October 2022 | The Stanley Report 

Dear Friend,

I hope this email finds you healthy and well!

October'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

Rep. Stanley and South Side residents attended a Waltham Planning session for Wards 8 & 9. 

Rep. Stanley attended the Waltham Boys and Girls Club annual meeting.

Scenes from

Waltham Fields Community Farm's 12^th Annual Farm Day

Rep. Stanley Asks DPU to Protect Residents from Winter Energy Rate Increases

In a letter to Matthew Nelson, chair of the Department of Public Utilities, Rep. Stanley and his colleagues expressed concern over the proposed energy rate increases for this winter season.  As multiple investor-owned utilities seek to saddle drastic cost increases, the legislators asked DPU to protect Massachusetts residents.

According to estimates by the Department of Energy Resources, this winter will be colder than last year while the “cost of heating for residential customers is expected to be 28.6% higher for homes heating with natural gas, 18.6% higher for heating oil, 3.0% for propane, and 54.6% for electric heating.”

MA Caucus of Women Legislators seeks applicants to serve as Commissioners on the MA Commission on the Status of Women

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is seeking applicants to fill two seats on the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is a bicameral and bipartisan Caucus comprising 30% of the state legislature with 59 members. The Caucus is one of four appointing authorities to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.

Established by the state legislature, the MCSW studies, reviews, and reports on the status of women and girls throughout the Commonwealth. The Commission serves as a liaison between the public, organizations, and the government. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in particular, the Commission has conducted critical research on the pandemic’s impacts on women and girls across Massachusetts. The Commission hosts public hearings, works with legislative partners to recognize “Commonwealth Heroines” in every community, and hosts advocacy days on Beacon Hill to advance issues.

Interested applicants are asked to submit a copy of their resume and a letter of intent to the MA Caucus of Women Legislators by Wednesday, October 26 at 5:00pm for consideration. Learn more here. 

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.

MCC Accepting Applications for STARS Residencies

The Mass Cultural Council is now accepting applications for their STARS Residencies program until October 25th. This program supports creative learning residencies of three days or more at Massachusetts K-12 schools in the arts, sciences, and humanities with teaching artists, scientists, and humanists. For more info on STARS and how to apply, click here.  

Baker Administration Awards $24 Million in Skills Capital Grants to High Schools

The Baker Administration awarded $24 million in Skills Capital Grants to 14 different high schools. Each school received awards between $1 million and $2.5 million, which will enable the schools to modernize labs and significantly expand student enrollment in programs that provide career education.

The high schools receiving grants will make strategic investments over the next two years to grow their career education programs to provide more learning opportunities for both traditional high school students and adult learners, with several schools expanding their Career Technical Initiative (CTI) programs to offer more learning opportunities in the late-afternoon and evening. Over the next 5 years, today’s grant awards will directly impact approximately 10,000 students across 38 different programs.

Rep. Stanley Celebrates Energy Efficiency Day

In recognition of the 5th annual national Energy Efficiency Day on Wednesday, October 5, 2020, Rep. Stanley joined regional and national organizations, businesses, utilities, universities, and individuals in promoting energy efficiency – the cheapest, quickest way to meet our energy needs, cut utility bills, and reduce pollution. Energy efficiency is also an economic engine, amassing a U.S. workforce of nearly 2.4 million by the beginning of this year. Ranging from professional services to manufacturing, installation, and construction, these good jobs are local and cannot be outsourced. Learn more about how you can help. 

Rep. Stanley to Attend Veterans Day Event at Kennedy Middle School

Rep. Stanley will attend the Kennedy Middle School's Veterans Day Breakfast Reception and Assembly on November 10, 2022. Family, friends, and neighbors who are veterans or are currently serving are invited to join the student body in honoring those who have sacrificed for our great country. See the info graphic above for more information.

October 2022 is Cyber Security Awareness Month

On October 6^th, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and Mass Cyber Center hosted the 2022 Massachusetts Municipal Cybersecurity Summit! This virtual event was created for the Commonwealth’s 351 municipalities to highlight the importance of local cybersecurity resiliency and is designed to help municipal leaders, first responders, utility providers, and IT personnel improve cybersecurity programs in their city/town.  Learn more.

Baker Administration, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Announce Five Year Agreement for MassHealth Reforms

The Baker Administration received federal approval today to expand and extend its innovative Medicaid (MassHealth) section 1115 waiver through December 2027. The demonstration approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) supports integrated, outcomes-based care for MassHealth’s two million members and brings a new focus on advancing health equity by closing disparities in quality and access. The demonstration also focuses on investing in primary, behavioral and pediatric health care, and sustains Massachusetts’ national leadership by maintaining near-universal health insurance coverage.

Under the previous 1115 demonstration (2017-2022), the Baker Administration implemented the most significant reforms to the MassHealth program in over two decades, restructuring the health care delivery system towards integrated, value-based care, including establishing a model of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) that now cover over 80% of eligible MassHealth members. The new agreement signed builds on those reforms by extending and expanding key initiatives including ACOs, the Community Partners program that provides wrap-around behavioral health and long-term services and supports for high-risk members, the Flexible Services program that provides nutrition and housing supports, and expanded behavioral health services. The agreement also authorizes new initiatives, including $400 million in annual investments in health equity and a value-based payment program for primary care.

US launches 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline

 Recently launched in Massachusetts and across the US, the new 988 suicide and crisis line will offer 24/7/365 non-clinical, compassionate, emotional support for callers and referrals to additional resources, as needed. Support will be available in multiple languages. Learn more here.

Watch City Dems Present Panel Discussion on Firearms:

Violence and Reform

Regan's Corner

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

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 28, Parker, age 19 & puppy Regan