consumer protections for older residents.

Learn more about PACE’s Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

Rep. Stanley Supports New Workforce Initiatives for Veterans

Rep. Stanley joined leaders from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EVOS) to announce new initiatives advancing veterans in the workforce. Key highlights included the launch of the Veteran’s Equity Dashboard, a new data resource providing insights into veterans’ employment trends and demographics across Massachusetts to improve outcomes and address disparities.

Additionally, the event introduced the Enhanced Veteran Hire Tax Credit, which now provides a $2,500 tax credit to small businesses hiring qualified veterans. This increase, part of the HERO Act, supports both veterans seeking meaningful work and small businesses looking to expand their workforce.

The event featured remarks from Secretary Jon Santiago, Secretary Lauren Jones, and leaders from EOVS and MassHire, who underscored the impact of these initiatives on veterans’ career advancement.

Waltham Receives Urban and Community Forestry Environmental Justice Grant

Rep. Stanley is pleased to announce that the City of Waltham has been awarded $100,000 through the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) inaugural Urban and Community Forestry Environmental Justice Grant Program. This investment will have a meaningful impact, bringing the benefits of a vibrant tree canopy to residents and workers in our community, enhancing everything from air quality to energy efficiency. With this funding, Waltham will be able to undertake tree planting and aftercare, tree and stump removal, urban wood utilization, and workforce development initiatives, all while encouraging community engagement and education.

DCR is dedicated to expanding the urban tree canopy across Massachusetts, fostering climate resilience, and creating healthier, more sustainable places to live and work. The Urban and Community Forestry Environmental Justice Grant Program is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, supported by a $1.5 billion investment from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Expanding our tree canopy is proven to mitigate extreme heat, manage stormwater, and enhance community resilience against climate challenges.  

Rep. Stanley Applauds Passage of "Ollie’s Law" to Enhance Pet Safety at Kennels

Rep. Stanley celebrated the signing of “Ollie’s Law,” landmark legislation he cosponsored to improve safety standards at kennels and pet boarding facilities across Massachusetts. Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, joined by state legislators and animal advocates, ceremonially signed H4919, legislation to Increase Kennel Safety, which strengthens licensure and regulations to protect pets in boarding care.

“Ollie’s Law” was inspired by Amy Baxter and her beloved seven-month-old Labradoodle, Ollie. In 2020, Amy received the devastating news that Ollie had been severely injured during a stay at a doggy daycare, ultimately requiring extensive medical care. Despite his brave fight, Ollie passed away two months later from his injuries. This law honors Ollie’s memory by working to prevent similar tragedies, ensuring safer conditions for pets in kennels and boarding facilities across the Commonwealth.

Rep. Stanley Tours Leland Home

Rep. Stanley, Rep. Lawn and staff from Senator Barrett's office joined leaders from 2Life Communities for a tour of the Leland House in Waltham. 2Life Communities is an operator and developer of true affordable and supportive housing for older adults. In addition to Leland House, they have six active communities in the Greater Boston area and another five in development.

The new Leland House will replace a 140-year-old, 38-bed rest home with a state of the art, three-story building that offers 68 affordable apartments for older adults. Rep. Stanley attended the Leland House groundbreaking back on August 17th, 2023. The first resident moves ins are expected to occur in mid-December.

Rep. Stanley Celebrates Waltham’s Green Spaces and Trails

Rep. Stanley attended a ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking event to announce progress on several projects benefitting Waltham's green spaces and trails. The event celebrated the completion of Riverwalk Park’s $1.4 million reconstruction, a key addition to the Charles River Greenway; the opening of Waltham’s three-mile Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) segment, soon to be managed by DCR; and

the groundbreaking of the MCRT Waltham-Weston connection, further extending trail access. Rep. Stanley was joined by Mayor McCarthy, Rep. Lawn, DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo and many of his colleagues on the City Council. (photo credit: The Waltham Channel)

Rep. Stanley Honors Home Care Workers at Annual Celebration

Rep. Stanley joined the Home Care Aide Council's Annual Home Care Aide Celebration in Sutton, Mass. to honor the dedication of the Commonwealth’s homemakers and home health aides. He expressed gratitude to these essential workers for their commitment to supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities, enabling them to remain safe, healthy, and independent in their communities.

Alongside his Elder Affairs co-chair, Senator Jehlen, and Representative Gentile, Rep. Stanley recognized the daily contributions of home care workers. As House Chair of Elder Affairs, he has collaborated with the Home Care Aide Council on initiatives like the "Enough Pay to Stay" funding, which secured crucial support in the state budget to sustain and strengthen the workforce.

Rep. Stanley Attends Inflammatory Breast Cancer Awareness Day at the State House

In October, Rep. Stanley joined Governor Healey and several of his colleagues in the House to present a proclamation recognizing Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Awareness Day. IBC is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for 1–5% of all breast cancers in the United States. It's important to detect IBC early because it can grow and spread quickly.

Pictured above are (from left to right) Sue Asch, IBC survivor and president of IBC New England, Representative Garballey, the lead sponsor of the bill designating the second Tuesday of October as Inflammatory Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Governor Healey, Representative Jeff Roy, Representative Jessica Giannino and Rep. Stanley.

Rep. Stanley visits early literacy tutoring program for first graders at Northeast Elementary

Rep. Stanley visited first grade classrooms at Northeast Elementary School in Waltham with Acting Commissioner Russell Johnston of the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE), Ed Lambert - Executive Director of the MA Business Alliance for Education, WPS Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa, Northeast Principal Mary Tenaglia and Charlotte Marks - VP of Academics for Ignite Reading. 

The purpose of the visit was to highlight the high-dosage early literacy tutoring program that some first graders - who have not yet mastered Kindergarten reading skills - receive at Northeast Elementary. The program prepares students to be "reader ready" for the next grade level via 1:1 virtual tutoring for 15 minutes a day, five days a week. Each student is matched with a trained tutor that utilizes specific skills-based protocols, including a baseline diagnostic assessment and routine progress monitoring every 14 lessons, to provide individualized instruction.

Rep. Stanley will continue to prioritize educational investment in early literacy, including the $20 million he voted for in the FY25 budget to fund Governor Healey's Early Literacy Launch Initiative. Initiatives like these will ensure that our young students have the resources needed to reach their potential in Waltham.

November is National Family Caregivers Month

November is National Family Caregivers Month where we recognize and honor family caregivers across the country, including the over one million in the Commonwealth. Nationally, over half of family caregivers don't identify themselves as caregivers. This limits their access to the tools and resources that can alleviate caregiving stress and make a difference. Thankfully, there are organizations like the Caregiver Action Network which focus on empowering caregivers to self-identify and offer them access to free resources to help navigate their caregiving journey.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced that Massachusetts is set to receive $490,000 in grant funding from the Administration for Community Living to support family caregivers. The award will be used over a two-year period to develop statewide activities that implement the goals, recommendations and actions outlined in the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.

Rep. Stanley Cosponsors Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day Resolution

Rep. Stanley cosigned a resolution sponsored by Representative Kane and Representative Gentile commending the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for recognizing November 21st, 2024 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and the second-leading cause in Massachusetts, and has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. 70% of patients die within the first year of diagnosis, and 88% die within five years. The resolution thanked the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for raising awareness of pancreatic cancer and sharing the stories of patients and their families through Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.

2023 Economic Impact of Massachusetts Travel and Tourism

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) reported a strong year for the state’s travel and tourism sector, with spending growing by 5.3% to $23.6 billion in 2023. This spending, fueled by 52.3 million domestic and international visitors, generated $2.3 billion in state and local taxes and supported 154,330 jobs across the Commonwealth.

In 2023, international visitor spending surged by 80% to $2.9 billion, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels from 2019. Visitor spending contributed significantly to the local economy, with $6.2 billion supporting wages, salaries, and proprietor income. Additionally, state hotel room occupancy tax collections reached $395 million, while local option room occupancy taxes totaled $350 million. Each dollar spent by a visitor generated 6.7 cents in state tax revenue and 2.8 cents in local taxes.

For more details and to view the full report, click here.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Funding for Free Swim Lessons for Residents of All Ages

In an effort to enhance water safety across the state and expand access to swimming lessons, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that it is seeking partners to provide free swimming lessons to Massachusetts residents of all ages through the Safe Water Initiative Massachusetts (SWIM) program. The SWIM Request for Responses (RFR), distributed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), makes $350,000 available for nonprofit and private entities across the state to offer free, beginner swim lessons next summer.

The program is seeking nonprofit and for-profit partners that can provide free beginner group swim lessons at non-DCR properties to Massachusetts children and adults. All instructors must hold Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification, or industry equivalent. The SWIM program will accept applications for funding and enroll organizations on a rolling basis, with all funding distributed by June 30, 2025. Using the RFR process, DCR will award contracts to qualified vendors based upon responses and service capabilities with preference given to applicants that serve environmental justice (EJ) communities.

Governor Healey Asks Public to Do Their Part to Contain Fire Risk

About 45 percent of Massachusetts homes are in or near areas at severe wildfire risk, meaning that any significant fire will put people and property in danger. Because any outdoor fire will spread quickly and become very difficult to control, local and state officials are asking residents to follow these fire prevention tips:

·       Remember that burning yard waste is prohibited statewide from May 1 to January 15 and prohibited year-round in some communities.

·       Refrain from any outdoor cooking and heating activity, including those that involve fire pits, solo stoves, chimineas, etc. Many cities and towns have implemented temporary restrictions on any outdoor fires.

·       Use extra caution with lawn tractors, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Sparks, hot engines, and spilled gasoline can ignite dead leaves, dry grass, and other combustibles.

·       Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out: never dump them outdoors or in the trash.

·       Fully extinguish all smoking materials in a heavy ashtray with water or sand. Never discard cigarette butts, matches, or other materials over a porch railing, out a car window, or into dry vegetation.

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, making friends and lounging with Rep. Stanley!

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 Elder Nutrition Commission

Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias

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,

Home Care Ally Award, Home Care Aid Council,

Massachusetts State Association of PACE Programs (MassPACE) 2024 State Champion,

Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) Policymaker of the Year Award,

Massachusetts Police Association’s Legislator of the Year Award,

LeadingAge Massachusetts 2024 Aging Services Champion Award,

Dignity Alliance Legislative Champion

Personal:

Married to the former Kimberly A. Bayliss

Children: Ryan, age 30, Parker, age 21 & puppy Regan