May 2023 | The Stanley Report 

Dear Friend,

May'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 House Pass Budget; Make Investments to Support Families

Rep. Stanley and the House of Representatives passed its Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget. This budget responds to the needs of residents and makes targeted investments that provide support for families across the Commonwealth. Funded at $56.2 billion, the House’s FY24 budget provides strong support for the Commonwealth’s cities and towns, and among many critical investments, includes significant funding for education, transportation, health care, housing, and workforce development. Highlights include permanent funding for universal school meals, free community college for qualifying residents, investments in childcare funded by the authorization of online purchasing options for the state lottery, and funding to ensure statewide access to abortion medications. Read the full release here.

Rep. Stanley Secures $100K for Hardy Pond in House Budget

Working in partnership with Charles River Watershed Association and The City of Waltham, the House of Representatives approved Rep. Stanley’s $100,000 budget amendment to fund the Hardy Pond pilot design project. The funding will be used to improve the pond outlet, support wetland restoration, and boost green storm water infrastructure. Click this fact sheet to learn more about the project.

Rep. Stanley Urges House to Invest in Seniors

After Rep. Stanley addressed his House colleagues about the importance of investing in older adults across the Commonwealth, the House approved vital funding for Health & Human Services and Elder Affairs. Rep. Stanley thanks Speaker Ron Mariano, Chair Aaron Michlewitz and his many legislative colleagues for their efforts on behalf of this critical funding.

Rep. Stanley Secures $75K for Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Boston in House Budget

Rep. Stanley sponsored an amendment to the FY24 House budget to secure $75,000 for the Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Boston. The House adopted the amendment.

With this funding, Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Boston will continue these much needed services to support new mothers in early recovery from substance use disorder and babies who are born prematurely.

Rep. Stanley Chairs Legislative Hearing on Long-Term Care

Rep. Stanley, Sen. Jehlen and members of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs held a hearing on proposals to improve nursing facilities and rest homes. Advocates drew attention to ensuring that seniors in all settings are treated with dignity and respect. Themes included preventing discrimination against LGBTQI seniors, ensuring the Attorney General has the power to hold bad actors accountable, and increasing the amount of care and attention each resident receives through the Hours Per Patient Per Day (HPPD) requirement. To learn more about the bills considered during the hearing, click here. 

Rep. Stanley Testifies on Behalf of Pregnancy-Related Care

In a letter to the chairs of the Joint Committee on Financial Services Joint Committee on Financial Services, Rep. Stanley expressed support for House Bill 1137 and Senate Bill 646, legislation ensuring access to full spectrum pregnancy care. The bill will require all Massachusetts-regulated health insurance plans to cover the full spectrum of pregnancy-related care without any cost-sharing, ensuring that Bay Staters are not saddled with insurmountable debt post-pregnancy and enabling them to have greater control over their lives and financial futures. 

According to the Massachusetts Center for Health Information and Analysis’ (CHIA) 2021 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey, more than 1.7 million people in Massachusetts are on high deductible health plans. That is 1.7 million people whose family planning and reproductive futures are dictated by those deductibles. They may never be able to get out of debt because they chose to start a family, they may be forced to forgo prenatal or postpartum care, or they may delay their family planning because they are too concerned about making ends meet.

Rep. Stanley Supports Bill Prohibiting Discrimination Against 340b Drug Discount Program 

Rep. Stanley providing written testimony to the Joint Committee on Financial Services Joint Committee on Financial Services on behalf of legislation prohibiting discrimination against 340b drug discount program participants. The federal 340B drug pricing programs help to provide outpatient drugs to safety net providers at a discount so they can then use those savings to reinvest in programs that expand access to underserved patients. 

Unfortunately, PBMs have added terms to contracts (professional dispensing fees, chargebacks, adjustments, etc.) with 340B covered entities, such as community health centers (CHCs), that reduce and, in some cases, eliminate the savings these organizations would get by participating the 340B program. This has put a huge financial strain on CHCs that rely on those savings to offer comprehensive services to patients, including behavioral health and substance use disorder programs. This bill would prohibit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from issuing these discriminatory contracting terms to entities participating in the federal 340B drug pricing program. 

Rep. Stanley attends virtual briefing on the state of nursing

To kick off Nurses’ Week, Rep. Stanley attended a virtual meeting on a recent nursing survey and the state of nursing and patient care in Massachusetts. Representatives from the Massachusetts Nurses Association met virtually with elected officials to discuss challenges facing the industry. Led by Join Rep. Denise Garlick and Sen. Joan Lovely, the briefing centered on new "State of Nursing in Massachusetts" survey results and other data, with a focus on challenges and how to ensure future positive pathways. Nurses are closest to the problem and so are closest to the solution to strengthen our entire healthcare system.

Rep. Stanley meets with members of Boston Uyghur Association

Rep. Stanley met with members of the Waltham-based, non-profit Boston Uyghur Association to discuss their advocacy work for the Uyghur community in Boston and throughout the world. There is currently a genocide happening to the Uyghurs in China. Mass internment camps, forced labor and organ harvesting are killing Uyghurs on a daily basis. As an advocate for human rights, Rep. Stanley will continue to work with and support the Boston Uyghur Association in Boston and beyond. To learn more about their mission and organization, click here. 

Rep. Stanley discusses environmental issues with WECAN

Rep. Stanley met with members of the group WECAN (Waltham Energy & Climate Action Now) at the Waltham Library to discuss critically important environmental issues impacting Waltham and the state. The group also discussed finding ways to collaboratively tackle climate change.

WECAN is working to have Waltham designated as a Green Community, which will make about $250,000 available for green energy projects. WECAN is also working to make the new Waltham high school as energy efficient as possible to enable students to learn the latest in green building technologies so they will be ready to tackle the challenges of moving to a 100% renewable economy.

House Adopts Rep. Stanley's Amendment to Fund More than Words

The House adopted Rep. Stanley's $100,000 amendment to fund More than Words in Waltham in the fiscal year 2024 budget.

More Than Words is a nonprofit social enterprise that empowers young adults who are in the foster care system, court-involved, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.

MassDOT Seeks Public Comment on Transportation Priorities

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is currently developing its annual five-year Capital Investment Plan (CIP), which guides how we prioritize and fund local and statewide transportation projects. Your input can inform project design and helps MassDOT understand the level of community support for proposed projects, ensuring that MassDOT’s investments align with the needs and priorities of all Massachusetts residents. There are several ways to participate! Learn more here. 

Boston Children's Hospital Announces Local Grant Opportunity

The Boston Children’s Route 128 Determination of Need Community-based Health Initiative (CHI) aims to improve the health and well-being of children, youth, and families experiencing the greatest inequities in health. This will support community health initiatives for underserved children, youth, and families in the communities of Needham, Waltham, Weymouth, Framingham, Randolph, Brockton, and Quincy. The three initiatives are Mental Health and Well Being, Flourishing Families, and Healthy Communities. Community-based and faith-based organizations with either 501C3 status or a fiscal agent with 501C3 status are eligible to apply. Learn more.

Public Comment Welcome on Route 128 Land Use and Transportation Study

The Route 128 Land Use and Transportation Study will review existing conditions and establish future land use, housing, and economic development assumptions of the segment of Route 128 between Newton and Lexington. Based on these assumptions, the study will present recommendations intended to address the corridor’s current and anticipated future transportation issues. The public comment period is open through Friday, May 19th. Read the final report and make your voice heard!

New Round of Festivals & Projects Grants Available

The Mass Cultural Council (MCC) has opened their Festivals and Projects grant application for FY24. The next grant round of Festivals & Projects will support activities incorporating the arts, humanities, or sciences that provide community and/or public benefit and take place between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. These awards of $2,500* will support outdoor performances, art workshops, public art projects, pop-up markets, small capital projects, art and nature hikes, regional food festivals, cultural celebrations – and more – across the Commonwealth. The application deadline is June 8, 2023. Program guidelines are now available. Learn more. 

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. All documentation that lists this date is in the process of being revised. Please continue to encourage customers to obtain REAL IDs. Customers who already have a full-term REAL ID are eligible to renew online up to a year in advance of their expiration date. 

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