Updates from State Rep. Kate Hogan

UPDATES FROM STATE REP. KATE HOGAN

State Rep. Kate Hogan, 3rd Middlesex District

Bolton Hudson Maynard Stow

Dear Friends,

I hope everyone is staying cool, and that you, and those you care about, are healthy and safe.

We’re entering another important stage in our recovery with critical choices to make about reopening. In the coming weeks, many people will be faced with the expiration of moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures as well as the extra $600 in unemployment from the federal government. We’re also anticipating announcements from our schools about their plans for the fall semester and awaiting word from Congress about whether there will be another aid package, and if so, what it will include.

The Massachusetts legislature has a lot of work to do before the end of the 191 ^st session – addressing these issues, as well as police reform, and working with the governor to determine an operating budget for FY21. As your legislator and a House leader, I’m committed to working collaboratively and doing everything I can during this phase to help Massachusetts and all our residents navigate a successful and healthy reopening.

Our fight against the coronavirus and COVID-19 also continues. Please continue efforts to curb the virus’ spread by continuing to practice social distance, wearing face masks in public, and washing hands. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home and contact telehealth through www.buoy.com.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact me at kate.hogan@mahouse.gov or 617-722-2199. This email and phone number are the most efficient ways to contact me right now and the best way to ensure a prompt response to your inquiry. I also post updates daily on Facebook.

Best,

Kate Hogan

State Representative

Third Middlesex District

kate.hogan@mahouse.gov

(617) 722-2199

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MASSACHUSETTS UPDATES &

NEWS FROM THE STATE HOUSE

As of July 19, there are 106,883 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 8,213 deaths from COVID-19. 1,328,399 tests have been administered by the State Public Health Laboratory, hospitals and commercial laboratories. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health shares updated numbers on its website each day.

Policing Reform -- This week the House will debate its amended version of the Senate policing bill. Thank you to everyone in our district who has contacted me to share feedback and perspective on this bill.

The legislature also recently passed the following legislation, which was signed by Gov. Baker this week:

A mosquito control bill (S 2757) that adds more members to the mosquito control task force and provides the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board to engage in mosquito prevention, management and eradication in any area of the Commonwealth upon a determination by the Department of Public Health that an elevated risk of arbovirus exists.
A to-go cocktail bill (S 2812) that allows restaurants that sell cocktails on premises to begin selling them as part of takeout orders, with restrictions.

The legislature also passed a supplemental budget bill (H 4808) that provides more than $1 billion in Federal Reimbursement for COVID-19 needs, including funding for the health care system, child care providers, elections, and food banks, among other things. The bill also establishes Juneteenth Independence Day on June 19 ^th in Massachusetts, marking the day in 1865 when the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, learned they were free. This bill await the Governor’s signature.

Vote by Mail Update – Watch your mailboxes. Secretary of State Galvin has mailed vote-by-mail ballot applications to all registered voters in the Commonwealth.

MAIN STREET UPDATES

Around the District:

495/MetroWest Economic/Pandemic Recovery Working Group – I recently convened a working group focused on the 495/Metrowest area to focus on specific needs and challenges in this area and share resources to aid in the region’s recovery. I appreciate Jason Palitsch, who organized our kickoff meeting last week, and my colleagues from the Legislature who attended, including Rep. Carolyn Dykema, Rep. Jay Barrows, Rep. Hannah Kane, and Dennis Giombetti and Susan Nicholl from Senate President Spilka’s office, as well as Greg Bunn from MassHire Metro/South, Scott Fountain of Charles River Labs, UMass Dartmouth Prof. Michael Goodman, Meredith Harris from Marlborough Economic Development Corporation and Erin Lynch from the MetroWest Visitors Bureau. This working group will seek out ideas and pursue solutions, provide resources, as well as productive outreach strategies for our region's businesses and nonprofits in creating jobs and protecting from job losses. We’ll be reaching out to the local business community, large and small employers alike, for input and feedback. Stay tuned for more updates from this initiative!

Maynard Crossing Update – Capital Group Properties has announced several new tenants at Maynard Crossing, the mixed-use property anchored by Market Basket. New tenants, including Emerson Urgent Care and Creative Gardens Early Education Center, are slated to open in late 2020.

Local Businesses in Maynard Can Extend Their Premises – The Town of Maynard has established and ‘Extension of Premises’ program to help local businesses increase activity and revenues by temporarily extending their business premises onto municipal right of ways and parking spaces, private properties and parking lots. Businesses must submit an application with their request to the Board of Selectmen. To date, 10 applications have been approved for outdoor dining and two applications have been approved for retail operations. All applications have been approved through Nov. 1.

Rep. Kate Hogan presented Avidia Bank Vice President Richard Harrity with a citation upon his retirement. In addition to his 39 years of service to the bank, Harrity has generously contributed to the Hudson community. Since 1979, Harrity has been an active member and former President of the Hudson Rotary Club and has been Chair of the Hudson Food Pantry since 1993. He has served as the Hudson Town Moderator since 1985 and President of the Hudson Historical Society since 2016.

Pictured l-r: Avidia Executive Vice Presidents Bart Murphy and Gerry Curley join Rich Harrity as Rep. Kate Hogan presents a citation to celebrate Vice President Rich Harrity and his retirement.

Minuteman Senior Services is forming a support group for members of the LGBTQ+ community who are caregivers of older adults. The group will meet virtually every other week on Thursdays from 1-2 pm for 8 sessions. Group membership is free, but limited in number. To register, or to ask questions, contact 781-221-7055 or A.Fieleke@MinutemanSenior.org

Free COVID-19 Testing in Marlborough -- The Commonwealth is launching a strategic testing program in communities across MA that continue to see a higher number of residents testing positive for COVID-19. This program supports the testing of asymptomatic individuals in these communities to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If you are a resident of Marlborough or surrounding towns, even if you have no COVID symptoms, please get tested to help stop the spread. Call Marlborough Hospital at (508) 486-5809 for drive-up window accommodation.

Happy 100^th Birthday to Boston Post Cane Recipient Claire “Peg” Kennedy - Do you know the story of Boston Post Cane? As part of a promotional effort, in 1909 the now defunct Boston Post newspaper distributed painstakingly designed walking canes to 700 New England towns, which were distributed to the towns’ oldest residents. The tradition continues in some towns, including Maynard and Stow. Last week, Claire "Peg" Kennedy received Stow’s Boston Post cane when she celebrated her 100^th birthday. Peg also enjoyed a celebratory "Antique Car Parade" led by the Stow PD & FD , followed by a long line of cars, family and friends, ending with a COA Van full of Town officials. A Stow Proclamation was presented by Selectboard members Tom Ryan and Ellen Sturgis, along with the ceremonial cane and a commemorative pin. I was delighted to present a citation from the MA House of Representatives in recognition of Claire J. Kennedy's 100th Birthday and attaining the Boston Post Cane. Many family members, friends, representatives of the Town of Stow including Stow Police & Fire, the BOS, the COA and town officials were in attendance or "drove by!" to wish all the best to our oldest and much loved resident.

Bolton Commended for Housing Production - Congratulations to Bolton for being named a Housing Choice community. Bolton is one of the Commonwealth’s communities that have made substantial progress towards housing development goals and for the implementation of housing best practices to encourage sustainable development. The Housing Choice Designation is part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s strategy to produce 135,000 new housing units by 2025 to meet the high demand of housing across the state.

Rep. Hogan joined U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan on a visit to Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow and met owners Andrew and Chelcie Martin to discuss the triumphs and challenges of growing apples, peaches, blueberries and pears over 200 acres of scenic orchards. Honey Pot Hill Orchards opened to the public a few days later on July 17. Please visit www.honeypothill.com/covid-19 for updates on visiting the farm during the COVID pandemic.

BUSINESS & PERSONAL FINANCE UPDATES

Loans for Small Businesses – The $20 billion funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance Program has all been allocated, but the SBA will continue to process EIDL loan applications without offering advances. According to the SBA, the loan portion of the EIDL program continues to have funds available at very affordable terms, including a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. Every eligible small business and non-profit is encouraged to apply to get the resources they need. Apply here .

PPP Extended - The Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications July 6, 2020, at 9:00 AM EDT in response to the President signing the program's extension legislation. The new deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan is August 8, 2020.

Biweekly MetroWest Employer Town Hall Series -- Area employers are invited to join the 495/MetroWest Partnership and the MassHire Metro South/West Workforce Board for continuing discussions, occurring every other week, surrounding critical issues business are facing. We will answer questions about the various resources that are available to companies and their workers during these difficult times. Hosted by Jason Palitsch, Executive Director of the 495/Metro West Partnership and Gregg Bunn, Executive Director of MassHire Metro South/West Workforce Board, these discussions are open to any interested party, and are held every other Wednesday at 1:00 PM via Zoom. The next session will be held on July 22nd ; sign up here .

Resources for Women- and Minority-Owned Small Businesses - Small Business Strong is a private and public sector partnership set up to help women and minority owned small businesses navigate the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Massachusetts women and minority owned small business owners can participate by engaging in one or more of the core elements of Small Business Strong, all free of charge with no strings attached:

An online portal with curated content and resources for small businesses
Business Advisors who will initially consult with small businesses (SMBs) to understand the impact of COVID-19 and provide general guidance and resources
Functional Specialists who who will provide more specialized support and deliverables

Click here to learn more about Small Business Strong .

Housing Assistance

Stow rental assistance program – The Stow Municipal Affordable Housing Trust and the Stow Community Preservation Committee are developing an emergency rental assistance program for our neighbors in town whose income has been lost or reduced due to the economic disruption of the C-19 pandemic. More detail, including how to apply, will be available soon.

The MetroWest Center for Independent Living recently shared this summary of resources related to housing and rents:

If you are having trouble making rent, talk to your landlord and get everything in writing for proof of conversations later on.

Detailed information on eviction and foreclosure moratoriums - www.mass.gov/lists/moratorium-on-evictions-and-foreclosures-forms-and-other-resources
RESIDENTIAL TENANTS: In order to avoid having to pay late fees or receiving a negative credit report, the law requires tenants to send a form of hardship notice to their landlord within 30 days of every missed rent payment. That means if a tenant missed paying rent due April 1, the tenant must send the form by April 30 (3 days from now). One form must be filled out for each month of missed payment. If a tenant is unable to fill out and transmit the form, they can also email or post a letter to the landlord with the same information. Direct link to form: www.mass.gov/doc/form-of-notice-and-documentation-covid-19-hardship-residential-tenant/download
HOMEOWNERS: The Division of Banks has also put out a Frequently Asked Questions document regarding the moratorium on foreclosures. Direct link here: www.mass.gov/doc/chapter-65-dob-faq
SMALL BUSINESS TENANTS: Similar to residential tenants, small businesses are also not subject to late fees or negative credit bureau reporting if they submit a form of notice to their landlord within 30 days of missed rent payment. Small businesses must submit two forms:
A certification of hardship:
www.mass.gov/doc/form-of-notice-covid-19-hardship-small-business-tenant
Back up documentation: www.mass.gov/doc/documentation-of-financial-hardship-small-business-tenant

LANDLORDS: The law allows the landlord to use last month's rent to pay for certain expenses including, but not limited to, mortgage payments, utilities, repairs and required upkeep. However the landlord must send a form of notice to the tenant when doing so. The form is here: www.mass.gov/doc/notice-to-tenant-use-of-advance-rent-payment
Help with Rent
List of regional agencies, see www.masshousinginfo.org/regional-agencies.
Additional information about resources for tenants is available at www.mhp.net/news/2020/resources-for-tenants-during-covid-19-pandemic.
You will not be subject to late fees or a negative report to a credit bureau if you certify to your landlord in writing within 30 days from the missed payment that your non-payment of rent is due to a financial impact from COVID-19. If possible, you should use the approved form at: https://www.mass.gov/lists/moratorium-on-evictions-and-foreclosures-forms-and-other-resources. If you cannot access the form on this website, you can ask your landlord to provide the form to you. You may also send a letter or email so long as it contains a detailed explanation of your household loss in income or increase in expenses due to COVID-19.

Department of Community and Housing Development (DHCD)

Information including updates for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Program - www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-dhcd-website#residential-assistance-for-families-in-transition-(raft)-program-and-covid-19-state-of-emergency-RAFT Policy Changes during COVID-19.php

CHAPA has adapted operations and policy priorities. COVID-19 Affordable Housing Resources: www.chapa.org

Housing Consumer Education Centers - Download the Covid-19-Housing-Resources.pdf flyer .

State Sales Tax Holiday Set for August 29th & 30th -- The state's 6.25 percent sales tax will be waived on many purchases the weekend of Saturday, August 29th and Sunday, August 30th. The annual tax holiday allows shoppers to avoid paying the tax on most retail items, excluding food and drink at restaurants, that cost less than $2,500.