October 2024 | The Stanley Report 

Dear Friend,

October's issue of The Stanley Report includes the latest news from Waltham and Beacon Hill.

Don't forget that November 5, 2024 is Election Day! Learn more.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you need assistance.

Sincerely,

Tom Stanley

Rep. Stanley attended the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation's 35th Annual Ceremony at the State House, paying tribute to the brave officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. This year, four names were added to the memorial, including Patrolman Paul Tracey of the Waltham Police Department, who tragically lost his life while working a detail on Totten Pond Road last year. Pictured are Waltham Police Chief O'Connell, Governor Healey, and Kristen Tracey alongside her family, commemorating Patrolman Tracey's service and sacrifice.

Rep. Stanley and Chief of Staff Mark Phillips were recognized by Dignity Alliance for their work on behalf of older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Rep. Stanley, accompanied by Elder Affairs Research Director Julianna Fernandez, Senator Patricia Jehlen, and her staff, as well as Rep. Lipper-Garabedian, visited the Leonard Florence Center for Living in Chelsea, Mass.

Rep. Stanley, Massachusetts Legislature Pass FY24 Supplemental Budget, Ratifying Collective Bargaining Agreements and Directing Funds to Vital Services Statewide

Rep. Stanley and the Massachusetts Legislature passed a supplemental budget that ratifies 38 collective bargaining agreements and directs funding to the health and human services workforce, childcare assistance programs, community services, and initiatives vital to the wellbeing of Massachusetts residents. The legislation directs funding to deficiencies outlined by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and makes numerous clarifications to state policies to cut red tape and create efficiencies in state government.

The legislation appropriates $362 million in funding from Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations that would be made available through Fiscal Year 2025. It directs $228 million in funding for the American Rescue Plan Act Home and Community Based Services (ARPA HCBS) Reserve to promote innovative services that enhance the quality of life and independence of people in their home and community, an investment that comes at no net cost to the state.

It includes $61 million for a critical health and human services and workforce reserve to cover projected deficiencies in Fiscal Year 2024 related to the continued need for direct care staffing to respond to health needs in nursing homes, group care settings, state hospitals, and veterans’ homes, as well as other patient health and safety supports.

"This supplemental budget makes essential investments in our direct care workforce, especially those serving in nursing homes and community settings,” said Representative Thomas M. Stanley (D-Waltham). “By allocating funds to programs that provide long-term services and supports (LTSS) at home or in the community, we’re not only strengthening care options but also improving the quality of life for those who depend on these vital services and ensuring that their caregivers are fairly compensated.”



Rep. Stanley, MA Legislature Pass Legislation to Increase Competitiveness for Federal Dollars

Rep. Stanley and his colleagues passed a bill that will allow the Commonwealth to more effectively compete for federal funding that could be invested in transformative projects related to transportation, housing, climate, economic development, and technology. The legislation takes advantage of the interest accrued from the Commonwealth’s Stabilization Fund and leverages that interest to ensure the state receives the maximum possible share of federal funds. The Commonwealth’s Stabilization Fund has an all-time high balance of over $8 billion. It is currently estimated that Massachusetts could receive up to $17.5 billion through historic, once-in-a-generation federal funding opportunities.

Over the coming years, this bill is expected to unlock more than $800 million in funds that will be used to fund the state or municipal match requirement for federal competitive grant opportunities, as well as planning work that will help municipalities with the process of preparing applications for federal grants. Once federal grant opportunities expire, money in this fund will go toward reducing the Commonwealth’s long-term liabilities. The Governor signed the bill on September 24, 2024.

“This legislation is another game changer for Massachusetts,” said Representative Thomas M. Stanley (D-Waltham. “By strategically leveraging the interest from our Rainy Day Fund, we’re not only ensuring the Commonwealth can compete for critical federal dollars but also making significant investments in transportation, housing, and climate infrastructure. These funds will help us meet the needs of our communities while maintaining fiscal responsibility and positioning Massachusetts as a national leader in innovation and development.”

Waltham Police Department Receives Grant to Improve Road Safety

Rep. Stanley is pleased to announce that the Waltham Police Department received a $59,990 grant to improve road safety. Funds awarded to municipal police departments through the Municipal Road Safety Grant Program will allow the departments to afford initiatives that include conducting traffic safety enforcement, bicyclist and pedestrian safety enforcement, non-enforcement activities such as trainings or community events, and purchasing traffic safety equipment or safety items to distribute in the community such as bike helmets.

A total of $12,419,715.75 in grant funds were awarded through three grant programs – the Municipal Road Safety Grant Program, State Agency Traffic Safety Grant Program and Underserved Communities Traffic Safety Grant Program, which was introduced for the first time this year. The programs utilize federal funding awarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The funds are managed and administered in Massachusetts by the Office of Grants and Research.

Rep. Stanley Honored with 2024 Aging Services Champion Award

Representative Tom Stanley and his co-chair on the Elder Affairs Committee Senator Patricia Jehlen received the prestigious 2024 Aging Services Champion Award at the 70th annual meeting of LeadingAge Massachusetts for their tireless commitment to improving aging services in the Commonwealth. The award celebrates exceptional leadership and advocacy for policies that ensure older adults in Massachusetts have access to high-quality, compassionate aging services. Their work has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that support the well-being and dignity of the state's older population.

In the above photo, LeadingAge Massachusetts President Elissa Sherman stands alongside Senator Jehlen and Representative Stanley, commemorating this significant achievement. Their combined efforts continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of seniors throughout the Commonwealth.

Dignity Alliance Recognizes Rep. Stanley and Staff

Rep. Stanley was recognized as a "Legislative Champion" by Dignity Alliance for his leadership on the long-term care reform bill that was recently signed into law. The legislation strengthens the Commonwealth’s oversight of nursing homes, provides critical anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ nursing home residents and permanently allows assisted living residences to offer basic health services.

Dignity Alliance Massachusetts is dedicated to transformative change to ensure the dignity of older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. Dignity Alliance also recognized several legislative staff, including Rep. Stanley’s Chief of Staff Mark Phillips.

Rep. Stanley is pictured with former state senator and Dignity Alliance member Dick Moore, Representative Ruth Balser and former Elder Affairs Secretary Paul Lanzikos.  

Rep. Stanley Attends BXP & Mass Mobility Hub Partnership Announcement in Waltham

On October 2nd, Rep. Stanley attended an event at CityPoint in Waltham to launch a new partnership between BXP (formerly Boston Properties) and Mass Mobility Hub (MMH). BXP has committed to a five-year partnership with MMH to support their mission to establish Massachusetts, and specifically Waltham, as the hub of mobility-enabling technologies. Both parties will focus on fostering a world-class battery ecosystem and best practices in mobility resiliency. Rep. Stanley was joined by Mayor McCarthy, Councilor Vidal, Councilor Durkee and City Clerk Joe Vizard.

BXP and MMH will collaborate to share knowledge and access to industry leaders in the mobility sector and engage these leaders in the mission outlined above. BXP will work with industry partners to find leasable space within the Boston region portfolio that meets their needs for research, development, lab, and/or office space. BXP will also offer MMH and partners access to outdoor space within the Boston region building portfolio to demo and test partner technologies.

Rep. Stanley Honored with Massachusetts Police Association Legislator of the Year Award

At a ceremony held on October 17 in Plymouth, Rep. Stanley was recognized with the Massachusetts Police Association’s Legislator of the Year Award. In his remarks, Rep. Stanley expressed deep gratitude for the honor and for the daily sacrifices of law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth. He emphasized their crucial role in serving as community leaders and mentors for the next generation, highlighting how officers inspire both safety and leadership in their communities. Rep. Stanley also took a moment to reflect on the tragic loss of Waltham Police Officer Paul Tracey, who, along with National Grid Worker Roderick Jackson, was killed in a hit-and-run incident earlier this year, underscoring the bravery and commitment of first responders.

In accepting the award, Rep. Stanley highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between lawmakers and the law enforcement community. He celebrated the passage of critical legislation, including Chapter 149 of the Acts of 2024, which ensures that first responders seriously injured in the line of duty receive full compensation until retirement. He also highlighted his contributions to the HERO Act, a significant bill that improves benefits for disabled veterans and military families, including provisions to support military children and streamline certification for military spouses. Looking ahead, Rep. Stanley pledged continued support for law enforcement and vowed to be an advocate for their needs on Beacon Hill.

Rep. Stanley Attends Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services 2nd Future of Aging Forum

Rep. Stanley attended the Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services 2nd Future of Aging Forum at Boston University. Dr. Rishi Manchanda from Health Begins was the keynote speaker, and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus and Acting Elder Affairs Secretary Lipson delivered remarks.  

The forum featured a group of cross-sectoral leaders collaborating on opportunities to drive actionable impact within their respective sectors to advance health, equity and independence for populations that often don’t have a voice. The Advancing Health Equity Through Innovative Housing Partnerships panel included (from left to right in photo above) Soni Gupta, Associate Vice President of Community Wealth for the Boston Foundation, Lizbeth Heyer, Chief of Real Estate and Innovation for 2Life Communities, Betsey Crimmins, Executive Director of Mass Aging Access, Marta Corvelo, Chief Executive Office of Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, Dr. Monera Wong, Chief Medical Officer for The Dimock Center and Jesse Esell-Vetter, Director of Grants and Special Initiatives for Homeowner's Rehab, Inc./CNAHS. 

Rep. Stanley Visits Nation’s First Urban Green House in Chelsea

Representative Tom Stanley, accompanied by Elder Affairs Research Director Julianna Fernandez, Senator Patricia Jehlen, and her staff, as well as Rep. Lipper-Garabedian, visited the Leonard Florence Center for Living in Chelsea, Mass. This groundbreaking facility is the Commonwealth's first Green House nursing home and the nation's first urban Green House.

The Green House model offers a unique approach to elder care, featuring small "houses" with up to 10 residents per floor. Each resident has a private room and bathroom, fostering a more personalized and home-like environment. Communal areas and kitchens on each floor allow residents to gather and share meals, promoting a sense of community.

LeadingAge Massachusetts President Elissa Sherman, Leonard Florence CEO Barry Berman, and Mike, a resident living with ALS, guided the group on a tour. Rep. Stanley and others saw cutting-edge technology in action, with Mike demonstrating how he controls his room's lights and doors with ease. Rep. Stanley expressed excitement about seeing the Green House model firsthand and is proud that the recently passed long-term care reform law will support the development of more Green House-style nursing homes across the state.

HIV and Aging Intervention Research Proposal Makes Significant Progress

Rep. Tom Stanley, along with members of the Massachusetts Special Legislative Commission on LGBT Aging, recently provided a letter of support for a Boston Medical Center (BMC) initiative aimed at reducing loneliness and depression among older gay and bisexual men living with HIV (OGBMLH). The commission is pleased to announce that BMC’s proposal, titled “Bridge 2 Belonging: Peer-Led Intervention to Reduce Loneliness and Depression Among Older Gay and Bisexual Men Living with HIV,” has been approved by the National Institutes of Aging.

This innovative, peer-led intervention is designed to enhance social support by incorporating motivational interviewing and elements of a friendship enrichment program. The goal is to connect OGBMLH with LGBTQ-affirming elder services in Greater Boston, helping to strengthen their social networks. BMC believes this intervention is critical for improving the quality of life, health, and overall well-being of OGBMLH by fostering stronger social connections and support systems.

As the project scales up, BMC will collaborate with the commission to recruit OGBMLH participants for focus groups that will help shape the intervention. Additionally, community advocates and elder service providers will offer feedback on the program’s intervention manual and peer training plan, ensuring the initiative is both impactful and tailored to the needs of the community. This effort marks an important step forward in addressing the unique challenges faced by older LGBTQ individuals living with HIV.

Rep. Stanley Partners with Spoonfuls to Fight Food Waste and Hunger

In September, Rep. Stanley participated in a ride-along with Spoonfuls, gaining firsthand insight into the organization’s mission of rescuing fresh, surplus food from retail partners. This initiative helps prevent food waste while delivering nutritious meals to individuals and families in Waltham and surrounding communities who need it most.

Rep. Stanley also sent a letter to House Ways and Means Chair Michlewitz in support of House Bill 4982 encouraging the donation of food to persons in need. The bill would provide a non-refundable tax credit (up to $25,000 a year) for businesses who donate food to nonprofit organizations, including farms, restaurants and grocery stores. The bill also grants civil liability protection for people or businesses that donate food directly to consumers.



Spoonfuls, based in Waltham, is dedicated to addressing food insecurity by redistributing healthy, perishable food that would otherwise end up in landfills. Through this vital work, they ensure that excess food is used to nourish, not waste. 

Public Water Systems Study Finds No Service Lines Containing Lead, Galvanized Material or Unknown Materials

A review of Waltham’s Public Water Systems submitted on October 16th, 2024 found no service lines containing or made up of lead, galvanized material, or unknown materials. This is great news for Waltham, as galvanized steel pipes can carry many of the same public health risks as lead pipes.

In 2021, the US EPA published revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule that are intended to better protect children and communities from lead exposure risks and support efforts to remove lead from drinking water. The revisions require all Public Water Systems to complete an inventory of all service lines connected to their distribution system and develop a Lead Service Line Replacement Plan. The inventory must include the pipe material and other information for both the system-owned and customer-owned portions of the service line between the water main and a structure.

Rep. Stanley Attends 9th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony

Rep. Stanley recently attended the 9th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony, held at Gillette Stadium as part of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up Conference. This annual event, hosted by the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus, recognizes standout manufacturers in the Commonwealth. The awards honor companies that exemplify innovation, growth, and leadership in the industry. Formed in 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus is a group of over 60 state legislators working to support manufacturing by providing employee training, fostering innovation (encouraging new ideas and technologies), and expanding apprenticeship programs (opportunities for hands-on learning in key sectors).

The awards ceremony took place during the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up, a conference organized by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM), along with other industry groups like MassRobotics and MassMEP (a support organization for manufacturers). The Mash-Up brings together industry leaders, startups, and educational institutions to collaborate on advancing manufacturing in the state and share resources to help manufacturers grow and succeed. The event also marks the kickoff of Massachusetts' "Manufacturing Month" in October, a time to celebrate and promote the manufacturing industry across the state.

Rep. Stanley Attends Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial 35th Annual Ceremony

Rep. Tom Stanley attended the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation's 35th Annual Ceremony at the State House. The event honored the service and sacrifice of fallen officers, including Patrolman Paul Tracey of the Waltham Police Department, who tragically lost his life last year while on duty. Four new names were added to the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial this year, ensuring their legacy is remembered.

Pictured at the ceremony are WPD Chief O'Connell, Governor Healey, and Kristen Tracey with her family. Also in attendance were Mayor McCarthy, Waltham police officers, and Councilor Brasco.

Wreaths Across America at Mt. Feake Cemetery

On December 14, 2024 at 11:00 am (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony), Wreaths Across America will be at Mt. Feake Cemetery to Remember and Honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud. Learn more. 

Latinos en Acción to Host 2024 Thanksgiving Food Drive

Latinos en Acción de Waltham, MA, Inc. is excited to announce its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on November 16, 2024. This vital event aims to support families in need within the Waltham community by providing essential food items, including turkeys and a variety of non-perishable goods such as canned, dry, bagged, and boxed foods.

The Thanksgiving Food Drive is not just about distributing food; it’s about sharing love, kindness, and support with those facing the challenges of poverty and hardship.

As a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and advancement of the Latin American community, Latinos en Acción collaborates with various local partners to deliver meaningful services and events to our Hispanic community. 

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