April 2024 | The Stanley Report 

Dear Friend,

April'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 met with Kathleen Stack, MPH, RDH as a part of Massachusetts Dental Hygienists' Association Advocacy Day. 

A perfect day with Waltham seniors at the William F. Stanley Senior Center Red Sox Opening Day lunch! Congratulations to Sr. Center Director Pat O'Brien, chef Skippy Salvo and the great Center staff for a wonderful event! 

Rep. Stanley met with union members of UAW (United Auto Workers) Region 9A of the Massachusetts CAP Council to discuss priority legislation and steps to continue to support and protect the rights of workers across the Commonwealth.

Rep. Stanley joined his co-chair on the Elder Affairs Committee, Senator Jehlen, in a meeting with DPH Commissioner Dr. Robert Goldstein and staff to discuss health policy and long-term care.

Rep. Stanley toured the new Waltham High School site.

Rep. Stanley announces House budget highlights

Rep. Stanley is pleased to announce that the fiscal year 2025 House Ways and Means budget includes $24,311,937 for Waltham 70 education funding, which is state aid to public elementary and secondary schools. Waltham will also receive $11,594,740 in unrestricted general government aid (UGGA) which provides essential funding for vital municipal and school services. Both funding levels exceed those of fiscal year 2024.

In addition, the HWM Budget for the upcoming fiscal year brings several notable highlights across various sectors. In education, significant allocations include $190 million to sustain free school meals for all students, continuing the momentum of the Student Opportunity Act with $6.86 billion in Chapter 70 education funding, and an additional $37 million for K-12 schools, aiming to increase state aid per pupil by $44 compared to the previous fiscal year. Additionally, $475 million is designated towards the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grant program, ensuring support for early education and care providers' operational and workforce needs, with the HWM budget solidifying C3's permanence. Notably, Massachusetts stands out as one of the few states to sustain funding for the C3 program, originally launched during the pandemic using federal funds and now continued through state allocations.

In transportation, the budget reflects a commitment to enhancing MBTA services and infrastructure resilience. Notable allocations include $314 million for MBTA operations, $75 million for capital projects, $40 million for the establishment of an "MBTA Academy" to bolster the MBTA workforce, and $35 million for a new "Resilient Rides" program aimed at adapting MBTA infrastructure to climate change impacts. With these allocations, combined with existing funding streams, over $1.6 billion is directed towards the MBTA in FY25, signaling a concerted effort towards transportation improvement and climate resilience.

Lastly, in housing, the HWM Budget prioritizes programs crucial for facilitating access to affordable housing. Allocations include $219 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), $197.4 million for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program, and $57.3 million for the HomeBase program. These initiatives serve as vital pillars in assisting individuals and families in securing long-term housing stability. Additionally, $2.5 million is designated to provide legal counsel for low-income tenants and homeowners facing eviction proceedings, underscoring the commitment to housing justice and support for vulnerable populations.

Participate in Rep. Tom Stanley's 2024 Annual Survey! Share Your Voice Today!

Join Rep. Tom Stanley's community survey for 2024! Have your say on the pressing matters impacting our town and state. The results will be shared with the public. Haven't received yours yet? Click here to participate now.

Rep. Stanley Tours New Waltham High School site

On April 6th, Rep. Stanley joined city council colleagues, school committee members, and Waltham High School (WHS) faculty for a tour of the construction site of the new high school. Set to open in September 2024, this milestone represents the culmination of years of collaborative effort with city and state officials to make Waltham's state-of-the-art high school a reality.

Rep. Stanley played a pivotal role in securing $118 million in state funding for the project by actively participating in Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) meetings and advocating for vital financial support. As Waltham prepares to embark on this exciting new chapter in its educational and civic journey, anticipation runs high for the transformative impact of the new high school on the community.

Rep. Stanley and Colleagues Pass Bill Authorizing Chapter 90 Funding

Rep. Stanley and his House colleagues passed a bill that includes $200 million for the state’s Chapter 90 program, which provides municipalities with a funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs, as well as $175 million for specific programs. The bill also appropriates $25 million for the rural roads program established in last year’s Chapter 90 legislation, which provides funding to rural communities in addition to the standard Chapter 90 distribution. 

This legislation authorizes $150 million in programs that will support various transportation-related projects. This includes $25 million for the Municipal Pavement Program, Municipal Small Bridge Program, Complete Streets Funding Program, Municipal Bus Enhancement Program, Mass Transit Access Grant Program, and Municipal/RTA EV Grant Program. 

Rep. Stanley Discusses Early College Program with Waltham High School Students

Rep. Stanley met with Waltham High School (WHS) students, Amie Capodanno, WHS Early College Program Counselor and Dr. Dana Fusco with the MetroWest College Planning Collaborative at Framingham State University to discuss investments and the impact of the Early College Program at WHS. The program allows students at WHS to take part in real college classes during the regular high school day, at no cost to themselves or their families. In the program, students graduate from high school with significant college credits, reducing the cost and time to degree completion. This program leads to increased confidence, habits, and skills needed to be successful in college and career.

Rep. Stanley cosponsored legislation relative to college in high school, which will provide important programmatic implementation guidance, oversight and accountability that ensures access, integrity, and rigor of all College in High School Programs across the Commonwealth; and establish a new College in High School (CIHS) Office on the state level to implement CIHS Programs across the Commonwealth. 

Rep. Stanley Supports Bill to Advance Treatment for Genetic Craniofacial Conditions

As a cosponsor of legislation ensuring treatment for genetic craniofacial conditions, Rep. Stanley submitted written testimony to the Health Care Financing Committee (HCF) expressing his support for the bill. Genetic craniofacial conditions refer to the malformation of the face and skull that may result from birth defect, disease, or trauma. HCF reported the bill favorably out of committee. 

The legislation would close the “cosmetic” loophole that allows insurers to deny coverage for treatment of rare, disabling genetic defects. Under the bill, all insurance carriers would be required to provide coverage for medically necessary repairs and/or restorations of genetic abnormalities affecting teeth. CHIA’s report estimates that the cost of this bill would be minimal; the typical monthly health insurance premium would only increase between 10-28 cents per member per month. While the affected number of residents in the Commonwealth is small – CHIA estimates 863 insured individuals would be covered - this bill would mean an immeasurable improvement to their lives and health.

Rep. Stanley Asks Ways and Means to Support Records Access Bill

In a letter to House Ways and Means, Rep. Stanley urged favorable action on legislation he cosponsored relative to accessing public records. The bill amends current law to create access to public records, currently under the custody of the state secretary, that were created more than 75 years ago for historical and genealogical purposes. These records contain some of the only information ever obtained about the hundreds of residents of the Fernald State School and other state hospitals and schools.

Students from Gann Academy recently initiated a project to determine the names of the individuals buried at Metfern and provide a proper burial for these individuals. Their work is instrumental in ending the stigma of disability which perpetuates and violates the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With passage of this bill, Gann Academy and others will be able to uncover the hidden lives of those individuals who were institutionalized in state facilities. Moreover, the importance of public access to these records becomes especially important to family members who have a deep desire to know the stories of their relatives and family members – uncles, aunts, cousins, parents or grandparents – whose memory has been lost.

Rep. Stanley Discusses the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit with Waltham Channel

Rep. Stanley, with Rep. John Lawn and Mireille Eastman, an advocate with the Department of Revenue Taxpayer, met with the Waltham Channel to discuss the many benefits of the Massachusetts’ Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Program. View the recording here. 

Rep. Stanley Attends Fernald Input Hearing

Rep. Stanley attended a Fernald Citizen Input hearing on March 27. View the recording here. 

Rep. Stanley Discusses Legislative Priorities with M.A.S.S. Tri-County Superintendents and the Education Cooperative

Rep. Stanley joined over 24 of his legislative colleagues at the M.A.S.S. Tri-County Superintendents Roundtable and The Education Cooperative's 2024 Legislative Breakfast to discuss FY25 budget priorities. During the gathering, M.A.S.S. Tri-County Superintendents Roundtable and The Education Cooperative thanked the Legislature for progress made on their priorities, including: fully funding the first 3 years of the Student Opportunity Act; supporting an increase in minimum Chapter 70 funding from $30/student to $60/student; fully funding the circuit breaker at 75% reimbursement for tuition over the last 2 years; advocating for additional funding for the MSBA in order to support districts’ skyrocketing construction costs; and

implementing universal school meals which supports all students and reduces inequities.

Rep. Stanley Meets with Members of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence

Rep. Stanley participated in Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (Jane Doe Inc.) Advocacy Day. He met with constituents from Waltham and team members from REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, a community-based domestic violence program based in Waltham, whose mission is to build healthy communities by ending domestic violence. REACH centers its community efforts on safety and shelter, offering emergency shelter for domestic violence victims, education and prevention initiatives through discussions and trainings, community-based advocacy, survivor support, and outreach programs for community engagement and empowerment.

Rep. Stanley Submits Testimony on Behalf of Assessor Certificate Bill

Rep. Stanley sent a letter to the House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading in support of legislation he filed relative to assessor certificates. Earlier this year, the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government issued a favorable recommendation on the bill, advancing the legislation. Endorsed by the Massachusetts Assessors Association, H.2112 provides added incentives for assessors to seek professional development and maintain the most up-to-date skills for municipalities to utilize. Assessors play a vital role in the financial issues of every city and town in the Commonwealth. 

H.2112 allows communities to increase the stipend for those assessors that attain higher level certifications and designations, upon local approval by that community. More specifically, the bill acknowledges all 3 certifications are eligible for the certification and increases the “up-to” limit of each certification (typically percentage of salary up to a certain amount). The bill is local option, and it would be the decision of the community to award the higher stipends.

Rep. Stanley Supports Bill to Protect Injured Workers

Rep. Stanley submitted written testimony to House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz in support of House Bill 1927 to protect injured workers. H.1927 received a favorable recommendation from the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development and is now before the House Committee on Ways and Means. Rep. Stanley is a cosponsor of the bill.

H.1927 provides injured workers who are retaliated against for filing a workers’ compensation claim or exercising their rights under the Massachusetts workers’ compensation law with an administrative complaint remedy and investigative process for enforcement. All workers in the Commonwealth, especially frontline workers that have kept our economy running throughout the pandemic, deserve these worker protection rights as law. Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of retaliation to include actions to deprive an employee of a right and a false denial of an employment relationship or work-related injury. H.1927 also expands protected activities to include reporting a work-related injury and assisting others in exercising their rights in addition to allowing retaliation complaints filed with the Attorney General’s Office to include compensatory damages.

Rep. Stanley Engages with Coaching 4 Change College Mentors

On March 21st, Rep. Stanley participated in the 18th Annual Youth Mentoring Day at the State House, meeting with college mentors from the Coaching 4 Change Program. This near-peer mentoring initiative, aimed at accelerating learning, utilizes diverse college mentors to provide academic, social, and emotional support to K-12 students, empowering them to effect positive change. Operating at the Carroll School in Waltham, the program has seen four mentors serving 120 students, resulting in significant improvements: 80% enhanced attendance, 79% improved behavior, and 83% boosted academic performance.

Rep. Stanley signs on to Prostate Cancer Awareness Day Resolution

Rep. Stanley joined his colleagues as co-sponsor of a Prostate Cancer Awareness Day Resolution recognizing March 28, 2024 as Annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. It is estimated that this year alone 299,010 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Early detection is crucial to the survival of those diagnosed. The resolution raising awareness to this public health crisis and to promote the benefits of screening and early detection.

Rep. Stanley Helps Pass Bill to Remove Outdated and Offensive Terms In General Laws, Changes Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission’s Name To ‘Massability’

Rep. Stanley joined his colleagues in the House in passing two bills that update Massachusetts General Law by removing out-of-date and offensive terms related to persons with disabilities, and by renaming the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) as MassAbility.

Legislation relative to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities removes out-of-date and offensive language from laws when referencing people with disabilities. The language in the bill removes all variations of outdated terms such as “handicapped,” “disabled,” and “retarded.” The bill replaces these terms with current terminology such as “person with a disability” and “person with an intellectual disability.” Additionally, the term “autistic” is replaced with “autism” in reference to Autism Awareness Month. Originally filed by Gov. Healey, the House also passed legislation to rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility and to update the outdated terms included in its enabling statute. 

Rep. Stanley Hosts State House Briefing with Waltham Artist Jeff Grantz

Rep. Stanley and Rep. David Biele recently co-hosted a State House briefing featuring Waltham artist Jeff Grantz and his innovative digital art festival, ILLUMINUS. Among the attendees was Waltham resident Diane Dwyer, who joined the discussion on showcasing Grantz's work throughout Boston.

The briefing introduced ILLUMINUS to the Boston Legislative Delegation, with Rep. Stanley advocating for bringing this artistic vision to Waltham's downtown area, particularly on Moody Street, to highlight the local artist community. Since its inception in 2014, ILLUMINUS has curated over 250 site-specific installations across Boston, drawing in more than 200,000 visitors and supporting over 350 artists. Now, as part of its citywide initiative, ILLUMINUS aims to engage various neighborhoods in Boston, collaborating with emerging artists and communities to revitalize public spaces and foster deeper connections within the city. 

RMV Cautions Public to Beware of Deceptive and Mimic Websites

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is reminding customers to use only Mass.Gov/RMV for information and to perform transactions, including when renewing a license or a registration. There has been no sharp increase in reports of deceptive and mimic websites to the RMV. As a busy time of year for customer transactions, the RMV is issuing this reminder to the public about sites which have been created to mislead customers into thinking they have reached the official RMV website. Learn more. 

Governor To Hold Latino Empowerment Advisory Council Listening Session in Waltham

The Latino Empowerment Council invites residents to a listening session on May 20, 2024 at 617 Lexington Street in Waltham from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Last year, Governor Healey signed an Executive Order establishing the Governor’s Council on Latino Empowerment, comprising over 40 influential Latino leaders from across the state. With approximately 850,000 Latinos in Massachusetts, constituting 12 percent of the state population, your input is crucial! Learn more. 

Boston University Offers Series on Aging

Boston University’s (BU) research publication, The Brink, is featuring a seven-part special series on aging. BU researchers explore some of the top issues and questions surrounding older generations, including Alzheimer’s Disease, aging equity, finances, living past 100, and rethinking senior culture. Learn more.

Rep. Stanley asks Ways and Means to Support Drought Management Bill

In a letter to House Ways and Means, Rep. Stanley expressed support for legislation he cosponsored to maintain adequate water supplies through effective drought management. The bill received a favorable recommendation from the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and is now before the House Committee on Ways and Means.

The bill would give the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force statutory authority and provide the Executive Office of Elder Affairs with the authority to require uniform water conservation across a drought region during severe droughts. This would make watering rules constituent across neighboring municipalities and easier for the public to understand, while providing actual relief to our rives, wildlife, and water supplies. Under the bill, essential water uses for agriculture, core business functions, and indoor use would not be affected. Only non-essential outdoor watering (i.e. lawn watering) during severe drought would be covered.

MBTA Board Approves Low-Income Fare Program

The MBTA Board of Directors unanimously approved a reduced fares program for low-income riders, a decade-long effort in collaboration with various partners to enhance fare equity. This program will offer eligible riders aged 26-64, non-disabled, and with low income approximately 50% off fares across all MBTA modes. Eligibility will be determined by enrollment in programs with a cutoff of 200% of the federal poverty level or lower. Additionally, the program extends to the Commuter Rail, providing affordability for residents along these routes and in Gateway Cities. On the RIDE, the MBTA’s paratransit service, senior and low-income riders will qualify for half-price ADA and Premium trips. These fare adjustments will take effect in summer 2024.

2024 Waltham Police Public Safety Survey



Waltham Police created a survey to better assess how they can serve the public in Waltham. Please take a few moments to fill out this survey and share it with others who would benefit from the services that this department delivers. Access the survey here.

OIG One Free Designee Program

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is dedicated to preventing and detecting the misuse of public funds and property, emphasizing education as a key strategy to combat fraud, waste, and abuse. Through the OIG Academy, individuals can access comprehensive training programs, including three core courses focused on the Commonwealth's public procurement law, leading to a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO) designation. Recognizing the financial constraints faced by some communities, the OIG is covering all costs of these trainings through the "One Free Designee" (OFD) pilot program, ensuring one employee per municipality with a population over 12,000 can benefit from this opportunity. Learn more.

Coalition Forms to Make Hunger History

The Make Hunger History Coalition (MHH Coalition) is a new innovative alliance that, with Project Bread as the backbone organization, is uniting policymakers, advocates, services providers, and community members to tackle hunger head-on. This first-of-its-kind coalition is more than a new campaign; it's a movement to create lasting policy change and make hunger history in Massachusetts. The MHH Coalition is crafting a comprehensive roadmap to end hunger once and for all and will need the support of many, including and especially the Legislature, to make the vision a reality. To learn more and get involved, click here. 

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

Personal:

Married to the former Kimberly A. Bayliss

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