January 2023 | The Stanley Report | | |
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Dear Friend,
Happy New Year! Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2023.
January'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
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Gov. Healy sworn in as 73rd governor of Massachusetts. | |
Rep. Stanley visited Waltham Creative Start with Congresswoman Katherine Clark. | |
Rep. Stanley attended a breakfast at Nutter with U.S. Labor Secretary Walsh. | |
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Rep. Stanley Takes Oath of Office at 193rd General Court Inauguration
On January 5, Rep. Stanley attended the inauguration ceremony for Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and took the Oath of Office at the 193 General Court Inauguration at the State House. Rep. Stanley brought his son Parker (pictured above) as a guest. Rep. Stanley is honored to serve the people of the 9th Middlesex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and looks forward to working with the new Administration.
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City of Waltham Holding Community Meeting on Proposed Solar Ray installation
The City of Waltham will hold a community meeting on January 26th at 7pm at the Government Center Auditorium, 119 School Street in Waltham. The meeting will serve as a discussion on the installation of a 1+MW solar array on property on Lexington that abuts the Candlewood/Sherbourne/Brennan area of Waltham and the Cambridge reservoir and the potential effects of the installation on neighborhood health, safety and welfare. All are welcome.
Rep. Stanley and his colleagues on the Waltham City Council recently discussed this issue at a council meeting. Also, in a letter to the Lexington Planning Board, Rep. Stanley recently expressed concerns regarding Tracer Lane II Realty, LLC’s proposed 1.0 MW ground-mounted large-scale solar energy system located at 0 Cambridge Street/Concord Turnpike, with emergency and maintenance access from Sherbourne Place in Waltham.
While Rep. Stanley does not oppose solar energy solutions, this project’s proximity to Waltham neighborhoods and disruptions to the surrounding environment make it untenable. He will continue to push the Lexington Planning Board and Developer to address his constituents' concerns and will be sharing them again at the Board's follow-up hearing scheduled for February 15th, 2023.
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Three Bills Supported by Rep. Stanley Signed into Law
At the end of the 2021-2022 session, the House and Senate passed - and Governor Baker signed into law - three bills supported by Rep. Stanley:
Foster Parents' Bill of Rights
The Foster Parents' Bill of Rights requires the Department of Children and Families to develop clear guidelines for foster parents, outlining payments and financial support as well as a standardized "pre-service training" available to them. The law also mandates that foster parents to receive information about a foster child's physical and behavioral health, history of trauma and high-risk behavior, and education needs before placement.
Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converter theft has increased drastically in the Commonwealth and around the country creating significant inconveniences and financial hardships for victims. The new law requires junkyard operators, auto part dealers and others who buy catalytic converters to report sales of converters to police as well as hold them for at least 10-days before reselling them. This makes it easier for the police to monitor the sale of parts to junkyards and dealers and help them identify the individuals and groups who comprise the black market for converters. Under the law, fines of up to $2,500 would be levied on those who fail to properly carry out the sale of a catalytic converter.
Postpartum Care
Anther bill extends postpartum coverage for eligible residents under MassHealth from 60-days to 12-months beyond the end of a pregnancy. Timely postpartum visits ensure that pregnant and birthing individuals receive the care that they need and address chronic health conditions (i.e. diabetes and hypertension), mental health and substance use disorders. This law is part of a broader effort to address maternal health inequalities, one that will have positive impacts on the long-term health and well-being of pregnant and birthing individuals, their families and their communities.
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MassDOT Held Virtual Public Meeting on Route 128/Interstate 95 Land Use and Transportation Study
Rep. Stanley attended MassDOT's third and final virtual public meeting for the Route 128/Interstate 95 Land Use and Transportation Study (Newton to Lexington segment, including The City of Waltham) on January 18th. 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. Both Rep. Stanley and Mayor McCarthy have represented Waltham on the study's working group.
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Rep. Stanley's Statement on Land at 240 Beaver Street
Thank you for reaching out to voice your concerns regarding the land at 240 Beaver Street.
I regret not being able to respond sooner but a bad bout of RSV, the holiday season, and the sheer volume of emails, phone calls, and texts prevented me from getting back to everyone in a timely manner.
Please know, I worked hard with the mayor and my colleagues on both the city council and in the legislature to pass legislation allowing the sale of this parcel to Waltham for the purpose of preserving the land from developers, higher education, and hospitals. Stewardship of this land is something I take very seriously in part because of the seventeen million dollars in Waltham taxpayer dollars it took to secure it.
I can assure you that the intent of every elected official involved was and still is to preserve open space, continue farming, and provide space for non-profits to function. However, there is contamination at different ends of the property which must be cleaned which will require the tenants to make adjustments during the cleanup.
It is unfortunate that many were led to believe that the elected officials who spent political capital on preserving the land were taking actions to destroy it. I look forward to continued collaboration with partners at every level of government and throughout our community toward our shared goal.
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Rep. Stanley Supports Funding for Rest Homes
Rep. Stanley cosigned a letter to Acting EOHHS Secretary Mary Beckman expressing disappointment with the EOHSS’s recommendations on the distribution of $30M in COVID relief to the rest home industry. The letter requests that EOHHS delay any regulatory process necessary to execute disbursement until the Healey Administration reviews the recommendations and consults with the Massachusetts Association of Residential Care Homes (MARCH), House and Senate Ways and Means and co-signors of the letter.
Gov. Baker approved legislation in November allocating $30M in ARPA funding for the rest home industry to assist homes with the financial strain caused by the Covid pandemic. Rep. Stanley worked tirelessly to include this funding in the ARPA bill. Unfortunately, EOHHS’s recommendations include a distribution method that does not provide the financial relief that was intended by excluding private pay homes and distributing the funds over three years.
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Rep. Stanley Cosponsors Genetic Craniofacial Conditions Bill
Rep. Stanley signed onto legislation filed by Rep. McMurtry and Rep. Fernandes that would mandate coverage for the treatment of rare, disabling genetic craniofacial conditions, including necessary medical repairs and/or restorations of genetic abnormalities affecting teeth.
The bill would close the “cosmetic” loophole that allows insurers to deny coverage for treatment of rare, disabling genetic defects. Under the bill, all insurance contracts 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.
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Rep. Stanley Signs International Holocaust Remembrance Day Resolution
Rep. Stanley joined his colleagues in cosigning a resolution recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2023. The date marks the seventy-eighth anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp and 2023 marks the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. On this anniversary, the Massachusetts House of Representatives recommits itself to combatting the global rise in anti-Semitism and recognizes the non-legally binding “working definition” of anti-Semitism adopted by thirty-one member states of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
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Governor Healey Signs Executive Order Creating Massachusetts’ First Ever Climate Chief
Governor Healey signed an Executive Order establishing the position of Climate Chief and creating an Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience within the Governor’s Office. Melissa Hoffer has been appointed as Massachusetts' first Climate Chief. Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to establish such a position at the cabinet level.
The Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience is charged with harnessing all the resources and authority available to the Governor and the executive department to advance the Commonwealth’s climate innovation, mitigation, adaptation and resilience policies. The Office is led by the Climate Chief, who is appointed by and reports to the Governor and serves as an officer within the Governor’s cabinet. The Climate Chief is the principal policy advisor to the Governor on all matters relating to climate and leads the development and implementation of policy across executive department agencies and offices.
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Governor Healey Launches Portrait Essay Contest for Students
Governor Healey launched a portrait essay contest for Massachusetts students. It’s a tradition that each new Governor and Lieutenant Governor select a portrait of a former Massachusetts Governor to hang in their offices at the State House. Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll are asking Massachusetts students to research and suggest a former Governor who inspires them and should be featured in their offices. The winners will be invited to the State House to meet with Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for the unveiling of their chosen portraits.
The contest is open to all Massachusetts students. Essays should be less than 600 words and should answer this question: Which former Massachusetts governor inspires you the most, and why should their portrait hang in the Governor or Lieutenant Governor’s office? Students should also include at least 1-2 sentences about how they researched their chosen governor. Essays are due on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 11:59 pm. Additional details and submission instructions can be found here.
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MBHP to Manage Behavioral Health Help Line Implementation
The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) has been selected to as the exclusive clinical provider for the Behavioral Health Help Line. A key component of the implementation of the Commonwealth’s Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, the Help Line will act as an accessible “front door” to treatment, enabling residents to easily find available providers and services that meet their needs. Importantly, MBHP has committed to placing a particular focus on historically underserved communities, and the Help Line will be accessible in more than 200 languages to strengthen the connection to behavioral health services.
The Help Line will offer a single point of contact for residents to receive real-time support, initial clinical assessment, and connection to the right mental health and SUD evaluation and treatment, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The phone and chat line will offer real-time clinical triage and service navigation to help individuals and families access the range of treatment for mental health and addiction offered in the Commonwealth, including outpatient, urgent and immediate crisis intervention. Starting in early January, any Massachusetts resident in need of a clinical assessment and support will be able to access the Help Line 24/7 via phone and text at 833-773-BHHL, as well as online at masshelpline.com. Every call, text, or chat conversation will include clinical follow up.
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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.
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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.
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AARP Massachusetts Teletown Hall on LIHEAP
Join an AARP Massachusetts live Telephone Townhall on Energy Assistance programs on February 2nd at 1pm. The call will feature a midwinter check in with Joe Diamond of MASSCAP, Liz Berube of Citizens for Citizens, Inc. Fall River and Susan Carp of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging. There are energy assistance programs such as LIHEAP that can help older residents with heating bills. AARP’s Mike Festa will moderate the event. To sign up, click here.
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Join the 2023 GIC Public Information Sessions
The Group Insurance Commission (GIC) will hold three virtual information sessions, open to all GIC members, later this month to discuss the Fiscal Year 2024 Benefit Year. These sessions are an opportunity to learn about carrier or vendor changes, proposed benefit designs, and to ask questions about your GIC benefits. To join these sessions and participate in the Q&A, click here.
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MassHealth Redeterminations
As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023, the federal government has ended the continuous coverage requirements that prevented a member’s MassHealth coverage from ending during the COVID-19 emergency. Beginning April 1, 2023, all current MassHealth members will need to renew their health coverage to ensure they still qualify for their current benefit. These renewals will take place over 12 months. In order to reduce the number of qualified members that lose their coverage, MassHealth is working with the Massachusetts Health Connector, Health Care for All, and other partners to make sure members know how to renew their coverage and are aware of other affordable health coverage options if needed.
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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.
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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
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