2005 January to June Mitt Romney Press Releases

January 3, 2005

ROMNEY SIGNS BILL CRACKING DOWN ON AUTO INSURANCE FRAUD

Chiropractic and physical therapy practices face stronger state oversight

 

Governor Mitt Romney today took another step forward in the effort to reform the state’s auto insurance market by signing into law a measure that stiffens penalties for those who engage in injury claims fraud and puts in place stronger licensing and enforcement protections.

 

“Residents of Massachusetts currently pay some of the highest insurance costs in the nation,” Romney said. “We are saddled with a system that discourages competition, forces safe drivers to subsidize reckless behavior, encourages fraud and threatens lives. With this new law, we are taking a critical step forward in reviving our ailing auto insurance market.”

 

Romney said that system-wide fraud is a major reason for the high cost of auto insurance in the Commonwealth. The new law cracks down on fraud by making it a felony to act as or hire a “runner,” individuals who are paid to stage accidents and to direct clients to health care providers. Under the new law, runners will be punished by a maximum five-year prison sentence and up to $4,000 in fines.

 

The new law also strengthens the ability of the state’s medical licensing boards to oversee chiropractic and physical therapy facilities and offices, annually review insurer data for indications of over-treatment or claim fraud by providers and initiate enhanced levels of enforcement.

 

These stricter enforcement provisions will cause chiropractors and physical therapists suspended more than once for insurance claim misconduct to permanently lose their license to practice. In addition, medical professionals suspended for more than a year will be barred from participating in any manner in their professional discipline until their license is restored.

 

“The vast majority of our health care providers are honest and law-abiding. But from now on, for those few who try to cheat the system by participating in auto insurance fraud, they won’t just find themselves out of luck. They’ll find themselves looking for a new line of work,” said Romney.

 

Romney praised the Legislature for passing the legislation. Combined with recent regulatory changes that make bad drivers pay more, Romney said the effort to reform the auto insurance market is making headway. Soon, the auto insurance task force appointed last year by Romney is due to make its recommendations for legislative changes.

 

Representative Ronald Mariano (D-Quincy), House chairman of the Insurance Committee and a member of the Governor’s task force, called the law signed by Romney the state’s strongest response yet to insurance fraud.

 

“Together, we have taken the first step in reigning in the staggering fraud statistics that plague our Commonwealth. Our continued efforts statewide will ensure a fair and equitable system for all Massachusetts’ drivers,” said Mariano.

 

Added Sen. Susan Tucker (D-Andover): “False insurance claims drive up the cost of auto insurance for every driver in the state. This bill outlaws the practice of ‘running,’ striking right at the heart of many of these fraudulent schemes.”

 

 

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January 4, 2005

ROMNEY ANNOUNCES $45.3M FOR Affordable Housing

Funds will create and preserve 564 rental apartments statewide

 

In an effort to expand housing opportunities that better meet the growing needs of Massachusetts residents, Governor Mitt Romney today announced that more than $45.3 million in state resources will be used to create and preserve 564 new rental homes in 13 communities across the state.

 

Romney noted that of the 564 units developed, 551 will be affordable to low-and moderate-income individuals and families. The funds are being directed to 16 projects statewide, including four in Boston.

 

“In order to maintain the vibrancy of the Commonwealth’s cities and towns, it is essential that we make our neighborhoods more attractive to current and prospective residents,” said Romney. “These funds will provide people who live, work and play in our communities with homes that are not only affordable, but accessible to jobs, transportation and essential services.”

 

Approximately $31.5 million of the funds announced today will be generated through private investment in exchange for 10 years of state-administered federal low-income housing tax credits.

 

The remaining $13.8 million will be awarded from the state Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Housing Stabilization Fund (HSF), Facilities Consolidation Fund (FCF), HOME program and the Housing Innovations Fund (HIF) as well as the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which is jointly administered by DHCD and the quasi-public agency MassHousing. Each of the programs is designed to serve developers who produce housing for income-eligible seniors, families, individuals and special needs residents across the state.

 

Romney, who was joined by State Senator Steven Tolman and State Representative Kevin Honan, made the announcement at the Long Glen Properties in Boston’s Allston neighborhood.

 

The non-profit Allston-Brighton Community Development Corporation was awarded $550,000 in HOME, $500,000 in HIF, $500,00 in FCF and $500,000 in Affordable Housing Trust Funds as well as $770,000 in federal LIHTCs, which will generate nearly $6.2 million in investor equity over 10 years, to transform the 59 existing market-rate units at Long Glen into affordable apartments.

 

“We are always delighted to make these awards to support projects throughout the Commonwealth,” said DHCD Director Jane Wallis Gumble. “This blend of significant state and federal resources will help hundreds of low-and moderate-income households gain access to safe and decent rental housing.”

 

 

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January 7, 2005

ROMNEY PLEDGES 4.3 PERCENT BOOST IN LOCAL AID OVER LAST YEAR

Additional funds to support schools, police, fire and basic municipal services

 

At the annual meeting of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Governor Mitt Romney today disclosed that his upcoming budget for Fiscal Year 2006 will boost the amount of state aid to cities and towns by 4.3 percent over the spending plan he signed last year.

 

“Over the past two years, the Commonwealth has partnered with our cities and towns to manage through some difficult times,” Romney said. “Now, times are better and the state is once again in a position to send more money back to our cities and towns.”

 

The budget recommendation that Romney files later this month for the fiscal year that begins July 1 will propose to increase the local aid distribution to communities from $4.237 billion to $4.420 billion, a $183 million hike.

 

Specifically, Romney announced that:

 

• Direct education spending – known as Chapter 70 – will rise by an estimated $81 million, from $3.183 billion to $3.264 billion.

 

• An additional $100 million will be allocated to cities and towns through the lottery, increasing that account to $761 million. This move makes permanent the one-time $75 million payment cities and towns received last summer after the original Fiscal Year 2005 budget was signed, plus increases it by another $25 million.

 

• The category of local aid known as Payment in Lieu of Taxes, or PILOT, which compensates cities and towns where tax-exempt state properties are located, will go up by 20 percent, from $12.5 million to $15 million.

 

Romney will also propose accelerating the five-year schedule to uncap the lottery, beginning in 2006 instead of 2007. The cap was imposed before Romney took office, but the Governor said the state’s brightened fiscal picture makes it possible to phase the cap out sooner.

 

Romney told the mayors and selectmen that he admires and appreciates the work that they do for the people who elected them.

 

“Local government is the core of our democratic republic. From public works to development and zoning, you make sure that every basic good and service is delivered. You are on the front lines. We know your job is hard, and Lieutenant Governor Healey and I appreciate the work that you do,” said Romney.

 

Other details of the Governor’s budget will be made available when it is filed with the Legislature on January 26.

 

 

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January 11, 2005

ROMNEY SIGNS BILL TO PROTECT ELDERS AND THE DISABLED

Law adds new crimes, boosts penalties for those found guilty of abuse

 

Governor Mitt Romney today signed into law a new measure that increases the criminal and civil penalties for those who abuse, neglect or exploit the elderly and disabled.

 

“There are cowards in our society who prey on our elderly and disabled citizens because they think they are easy targets,” said Romney. “This new law gives prosecutors the tools they need to do their job and punishes those who victimize our most vulnerable citizens.”

 

Romney noted that there were more than 3,100 confirmed cases involving abuse, neglect or exploitation of an elder or disabled individual in Massachusetts last year, which he termed “unacceptable.”

 

The new measure broadens the law relative to the authority of prosecutors to file civil actions against persons who abuse, mistreat or neglect patients or residents of a hospital or nursing home. It permits recovery against one who recklessly permits another to commit the prohibited acts.

 

It also increases criminal penalties up to $20,000 depending upon the seriousness of the crime, and second or subsequent offenses would be punishable by up to 20 years in jail.

 

“This legislation will help protect some of our most vulnerable citizens - our seniors and the disabled,” Attorney General Thomas Reilly said. “Not only does this new law increase criminal penalties for cases of abuse against the elderly, but it will also help us more effectively prosecute nursing home supervisors who allow a pattern of abuse and neglect to occur in their homes.”

 

“I am very happy that Governor Romney has signed this very important bill, which strengthens the penalties against those who prey on the elderly or disabled,” said Edna Stamp, who advocates on behalf of elders. “I was a victim of abuse myself and the Governor’s action today lets me know that elders can be safe in Massachusetts.”

 

“With the passage of this bill, our Commonwealth is providing seniors with the security they deserve and need,” said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Eugene O’Flaherty. “I am pleased that the Legislature and the Governor agree on the importance of protecting seniors from abuse and neglect.”

 

Advocates for the disabled hailed the new law for expanding protections and increasing penalties for abuse of individuals with disabilities.

 

“This law reinforces the importance of preventing further abuse to individuals with disabilities and elders, regardless of where they live,” said Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of the Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC).

 

The new legislation also makes a number of changes to existing law to remove ambiguity and allow for more effective prosecution by specifically defining terms such as “abuse,” “mistreatment,” “bodily injury,” “serious bodily injury” and “sexual assault.”

 

“This legislation sends a strong message to would-be criminals who target elders and persons with a disability: You will be held accountable and punished for targeting our most vulnerable citizens,” said Elizabeth D. Scheibel, District Attorney for the Northwestern District in Northampton.

 

 

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January 13, 2005

ROMNEY DELIVERS 2005 STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH ADDRESS

Focusing on education, calls for more accountability, help in troubled urban districts

 

Governor Mitt Romney, citing a turnaround in the state’s finances and major government reforms, declared in his 2005 State of the Commonwealth address that the state is “strong and growing stronger” and that “Massachusetts is back.”

 

“In the last two years, we’ve saved the taxpayers millions of dollars through consolidations and efficiencies,” Romney said, speaking in the historic chamber of the House of Representatives. “We’ve modernized outmoded systems that hadn’t been touched in decades. We reformed transportation, reformed public construction, reformed school building assistance to speed new schools. We launched landmark housing policies, created merit-based college scholarships and restructured departments and agencies. And we achieved these goals without raising taxes.”

 

Romney vowed to work with the Legislature in a bi-partisan effort to enact the Education Reform Act of 2005, building on the significant progress made in our schools over the past decade by now turning the focus to Accountability and helping lower-performing urban schools.

 

“Kids in our urban schools, most of them minorities, are not succeeding at anywhere near the rate of their counterparts in the suburbs,” Romney said. “And let me be clear: The failure of our urban schools to prepare our children today for the challenges of tomorrow is the civil rights issue of our generation.”

 

In the 20-minute live televised address, Romney laid out his agenda for 2005, which includes extending health care coverage to more people, introducing stricter welfare to work requirements, moving to the next stage of auto insurance reform, leading the way for greater control over our ocean resources and merging the Turnpike Authority in a way that provides substantial and meaningful toll relief.

 

“For the last two years, I have asked for the Turnpike Authority to be merged into the state Highway Department,” Romney said. “You know I don’t give up easy. So, it’s coming again, but with a big difference: This year, I will propose that all the savings from the merger go toward toll relief. The toll burden on the people of Western and Central Massachusetts is simply unfair and we all know it.”

 

Merger savings that will be redirected to toll relief are estimated at $170 million in the first year and $20 million every year thereafter.

 

Saying that the budget he submits later this month will be structurally balanced without drawing on reserves or relying on one-time funds, Romney said there will still be room to lower the income tax from 5.3 to 5 percent consistent with the will of the voters.

 

“Let’s continue to fuel the recovery by giving the people of Massachusetts the tax rollback they voted for,” Romney said. “It’s good for working families. It’s good for small business. It’s a powerful stimulus for the economy. And, it’s our job to listen to the people.”

 

Romney lauded the progress that has been made in creating new jobs and said he would propose to further stimulate job growth by filing a jobs bill in February. Among its features will be the expansion to other industries of the measure approved in 2003 that provides medical product manufacturers with a payment equal to one-half the income taxes paid by new workers.

 

He also called for reducing by thousands the waiting list of adult immigrants who have been denied a seat in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, beefing up the state’s sales force to bring more jobs here and lowering unemployment insurance costs by bringing benefits in line with the rest of the nation.

 

“Our state program is so far out of line, it makes California’s seem inexpensive,” said Romney. At $586 per employee, Massachusetts currently has one of the most expensive unemployment insurance costs in the nation. California’s unemployment insurance rate per employee is $343.

 

The Romney jobs program will also include measures to stimulate more housing, add new capital projects and streamline permitting for business expansion.

 

For our senior citizens, Romney said he supported providing property tax relief consistent with Proposition 2½ and said he would propose maintaining the state’s Prescription Advantage program to fill in gaps with the new federal Medicare prescription drug benefit once it takes effect in January 2006. This move will still allow Massachusetts to save money, while providing the state’s seniors with one of the most generous prescription drug benefits in the nation.

 

For schools, Romney praised the success of the Education Reform Act of 1993 for pumping more money into public education and introducing testing as a standard for graduation. He proposed a new Education Reform Act of 2005 with some of the following key features:

 

 

Extending the school day in our most troubled districts with a provision for special help, study hall and sports;

 

Paying our best teachers more;

 

Providing financial incentives to attract math and science teachers to the teaching profession;

 

Making science part of the MCAS requirement, along with English and math;

 

Improving teacher training and mentoring;

 

Making it easier to fire teachers who are not qualified to be in the classroom;

 

Lifting the cap on charter schools;

 

Raising the bar for our institutes of higher education to better prepare the educators of tomorrow; and

 

Requiring parental preparation classes in our failing school districts.

“Education is the investment our generation makes in the future,” Romney said. “And education reform is the job of the Legislature and the Executive. We are ready to do that job.”

 

Romney closed his address with a special tribute to all the Massachusetts men and women who have answered the call to go to war, singling out two members of the Massachusetts National Guard who were seated in the family gallery with the Governor’s wife, Ann.

 

Sergeant First Class Andrea Couture, of Sterling, a wife and a mother of two children, was deployed to Southern Iraq for 15 months beginning in March 2003, leaving her family behind.

 

Sergeant Peter Damon, a Brockton native, husband and father of two small children, was wounded while serving in Iraq in October 2003 when a tire he was changing on a Blackhawk helicopter exploded. As a result of the incident, Sergeant Damon lost his right arm above the elbow and his left hand and wrist.

 

After honoring Couture, Damon and all those who serve our nation, and pausing to remember the 15 Massachusetts men killed in Iraq in 2004, Romney said, “We are humbled by the sacrifice and inspired by the courage.”

 

The evening program was kicked off with the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by the Bergquist siblings of Norwell. Brittany, age 14, and her brother Robbie, age 13, founded “Cell Phones for Soldiers,” a non-profit organization that provides pre-paid calling cards for soldiers deployed overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. Their older sister, Courtney, age 18 and a student at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, helps out, too. Since its inception nine months ago, Cell Phones for Soldiers has provided nearly $300,000 worth of calling cards and donations to soldiers serving overseas, an achievement that Romney wanted to recognize by inviting the youngsters to tonight’s speech.

 

 

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January 18, 2005

ROMNEY TOUTS PROGRAM REWARDING COMPANIES FOR NEW JOBS

Bonuses paid for hiring people who have been without work for a year or more

 

CAMBRIDGE – Governor Mitt Romney today touted the success of a new state program that rewards businesses that hire workers who have been out of work for a year or more and encouraged additional companies to sign up.

 

The Hiring Incentive Training (HIT) program, launched by Romney in March, provides companies that hire individuals who have been without a job for at least a year up to $2,000 for each new employee. The bonus – up to a maximum of $30,000 annually for each company – will be used to train the newly hired workers.

 

To date, the HIT program has awarded $63,000 to train 34 employees at 24 different companies across the Commonwealth. Nearly 100 companies have pre-registered for the new program, designed to match the long-term unemployed with the needs of Massachusetts businesses looking to expand.

 

Romney encouraged other Massachusetts businesses to sign up for the program to become eligible for the state assistance.

 

“The HIT program is yet another tool we use to invest in our workforce and in our businesses,” said Romney. “Since its inception, the HIT program has succeeded in matching up out of work individuals with good jobs at companies that are looking to grow. We encourage even more businesses to take advantage of the program.”

 

Romney’s news conference to promote the program took place at PageWorks, a leading digital printing and graphics service firm in Cambridge. The company has already received a bonus to train one new employee and intends to hire more people and therefore become eligible for additional state training funds.

 

“We plan to expand our operation this year and hire additional employees,” said Ron Creamer, president and founder of PageWorks. “The HIT Grant program helps pay for necessary training that allows us to grow the business.”

 

“HIT Grants will have a real impact on hiring in Massachusetts,” said Ranch Kimball, Secretary of Economic Development. “I’m extremely encouraged by the response rate from businesses and look forward to seeing more companies expand their workforce as a result of this program.”

 

Any Massachusetts business that pays into the Workforce Training Fund is eligible to participate in the HIT program. For more information on the program or to apply online, companies can log onto www.mass.gov/hiringgrant or call toll-free at 1-800-252-1591.

 

 

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January 21, 2005

ROMNEY NAMES NYC DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER AS NEW MASS CHIEF

 

 

Governor Mitt Romney today named New York City’s First Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Mark Flomenbaum as the Bay State’s Chief Medical Examiner, taking another step in professionalizing and upgrading the office.

 

“The appointment of Dr. Flomenbaum caps a significant turnaround at an agency that was in need of new leadership, a clear direction and more resources,” said Romney. “With Dr. Flomenbaum on board, I am confident that we will continue to make good progress on our goal of having a first-rate medical examiner’s office.”

 

For the last six years, Dr. Flomenbaum has worked as New York City’s First Deputy Medical Examiner. On the morning of September 11, 2001, he was the pathologist-in-charge after the city’s chief medical examiner was injured while responding to the World Trade Center attacks. Dr. Flomenbaum coordinated the triage and forensic processing for New York City on that day. He was also the coordinator of triage and forensic processing for American Airlines Flight 587, which crashed in Queens on November 12, 2001.

 

Prior to being named First Deputy, Dr. Flomenbaum worked as a New York City medical examiner beginning in 1991. He has performed over 1,800 autopsies and testified in more than 180 trials. He also taught and co-directed the office’s forensic pathology fellowship training program and directed the forensic medicine program at the New York University School of Medicine.

 

“Dr. Flomenbaum has proven himself under the most demanding circumstances,” said Edward A. Flynn, Secretary of Public Safety. “He is the best choice to lead the Chief Medical Examiner’s office during this period of rebuilding and restoring the public trust.”

 

Recognizing that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner had been chronically underfunded, Romney worked with the Legislature to increase the office’s budget by $2.7 million in Fiscal Year 2005 to $7.1 million, a 60 percent increase over the prior year.

 

He also revitalized the Medicolegal Investigation Commission, charging them with recommending a new Chief Medical Examiner. The 16-member panel, chaired by Secretary Flynn, contracted with a professional search firm to recruit eligible candidates.

 

One of the key recommendations of the search firm was to increase the salary in order to attract a pool of qualified medical doctors for the job. Dr. Flomenbaum will be paid $250,000 a year, which is comparable to the salaries of Chief Medical Examiners nationwide. For example, the Chief Medical Examiners for the Sarasota District in Florida, the Fort Myers District in Florida and the Harris County, Florida District in Texas annually earn $270,000, $285,000 and $256,000 respectively.

 

“As prosecutors, we depend on the Medical Examiner’s office for reliable and accurate autopsy and test results,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley, who is president of the Massachusetts District Attorneys’ Association. “Dr. Flomenbaum’s considerable leadership and management skills, combined with the medical expertise of the pathologists currently in the office, will ensure that the Medical Examiner’s Office achieves the highest professional standards.”

 

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is charged with determining the cause and manner of deaths that occur under suspicious circumstances in the Bay State. The agency provides services to District Attorneys, the Attorney General, the courts, federal, state and local law enforcement investigators, funeral homes, hospitals, medical schools and the families of decedents.

 

“Thanks to the state’s commitment to significantly improve the services of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, the basic components of a world-class agency already exist,” said Dr. Flomenbaum. “I am honored to have been chosen by Governor Romney to participate in this exciting transformation of the office.”

 

Dr. Flomenbaum received his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College and his Ph.D. in neuroscience from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he also received his medical degree. He is certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners and also by the American Board of Pathology in forensic pathology and anatomic pathology.

 

 

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January 24, 2005

WITH WORK, ROMNEY HELPS WELFARE RECIPIENTS GET ON THEIR FEET

Aligns state welfare program with federal requirements to prevent loss of funds

 

Governor Mitt Romney today announced new changes to the state’s welfare program with a view toward helping people lead independent, fulfilling lives and escape what he called the “poverty trap.”

 

As part of his spending plan for Fiscal Year 2006 that will be filed on Wednesday, Romney will propose increasing and expanding the work requirement for welfare recipients to bring it in line with stricter federal standards in use by virtually every other state in the country.

 

To help more welfare recipients transition to work, the Governor’s budget will also propose higher levels of spending on childcare and transportation as well as education and job training.

 

“People want a chance to work so they can build self-sustaining lives instead of relying on a welfare check that will keep them trapped in poverty,” said Romney. “By providing support services and incentives where necessary, we want to give welfare recipients the opportunity to achieve independent and fulfilling lives.”

 

In 1995, a limited work requirement was introduced to the state welfare program for families – known as Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC). The next year, President Clinton signed welfare reform legislation that included tougher requirements, but the more lenient Massachusetts program continued to operate under the terms of a 10-year waiver. With the waiver expiring at the end of September, Romney said major changes must be made to come into conformance with the federal standards or else the Commonwealth could risk losing millions of dollars in federal welfare reimbursements.

 

Under the current system, only 20 percent of adults on welfare in Massachusetts are working, the third smallest number of any state.

 

Romney’s plan brings the state work requirement in line with the federal program by making adults with children at least one year old subject to work. Under the current Massachusetts program, able-bodied recipients with children two years old or under are exempt from the work requirement.

 

Under the Governor’s proposal, welfare recipients with children between the ages of one and five will be required to work at least 20 hours a week. Recipients who have children age six or older will be required to work at least 30 hours a week. Currently, recipients with children between the ages of two and five work 20 hours a week; between the ages of six and eight, 24 hours a week; and age nine or older, 30 hours a week.

 

The type of work counted toward the requirement has not changed. In addition to employment, work may include on-the-job-training, vocational education up to a year, job search up to six weeks, community service and education/job training if it is directly tied to employment.

 

Massachusetts is one of only five states without a lifetime time limit in which recipients may collect benefits. Under Romney’s proposal, the state’s welfare eligibility will continue to be limited to two years in a five-year period, but the state will also adopt the federal government’s five-year lifetime limit.

 

“The welfare policies that Massachusetts instituted in 1995 were ahead of their time. But, the times have changed and we now lag behind the rest of the nation,” said Romney. “To help welfare recipients change their lives for the better, we need to update our laws.”

 

When Governor Weld signed welfare reform into law in February 1995, there were nearly 103,000 families receiving assistance. Today, because of the life transforming effect of work, the welfare rolls have declined to 48,516 families.

 

Romney’s plan also rewards recipients for working, allowing them to keep at least one-half of their earned income before seeing a reduction in their monthly welfare benefits. Some recipients can currently keep half of their income, but most can keep only one-third.

 

To support the families who will now be subject to the expanded work requirement, Romney’s budget will include an additional $8 million for welfare education and training programs, another $6.4 million for increased childcare demand and $1.9 million to hire more caseworkers for the screening and assessment of welfare recipients. In addition, transportation services will be available to ensure they are able to get to work, childcare and training.

 

 

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January 25, 2005

ROMNEY MOVES TO MAKE SCIENCE A GRADUATION REQUIREMENT

Says state’s future economic success tied to continued educational improvement

 

MALDEN – Following up on his State of the Commonwealth address, Governor Mitt Romney today appeared before the Board of Education to urge them to require students to pass a science exam in order to graduate from high school.

 

“Massachusetts has a choice,” Romney said. “We can provide our kids with a first-rate science education today or we can learn to live with a second-rate economy tomorrow.”

 

Noting that the Massachusetts economy largely depends on scientific innovation, Romney said the state must do a better job preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

 

The Governor asked the Board of Education to require students to pass one of four discipline-specific MCAS science tests – biology, chemistry, physics or technology/ engineering – in order to earn a high school diploma. The science test will be in addition to the English and math MCAS tests that are already mandated.

 

When compared to their peers, Bay State students perform well on national standardized tests that measure scientific aptitude. However, weaknesses exist, according to Romney. Last spring, nearly one-third of the state’s eighth graders did not pass the MCAS science exam and, in the state’s five largest school systems, more than half of the students did not pass. In addition, Massachusetts is one of only eight states in the nation without statewide science requirements for students.

 

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s scientists and engineers,” said Romney. “We need to ask ourselves whether our students are being given the tools to preserve the state’s workforce advantage and thrive in tomorrow’s science based economy.”

 

Currently, students in the fifth and eighth grades must take the science component of the MCAS test. Beginning in 2006, high school students will be required to take the science exam although it will not count toward the graduation standard until approved by the Board of Education.

 

Romney applauded the Board of Education’s plan to overhaul the teacher certification process and said aggressive efforts should be made to recruit highly qualified candidates to become teachers. He also sought the Board’s support in cutting in half the time it takes to review failing schools.

 

“When a school is labeled as chronically underperforming, that’s not a punishment but a signal that extra assistance is needed,” said Romney. “Let’s do our part and do it swiftly and efficiently to make sure student achievement doesn’t suffer.”

 

Romney told the Board of Education that his Fiscal Year 2006 Budget that he will file the next day will reflect many of its requests, including $8 million in additional funding for adult education; $1 million for the Gifted and Talented program; $2 million for extra help for failing schools; $4 million to implement new data tools to track student performance; and nearly $1 million to expand school-to-work programs in high schools.

 

Romney also said he will file an Education Act of 2005, which will include merit pay for teachers and financial incentives to attract math and science teachers, extending the school day in failing districts and making it easier for principals to weed out bad teachers.

 

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January 26, 2005

ROMNEY FILES $23.22 BILLION BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

An improving economy, reforms put state budget back on solid footing

 

With the economy improving and reforms taking hold, Governor Mitt Romney today filed a Fiscal Year 2006 budget that is balanced, provides important new investments in vital programs and honors the will of the people by reducing the income tax from 5.3 to 5 percent.

 

The budget’s bottom line is $23.22 billion, a 2.4 percent increase over anticipated current year spending. Romney also filed a $93.7 million supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2005, which includes $28 million to replenish the snow and ice removal account.

 

New budgetary spending is paid for by growth in tax revenues and savings from reforms instituted over the last two years. In the Medicaid program, the growth rate has been significantly slowed due to better management, efficiencies gained through new drug formularies and increased federal support.

 

“Our unemployment rate is low, jobs are being created and the economy is getting stronger. Massachusetts state government is in a position to increase spending on vital programs and still keep our promise to the voters by lowering the income tax,” said Romney.

 

In a sign of the turnaround in the state’s finances, Romney is proposing to shift $45 million in capital projects to the operating budget. Because the capital budget is capped at $1.2 billion annually, this will free up more money for improvements to parks, beaches and playgrounds.

 

Many of Romney’s initiatives with regard to economic stimulus, education and healthcare will be contained in legislation filed separate from the budget later in the session.

 

Still, spending on education in the budget goes up by nearly $100 million. About $77 million of that will go toward an increase in Chapter 70 school aid to local communities. The remainder includes: $8 million in additional funding for adult education; $1 million for the Gifted and Talented program; $2 million for extra help for failing schools; $4 million to implement new data tools to track student performance and nearly $1 million to expand school-to-work programs.

 

In failing districts, the Governor proposed lifting the cap on charter schools so that parents have more choices in their child’s schooling.

 

To encourage economic stimulus, the Romney budget provides an additional $13 million, including:

 

• $3.8 million for a new workforce training initiative in which employers apply

 

• $2 million to develop job-related skills among young people that are no

 

• $1.65 million for tourism advertising;

 

• $625,000 to fund a sales and marketing strategy to bring more companies

 

• $580,000 for the state’s 32 one-stop career centers.

 

In his spending plan, Romney proposed a 4.2 percent hike in the major categories of local aid, representing a nearly $180 million increase for cities and towns. He also provided additional funding for district attorneys and sheriffs and authorized $4.4 million to fund a new State Police class.

 

The Governor’s budget expands vital human service programs by providing $9.3 million to recruit and retain qualified staff at the Department of Youth Services who work with troubled juveniles, nearly $1 million more to create 15 additional community placements for individuals with mental illness and $2.9 million more to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

 

Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey said the budget “makes important investments in programs that serve vulnerable populations.”

 

According to Healey, the budget contains an additional $2.5 million for programs that link individuals who are chronically homeless to more stable housing using the same philosophy that has reduced the state’s reliance on hotels and motels as shelters.

 

“At our highest point, we had 599 families sheltered in hotels and motels. That number is now down to zero,” said Healey.

 

Spending in the Medicaid account will grow by 5.6 percent, down from the double-digit increases of the past largely due to efficiencies gained through new drug formularies, drug list purchasing, information technology and better case management.

 

The Governor also proposed additional funding for childcare, education and job training to ease the move to stricter work requirements for welfare recipients.

 

As in the welfare program, Romney’s budget imposes work requirements for people receiving housing assistance under the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program and for individuals receiving cash assistance from Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children, which has been renamed the Emergency Transitional Assistance program.

 

"We have taken a close look at all our welfare-like programs to make sure that we are giving people the opportunity to achieve independent and fulfilling lives,” said Romney.

 

Funding for Prescription Advantage is maintained at $90 million to bridge the transition to the new Medicare prescription drug benefit that starts in January 2006, and once underway to fill in financial gaps so that benefits for seniors enrolled in the program will be preserved.

 

The Governor’s budget recommends a merger of the Turnpike Authority and state Highway Department, with the money saved going back to motorists. Savings are estimated at $170 million in the first year and $20 million a year thereafter, all dedicated to toll relief.

 

In separate legislation filed today, the Romney administration continues its ongoing examination and review of the state’s tax laws for loopholes that are being used to avoid the full payment of taxes in a way that was not intended by original statute.

 

For the coming year, loophole closings account for $170 million in additional revenue.

 

The tax cut delivers on the ballot initiative overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2000 lowering the income tax to 5 percent, but which was halted by the Legislature when the state’s fiscal condition worsened. Now that the budget situation has improved, Romney said the tax cut is affordable.

 

On an annual basis, reducing the income tax from 5.3 to 5 percent will save a married couple earning $60,000 a year $146; a single person earning $50,000, $133; and a family earning $80,000 with two children, $179.

 

The capital projects Romney is proposing to fund with operating cash are:

 

• $21 million for the nanotechnology center at the Lowell campus of the

 

• $2 million for the Nantasket Beach renourishment and flood control project;

 

• $570,000 for the Beaver Brook flood control project in Waltham;

 

• $2,000,000 for repairs to the Cronin rink in Revere;

 

• $1,000,000 for repairs at Department of Conservation and Recreation pools;

 

• $2,000,000 for the Winthrop Shores restoration project;

 

• $2,000,000 for a swimming pool facility in Chelsea;

 

• $500,000 for the development of the Charles River master plan;

 

• $500,000 for repairs at Kelly Field in the Hyde Park neighborhood of

 

• $2,000,000 for the design and construction of Cass rink in the Roxbury

 

• $1,000,000 for repairs at Department of Conservation and Recreation

 

• $3,000,000 for the study, design, and construction of a new trial court

 

• $3,000,000 for the study, design, and construction of a new court facility in

 

• $2,000,000 for flood control projects in Peabody;

 

• $2,000,000 for repairs to the Manning Bowl in Lynn; and

 

• $430,000 for disabled access improvements to the Bristol Community

 

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January 28, 2005

ROMNEY EXPANDS ADULT BASIC EDUCATION FOR IMMIGRANTS

Aims to reduce waitlists for popular ESL and adult literacy programs

 

Following up on his pledge to fund English classes for thousands of newly arrived immigrants, Governor Mitt Romney today highlighted a section of his Fiscal Year 2006 budget that increases funding for adult basic education by nearly 30 percent.

 

“For generations of immigrants, learning English has been the key to unlocking the American Dream,” said Romney. “My proposal will give thousands more the opportunity to achieve success for themselves and their families.”

 

There are currently 25,000 individuals awaiting instruction in English as a Second Language, adult literacy and adult secondary education in Massachusetts. Waiting lists for admission into these classes range from four months to two years in large urban areas. Adult basic education programs currently enroll 21,000 people per year.

 

Romney’s budget proposal, which was introduced earlier this week, proposed increasing funding for adult basic education programs by $8 million for a total of $36 million, a nearly 30 percent increase. This increase will enable statewide adult basic education programs to accommodate approximately 4,000 more students each year.

 

“Adult Basic Education is vitally important for a great number of Boston residents, and especially people who are new to this country,” said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “The additional $8 million proposed by Governor Romney will go a long way toward addressing the very long waiting list for ESOL classes and help all Adult learners achieve self sufficiency.”

 

“We are enthusiastic about Governor Romney’s proposal because there is an overwhelming need out there right now,” said Westy Egmont, Director of the International Institute of Boston, which provides services to immigrants and refugees. “This should be a high priority in this state and I hope the Legislature will support the Governor’s proposal.”

 

Romney made his comments during a visit to the International Institute of Boston, which is part of a network of more than 200 community-based organizations, school districts and community colleges that provide English as a Second Language, adult literacy and adult education programs. The International Institute of Boston and its affiliates serve more than 10,000 immigrants and refugees each year.

 

New immigrants continue to account for the bulk of Massachusetts’ labor force growth. More than 50 percent of these newcomers have limited English language skills and access to education is critical to their successful economic and social integration.

 

Romney pointed to the example of Genoveva Romera, who emigrated from El Salvador five years ago knowing very little English. In 2002, she began taking ESL courses at the International Institute of Boston and now works in the housekeeping department of a Boston hotel.

 

“I am so glad that I could go to English classes so I could get a job in Massachusetts,” said Romero, 27, who is learning English at the International Institute of Boston. She said she hopes to one day go on to college.

 

 

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February 1, 2005

ROMNEY MAKES $261M BID TO EXPAND HANSCOM, NATICK BASES

 

 

Emphasizing his commitment to the state’s two largest and most valuable defense technology centers, Governor Mitt Romney today filed legislation to invest $261 million to expand Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford and the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center in Natick.

 

Romney estimated that the proposed expansion will add 4,200 new jobs to the 33,000 jobs now supported by the two facilities.

 

“The preservation and enhancement of these two important technical facilities are critical for our state economy and the evolving mission and capabilities of the nation’s military,” said Romney.

 

He added, “Working with the community, our congressional delegation and members of the Legislature, we have been making the case to military officials that Massachusetts possesses a critical cluster of intellectual, economic and human resources that maximizes the military value of these installations.”

 

“With this bond, the Commonwealth is demonstrating its commitment to Natick and Hanscom,” said Senator Edward M. Kennedy. “We know the great importance of these bases to our national security today and their potential impact in the years ahead is even greater. I’m confident that many in the Department are convinced of the strength of our case.”

 

The investment, paid for through bond funds, will significantly upgrade the Hanscom and Natick facilities, increasing their competitiveness in the upcoming Base Realignment and Closure process.

 

The Hanscom expansion will increase mission capacity on the base by 125 percent, or 1.25 million square feet, while helping create a more cost-effective operation for the Pentagon. The plan will be funded by the state at a total estimated cost of $242 million, with up to an additional $168 million in self-financed military housing to be built by private developers. Also funded through the bond bill are infrastructure improvements at and around the base to improve local commuter traffic.

 

The state’s $19 million new vision for Natick will create 110,000 square feet of new mission related space and has the potential to bring 200 permanent new jobs to the state in the near future. In addition, the Commonwealth has committed to working with the Department of Defense on identifying resources to create a Soldiers Systems Technology Collaboration Center, which would be a joint venture between the government, technology firms and academia to enhance collaboration and innovation for military and homeland security technology development.

 

Governor Romney and Senator Kennedy are the co-chairs of the Massachusetts Defense Technology Initiative (DTI) – a public-private partnership of business, scientific, and educational leaders and public officials working to protect these facilities from possible closure.

 

Chris Anderson, President of Massachusetts DTI, said, “This legislation represents the culmination of an innovative and cooperative effort between all levels of Massachusetts government and the state’s defense technology community. Through the leadership of Senator Kennedy and Governor Romney, the Commonwealth has displayed its commitment to the future of these bases and their significant contribution to the mission of the U.S. military.”

 

 

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February 3, 2005

ROMNEY AND CITIZENS BANK ANNOUNCE JOB CREATION PROGRAM

“Citizens Job Bank” offers $100 million loan fund for New England businesses

 

BOSTON – Governor Mitt Romney and Citizens Bank of Massachusetts President and CEO Robert Smyth today announced a $100 million fund that will offer very low-interest loans to companies that commit to creating or expanding jobs in New England.

 

The Citizens Job Bank, the first of its kind in the Bay State, will help create more than 2,500 new jobs in Massachusetts and throughout New England.

 

The new loan pool requires borrowers to create a minimum of one full-time job for every $40,000 borrowed at the fixed interest rate of 3.5 percent (2.00 percent below prime). The terms of the loan will require that the specified jobs be created within three years after the funds are borrowed.

 

“The Citizens Job Bank will boost economic activity in Massachusetts and help companies grow and thrive,” said Romney. “Holding the line on taxes and maintaining a business-friendly environment are among our highest priorities to ensure that more people will be working.”

 

The minimum loan size is $250,000 and the maximum is $10 million. The loans will be available to qualified borrowers starting this month. Companies eligible for the program include any public or privately owned business in a broad array of industry sectors, including manufacturing, information technology and life sciences.

 

“The Governor and Citizens Bank share a strong commitment to developing programs that enrich the lives of Massachusetts residents. Partnering with the state to create a loan pool for the specific purpose of creating jobs helps us deliver on this very important mission,” said Smyth. “We are proud to serve as a financial engine in Massachusetts and pledge to help create 2,500 new jobs throughout the New England region.”

 

Today’s announcement follows Romney’s State of the Commonwealth address in which he cited job growth as a top priority for Massachusetts in 2005. The initiative being announced today also complements the Citizens Housing Bank, a loan pool launched last spring to stimulate 1,200 new housing units throughout New England by offering a very low interest rate to nonprofit developers.

 

Citizens Job Bank loans are designed to be an integral part of the Governor’s economic stimulus and jobs bill, which will be filed later this month. The plan will include new proposals to stimulate economic activity, such as expanding job creation incentives and workforce education, updating pro-growth tax policies and putting in place a complete sales team and marketing effort.

 

Roger Berkowitz, President and CEO of Legal Seafood and a Citizens Bank customer, is among the Massachusetts business leaders interested in taking advantage of the new job bank.

 

“As a business owner in Massachusetts, I’m very pleased to hear of Citizens’ initiative in response to Governor Romney’s mandate for job growth in 2005,” said Berkowitz. “This proves that business and government can work creatively to benefit the Commonwealth and its residents.”

 

The Massachusetts Department of Business and Technology will administer the loan program and conduct annual audits to certify that borrowers fulfill job creation commitments. The agency will also market the unique program to companies already in Massachusetts and those businesses considering relocating to the Commonwealth.

 

Companies interested in obtaining more information about the program can log on to www.mass.gov/citizensjobbank, e-mail bizteam@state.ma.us or contact the Massachusetts Business Development office at 1-877-BIZ-TEAM.

 

About Citizens Bank of Massachusetts

 

Citizens Bank of Massachusetts is a $30 billion bank with more than 270 branch offices and 640 ATMs stretching from greater Boston to Cape Cod and the Berkshires. It is headquartered at 28 State Street in Boston and has regional administration centers in Quincy, Hyannis, Woburn and Wakefield. It has more than 3,800 employees.

 

 

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February 2, 2005

JETBLUE PLANS NEW FOCUS CITY AT BOSTON'S LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Low-fare Carrier Reaches Long-Term Agreement with Massport to Occupy 11-Gate Terminal C Facility

 

JetBlue Airways today announced it has reached an agreement to lease the long-term use of the 11-gate Terminal C, Pier C facility at Boston's Logan International Airport subject to Massport Board approval and execution of definitive documentation.

 

Beginning this May, the carrier expects to occupy five gates in Terminal C as well as 14 ticket counter positions. Starting in 2006, JetBlue will continue its growth in Terminal C by adding one gate every six months over the next three years. The carrier currently occupies two gates at Logan's Terminal E.

 

Similar to the carrier's successful Terminal 6 project at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, JetBlue will invest over $9 million improving its new Terminal C location in Boston with facilities and concessions its customers have come to expect.

 

"For Logan Airport and JetBlue, it's wheels up," said Governor Mitt Romney. "Business has taken off, and with today's announcement we're looking at clear skies and smooth flying. Logan's partnership with JetBlue will reap economic benefits and rewards for local travelers for years to come."

 

"I'm tremendously proud of the great work our Boston crewmembers do each day to look after our customers," said David Neeleman, JetBlue's CEO. "We're looking forward to growing JetBlue's Boston service over the next few years as we settle into our new home in Terminal C."

 

"There is no question that JetBlue's arrival has had a very positive impact on Logan," said Craig Coy, Chief Executive Officer, Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). "A lot of great things are happening here in Boston as we continue to build a New Logan for all of New England. And, as we move forward we're lucky to have great people like David Neeleman -- and the men and women of JetBlue -- as outstanding partners in this effort."

 

With JetBlue's current schedule, plus a recently announced west coast expansion, the carrier offers 19 daily flights from Boston with nonstop service to Oakland, Long Beach, CA; Denver, CO; Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Fort Myers and Orlando, FL. The carrier recently announced plans to add new daily nonstop service from Boston to Las Vegas, NV and San Jose, CA effective May 3.

 

JetBlue is a low-fare, low-cost passenger airline, which provides high-quality customer service. JetBlue operates a fleet of 70 new Airbus A320 aircraft and plans to add 14 additional A320s and 7 Embraer E190s to its fleet in 2005. Based at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport, JetBlue currently operates 276 flights a day and serves 30 destinations in 12 states, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and The Bahamas.

 

All JetBlue aircraft feature roomy leather seats; all equipped with an in-seat digital entertainment system offering up to 36 channels of free DIRECTV® programming. On many flights, a selection of first-run movies and bonus features from FOX InFlight Premium Entertainment may be available. *

 

With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel is ticketless, all fares are one-way, and a Saturday night stay is never required. For more information, schedules and fares, please visit www.jetblue.com or call JetBlue reservations at 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583), 1-888-538-2583 if calling from Puerto Rico, or 1-200-9898 if calling from the Dominican Republic. This press release, as well as past press releases, can be found on www.jetblue.com.

 

 

 

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February 4, 2005

ROMNEY SIGNS BILL THAT SETS THE STAGE FOR JOB GROWTH

Joins Senator Kennedy, legislators to promote expansion of Hanscom and Natick

 

Governor Mitt Romney today signed into law a measure that will help create thousands of new jobs at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford and the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center in Natick, the state’s two most valuable defense technology centers.

 

Romney praised the Legislature for passing the bill the same week he filed it. He said the new law will allow the state to issue bonds to finance a $261 million expansion of Hanscom and Natick.

 

“The businesses and the jobs that could potentially be created because of this important new law reflect our state’s greatest strength – brainpower,” said Romney. “That’s what we bring to the table and that’s what we need to nurture for future job growth and economic success.”

 

The proposed expansion is expected to add 4,200 new jobs to the 33,000 jobs now supported by the two facilities.

 

“I’m pleased to be here to see this timely legislation signed into law. We’ve all worked hard to preserve Hanscom and Natick, and put a lot of thought and hard work into developing this expansion plan,” said Senator Ted Kennedy, who joined Romney at the bill signing ceremony. “We’re offering the military the opportunity to nearly double the mission space at Hanscom and greatly expand the space at Natick.”

 

Kennedy added, “Our plan has been welcomed by military leaders. One General told us that he hadn’t seen anything as innovative since the bidding for the site of the Air Force Academy 50 years ago. It will be a great benefit to the Air Force and to Massachusetts too and I look forward to the day when we can begin breaking ground.”

 

The Hanscom plan will increase the base’s capacity by 125 percent, or 1.25 million square feet, helping to create a more cost-effective operation for the Pentagon. The state will fund the estimated cost of $242 million, with up to $168 million in additional self-financed military housing to be built by private developers. The measure will also fund infrastructure improvements at and around the base to improve local commuter traffic.

 

The Natick expansion will create 110,000 square feet of new space. In addition, the Commonwealth has committed to working with the Department of Defense to identify resources for a Soldiers Systems Technology Collaboration Center, a joint venture between the government, technology firms and academia to speed the development of military and homeland security technologies.

 

Governor Romney and Senator Kennedy serve as co-chairs of the Massachusetts Defense Technology Initiative (DTI) – a public-private partnership of business, scientific, and educational leaders and public officials.

 

 

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February 7, 2005

HEALEY TAPPED TO LEAD REGIONAL COMPETITVE COUNCILS

Councils award regional grants to enhance job growth and attract businesses

 

WORCESTER – Governor Mitt Romney today named Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey as Co-Chair of the state’s six Regional Competitiveness Councils (RCC), which coordinate and provide recommendations for economic development initiatives across the state.

 

“These councils have an active role in improving regional competitiveness and driving economic development throughout the Commonwealth,” said Healey. “During my travels across the state, I have worked with many communities assessing the needs of our cities and towns to create more jobs and generate business development.”

 

Healey awarded new matching grants worth more than $150,000 to help three councils from the Central, Berkshire and Pioneer Valley regions implement pro-growth programs. In 2004, over 20 initiatives were undertaken including research on regional economic development strengths, workforce development activities and infrastructure projects.

 

Building upon the solid foundation the regional councils have established to identify economic growth and development opportunities, Healey highlighted over a dozen new priorities for the upcoming year.

 

Since their inception in February 2003, the councils’ accomplishments include efforts to retain and expand Hanscom Air Force Base, securing $15 million in National

 

Science Foundation funding for a nanotechnology center at UMass-Lowell, completing the Route 146/Interstate 290 interchange in Worcester, and writing the 2004 Plan for Progress in the Pioneer Valley – an in-depth analysis of the region’s vision for economic prosperity.

 

“One of our goals for 2005 will be to assess the economic impact of infrastructure projects to each region,” said Ranch Kimball, Secretary of Economic Development. “We will also focus on industry clusters that drive economic growth and job creation throughout the regions.”

 

Eric H. Schultz, Central Massachusetts co-chair and President and CEO of Worcester-based Fallon Community Health Plan, received a $43,000 matching grant to survey the career and location interests of college seniors in the region and identify job opportunities to increase retention of recent graduates.

 

“Regional economic planning is crucial in creating priorities that are shared by each region of the state and the Romney Administration,” said Schultz.

 

The councils, established by Romney, are made up of business, community and educational leaders representing the following regions of the state: Berkshires, Cape and Islands, Central, Northeast, Pioneer Valley and the Southeast.

 

 

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February 10, 2005

ROMNEY AWARDS SMART GROWTH ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO 12 CITIES

Funds to bolster city revitalization, spur new businesses, create new jobs

 

Governor Mitt Romney today awarded 12 Bay State cities smart growth technical assistance grants, helping them spark economic development and generate new jobs in their downtown areas.

 

In addition, Romney announced more than $120,000 in state grants to help fund five projects consistent with smart growth principles.

 

“If we are to attract new businesses and jobs to Massachusetts, we must be innovative in creating clearer, faster and more predictable paths for economic development. These grants will help us to reach those goals,” said Romney. “By targeting development to areas where there is already infrastructure in place, not only can we revitalize our older communities, but we can also curb sprawl as well.”

 

Romney said the communities of Chelsea, Attleboro, Brockton, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Revere, Springfield and Worcester will share $40,000 to improve their economic competitiveness by assessing their permitting processes and overall environment for business development.

 

The dozen cities receiving the funds will be working with the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties and Northeastern University’s Center for Urban and Regional Policy to promote responsible economic development through the use of a self-assessment tool, a website template geared to attract new development and an economic development training curriculum.

 

Five other smart growth related grants totaling $120,834 are being awarded for projects slated to be completed in the next six months, including:

 

Chelsea: $30,000 to plan for the rezoning and redevelopment of two underutilized commercial parcels, Parkway Plaza and the Mystic Mall. Both sites have potential for successful smart-growth, mixed-use developments.

 

Holyoke: $30,000 to develop an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan.

 

Holyoke (Pioneer Valley Planning Commission): $8,334 for a municipal and regional Water Conservation Plan covering the Barnes Aquifer and for developing a Transfer of Development Rights program.

 

New Bedford: $22,500 for the creation of smart growth zoning and public design guidelines for the 95-acre Hicks-Logan-Sawyer District.

 

Pittsfield: $30,000 to update their zoning ordinance to ensure its consistency with the Commonwealth’s sustainable development principles, Pittsfield’s Community Development Plan and with all laws. They will also develop a Right-to-Farm ordinance.

 

“These grants respond to interest expressed by communities and regional planning agencies in having assistance from the Commonwealth in pursuing the Romney Administration’s smart growth goals,” said Commonwealth Development Secretary Douglas I. Foy. “This effort puts the Administration in the vanguard of smart urban economic development by tackling head-on the barriers to growing jobs in our cities.”

 

“Funding for these competitive grants comes from the environmental bond bill,” said Environmental Affairs Secretary Ellen Roy Herzfelder. “Criteria used to determine these awards included consistency of a proposed project with the Romney Administration’s sustainable development principles and the likelihood that it would have a significant impact on land use practices in the near future.”

 

 

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February 14, 2005

LT. GOV. HEALEY FILES BILL TO MANDATE POST-RELEASE SUPERVISION

Move will cut down on recidivism among former inmates

 

Saying that nearly half of former inmates in Massachusetts re-offend just one year after being released from prison, the Romney Administration today filed legislation requiring post-release supervision for all convicted felons after they serve their jail time.

 

“Each year, too many crimes are committed by ex-inmates. Governor Romney and I are determined to raise the standards in our criminal justice system to keep communities safe in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, who outlined the proposal.

 

Healey added, “Establishing a permanent system that prepares ex-inmates for life outside the prison walls gives them the best opportunity to become law-abiding citizens who can care for their families and contribute to their communities.”

 

Each year in Massachusetts, approximately 20,000 inmates return to cities and towns without the supervision and support necessary to lead a productive and crime-free life. Offenders often leave jail unprepared to overcome obstacles, such as drug and alcohol addictions as well as finding employment and housing. According to a 2002 “Comprehensive Recidivism Study” by the Massachusetts Sentencing Commission, 49.1 percent of all offenders recidivate after just one year.

 

Healey’s legislation reduces this trend by calling for mandatory post-release supervision for all individuals serving time in a state prison or house of correction. At the time of sentencing, the judge will also impose a period of post-release supervision. The time of the supervision will be 25 percent of the maximum sentence imposed but not less than nine months.

 

Mandatory post-release supervision was one of the key recommendations of the Governor’s Commission on Criminal Justice Innovation, which Healey chaired.

 

For those offenders who have been sentenced to more than a year in a house of correction or jail or for any duration of time to a state prison, the state parole board will manage their post-release supervision. For those sentenced to a jail or house of correction for less than a year, the probation department will monitor them.

 

Sexually dangerous persons on lifetime community parole are not eligible to have their sentences decreased under this proposal.

 

Healey said that reducing recidivism rates among former inmates through post-release supervision will also save taxpayers millions of dollars each year, noting that it costs up to $43,000 each year to incarcerate one inmate.

 

To support former inmates transitioning back into society, the Romney Administration opened eight regional re-entry centers last fall across the Commonwealth. The re-entry centers offer employment advice, vocational training, mental health services, substance abuse treatment and housing services for prisoners as they complete their sentences.

 

“Twenty thousand offenders return to our communities every year,” said state Parole Board Chair Maureen Walsh. “Punishment and incarceration play an important role in controlling the prison population, but without appropriate treatment and rehabilitative programs, both inside and outside the prison walls, offenders will more often than not return to a life of crime.”

 

Former inmates who violate conditions of a substance abuse program may have their supervision increased to accommodate for appropriate treatment. In addition, released offenders who violate the conditions of their supervision could be subject to intermediate sanctions, including increased monitoring or possible re-incarceration.

 

Under the Healey proposal, the Parole Board Chair and the Probation Commissioner will be charged with standardizing mandatory post-release supervision regulations and criteria for early completion of the program, such as success in finding employment, establishing housing and completing all counseling and treatment programs.

 

Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins, who co-chaired the Governor’s Commission on Criminal Justice Innovation’s subcommittee on Re-Entry and Post-Release Supervision, lauded the proposal. Sheriff Cousins said, “I commend the Governor and Lieutenant Governor for undertaking a thoughtful and thorough review of critical issues impacting the ‘corrections continuum.’ Through this effort we identified flaws in the current system, and developed meaningful recommendations to better serve the public at large as well as the returning offender.”

 

 

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February 15, 2005

TO CUT CRIME, MASS MAKES IT EASIER TO SHARE CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFO

 

Governor Mitt Romney, following the recommendation of Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, today issued an executive order to make it easier for criminal justice agencies to share information.

 

Healey said the newly established Integrated Criminal Justice Planning Council will be responsible for developing a comprehensive plan for the electronic exchange of information in order to more efficiently apprehend and prosecute offenders, identify individuals who are security threats and conduct surveillance.

 

Cross agency information sharing was a key recommendation of the Governor’s Commission on Criminal Justice Innovation, which Healey chaired.

 

“This effort will allow criminal justice agencies to exchange critical information, such as electronic fingerprinting and offender tracking numbers, to help identify those who threaten our safety and security,” said Healey. “We must move to unify and guide agencies in developing new technology that will enable us to better protect our citizens.

 

Today, most of the information exchanged between criminal justice agencies occurs when individuals initiate the transfer from one agency to another. Although most law enforcement agencies utilize electronic management systems, the sharing of information between them and the courts and corrections mainly takes place through hand delivery, fax or mail. Agencies are unable to store and collect valuable data because they do not have access to a unified system that provides efficient information sharing.

 

For example, 60 percent of all fingerprints are submitted electronically and entered into a system accessible to the State Police within 30 minutes and the FBI within two hours. But the remaining fingerprints are either hand-delivered or mailed, taking up to two weeks after an arrest for the information to be processed. As the case proceeds through the criminal justice system, the offender’s criminal history record may not include corresponding fingerprints.

 

Healey said the 19-member council will evaluate all current practices within the state’s criminal justice agencies. It will make recommendations for the development and implementation of a cost-effective integrated justice information system, which will include criminal offender record information and all other information relevant to sentencing, probation and community correction held by various agencies.

 

The council, which will be chaired by Public Safety Secretary Edward Flynn and co-chaired by Administration and Finance Secretary Eric Kriss, will consist of the Chief Justice of Administration and Management, the Attorney General, a sheriff, a district attorney, the Undersecretary for Forensic Services within the Executive Office of Public Safety, the Executive Director of the Criminal History Systems Board and the Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth or their designees.

 

“In the post-9/11 world, we must eliminate the silos created by antiquated technology,” said Secretary Flynn. “This Executive Order enhances public safety by bringing our criminal information communication systems into the 21st century.”

 

The state’s Chief Information Officer Peter Quinn, who served as the co-chair of the Cross Agency Information Sharing sub-committee of the Governor’s Commission on Criminal Justice Innovation, added, “The Governor’s Commission explored best practices throughout the United States and came away with three critical success factors that are integral ingredients to ensure the necessary information is delivered to the correct party at the appropriate time.”

 

The Health and Human Services Secretary, the Probation Commissioner, the Corrections Commissioner, the Parole Board Chair, the Youth Services Commissioner, the State Police Superintendent, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, the United States Attorney, the Boston Police Commissioner and a Massachusetts Police Chief or their designees will also serve as advisory, non-voting members of the council.

 

The council will meet at least once a month and submit a strategic plan to the Secretary Flynn within six months. The Secretary will then present a final plan to the Governor.

 

 

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February 16, 2005

HEALEY PROPOSES GPS TRACKING TO PROTECT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS

Bill also gives prosecutors new tools to protect crucial witnesses in gang crimes

 

Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today filed first-in-the-nation legislation that will use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to protect victims of domestic violence from their abusers and witnesses of gang crimes from dangerous or life-threatening situations.

 

Noting that violent abusers far too often scare their victims into hiding, Healey said the proposed legislation will allow the courts to require abusers who violate their restraining orders to wear a GPS monitoring device as a condition of their probation. The GPS technology will alert the victim and law enforcement officials if the offender enters certain restricted areas, including the victim’s home, workplace and child’s school.

 

“To break free from horrific relationships, victims of domestic violence and their families should not be forced to abandon their lives,” said Healey.

 

If the abuser enters the GPS exclusion zones – which are pre-determined by the court – probation will be revoked and the defendant will be fined or re-incarcerated. Abusers who violate the conditions of their restraining order will be punished by up to a $5,000 fine or up to 2½ years in the house of correction.

 

If they have the means to pay, offenders will also be financially responsible for expenses regarding the GPS bracelet, which is estimated to cost $10 per person each day.

 

“This legislation marks what we believe will be remembered as a historic turning point in our approach to protecting domestic violence victims,” said Nancy Scannell, Director of Government Affairs at Jane Doe, Inc. “Until now, the burden of victim safety has been borne largely by victims themselves. GPS tracking appropriately shifts that burden to offenders.”

 

Healey also introduced two initiatives that will crack down on gang crime by giving prosecutors the tools they need to protect key witnesses and enabling them to bring charges against those who attempt to silence witnesses.

 

Under the proposed legislation, prosecutors will be able to seek punishment for those who attempt to influence and tamper with cases by intimidating potential witnesses. Anyone who threatens or injures a witness will face up to 10 years in state prison and up to a $5,000 fine. If serious bodily injury occurs, the sentence could be hiked up to 20 years and up to a $5,000 fine.

 

To encourage individuals to come forward and testify, the courts will be authorized to issue restraining orders to protect witnesses from defendants. Violating the restraining order will be a criminal offense, punishable by up to a $5,000 fine or up to 2½ years in the house of correction.

 

In addition, if the restraining order is compromised, the courts will have the power to order the defendant to wear a GPS tracking device as a condition of pretrial release. If the offender enters an exclusion zone, he will no longer be eligible for bail or pre-trial release. Any breach of the restraining order will carry a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment of up to 2½ years in a house of correction.

 

The proposal also cracks down on gang members who try to impede criminal proceedings by circulating grand jury testimony with the intent to intimidate witnesses from testifying at trial. The proposed bill will make the use of grand jury transcripts or minutes of testimony to carry out that purpose a crime punishable by up to five years in prison, 2½ years in the house of correction or up to a $5,000 fine.

 

“Justice hangs in the balance unless critical witnesses can testify without the fear of retaliation,” said Healey.

 

The plan also calls for witness protection services for those who face serious threat or harm for testifying in gang-related cases. Prosecutors will have the authority to transfer witnesses and, if necessary, their families, to public housing facilities and provide public school relocations for children.

 

Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley endorsed Healey’s legislation. He said, “Make no mistake: intimidation has consequences that go far beyond the original victim or witness. This is a fight for the integrity of the entire criminal justice system, it’s a fight for civil rights and it’s a fight over who controls our neighborhoods – law-abiding residents or those who spread fear and violence. What Lieutenant Governor Healey has proposed should give heart to victims, to residents of neighborhoods most impacted by witness intimidation and to law enforcement. The state’s district attorneys are urging the Legislature to pass these measures quickly.”

 

The bill also creates a witness protection commission within the Attorney General’s office, comprised of the Secretary of Public Safety, the Attorney General and a District Attorney, which will oversee the witness protection program.

 

As a criminologist and former consultant to the U.S. Department of Justice in the 1990s, Healey extensively researched domestic and gang-related violence as well as victim and witness intimidation, identifying measures to improve practices throughout the criminal justice system.

 

Healey added, “We are sending a clear message to those who attempt to violate the law, justice will prevail.”

 

 

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February 18, 2005

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ANNOUNCES FEDERAL SNOW AID ON ITS WAY

Financial Assistance Available for All 14 Counties, Up to 75% Reimbursement

 

Governor Mitt Romney announced today that federal disaster aid would become available to Massachusetts communities hit hard by the January 22-23, 2005 blizzard.

 

The assistance was authorized under an emergency declaration issued by President George W. Bush after a review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) analysis of Governor Mitt Romney’s request for federal assistance. The declaration covers counties that received record or near record snowfall.

 

The 14 counties that are eligible for federal funding include Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket, Worcester, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Berkshire Counties.

 

“The January blizzard dumped historic levels of snowfall on Massachusetts, overwhelming local communities and depleting snow and ice removal budgets. This federal assistance will greatly relieve the financial burden the storm placed on the state and our cities and towns,” said Romney.

 

Under the emergency declaration, FEMA will provide reimbursement to local government, state agencies and various non-profit organizations for 75% of the total eligible costs of equipment, contracts and personnel overtime for a continuous 72-hour period designated by each applicant. These are the crucial hours when work crews clear snow emergency routes and roads to critical facilities to permit passage of emergency vehicles. Related emergency protective measures such as sanding and salting, search and rescue and shelter operations are also eligible for reimbursement.

 

“The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency will continue to work with cities and towns to help them recoup all eligible expenditures attributed to this storm,” stated MEMA Director Cristine McCombs. “Shortly, we will be announcing the locations of regional workshops for local officials and eligible applicants throughout the Commonwealth, to help walk them through this process.”

 

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA, go to www.mass.gov/mema.

 

 

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February 21, 2005

ROMNEY PROPOSES TO EXPAND BENEFITS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

Files legislation to ease the financial burden on Guard members and their survivors

 

Governor Mitt Romney today filed legislation to provide greater financial assistance to the families of Massachusetts National Guard members killed in the line of duty.

 

“We reserve our deepest respect and admiration for those who volunteer for service and give their lives to help keep our nation secure,” Romney said. “Now is the time for the people of Massachusetts to respond by offering a helping hand to the brave men and women of the Guard and their families.”

 

Romney’s proposal would increase the death benefit awarded to survivors of Guard members killed in the line of duty from $5,000 to $100,000. The change would be made retroactive to October 2001 to include members of the Guard who served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The death benefit would apply to individuals killed in state or federal actions.

 

“No money in the world is going to bring back my husband, but with the current benefits that my family receives it’s really hard to make ends meet,” said Diane Rooney, whose husband, Sgt. 1st Class Robert Rooney, was killed in the line of duty on September 25, 2003 in a combat zone in Kuwait. “Every day I receive calls and e-mails from widows whose husbands were killed in the line of duty and they tell me that the current benefits aren’t enough to provide for their families. I know a lot of families are hoping to see things made right.”

 

The Romney legislation also provides for state payment of life insurance premiums for Massachusetts National Guard troops who are on active federal duty. The policy, offered through Soldier’s Group Life Insurance, provides up to $250,000 in death benefits. Currently, troops must cover premium costs for this optional insurance, which can cost up to $195 per year. Romney would have the state pay for the insurance.

 

The Governor’s proposal complements legislation at the federal level recently proposed by President Bush. If signed into law, the federal death benefit would rise from $12,000 to $100,000. If a member of the Massachusetts National Guard were killed while federally activated, that means survivors would be eligible for both death benefits for a total of up to $200,000.

 

“No amount of money is enough to compensate a family member for their loss, that’s not what this is about,” said Major General George W. Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard. “We owe it to these family members to honor their sacrifice, to show that we care. This bill will help us do that.”

 

The Massachusetts National Guard serves a dual mission supporting the Department of Defense overseas and protecting the citizens of the Commonwealth during special security events and domestic emergencies such as natural disasters.

 

The Governor’s bill also proposes to make permanent the $1,500 annual annuity to Gold Star surviving spouses who receive the US Department of Veterans’ Affairs Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. This annuity has never been codified, leaving it subject to the vagaries of the annual budgeting process. Romney’s proposal would also expand the annuity to benefit the spouses of those injured while on active duty but who ultimately die from non-service-related causes. His plan would also treat National Guard call-up as creditable service toward a state pension.

 

“This bill shows a commitment by the Commonwealth to care for those who are currently serving on our behalf by easing somewhat the financial burden of military service,” said Tom Kelley, Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services. “It also offers a token of appreciation to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation on the battlefield,” he added.

 

 

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February 21, 2005

ROMNEY TABS CHRISTOPHER MOORE TO CHAIR JNC

 

 

Governor Mitt Romney today named Boston attorney Christopher Moore to chair the 21-member Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), which identifies and reviews all prospective judges for appointment.

 

Moore replaces former Suffolk County District Attorney Ralph Martin. Upon taking office, Romney overhauled the selection process for the appointment of judges, instituting a blind review process and placing new emphasis on merit instead of political connections.

 

Now that the selection process has been depoliticized, Romney asked Moore to focus the commission’s efforts on recruiting more women and minorities to the judiciary.

 

“We have been highly successful in our efforts to attract women to serve in my cabinet and senior staff,” Romney said. “But, we need to replicate this record in the judiciary and I have asked Chris to be aggressive in his efforts to recruit qualified women and minorities.”

 

A partner at the Boston law firm Goodwin Procter LLP, Moore’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation and defense in the areas of securities and corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, financial services, commercial aviation and real estate.

 

Moore is a member of the Bars of Massachusetts and the District of Columbia. He is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and the District of Massachusetts. He was recently appointed to the State Ethics Commission, but will step down.

 

“I am honored that Governor Romney has placed his faith in me to screen candidates applying for judicial openings,” said Moore. “Our job at the JNC is to rigorously review the qualifications of judicial applicants and increase outreach to people from all walks of life within the legal profession.”

 

A graduate of Cornell University and Northwestern University School of Law, Moore resides with his wife, Kathleen, and their two children in Sherborn.

 

 

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February 25, 2005

HEALEY RECOGNIZES POLAR BEVERAGES WITH GOVERNOR’S AWARD

 

 

WORCESTER – Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today presented Polar Beverages, the country’s largest independent soft-drink bottler, with the Governor’s Inner City Investment Award.

 

The Governor’s Award, presented monthly as part of Governor Mitt Romney’s “Jobs First” initiative, recognizes the economic assets of the Commonwealth’s urban center by celebrating the successes of its businesses. Award winners demonstrate business excellence through employment of area residents and involvement in civic and community activities.

 

“For more than a century, Polar Beverages has set the standard for excellence in business and maintained a strong tradition of community service,” said Healey. “As New England’s largest independent soft drink bottler, Polar Beverages has remained a family-owned business dedicated to their employees and the city of Worcester.”

 

The history of Polar Beverages can be traced back to the J.G Bieberbach Company, which began importing seltzer water and bottling ginger ale and mineral water in 1882. In 1916, Denis Crowley purchased the bottling division of the Bierberbach firm and two years later, the Leicester Polar Spring Company, which later became the Bieber Polar Ginger Ale Company.

 

After four generations, Polar Beverages continues operation as a family-owned business that employs 700 people in Massachusetts and has a total workforce of 1,250 employees. Polar produces sodas, mixers and seltzers with 50 different flavors, including popular beverages in birch beer, black cherry, and orange flavors.

 

The business model in the company’s early years focused largely on sales of bottled water. Polar Beverages expanded their product line to include flavored soft drinks after purchasing the Leicester Polar Spring Company, which included access to a local spring with an abundant supply of fresh water.

 

Over the years, the company’s recent dramatic growth throughout the northeast and nationally led Polar to acquire another manufacturing facility and several distribution centers in key markets.

 

In 1998, Polar received a number of relocation offers from other New England communities, but remained steadfast in its decision to remain in Worcester. Instead, the company renovated the abandoned Cookson Performance Plastics plant on Southbridge Street to ensure permanent employment for more than 600 local residents.

 

“The Polar brand represents more than just a product; it is a commitment that my family has kept for four generations,” said Ralph Crowley Jr., President and CEO of Polar Beverages since 1992. “Our employees, community and faithful customers have given us the ability to produce world-class beverages.”

 

Throughout all of its success, Polar Beverages has partnered and been a major supporter of the American Heart Association. Beginning in 1992, they began sponsoring the Central Massachusetts Striders, a local non-profit organization dedicated to promoting physical fitness by encouraging long-distance running. The Worcester Chamber of Commerce awarded Polar with the Silver Hammer award for the restoration of the former plant that helped revitalize the community.

 

The Romney Administration has presented the Governor’s Inner City Investment Award to Coghlin Electrical Contractors and Coghlin Network Services of Worcester, Interprint, Inc. of Pittsfield, George Knight & Company of Brockton, H.O. Zimman Publishing of Lynn, Traditional Breads of Lynn, Eastern Fisheries of New Bedford, City Fresh Foods of Dorchester, Court Square Data Group of Springfield, Visualization Technology of Lawrence, City Lights Electrical of Boston, Mill City Environmental Services of Lowell and Fall River Ford of Fall River.

 

 

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March 3, 2005

WITH EMPLOYMENT ON THE RISE, ROMNEY STEPS UP JOBS EFFORT

 

Governor Mitt Romney today filed a comprehensive economic stimulus package that targets capital to spur investment and job growth, expedites the burdensome permitting process and lowers the high cost of unemployment insurance.

 

Romney’s proposal comes on the heels of last week’s news that more than 3,000 jobs were created in January, the fifth consecutive month of job gains. Over the past year, 26,100 new jobs have been added, indicating a steady economic recovery.

 

“Our economy is on the move and we are creating thousands of new jobs, but we need to keep our foot on the gas pedal, said Romney. “I am asking the Legislature to join with me in making sure Massachusetts is competitive when it comes to business growth and job creation.”

 

The centerpiece of the Romney proposal is the use of nearly $500 million for the Massachusetts Opportunity Relocation and Expansion (MORE) Jobs Program that will attract at least 20,000 new jobs to the state over the next five years.

 

Components of the plan are:

 

The Jobs Incentive Fund: This fund, worth $185 million over five years, will provide incentive payments of up to $10,000 per new job to companies in a traded cluster that add at least 100 new jobs over two years.

 

The Jobs Capital Fund: This $200 million capital fund will help companies that create at least 100 new jobs by providing them up to $20,000 per job for infrastructure improvements, such as curb cuts, sewer lines, traffic signals, access roads and highway ramps.

 

The Jobs Partnership Fund: This $100 million capital fund will be available to qualifying partnership programs that have a research contract between a private sector firm in a growing industry and any Massachusetts university.

 

Romney announced the filing of the economic stimulus bill at Cambridge-based Akamai, a leading provider of web acceleration technology that employs the majority of its 600 workers in Massachusetts. Paul Sagan, President and CEO-elect of Akamai, praised the Governor’s proposal, saying, “Akamai has thrived as a Massachusetts-based company. It is critical for the state to remain competitive in attracting and holding new businesses, so that the local economy can grow and create new economic opportunities.”

 

Noting the permitting process takes anywhere from four months to five years to complete, Romney’s legislation also overhauls this significant barrier for businesses looking to relocate and expand in Massachusetts. The “Jobs Expressway Package” reforms state and local permitting rules to give businesses greater clarity and predictability on the permitting process and guarantees approvals in certain areas will be processed within 180 days.

 

The newly created Office of Technical Assistance will support communities looking to update permitting regulations. An online inventory of pre-permitted sites will be developed and marketed by the state’s Business Resource Team.

 

In addition, Romney’s plan targets the state’s highest-in-the-nation unemployment insurance system, calling for $246 million in rate relief for businesses in 2006. With unemployment costs skyrocketing by an average of 73 percent last year, Massachusetts companies now pay a higher rate than any other state at $688 per employee.

 

By decreasing the taxable wage base from $14,000 to $12,800 and setting the schedule at “C” instead of “D,” the plan will give employers an immediate savings of $101 per employee in 2006. The proposal also brings Massachusetts more in line with the other states by reducing the number of weeks an individual can collect unemployment benefits from the current 30 weeks to 26 and providing benefits for individuals who have worked for 20 weeks instead of 15.

 

“With the Massachusetts economy on the road to recovery, let’s allow our employers, who have faced some of the highest unemployment insurance bills in the nation, to invest more money in growing their business,” said Romney.

 

Romney added, “Our unemployment insurance costs are completely out of step with every other state – hiring new workers in Massachusetts comes with an expensive price tag.”

 

Romney’s bill also includes $2 million to create a sales force to help attract out-of-state businesses. Combined with $625,000 in funding requested in Romney’s Fiscal Year 2006 budget, Massachusetts will triple its sales and marketing team to be more in line with other states’ efforts to generate new business opportunities.

 

“We want other states to know that Massachusetts has a world-class workforce, leading colleges and universities and a business-friendly environment,” said Romney.

 

The state’s One-Stop Career Centers will receive an additional $2 million to provide services for job seekers, particularly nearly 9,000 newly returning reservists and National Guard, and to employers looking for workers. There are 32 centers located across the state that hold workshops, sponsor job fairs and work with local employers to recruit workers for available job openings.

 

In addition, Romney’s plan includes a repeat of last year’s highly successful sales tax holiday designed to save consumers $10 million and boost spending. The holiday, which will occur during a seasonally slow retail period, will exempt individuals from paying the state’s five percent sales tax on purchases up to $2,500. Motor vehicles, boats, meals and utility payments are not included in the holiday and items priced higher than $2,500 will still carry the sales tax.

 

Romney’s bill also includes $250,000 for the implementation of a broadband access pilot program for underserved regions.

 

“Reforming the way the state works with businesses and providing incentives for employers will help preserve and create new jobs in Massachusetts,” said Romney.

 

 

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March 4, 2005

ROMNEY TAPS SECRETARY KIMBALL TO CHAIR MASSDEVELOPMENT

 

 

To better coordinate economic development efforts in Massachusetts, Governor Mitt Romney today named Secretary of Economic Development Ranch C. Kimball as Chairman of the MassDevelopment Board of Directors. Romney also announced five board appointments to the finance and business development agency.

 

Kimball replaces Robert Beal, President of the Beal Companies, a real estate investment and management firm, who resigned from the board.

 

“Secretary Kimball has his finger on the pulse of the Massachusetts business community,” said Romney. “He is the right person to continue the momentum we have established with our aggressive job creation and economic development initiatives.”

 

Romney thanked Beal for his nearly three decades of service and called him “instrumental in our efforts to create jobs and attract business investment to Massachusetts,” as evidenced by steady economic growth resulting in the addition of more than 26,000 jobs over the last year.

 

Under Beal’s leadership, MassDevelopment has made more than $18 billion in loans to Massachusetts businesses.

 

“As we continue to try to consolidate and coordinate all of our economic development efforts, I look forward to working with MassDevelopment to achieve its ongoing goals for 2005 and beyond,” said Kimball, who has served as a member of the MassDevelopment board since 2004.

 

Romney also appointed four new board members, including:

 

• Christopher Collins, Co-Founder and CEO of Collins Nickas & Company;

 

• Katherine Craven, Executive Director of the Massachusetts School Building

 

• Steven Rosenthal, Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.;

 

• Judy Pagliuca, former Fidelity Investments executive and wife of Boston

 

Romney also reappointed Robert Fox, President of Bradford Development Corporation and the Fox Development Group.

 

Robert L. Culver, MassDevelopment President & CEO, added, “We look forward to working with Secretary Kimball and the new members to enhance the Commonwealth’s economic development efforts. MassDevelopment will benefit greatly from the Secretary’s unique perspective and the skill set he brings to this position.”

 

“The outgoing MassDevelopment board members have played an important role in establishing business and economic development programs for Massachusetts. We are grateful for their dedication and expertise in creating new jobs and redevelopment projects,” said Romney.

 

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development authority, partners with businesses and local officials to stimulate growth across the Commonwealth.

 

 

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March 7, 2005

HEALEY HONORS D2HAWKEYE WITH GOVERNOR’S AWARD

 

 

WELLESLEY — Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today presented D2Hawkeye, an innovative healthcare software firm, with the Governor’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.

 

The Wellesley company is the latest recipient of this award, which is presented as part of Governor Mitt Romney’s “Jobs First” initiative. The award recognizes employers who best demonstrate the innovation that drives the Massachusetts economy and who inspire others to turn their ideas into action.

 

“As a health care analytics company, D2Hawkeye provides a valuable service for medical professionals by helping them preemptively identify sick individuals and reducing unnecessary administrative costs in our health care system,” said Healey. “D2Hawkeye has distinguished itself in the medical software industry by creating a successful business model that continues to grow.”

 

Founded in 2001, D2Hawkeye develops software that healthcare providers use to store patient information, preemptively identify sick individuals and provide case management services. As a physician and former medical executive for MIT, founder J. Christian Kryder understood the frustration that medical professionals experience when trying to obtain complete medical information on patients. Kryder started D2Hawkeye with a vision to create a software program that was “doctor-driven” and specifically designed to give healthcare providers the patient information most needed.

 

“I founded this company to help health care providers better serve the needs of patients,” said Kryder, D2Hawkeye President and CEO. “Creating a more efficient healthcare system is one of the Governor’s objectives and our technology is helping many health care organizations and self-insured employer groups service their patients more efficiently and effectively.”

 

Starting with four founders just three years ago, D2Hawkeye now employs 85 people. The company has over 90 clients and provides services to more than 1,800 employer groups. D2Hawkeye’s main product, D2Hawkeye Explorer, allows large medical groups and self-insured employer groups to better manage the health care needs of patients and spend health care dollars more wisely.

 

Previous recipients of the Governor’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award include J&R Plastics of Acushnet; Reflectant Software of Westford; Veryfine Products of Littleton; Baril Die Company of Haverhill; Yankee Candle Company of Deerfield; The Chamberlain Group of Great Barrington; Stacy’s Pita Chips of Randolph; ZipCar of Cambridge; and posthumously to Inc. Magazine founder Bernie Goldhirsh.

 

 

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March 10, 2005

ROMNEY ANNOUNCES 20-YEAR STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Comprehensive statewide blueprint invests $31 billion in roads, bridges and transit

 

Governor Mitt Romney and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today unveiled a comprehensive, multi-modal statewide transportation blueprint that will invest nearly $31 billion over the next two decades in the state’s roads, bridges and transit network.

 

“In the post Big-Dig world, we need to focus on getting transportation dollars to every corner of the Commonwealth from Pittsfield to Provincetown,” said Romney.

 

“This landmark plan identifies regional and multi-modal transportation priorities for all regions of the Commonwealth in a way that accounts for and maximizes the efficiency of every transportation dollar we spend,” Romney added.

 

The 20-year plan, which was rolled out by Romney and Healey during stops in Springfield, Worcester, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Cape Cod and Boston, directs at least 75 percent of all new capital spending toward maintaining and improving the Commonwealth’s existing transportation network. Consistent with the Romney administration’s “Fix-It-First” policy, the majority of funds will be dedicated to bridge repair, highway reconstruction, de-bottlenecking, intersection and interchange modernization and ensuring our transit system is in a state of good repair.

 

Romney’s vision includes a number of transit expansions over the next two decades, prioritizing projects that earn federal dollars, win community support and encourage local contribution. Expansions include extending commuter rail to Fall River and New Bedford and the Blue Line to Lynn, increasing rail service between Worcester and Boston and building the Urban Ring, a rapid transit bus service that connects points around Boston.

 

The plan also invests $1 billion over the next five years in more than 600 bridge projects, aiming to reduce the number of structurally deficient bridges by 20 percent in that timeframe.

 

“Fixing our state’s structurally deficient bridges is a top priority of the Romney administration, and we need a massive investment to keep pace with the rapid level of deterioration,” said Healey. “Today’s plan doubles our commitment to the state’s bridge network to create jobs, spur economic investment and, most importantly, ensure safe travels for our residents and visitors.”

 

In order to improve commute times, Romney said the plan recommends $12 billion in reconstructing, decongesting and expanding roadways across the Commonwealth, including all major choke points. In addition to tackling hundreds of high-accident intersections and roads, the blueprint calls for the widening of Route 3 on the South Shore, making Route 2 a major east-west artery and wiring Interstate 91 in the Pioneer Valley to provide a fiber-optic “backbone” to convey traffic and other high-tech communications in the region.

 

It also directs $9 billion toward achieving a state of good repair on the MBTA’s aging assets, such as upgrading and renovating stations, purchasing new rail vehicles and buses, replacing aging train tracks and signalization and replacing elevators and escalators. All of these investments will be paid for out of MBTA resources.

 

The plan makes sure the Silver Line Phase III project is the last major expansion that the MBTA pays for with its own capital, which will free resources to operate and maintain existing infrastructure. Future MBTA expansions should rely on a combination of state, federal and local funding sources.

 

The plan doubles funding for the mobility assistance program, which provides vans for Regional Transit Agencies and elder services organizations. It emphasizes the use of corridor studies to look at land use and potential future development before undertaking a major expansion project in order to discourage sprawl and encourages transit-oriented development opportunities to encourage more housing near transit.

 

“This comprehensive plan shows how we can simultaneously strengthen our cities and town centers with new transit service, improve conditions for daily riders on the existing MBTA system and address steadily mounting road and bridge repair needs,” said Commonwealth Development Secretary Douglas I. Foy. “By doing so, this plan will help to make Massachusetts an even greater place to live for years to come.”

 

Transportation Secretary Daniel A. Grabauskas agreed, saying: “This is the Romney administration’s clear and comprehensive set of principles on how we move forward on transportation priorities. This far-reaching document touches on an array of issues we’ll be facing over the next two decades and makes clear how critical these issues are not only the future of our transportation infrastructure, but to the people it serves.”

 

Importantly, the long-range plan identifies state funding solutions to pay for outstanding Central Artery transit commitments without impacting financing for other planned projects.

 

The long-range plan, including project-specific information by region, can be viewed at www.mass.gov/eot.

 

According to Grabauskas, the Romney administration will gather feedback on the plan from around the state over the next several months and make necessary adjustments.

 

 

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March 14, 2005

ROMNEY NAMES NINE-MEMBER EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE BOARD

 

Governor Mitt Romney today appointed the nine members of the Early Education and Care Board, the panel that will develop policies and regulations to govern the newly created Department of Early Education and Care.

 

“I am grateful to each of these individuals for volunteering their time and expertise to helping my Administration successfully integrate all of our early education services under one roof,” Romney said. “Not only will this new agency ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent more wisely and efficiently, it will also improve the care we provide to our youngest citizens and their families.”

 

The appointees are:

 

• Chairman Ronald Preston, Secretary, Executive Office of Health and Human

 

• David Driscoll, Commissioner, Department of Education

 

• Judith Gill, Chancellor, Board of Higher Education

 

• Christopher Goode, Senior Director of Corporate Government and

 

• Bernard Russell, teacher, Boston Public Schools

 

• Mary Torrence, parent

 

• Linda Mason, Chairman and Founder, Bright Horizons Family Solutions

 

• Julie Culhane, Ph.D., Director of Early Childhood Programs, Hampshire

 

• Dr. Elizabeth Childs, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health

 

The Department of Early Education and Care is the new state agency charged with overseeing all of the Commonwealth’s early education and care services. Among one of the board’s first responsibilities is the selection of a commissioner of the agency, which is expected soon.

 

 

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March 15, 2005

 

STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ON TURNPIKE AUTHORITY

 

Dealing with the Turnpike Authority over the past two years has been an incredibly frustrating experience. I believe the Big Dig has been mismanaged to the detriment of the public.

 

I have asked for the Big Dig to be put under my authority and control, and I have called for a change of leadership at the Turnpike Authority. Unfortunately, I have been the lone voice on Beacon Hill calling for this change.

 

It is absolutely startling to me that the Turnpike Authority’s own engineering consultant cannot vouch for the safety of the Central Artery tunnel because he has been denied access to critical records and documents that would allow him to form an opinion.

 

With the Big Dig, there has been a pattern of cover-up and stonewalling that has left the public with little confidence that the project is being managed well or that the road and tunnel system are safe for travel.

 

Jack Lemley says he wasn’t given access to critical information to assess the tunnel’s safety. Judge Ginsburg says he was denied access to information so that he could pursue cost recovery. Christy Mihos as a member of the Board of the Turnpike Authority had to go to court to get information from the own authority of which he served as a board member.

 

This is intolerable. The culture of obstruction and cover-up starts at the very top.

 

Today, I am taking the first step to remove Matt Amorello as Chairman of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.

 

Today, I will ask the Supreme Judicial Court for an advisory opinion to confirm my power to remove the Chairman. As soon as the court responds in the affirmative, I will install new leadership.

 

I need this validation from the Supreme Judicial Court in order to avoid a protracted legal battle that would only deepen public cynicism and mistrust and delay action.

 

The second action I am taking today is this. I am directing my state Highway Department to oversee an independent evaluation of the tunnel’s safety and to make sure that’s carried out as soon as possible.

 

In order for that to happen, there will need to be full access to all relevant documents, the same documents the Turnpike Authority has been reluctant to give to its own consultant. Therefore, I am asking Attorney General Reilly to seize those documents today so they are available for independent inspection and evaluation.

 

It is imperative that the Attorney General move quickly given the matter is of such significance to our public safety.

 

As Governor, I have a responsibility to all the people when it comes to public safety.

 

My job now is to assure that the tunnels are safe, and to take whatever steps are necessary to put in place responsible management at the Turnpike Authority.

March 18, 2005

ROMNEY FILES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT STATE’S OCEAN WATERS

Seeks expanded state authority to impose zoning and avoid unplanned development

 

CENTERVILLE – Governor Mitt Romney today filed pioneering legislation that will make Massachusetts the first state in the nation to put in place a comprehensive statewide planning process to assess new projects proposed for state ocean waters.

 

Romney noted the critical need to safeguard the state’s coastal waters from unregulated new uses, saying that recent proposals off Massachusetts waters have revealed significant gaps in state and federal authority to permit offshore uses and lease open space.

 

“Right now, our ocean waters are vulnerable to unplanned development. We want to avoid a Wild West shootout, where projects are permitted on a ‘first come, first served’ basis,” said Romney. “The only way to protect our beautiful ocean environment is with comprehensive ocean zoning reform.”

 

To advise him on effective ways to update state environmental regulations to meet the challenges posed by new ocean uses, Romney created an ocean management task force in 2003 comprised of a broad range of stakeholders, including environmental groups, regulators and the fishing industry. The legislation filed today reflects the panel’s recommendations.

 

The Governor’s legislation, which he unveiled on the shores of Nantucket Sound, authorizes the Secretary of Environmental Affairs to prepare and adopt an ocean management plan within the next two years that ensures coordination among state programs that govern offshore development and ocean protection.

 

The plan will define acceptable uses for specific zones of the Bay State’s coastal waters, which extend three miles offshore along the state’s more than 1,500 miles of coast. It will also improve the state’s ability to coordinate with the federal government for projects that occur in federal waters that impact the state. Before the final plan is adopted, it will be subject to a public notice and comment period, including one or more public meetings.

 

“The coastal waters of Massachusetts have historically been a vital resource both economically and culturally to the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said state Senator Bruce Tarr, who served on the task force. “Proper long-term planning is imperative to ensure continued vitality, at the same time maximizing economic opportunities from our fisheries and providing for sustainability for future generations.”

 

“The current ocean management framework is an outdated, shortsighted approach using data that is sketchy at best,” said Environmental Affairs Secretary Ellen Herzfelder. “Massachusetts is once again leading the nation in our efforts to manage our state’s ocean resources in a proactive manner.”

 

In addition, the legislation:

 

• Allows the state to address activities in adjacent federal waters to the

 

• Exempts certain activities, such as fishing, hunting and navigation as well

 

“We need to develop a reasonable public policy and law governing offshore development,” said Susan Nickerson, Executive Director for the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound.

 

“The Massachusetts Audubon Society thinks the Governor’s bill is a step in the right direction and looks forward to working with Governor Romney and the Legislature to get comprehensive ocean legislation adopted this session,” said Jack Clarke, Director of Advocacy for MassAudubon and a member of the task force.

 

 

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March 18, 2005

ROMNEY FILES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT STATE’S OCEAN WATERS

Seeks expanded state authority to impose zoning and avoid unplanned development

 

CENTERVILLE – Governor Mitt Romney today filed pioneering legislation that will make Massachusetts the first state in the nation to put in place a comprehensive statewide planning process to assess new projects proposed for state ocean waters.

 

Romney noted the critical need to safeguard the state’s coastal waters from unregulated new uses, saying that recent proposals off Massachusetts waters have revealed significant gaps in state and federal authority to permit offshore uses and lease open space.

 

“Right now, our ocean waters are vulnerable to unplanned development. We want to avoid a Wild West shootout, where projects are permitted on a ‘first come, first served’ basis,” said Romney. “The only way to protect our beautiful ocean environment is with comprehensive ocean zoning reform.”

 

To advise him on effective ways to update state environmental regulations to meet the challenges posed by new ocean uses, Romney created an ocean management task force in 2003 comprised of a broad range of stakeholders, including environmental groups, regulators and the fishing industry. The legislation filed today reflects the panel’s recommendations.

 

The Governor’s legislation, which he unveiled on the shores of Nantucket Sound, authorizes the Secretary of Environmental Affairs to prepare and adopt an ocean management plan within the next two years that ensures coordination among state programs that govern offshore development and ocean protection.

 

The plan will define acceptable uses for specific zones of the Bay State’s coastal waters, which extend three miles offshore along the state’s more than 1,500 miles of coast. It will also improve the state’s ability to coordinate with the federal government for projects that occur in federal waters that impact the state. Before the final plan is adopted, it will be subject to a public notice and comment period, including one or more public meetings.

 

“The coastal waters of Massachusetts have historically been a vital resource both economically and culturally to the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said state Senator Bruce Tarr, who served on the task force. “Proper long-term planning is imperative to ensure continued vitality, at the same time maximizing economic opportunities from our fisheries and providing for sustainability for future generations.”

 

“The current ocean management framework is an outdated, shortsighted approach using data that is sketchy at best,” said Environmental Affairs Secretary Ellen Herzfelder. “Massachusetts is once again leading the nation in our efforts to manage our state’s ocean resources in a proactive manner.”

 

In addition, the legislation:

 

• Allows the state to address activities in adjacent federal waters to the

 

• Exempts certain activities, such as fishing, hunting and navigation as well

 

“We need to develop a reasonable public policy and law governing offshore development,” said Susan Nickerson, Executive Director for the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound.

 

“The Massachusetts Audubon Society thinks the Governor’s bill is a step in the right direction and looks forward to working with Governor Romney and the Legislature to get comprehensive ocean legislation adopted this session,” said Jack Clarke, Director of Advocacy for MassAudubon and a member of the task force.

 

 

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March 28, 2005

HEALEY ANNOUNCES EXPANDED SHELTER ACCESS FOR HOMELESS

 

 

Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today unveiled a proposal that will expand access to shelters for homeless families and provide up to $3,000 to help low-income families move into permanent housing.

 

“Through smarter and more efficient management, we’ve made remarkable progress in helping our homeless population in Massachusetts,” said Healey. “We won’t rest on our laurels, however. Our goal is to help every needy family find a place to call home.”

 

Under a supplemental spending plan filed by Governor Mitt Romney on Friday, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) would be allowed to provide shelter to families who currently don’t meet the eligibility threshold of 100 percent of the federal poverty level ($16,090 for a family of three). If there are vacancies in the shelter system, DTA could grant waivers to families whose income does not exceed 130 percent ($20,917).

 

Over the past year, the Romney Administration has made tremendous strides to improve management of the sheltering system and create permanent housing opportunities for over one thousand families. As a result, there are nearly 100 vacancies in the 95 state shelters on any given night. The move to grant waivers allows additional families to take advantage of the benefits and services the state provides.

 

“Granting these waivers does not exacerbate the homeless problem in Massachusetts, but allows us to assist more families who are already homeless,” said Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner John Wagner.

 

Due to reforms implemented by the agency over the past year, Romney’s spending plan would also take up to $3 million in DTA funds and transfer it to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for prevention services. The state’s housing department operates the Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program, which was forced to shut down due to insufficient funds earlier this year.

 

The new funding will restore the RAFT program, which helps families cover necessities such as security deposits, first and last month’s rent, moving expenses and utility payments.

 

“As the largest provider of transitional housing for homeless mothers and children in the state, Crittenton is pleased to partner with the governor and the Department of Transitional Assistance in announcing these initiatives that support family housing and that are in line with our goal of helping homeless families learn how to support themselves and become self-sufficient,” said Dr. Liz Reilinger, president and CEO of Crittenton, who hosted Healey’s announcement.

 

The One Family, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending family homelessness, also supported the measures proposed by the Romney Administration.

 

“One Family believes that family homelessness is unacceptable and solvable,” said Executive Director Melinda Marble. “These measures show that state government is shifting the system towards solutions.”

 

Today in Massachusetts, approximately 1,200 families are living in transitional housing or emergency shelters.

 

Healey added, “As the state’s economy continues to recover, we can help guide more homeless families towards independence.”

 

 

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March 29, 2005

ROMNEY DIRECTS EARLY RELEASE OF ROAD FUNDS FOR MUNICIPALITIES

$120 million in Chapter 90 Funding Issued Just Prior to New Construction Season

 

Governor Mitt Romney today announced the release of $120 million in state aid to the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns to upgrade local roads and bridges. Romney directed the early release of the funding to facilitate local project planning for the upcoming spring construction season.

 

“These Chapter 90 funds represent an important investment in our state’s infrastructure,” Romney said. “By releasing this funding earlier than in past years, communities will be able to know how much money is available to them, and they will be able to move forward more quickly on their priority road projects.”

 

Each year, Chapter 90 funding is allocated to cities and towns based on a formula that takes into account the number of miles of local roadway, population and the employment rate in a given community. The funding is reimbursed to the communities on approved transportation projects as construction unfolds. Last year, Chapter 90 funding was released in mid-August, well into that year’s road and bridge construction season.

 

In recent years, the state has released $100 million in annual Chapter 90 funds. Last year, Romney approved the release of an additional $20 million to ensure that local road and bridge construction remains active and he is committed to maintaining the higher spending level this year as well.

 

“Governor Romney knows that it important to continue with this robust investment in local roads and bridges,” said Transportation Secretary Daniel A. Grabauskas. “Approximately 90 percent of roads in the Commonwealth are under municipal jurisdiction, and we want to give cities and towns the tools that they need to maintain their critical infrastructure.”

 

This $120 million in Chapter 90 funds is on top of a requirement for the Massachusetts Highway Department to spend at least $450 million a year on the statewide road and bridge program. This past fiscal year, the state spent $456 million on the road and bridge program.

 

To check on individual allocations for cities and towns, please refer to www.state.ma.us/mhd.

 

 

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March 30, 2005

ROMNEY PROPOSES C.H.O.I.C.E. TAX RELIEF PROGRAM FOR SENIORS

Unveils Creating Housing Options of Independence and Caring for Elders plan

 

Governor Mitt Romney today proposed a tax relief package for Massachusetts senior citizens that will help them live independent and fulfilling lives in their homes and communities.

 

“Our seniors should be able to live their remaining years in the comforting surroundings of their homes and communities,” said Romney. “We can help them by providing property tax relief and other tax breaks.”

 

Romney noted his plan does not violate Proposition 2½, unlike the bill passed by the Legislature last year. Romney vetoed that bill because it would have shifted the local tax burden from seniors to young families without a vote of the people.

 

Under Romney’s plan, known as the Creating Housing Options of Independence and Caring for Elders or C.H.O.I.C.E. program, more seniors will be eligible for a property tax deferral program that allows homeowners to defer paying their property taxes until their home is sold or transferred. The proposal reduces the interest rate charged by municipalities for the deferral from 8 to 3 percent and increases the income eligibility to participate in the program to as high as $60,000 if approved by local option.

 

Under current law, an individual must have lived in Massachusetts for at least 10 years and in their home for at least five years to participate in the deferral program. Romney’s proposal opens the tax relief to even more seniors by requiring them only to live in the same community for five years.

 

In anticipation of the program’s growth, cities and towns will no longer be required to finance the cost of deferrals. Instead, under the Governor’s plan, the state will provide loans to municipalities to be repaid when the property is eventually transferred or sold.

 

“The property tax deferral program is an underused option for our seniors who feel threatened by ever growing tax bills,” said Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey. “We want to make more elders eligible and we want to make the benefit even more attractive to them.”

 

Romney’s C.H.O.I.C.E. proposal also provides additional tax breaks to help seniors stay in their homes longer, including:

 

• A $2,000 deduction for the purchase of physician-prescribed durable

 

• A $10,000 exemption for individuals caring for a parent, in-law, sibling or

 

Romney visited the home of 81-year-old Mattapan resident Ruth Colson to unveil his tax relief package. Colson, a retired Boston Public School teacher, praised the plan, saying, “I think what Governor Romney is doing for seniors is great. We need relief on our property taxes. I live on a fixed income, so anything the Governor can do is appreciated.”

 

“With property values climbing so fast in recent years, elders on a fixed income often need help to pay their property tax bills,” said Elder Affairs Secretary Jennifer Davis Carey. “Often these are people who have been paying their property taxes for 40 years or more.”

 

Romney and Healey also urged taxpayers to check their eligibility for the senior circuit tax credit program. More than 23,000 senior taxpayers, an increase of more than 20 percent over the same time last year, have claimed the credit on their personal income tax returns this year for a total savings of $14 million. The average credit: $622.

 

“Even if a senior has no other reason to file a personal income tax return, it is worth it to check the eligibility requirements for circuit breaker,” said Revenue Commissioner Alan LeBovidge. “It’s a refundable credit.”

 

By the end of the tax season, the Department of Revenue expects 50,000 seniors to share about $30 million in credits.

 

To claim the credit, a taxpayer must be 65 or older, independent and own or rent their principal residence in Massachusetts. The taxpayer’s total income cannot exceed $44,000 for a single filer, $55,000 for a head of household or $66,000 for joint filers. The assessed value of their property cannot be more than $441,000. The maximum credit allowed is $820.

 

The key to the credit is that the taxpayer’s property tax bill must exceed 10 percent of their total income. Renters can claim the credit if 25 percent of their rent exceeds 10 percent of their total income.

 

For more information about the senior circuit breaker tax credit, local property tax exemptions and other tax tips for seniors visit the Department of Revenue website at www.mass.gov/dor or call the DOR customer service bureau at 800-392-6089.

 

 

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March 31, 2005

HEALEY LAUNCHES HIGH-TECH TOOL TO TRACK SEX OFFENDERS

 

 

LOWELL – Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today announced that 50 Massachusetts police departments and criminal justice agencies will utilize an advanced, state-of-the-art computer database to track dangerous sex offenders and other wanted criminals in violation of state law.

 

“We are going to help local authorities track down dangerous sexual predators who hide from the law,” said Healey. “Police departments need the best technology available to them in order to protect families in the Commonwealth.”

 

As part of a $50,000 state-funded pilot project beginning next month, Massachusetts will become the first state in the nation to provide municipal police departments with access to enhanced address and contact information free of charge. This new tool will help law enforcement officials apprehend sex offenders who fail to register or do not provide updated address information with the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board as required by law.

 

LocatePLUS Inc., a national database service provider, was contracted by Governor Mitt Romney’s administration to provide law enforcement with access to information gathered from national consumer files and public records.

 

Forty of the licenses are available to local police departments that have the highest registered sex offender populations within their communities. Seven additional licenses will be shared regionally among smaller communities that have a lower population of sex offenders with the remaining three going to the Criminal History Systems Board, the Sex Offender Registry Board and the Massachusetts State Police.

 

Through the Commonwealth’s Criminal Justice Information System, law enforcement agencies will be able to search the LocatePLUS public data system for up-to-date location information on a wanted individual.

 

“The law requires sex offenders to notify law enforcement of their address, but as we know, this honor system is not enough,” said Public Safety Secretary Edward A. Flynn. “Tools like Locate Plus are critical to helping police keep children and families safe from harm.”

 

Since launching an intensive operation to track down unregistered sex offenders in the fall of 2003 at the direction of Governor Romney, the Sex Offender Registry Board has partnered with the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Squad to locate nearly 3,000 sex offenders.

 

Currently 8,754 sex offenders are registered in Massachusetts and 4,784 offenders are either unregistered or in violation of state law. Since 90 percent of those unregistered offenders were convicted prior to the enactment of the Sex Offender Registry Law in 1996, LocatePLUS’s technology will help the Sex Offender Registry Board further identify which of those offenders in violation have died, are incarcerated, have left the state or live in Massachusetts at a different address.

 

The advanced technology will also help state and local police monitor sex offenders in the community to ensure that offenders are providing current, accurate address information.

 

“The Lowell Police Department has an aggressive policy of tracking down unregistered sex offenders and actively pursuing any offender who is in violation,” said Lowell Police Chief Edward Davis. “LocatePLUS has been extremely effective in our efforts to determine valid addresses and locate these dangerous individuals. I am grateful for the support of Lieutenant Governor Healey and the Executive Office of Public Safety in providing access to this necessary public safety tool.”

 

Based in Beverly, MA, LocatePLUS provides access to their Internet database to over 2,000 law enforcement agencies across the country, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

 

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April 6, 2005

ROMNEY LAUNCHES HEALTHCARE REFORM IN MASSACHUSETTS

Files legislation to create affordable insurance plans for individuals, small business

 

Governor Mitt Romney today kicked off the healthcare reform debate at the State House by filing a bill that will extend health coverage to more people by creating affordable insurance products. The legislation represents the next step in the Governor’s Commonwealth Care plan to provide health insurance to all citizens.

 

“With the small percentage of uninsured in Massachusetts, we are in a unique position to give all of our citizens quality health insurance,” said Romney. “This will not be a government-mandated universal coverage program or a plan that requires new taxes. It will be a market-based reform focused on the creation of affordable insurance plans.”

 

Approximately seven percent, or 460,000, of Bay State residents currently do not have health insurance. Of those, 168,000 have household incomes greater than 300 percent of the federal poverty level and should be able to purchase some form of health insurance. Many of these individuals are employed by small businesses that either do not offer health insurance, or they are part-time or contract workers not eligible for benefits through their job.

 

Romney’s legislation will enable private insurers to offer a comprehensive health insurance product costing approximately $200 a month, compared to the current $350 average cost for small group products and over $500 average for non-group products. This will provide small businesses and individuals without insurance expanded choice at a lower cost.

 

“Small business owners want to be able to offer their employees health insurance, but the rising cost of healthcare has made that impossible for many of our entrepreneurs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey. “Our new plan will make it easier for small businesses to offer their workers a comprehensive benefits package at an affordable rate.”

 

The new insurance plans, developed by the private insurance companies, will be high quality and offer the following categories of coverage:

 

 

Romney’s bill establishes a new entity, the Commonwealth Care Exchange, to facilitate the pre-tax payment of premiums by working individuals, resulting in a 15 to 30 percent savings off their insurance bill depending on income. Using pre-tax dollars will enable working individuals to purchase the new plans for an effective cost of between $134 and $160 a month.

 

The new exchange will also enable, but not require, a participant’s company to make a financial contribution toward their healthcare costs.

 

To encourage participation in the exchange, Romney’s plan offers incentive payments to companies for registering. In addition, the state will provide decals to companies that offer health insurance to their employees so they can publicize their good corporate citizenship.

 

A nine-member board will govern the Commonwealth Care Exchange. Membership includes the following:

 

Ex-Officio Members:

 

• Economic Development Secretary

• Healthcare Finance and Policy Commissioner

• Group Insurance Commission Executive Director

• Administration and Finance Secretary

 

Gubernatorial Appointees:

 

• An actuary

• A healthcare benefits specialist

• An employee benefits attorney

• A small business representative

• A labor representative

 

Bill Vernon, Massachusetts State Director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, praised Romney’s plan, saying it will greatly benefit small business owners and their employees. Vernon said, “Small business owners want access to affordable healthcare for themselves, their families and their employees, but cost is a barrier for far too many. Allowing lower cost products to enter the market will allow small business owners who cannot afford Cadillac coverage to provide health insurance coverage for themselves and their employees.”

 

Another 36,000 unemployed individuals are also expected to take advantage of the new low-cost insurance products. Currently, the state’s Medical Security Trust contributes towards their insurance for 30 weeks. Romney said he anticipates that when these health insurance products become available, the trust will purchase them for these individuals while they look for a job. New employees will also be eligible to purchase low-cost insurance during their waiting period before coverage from their employer kicks in.

 

Romney pointed out that his Administration has made significant progress in signing up individuals who are eligible for insurance through the Medicaid program, the first phase of his health care reform efforts. Of the state’s 460,000 uninsured, 106,000 were estimated to be Medicaid-eligible but not receiving benefits, according to a state survey conducted last year. By the end of this fiscal year, an additional 60,000 individuals will have been enrolled in the Medicaid program since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2004 and new efforts are underway to sign up more people in Fiscal Year 2006 through an aggressive outreach effort.

 

Romney said the next phase of Commonwealth Care will create Safety Net Care, which will convert the uncompensated care pool into an insurance plan for the 150,000 working poor and long-term unemployed, directing them to a specified network of clinics, community health centers and hospitals. Currently, the state spends more than $1 billion annually on healthcare for the uninsured, but it does so inefficiently with limited controls on usage.

 

 

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April 7, 2005

ROMNEY TAKES HEALTHCARE REFORM ON THE ROAD

Meets with Plymouth couple to detail the benefits of affordable health insurance plan

 

One day after filing healthcare reform legislation, Governor Mitt Romney visited the Plymouth home of a 55-year-old part-time environmental consultant and his wife who are feeling the squeeze of the high cost of health insurance.

 

Romney sat down at the kitchen table with Richard and Linda Rothstein to explain how his reforms of the Massachusetts healthcare system could lower insurance costs for them and thousands of others like them.

 

“Because of the high cost of health insurance, some people choose to go without or end up paying more than they can afford,” said Romney. “My proposal will make it easier for small businesses and individuals like Richard Rothstein to purchase affordable and quality health insurance.”

 

Yesterday, Romney filed legislation that will enable private insurers to offer a comprehensive health insurance product costing approximately $200 a month, compared to the current $350 average for small group products and over $500 average for non-group products depending on a person’s age. This will provide small businesses and individuals without insurance expanded choice at a lower cost.

 

Richard Rothstein may be an individual who will benefit from the Romney plan. He works two days a week as an environmental consultant, but his semi-retired status prevents him from obtaining healthcare coverage under his employer’s insurance plan. Not wishing to be without insurance, he pays nearly $400 a month out of his own pocket for COBRA, a monthly expense he finds increasingly hard to afford on a fixed income. His wife, Linda, qualifies for a Social Security disability benefit and, therefore, receives her healthcare through Medicare.

 

Richard Rothstein’s COBRA will expire in December. At that time, he will only be eligible to buy insurance in the highly regulated non-group market, which will cost him in the range of $700 to $850 per month. Under the Governor’s plan, with insurers permitted to design a quality insurance plan at a lower price, Richard could expect to pay around $300 per month. If Richard purchases this insurance product through his employer using pre-tax dollars as Romney’s plan encourages, it will effectively cost him around $225 per month. Not only will Richard save money over his current monthly insurance payment, but he will also avoid the prohibitive costs of the non-group market.

 

“People like me are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to health insurance,” Richard Rothstein told Romney. “It’s hard to justify paying thousands of dollars annually for individual health insurance coverage if you are working on a part-time basis and have other monthly bills to pay.”

 

“I would be very interested in a lower cost plan that has a higher deductible, especially since my current coverage is up at the end of the year,” Rothstein added. “I’m paying close attention to Governor Romney’s proposal because it could be a really good option for me.”

 

Approximately seven percent, or 460,000, of Bay State residents currently do not have health insurance. Of those, 168,000 have household incomes greater than 300 percent of the federal poverty level and should be able to purchase some form of health insurance. Many of these individuals are employed by small businesses that do not offer health insurance, or they are part-time or contract workers not eligible for benefits through their job.

 

Under Romney’s legislation, the new insurance plans, developed by private insurance companies, will be high quality and offer comprehensive coverage.

 

Romney’s bill also establishes a new entity, the Commonwealth Care Exchange, to facilitate the pre-tax payment of premiums by working individuals, resulting in a 15 to 30 percent savings off their insurance bill depending on income. Using pre-tax dollars will enable working individuals to purchase the new plans for an effective cost of between $134 and $160 a month.

 

Romney’s Commonwealth Care plan also addresses signing up individuals who are eligible for Medicaid, but not currently enrolled. Later this summer, he will unveil a plan for the working poor and long-term unemployed.

 

###

April 11, 2005

HEALEY RECOGNIZES THE CHARLES C. LEWIS COMPANY

 

 

SPRINGFIELD – Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today presented The Charles C. Lewis Company, a leading steel processing center, with the Governor’s Inner City Investment Award.

 

The Springfield firm is the latest to be honored with the award, presented as part of Governor Mitt Romney’s “Jobs First” initiative. The award recognizes the economic contributions of the Commonwealth’s urban communities by celebrating the successes of its businesses.

 

The Charles C. Lewis Company was founded in 1886, and has been a leader in supplying and processing metals. The company provides thousands of tons of carbon and alloy steel plate for distribution to manufacturers in New England and New York and to distributors throughout the United States and Canada.

 

“For more than 100 years, The Charles C. Lewis has provided the raw materials companies need to create their products,” said Healey. “Through four generations of the Lewis family, the company has also earned a reputation for transforming steel into finished products, no matter how complicated or unique.”

 

In 2003, renowned artists Christo and Jean-Claude approached the company to process the steel used for “The Gates,” a temporary work of art in New York City’s Central Park. Charles C. Lewis produced and transported 15,000 steel supports to hold 7,500 fabric panels along 23 miles of park walkways.

 

“The work we did for Christo and Jean-Claude represented our largest single order and required all of the firm’s skills,” said Jack Corrigan, executive vice president at Charles C. Lewis, which employs 50 people in Massachusetts. “It is a testament to the spirit of teamwork that embodies every project we undertake, and is another example of why we have remained a family owned business.”

 

The Charles C. Lewis Company has been involved with other projects that have attracted national and international attention. In the 1980’s, the company processed the stainless steel used to build the stairs in the Statue of Liberty revitalization project.

 

Previous Inner City Investment Award recipients include Polar Beverages, Worcester; City Fresh Catering, Boston; Court Square Data Group, Springfield; Visualization Technology, Lawrence; City Lights Electrical, Dorchester; Mill City Environmental Services, Lowell; Traditional Breads, Lynn; and Zimman Publishing, Lynn.

 

 

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April 12, 2005

SMALL BUSINESSES TO BENEFIT UNDER ROMNEY HEALTHCARE PLAN

Plan links small business owners and employees to affordable health insurance

 

NORTHBOROUGH – Meeting with the small business owners of an automotive repair shop, Governor Mitt Romney today promoted his healthcare plan as a way to help small employers offer a comprehensive benefits package to their employers at an affordable rate.

 

“High health insurance costs are making it impossible for our small business owners to provide a reasonably priced healthcare plan to their workers,” said Romney, meeting with Rick and Linda DeWolfe, who own DeWolfe and Sons Auto Repair.

 

“We are committed to developing an affordable product for small business owners who want to do the right thing by their employees, but can’t keep up with the cost,” Romney added.

 

Last week, Romney filed legislation that opens the door to affordable health insurance products costing approximately $200 a month for an individual, compared to the current $350 average in the small group market and $500 in the non-group market. A family plan will cost about $500 a month under Romney’s plan, compared to $750 for small group insurance and $1,100 for a non-group product.

 

Rick and Linda DeWolfe would like to extend health coverage to their employees, but cannot because of skyrocketing healthcare costs. Up until three years ago, the small business offered subsidized health insurance to their workers, but stopped when the price tag exceeded $30,000 a year.

 

To cover themselves and their children, the couple pay $887 per month for a non-group healthcare insurance plan from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Under Romney’s plan, the owners of DeWolfe and Sons Auto Repair could access a plan with better benefits at a much lower cost for themselves and their employees.

 

The DeWolfes welcomed Romney’s proposal. Linda DeWolfe said, “As a small business, we desperately need an affordable healthcare option that will allow us to remain a successful, family-run operation.”

 

The couple also noted that in an industry that typically experiences high turnover and absenteeism, it is difficult to find and retain good workers. The ability for small business owners like the DeWolfes to offer a low-cost healthcare plan will help entrepreneurs in Massachusetts attract dedicated and talented individuals.

 

Another important feature of Governor Romney’s plan is the creation of the Commonwealth Care Exchange, which allows the uninsured to use pre-tax dollars for the payment of premium costs. Depending on income, the exchange will allow families and individuals to save an additional 15 to 30 percent off their insurance bill. Using pre-tax dollars will enable working individuals to purchase the new plans for an effective cost of between $134 and $160 a month, or around $350 a month for a family plan.

 

 

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April 13, 2005

ROMNEY NOMINATES TRIO TO JUDICIARY

 

Governor Mitt Romney today nominated William P. Hadley of Longmeadow, Kenneth V. Desmond of Boston and Denise L. Meagher of Shrewsbury to fill Associate Justice positions in the state’s court system.

 

William Hadley, who was selected for the Greenfield District Court, has worked at the Springfield law firm of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C. since 1984. Hadley was previously a contract administrator at Sanders Associates, Inc. in Nashua, New Hampshire.

 

From 2001 to 2003 Hadley served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Springfield Boys and Girls Club. He has also been a member of the Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults in Holyoke for the past 20 years, currently serving as Vice President.

 

Hadley graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in 1980 and received his law degree from Boston College Law School in 1984.

 

Kenneth Desmond, who was nominated for the East Boston Division of the Boston Municipal Court, has worked in the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department since 1997, serving as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel. In 1998, he also held the position of Director of Civil Process.

 

Desmond previously worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County and was assigned to the Superior Court Trial Division from 1990 until 1997 and the Homicide Response Team from 1991 to 1993.

 

From 2001 to 2003, Desmond served on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Black Lawyer’s Association. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Tufts University in 1985 and his law degree from Boston College Law School in 1990.

 

Denise Meagher, who was chosen for the Worcester Probate and Family Court, has been a sole practitioner since 1994, serving in the field of probate and family trial law. From 1989 to 1994, she worked for Weinstein, Bernstein & Burwick, P.C. Meagher was an Assistant City Solicitor in Worcester Law Department from 1988 to 1989 and also worked at the Law Office of James F. Connors in Fitchburg from 1987 to 1988.

 

Meagher has done extensive pro bono work throughout the years for the Worcester Probate Court. She was also the Assistant Town Counsel for the Town of Shrewsbury from 1994 to 1996.

 

Meagher graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in 1984 and her law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 1987.

 

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April 14, 2005

ROMNEY NAMES JANE TEWKSBURY AS DYS COMMISSIONER

 

 

Governor Mitt Romney today appointed Public Safety Undersecretary and former Assistant Attorney General Jane Tewksbury as Commissioner of the Department of Youth Services (DYS), the state agency that responds to the needs of youth in the justice system.

 

“Jane Tewksbury has emerged as one the most talented and dedicated public servants in Massachusetts,” Romney said. “She is the right person to continue the progress we’re making at DYS. Jane has my full support in her new mission to convince juveniles that crime doesn’t pay.”

 

In making the appointment, Romney also noted that his Fiscal Year 2006 budget proposal calls for an additional $9.3 million for DYS suicide prevention and support programs as well as another $2.5 million to bring DYS teacher salaries to the levels of teachers in the Boston Public Schools. He urged the House and Senate to approve these requests in the final budget they send to his desk.

 

Since 2003, Tewksbury has held senior management positions within the Executive Office of Public Safety. Serving first as chief of staff to Secretary Ed Flynn and then as undersecretary, she worked to identify weaknesses within agencies and implemented significant changes to ensure the agencies could fulfill their missions.

 

Tewksbury brings extensive criminal justice expertise to her new position. From 1991 to 1997, Tewksbury served as an assistant attorney general and legal counsel for former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger. As Chief of the Family and Community Crimes Bureau, she played a key role in implementing policy initiatives in the areas of domestic violence, juvenile justice and issues affecting children, persons with disabilities and victims of sexual assault.

 

Prior to working in the Attorney General’s Office, Tewksbury worked for seven years at the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, serving as Family and Community Crimes Bureau Chief and Deputy Chief as well as Director of the Juvenile Justice Project.

 

Health and Human Services Secretary Ron Preston agreed with Romney that Tewksbury is the right person for the job. “We all realize the importance of DYS and the importance of building a better DYS, and we are all willing to pitch in to help Jane Tewksbury succeed in her mission,” said Preston.

 

“To be named as the Commissioner of the Department of Youth Services represents the pinnacle of a long career in criminal justice and human services,” said Tewksbury. “I am confident that if we do our jobs well, we can interrupt a career criminal path and, in so doing, reduce future victimization and make our communities safer. This is not rocket science – it is much harder and I am honored that Governor Romney has chosen me to meet this challenge.”

 

A resident of Arlington, Tewksbury is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard/Radcliffe College and received her law degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

 

Tewksbury will begin in her new role as DYS Commissioner on May 2.

 

 

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April 19, 2005

ROMNEY HONORS 9 COMMUNITIES FOR SMART GROWTH INNOVATION

Encourages cities and towns to participate in new state effort to create more housing

 

Governor Mitt Romney today honored nine cities and towns from across the Commonwealth who emerged from a statewide competition as leaders in smart growth innovation.

 

Romney also made a pitch to Bay State communities to participate in the new 40R zoning reform program, a state effort that financially rewards cities and towns who build more housing in city and town centers near transit, retail and other infrastructure already in place.

 

“We are working harder, but more importantly, we are working smarter to achieve a better quality of life in Massachusetts for all of our citizens,” said Romney, who presented the awards for the second consecutive year. “I am delighted to recognize cities and towns that are leading the way in spurring important smart growth projects throughout the state.”

 

During a ceremony along the Charles River in Boston, Romney presented the communities of Salem, Easthampton, Lawrence, Marlboro, Newburyport, Newbury and Brockton with Smart Growth Innovation Awards. He also honored Cambridge and Montague with honorable mention awards.

 

The winning entries were submitted to the Governor’s Office for Commonwealth Development (OCD) for award consideration. Each application was thoroughly evaluated by a screening committee made up of representatives from regional planning and state agencies.

 

In addition to recognition by the Governor, the winning cities and towns will receive:

 

 

“The communities honored today are showing other cities and towns how future development should look in Massachusetts,” said OCD Secretary Douglas I. Foy. “These cities and towns are investing in their own strengths – revitalizing downtowns, preserving open space and bringing back village-style zoning.”

 

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April 21, 2005

HEALEY ANNOUNCES $2.31M FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Chelsea, Middleboro, Eastham and North Brookfield to receive development grants

 

MIDDLEBORO – Fulfilling a pledge to create more housing across the Commonwealth, Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today announced $2.31 million will be awarded to Middleboro, Chelsea, Eastham and North Brookfield to transform dilapidated, vacant or underutilized properties into rental housing for low- and moderate-income working families.

 

 

“These funds will provide people who live, work and play in our communities with homes that are not only affordable, but are also located in our downtown areas and village centers,” said Healey. “We want to preserve the New England village model where housing is close to retail, recreational activities and other services.”

 

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will administer the federal funds through its Housing Development Support Program (HDSP). HDSP is a component of the Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant program and is designed to assist housing initiatives with an emphasis on creation, preservation or improvement of small-scale projects for low- and moderate-income households. Cities and towns with populations of mostly under 50,000 are eligible to apply for HDSP funds.

 

Middleboro, one of the four recipients, will use its $590,000 award to help renovate an historic downtown mixed-use building at 153 Centre Street and create one two-bedroom and three one-bedroom affordable rental apartments on the second and third floors. The apartments will remain affordable for 20 years.

 

The Greek Revival building dates to 1849 and was Middleboro center’s first school. It was moved to its present location in 1906 to make way for a new school on the original site. The street level storefronts contain two retail stores. The deteriorated upper floors have been vacant for over two decades.

 

Since 2000, Middleboro has received four other HDSP awards totaling more than $2 million for similar renovations to four other old, mixed-used downtown buildings.

 

North Brookfield will use its $860,500 award on the Duncan Building project to create six new rental apartments, five affordable and one market rate, through the adaptive reuse of this architecturally significant downtown commercial building. The building, which dates from 1896, is deemed structurally sound with much of the original oak flooring and woodwork still in tact. The first floor contains two commercial businesses. The boarded up 2nd and 3rd floors have been vacant for over 25 years and will be substantially renovated for conversion to residential use.

 

The City of Chelsea will use $737,750 to convert a century old, vacant commercial structure at 583 Broadway into five units of affordable rental housing. The project entails the substantial rehabilitation of two existing levels and the construction of a third floor to maximize development potential and to create a blend with the surrounding three story structures. The project will result in the creation of one three-bedroom, two two-bedroom and two efficiency units, affordable to low and moderate income households for 40 years.

 

The Town of Eastham will receive $240,273 to move and renovate a vacant two-bedroom ranch home located on National Seashore property to a town-owned site adjacent to the Eastham Senior Center. The home will be rehabilitated, made handicapped-accessible for a disabled household and will be affordable in perpetuity. The building had once served as housing for National Seashore staff, but a 2002 septic system failure led to a determination that the house be donated or demolished and the fragile ecological site restored to its natural state. After much discussion between federal, state and town officials, the Department of the Interior formally donated the house to the town in August 2004.

 

“These valuable resources are used by our cities and towns as innovative tools to help in providing quality Affordable Housing all across the Commonwealth,” said DHCD Director Jane Wallis Gumble.

 

 

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April 23, 2005

ROMNEY NAMES COLONEL MASON TO LEAD MASS NATIONAL GUARD

 

 

Governor Mitt Romney today announced the selection of Army Colonel Oliver J. Mason, Jr. as the new Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard. Colonel Mason replaces General George W. Keefe, who is retiring after a distinguished 49-year military career.

 

“Over the course of an outstanding career, Colonel Mason has proven himself to be an effective leader who is capable of accomplishing the most demanding of missions,” said Romney. “As the global war on terror continues, I will look to Colonel Mason to devise and implement new ways to keep our Commonwealth secure.”

 

A 30-year veteran of the Massachusetts National Guard, Colonel Mason has held a number of leadership positions during the 19 years he has spent as a full-time employee of the organization. On September 11, 2001, Adjutant General George Keefe appointed Colonel Mason as Director of Operations, a position that put him in charge of coordinating the Massachusetts National Guard’s response at the national and state level. He was responsible for deploying military forces and providing infrastructure security and force protection at major airports, reservoirs and potential targets identified by the Executive Office of Public Safety.

 

“As the role of the Massachusetts National Guard continues to evolve to meet the challenges of terrorism, I look forward to building the capabilities that will keep us ready and available,” said Colonel Mason. “I am honored that Governor Romney has placed his trust in me to lead this great organization forward at such a critical time in our nation’s history.”

 

Colonel Mason is a graduate of Nichols College in Dudley and holds masters degrees in education from Fitchburg State College and Worcester State College. Prior to joining the Massachusetts National Guard full time in 1986, Colonel Mason was a high school science teacher in Ayer. Colonel Mason and his wife, Jane, reside in Millbury where they raised two children.

 

General Keefe, who will turn 66 on Sunday, was appointed the 41st Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard on January 7, 2000 and was the first Air Force officer to hold the position. In 2004, Romney signed into law special legislation that allowed General Keefe to extend his service by one year beyond his 65th birthday, the mandatory retirement age for National Guard officers.

 

A critical element of the nation’s homeland security strategy, the National Guard is responsible for providing operationally trained and mission-ready forces to support national security objectives. The Adjutant General serves as the Governor’s chief military advisor and is also responsible for protecting life and property in times of natural disaster or civil emergency.

 

Since September 11, 2001, over 9,600 Massachusetts National Guard troops have served on active duty at home and abroad, the largest mobilization since World War II. Today, over 800 Massachusetts National Guard troops are serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.

 

 

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April 25, 2005

ROMNEY AND CITIZENS BANK TOUT NEW JOBS IN MASSACHUSETTS

“Citizens Job Bank” provides millions in low-interest financing for local businesses

 

WATERTOWN – Governor Mitt Romney and Citizens Bank of Massachusetts Chairman, President and CEO Robert Smyth today announced that the recently launched Citizens Job Bank has closed on $5.8 million in loans that will create 145 jobs and approved an additional $8.2 million to add another 204 jobs across the state.

 

“Bringing new jobs to Massachusetts is a top priority and the partnership with Citizens provides an innovative opportunity for businesses to tap into the state’s public and private resources,” said Romney. “In just two months, the job bank has added hundreds of jobs for our citizens and helped local businesses grow and thrive.”

 

The Citizens Job Bank, which is administered by the state Department of Business and Technology, has provided four Massachusetts companies with low-cost loans to help them expand their workforce and upgrade their facilities. Since its launch, the $100 million low-interest loan fund has generated financing requests from dozens of additional companies looking to expand their business.

 

The success of the new job creation program comes as the Massachusetts economy demonstrates consistent positive growth. Since January 2004, more than 30,000 jobs have been created, including 5,600 in the last month, the seventh consecutive month for job growth. The partnership program between Massachusetts and Citizens Bank will help keep the state on the right track to continue fueling the economy and adding jobs.

 

“The first four recipients of Citizens Job Bank financing demonstrate the tremendous strength of this initiative,” said Robert E. Smyth, Chairman, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Massachusetts. “Exergen, Expressway Motors, Legal Sea Foods and Metropolitan Cabinets come from a variety of industries and they are looking to create jobs in four different Massachusetts communities. Citizens is proud to support these inspiring businesses as they grow and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the state to provide low-interest financing to a strong pipeline of companies.”

 

Exergen Corporation, a Watertown-based manufacturer of non-invasive infrared thermometers and medical products, received $2 million in Citizens Job Bank financing to purchase a new facility and add 50 new manufacturing jobs. The company’s patented line of “TemporalScanner” thermometers are now sold by major retailers, including Wal-Mart, Costco, Walgreen’s and Toys‘R’Us, and are in daily clinical use worldwide.

 

“As a business owner looking to grow operations in Massachusetts and boost employment, I was pleased that the financing from Citizens Job Bank provided efficient access to capital at a below-market rate,” said Dr. Frank Pompei, President of Exergen Corporation. “Over the coming months, Exergen is looking forward to moving our operations to a new facility at 400 Pleasant Street in Watertown, adding manufacturing jobs and continuing our momentum as the leading provider of non-invasive thermometry products throughout the world.”

 

In addition to Exergen, three other companies committed to creating jobs in Massachusetts have closed on their Citizens Job Bank loans. The recipients include:

 

 

The Commonwealth’s partnership with Citizens is designed to help add more than 2,500 new jobs in Massachusetts and throughout New England. The Citizens Job Bank requires borrowers to create a minimum of one full-time job for every $40,000 borrowed at the fixed interest rate of 3.5 percent (2.25 percent below prime). The terms of the loan require that the specified jobs be created within three years after the funds are borrowed.

 

The Citizens Job Bank’s minimum loan size is $240,000 and the maximum is $10 million. Companies eligible for the program include any publicly- or privately-owned business in a broad array of industry sectors, including manufacturing, information technology and life sciences.

 

The Department of Business and Technology will conduct annual audits to certify that borrowers fulfill job creation commitments. The agency is also marketing the innovative program to companies already in Massachusetts and those businesses considering relocating to the Commonwealth.

 

Companies interested in obtaining more information about the program can call the Citizens Job Bank information line at 1-888-358-0100 or the Massachusetts Business Resource Team at 1-877-BIZ-TEAM. Companies can also log on to www.mass.gov/citizensjobbank or www.citizensbank.com.

 

About Citizens Bank of Massachusetts

 

Citizens Bank of Massachusetts is a $31 billion bank with more than 260 branches and 640 ATMs stretching from Greater Boston to Cape Cod and the Berkshires. It is headquartered at 28 State Street in Boston. It is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $137 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island.

 

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April 26, 2005

ROMNEY PRAISES NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS AWARD RECIPIENT

Fred Curtis Jr., president of Worcester-based company, wins highest SBA honor

 

To mark National Small Business Week, Governor Mitt Romney today congratulated Fred Curtis Jr., President and CEO of Curtis Tractor Cab, Inc. for being named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2005 Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year.

 

“Small business is one of the backbones of our economy. It’s through the initiative and drive of people like Fred Curtis that we are creating jobs and opportunity in Massachusetts,” said Romney.

 

Curtis Tractor Cab is a leading manufacturer of customized weather protection cabs and innovative snowplow systems. The company, located in Worcester, employs over 200 people and generates more than $50 million in sales annually.

 

Being selected a Small Business Person of the Year “means a great deal to the Curtis organization and helps us recognize what we have achieved,” said Curtis. “New innovations continue to drive our success and we believe that our best day will be tomorrow.Tomorrow, Curtis will leave for Washington, D.C. to attend the SBA’s award ceremony celebrating National Small Business Week and receive the honor for outstanding business leadership.

 

In Massachusetts, small companies comprise 90 percent of all businesses, employing nearly half of the state’s workforce. Romney recently proposed a number of job initiatives designed to spur economic growth, including reforming the state’s unemployment insurance system, expediting the permitting process and unveiling a healthcare plan that helps small business owners access a low-cost, comprehensive benefits package.

 

Under Romney’s leadership, the Massachusetts economy has been showing consistent positive employment growth. Since January 2004, more than 30,000 jobs have been created, including 5,600 in the month of March, the seventh consecutive month for job gains.

 

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April 28, 2005

RELYING ON SCIENCE, ROMNEY FILES DEATH PENALTY BILL

Death penalty applies to narrow set of crimes, requires higher standard of proof

 

Governor Mitt Romney today filed a bill enabling Massachusetts prosecutors to seek the death penalty in cases that include terrorism, the assassination of law enforcement officials and multiple killings. The legislation is the first of its kind in the nation in that it calls for corroborating scientific evidence, multiple layers of review and a new “no doubt” standard of proof.

 

Romney said the proposal is the “gold standard for the death penalty in the modern scientific age.”

 

“In the past, efforts to reinstate the death penalty in Massachusetts have failed. They have failed because of concerns that it would be too broadly applied or that evidentiary standards weren’t high enough or proper safeguards weren’t in place. We have answered all those concerns with this bill,” said Romney.

 

Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey noted that Massachusetts is one of only 12 states that do not have a capital punishment sentencing option.

 

“Massachusetts should no longer be in the minority of states when it comes to deterring first-degree murder,” said Healey. “The death penalty should be available for a narrow set of crimes that we all can agree deserve the ultimate punishment.”

 

Romney’s bill is based on the recommendations of the 11-member Governor’s Council on Capital Punishment, which issued its findings last year.

 

Specifically, the legislation will allow a jury to impose the death penalty for first-degree murders that were committed as an act of political Terrorism or against a law enforcement officer, a judge, a juror, a prosecutor, an attorney or a witness for the purpose of obstructing an ongoing criminal proceeding; that involved prolonged torture or a murder spree; or where the defendant had already been convicted of first-degree murder or was serving a life sentence without parole.

 

To ensure that only the guilty are put to death, the proposal mandates an unprecedented level of scientific evidence. Before the death penalty can be imposed, conclusive scientific evidence must link the defendant to the crime scene, the murder weapon or the victim’s body.

 

In addition, an independent scientific review of the physical evidence must be completed before any capital sentence is carried out. This review should ensure that the evidence is collected, handled, evaluated, analyzed, interpreted and preserved according to the highest standards of the medical and scientific community.

 

“Just as science can free the innocent, it can also identify the guilty,” Romney said.

 

The Governor’s bill will also establish a first-in-the-nation “no doubt” standard for juries. This means that even after finding the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, a jury may not impose the death penalty if one or more jurors harbor any residual doubt about the defendant’s guilt. If a jury becomes deadlocked and cannot decide whether to impose a death sentence, the court will dismiss the jury and issue a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

 

Romney’s legislation also includes a number of additional safeguards, including:

 

 

The proposal also emphasizes the importance of providing high quality defense representation and recommends developing a list of “capital case qualified” defense lawyers. The defendant will be afforded two attorneys for the trials and a third for the mandatory review by the Supreme Judicial Court.

 

Similar to the requirements for seeking a first-degree murder conviction, prosecutors attempting to prove capital murder must establish that defendants acted with premeditated malice and were at least 18 years of age at the time of the crime and not mentally retarded.

 

In 2003, Romney appointed the Governor’s Council on Capital Punishment, a high-level panel made up of some of the world’s foremost experts in the use of forensics in homicide cases, and tasked them with using the latest advances in science to design a death penalty that meets the highest evidentiary standards to ensure that no innocent person could be wrongly put to death in Massachusetts.

 

The panel issued its report in May 2004. However, because of the shortened legislative session that year, Romney waited until this year to file the bill so it could receive full consideration.

 

 

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May 2, 2005

ROMNEY NAMES JOHN COGLIANO AS TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY

 

 

Governor Mitt Romney today appointed Massachusetts Highway Department Commissioner John Cogliano as the Commonwealth’s new Secretary of Transportation. Cogliano replaces Dan Grabauskas, who resigned last month to seek appointment as General Manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

 

“John Cogliano is an experienced professional with a solid understanding of the nuts and bolts of the state’s transportation system. As Transportation Secretary, I look to him to keep the people of Massachusetts moving and to implement our $31 billion transportation improvement plan,” said Romney.

 

Cogliano started at the Highway Department in 1997, rising through the ranks until he was appointed Commissioner in 2002, overseeing 1,850 employees. In this role, he spearheaded many of Governor Romney’s key road and bridge initiatives, including the Sagamore Rotary debottlenecking project.

 

Cogliano also implemented the Fix it First and Communities First policies, accelerated spending on road and bridge projects to a minimum of $450 million a year and took an aggressive approach toward reducing the number of structurally deficient bridges.

 

As Transportation Secretary, Cogliano will manage 8,600 employees working within the Highway Department, the MBTA, the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission. These agencies have a combined annual operating and capital budget of $2.8 billion.

 

“The Romney Administration has accomplished a tremendous amount on the transportation front in the past two-and-a-half years,” said Cogliano. “I would like to thank Governor Romney for this opportunity and I look forward to implementing the vision and goals he recently set forth in his 20-year statewide transportation plan.”

 

Romney’s multi-modal statewide transportation plan invests $31 billion over the next two decades in the state’s roads, bridges and transit network, the first time ever that a Massachusetts governor has produced such a comprehensive transportation blueprint. Highlights of the plan include:

 

• Funding key transit expansions, including extending commuter rail service

 

• Dedicating $1 billion over the next five years to the repair of more than 600

 

• Directing at least 75 percent of new capital spending into maintaining and

 

• Pumping $12 billion into reconstructing, decongesting and expanding

 

• Spending $9 billion toward achieving a “state of good repair” at the MBTA.

 

Cogliano received an undergraduate degree in economics and political science from Boston College and studied administration and management at Harvard University. He and his wife, Liga, reside in Foxborough.

 

 

 

 

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May 3, 2005

ROMNEY, TRAVAGLINI AND DIMASI LAUNCH 'EVERY BODY MOVE!' PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Local Athletes and Sports Teams Stand United for Physical Fitness and Sports

 

Governor Mitt Romney, Senate President Robert E. Travaglini and Speaker of the House Salvatore DiMasi today kicked off a statewide public awareness campaign “Every Body Move!" as part of an ongoing initiative that will increase awareness about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle by participating in physical fitness and sports programs.

 

The campaign, launched in May in recognition of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is designed to get Massachusetts residents “moving”, where any physical activity is a victory.

"The more you move, the better you feel," said Governor Mitt Romney. "A little fun fitness goes a long way towards ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling life. And a healthier Massachusetts is good news for all of us.”

 

“Everybody wins, when everybody moves,” said Senate President Travaglini. “Everyday activities that anybody can do like walks, bike rides and kite-flying not only contribute to physical fitness, they can also help bring generations closer. Exercise is one of the best sources of preventative medicine.”

 

"This initiative is an excellent example of the state's commitment to improving the health and well-being of our citizens," said Speaker of the House DiMasi. "Together, we are working to increase public awareness about the benefits of exercise and the programs that can help Massachusetts residents get in shape. Everybody can lead an active, healthier lifestyle and the 'Every Body Move!' campaign shows us how."

 

Developed by the Massachusetts Governor’s Committee on Physical Fitness & Sports, the campaign highlights everyday activities and movements that enhance overall health and well-being.

 

The campaign was designed to help increase the visibility of programs that are already in place and create awareness in areas where none exist, providing all citizens with resources for living a healthier lifestyle.

 

The multi-media campaign will utilize television, radio, and print advertising as well as signage in each of the professional sports arenas and stadiums, and on/in the MBTA platforms, trains and buses. The campaign’s website at www.everybodymove.org will offer information on the benefits of exercise, recommend activities, and promote existing sports, health and fitness programs available in Massachusetts.

 

On June 16, the Committee will hold its inaugural fundraiser, “Stars & Strikes,” a celebrity bowling tournament hosted by Larry Lucchino of the Boston Red Sox, Jonathan Kraft of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution, Wyc Grousbeck of the Boston Celtics, and Charlie Jacobs of the Boston Bruins. The attendees will also include athletes, coaches and management from each of the area’s professional sports teams as well as local and national celebrities.

 

Later this summer, the Committee will launch a membership-driven outreach initiative targeting 8-14 year olds, the most inactive and impressionable segment of the population. A cornerstone of this initiative will be a fitness challenge where individual and groups of children can join an online fitness community and earn rewards for their fitness and sports related activities. This initiative will serve to complement and raise awareness for a variety of existing health and fitness programs, and offer programming where it currently does not exist.

 

“The public/private partnership that has been formed to address this issue is the first step toward making Massachusetts a healthier community,” said Soosie Lazenby, Chair of the Committee. “I am grateful to the Governor and to the legislative leadership for recognizing the importance of this initiative and for the support of our Committee members, professional sports teams, corporate partners, and professional athletes who have dedicated significant time and resources to launch this campaign.”

 

Recent findings that underscore the need for the “Every Body Move!” campaign:

 

According to the Massachusetts Department of Health (MDPH) data, 49% of Massachusetts adults do not get regular physical activity and about 55% were overweight or obese.

The Massachusetts Public Health Association and the MDPH reported that 18% of middle school students are overweight and 37% of high school students are not engaging in the recommended levels of weekly physical activity.

While childhood obesity rates have tripled nationwide over the past thirty years, in Massachusetts alone one in eight children under the age of five is above the 95th percentile for weight.

The Surgeon General’s report on Physical Activity and Health shows that regular exercise has significant benefits to health including reduced weight and decreased risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

According to the Center for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the role of community-based interventions is seen as a critical component strategy to increase physical activity behaviors.

“This program is intended to complement, not compete with, other fitness programs. It will help motivate people to change to lifestyles that improve fitness in general. As a result, it will appeal to a broad segment of society rather than a small group,” said Dr. Bert Zarins, Chief of Sports Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. “It is better to have a small victory that lasts a long time rather than an ambitious fitness program that is short lived.”

 

 

About the Massachusetts Governor’s Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports

To reflect the current health crisis in the Commonwealth, Governor Romney revitalized the Governor’s Committee on Physical Fitness & Sports in late 2004. The Governor created this bi-partisan effort by enlisting the support of the Senate President and the Speaker and appointed 30 members to work in collaboration with state government and the Commonwealth’s leading health experts, professional and collegiate sports teams and marketing professionals to create awareness for the vital role that sports and fitness play in the health and well being of its citizens.

 

The Committee will work to create programs and initiatives to provide a permanent way to live a healthy active lifestyle, with a particular emphasis on restoring physical fitness in the school system.

 

 

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May 4, 2005

ROMNEY NAMES STEPHEN ABANY TO WRENTHAM DISTRICT COURT

 

 

Governor Mitt Romney today nominated Stephen S. Abany of Boston for the position of Associate Justice of the Wrentham District Court.

 

Since 1979, Abany has worked as the Assistant Clerk-Magistrate of the Quincy District Court. Previously, he served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and a Law Clerk to The Honorable George N. Covett of the Brockton District Court.

 

Abany is a member of numerous legal organizations, including the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Norfolk County Bar Association, and has served on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Lesbian and Gay Bar Association.

 

Abany earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 1971, his master’s degree from University of Massachusetts in 1974 and his law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 1978.

 

 

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May 5, 2005

ROMNEY CELEBRATES DECADE OF CHARTER SCHOOL SUCCESS

To mark National Charter School Week, Governor awards two new charters

 

DORCHESTER – To mark 10 years of charter school excellence in the Commonwealth, Governor Mitt Romney today awarded charters to two new schools, renewed the charters of 16 existing schools and congratulated the teachers and students of these innovative places of learning for enhancing choice in public education.

 

“Charter schools embrace innovative educational practices that encourage competition and hold teachers and administrators accountable for the academic achievement of their students,” said Romney. “Choice within the Massachusetts public school system should be available to all parents, particularly those with children in our low-performing districts.”

 

In celebration of National Charter School week, Romney announced the following additions to the Commonwealth’s 56 public charter schools:

 

 

“Charter schools have had great success in Massachusetts and offer parents the important right to make public school choices for their children,” said Education Commissioner David P. Driscoll. “I applaud the success our 56 existing schools have had and look forward to the coming accomplishments of the two new charters we are granting today.”

 

Of the renewed charter schools, two schools were granted their first renewed charter and 14 schools were granted their second renewed charter, including:

 

Year 5 Renewals

 

 

Year 10 Renewals

 

 

During a ceremony at the Neighborhood House Charter School, Romney touted the success of the state’s existing charter schools. A dozen of those schools were among the first group of charters to open since Massachusetts established the schools a decade ago.

 

Neighborhood House opened its doors in the fall of 1995 in limited space, restricting the school to enrolling less than half of the children that were eligible to attend. Committed to providing the best educational opportunities for their children, parents in the Dorchester community helped raise $3.7 million for a new facility so that more students could attend the school. There are now 242 students currently enrolled at Neighborhood House and the new building will allow the school to enroll 400 students next September. The school has one of the longest waiting lists in the state with more than 2,000 students seeking to enroll.

 

“We believe that parents deserve to choose the best educational opportunity for their children and they should have the same access to quality education as their suburban counterparts,” said Neighborhood House Headmaster Kevin Andrews. “When a family has chosen Neighborhood House Charter School, we have made it our responsibility to provide a high quality education. Our mission is to give our students the necessary tools to pursue and fulfill their educational dreams.”

 

From the original 14 charter public schools, Neighborhood House Charter School, Marblehead Community Charter School, Hilltown Cooperative Charter Public School in Haydenville, Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School in Devens and Benjamin Franklin Charter Public School in Franklin, ranked among the Top 25 schools on various tests of the 2004 MCAS exam. The test results place those charter schools higher than many suburban schools in Massachusetts.

 

Charter schools were created in 1995 to increase academic achievement for students, give parents more educational choices and develop best practices to hold teachers and administrators accountable for their academic results. Every five years, charter schools are required to demonstrate positive results to the Board of Education in order to have their charter renewed.

 

During the past decade in Massachusetts, enrollment at charter schools has soared from 2,613 to 20,259 students and only four charter schools have closed due to poor performance. Currently, almost 16,000 students are on waiting lists to attend one of the state’s charter schools.

 

The Massachusetts charter school statute allows up to 120 charter schools, including 48 Horace Mann charters and 72 Commonwealth charters. There are currently 48 Commonwealth charter schools in operation with three more scheduled to open this fall and two more slated to open in fall 2006. Eight Horace Mann charter schools are currently in operation. For more information on charter schools, look online at www.doe.mass.edu/charter.

 

 

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May 6, 2005

ROMNEY VOICES SUPPORT FOR CITYSQUARE REDEVELOPMENT

Calls for passage of economic stimulus bill to target capital to spur investment

 

WORCESTER – Standing at the site of the proposed CitySquare revitalization project, Governor Mitt Romney today pledged his support for the $500 million effort that will create up to 1,700 new jobs by replacing a virtually vacant downtown mall with commercial and residential development.

 

In order to get the project moving, Romney urged the Legislature to pass his economic stimulus bill, noting the CitySquare redevelopment will qualify for state support under the bill.

 

“By creating a neighborhood filled with housing and businesses, CitySquare has the potential to bring a new focus and vibrancy to the Worcester downtown area,” said Romney. “CitySquare is exactly the kind of project that my economic stimulus bill was designed to make happen.”

 

The CitySquare project, which calls for the transformation of the Worcester Common Fashion Outlets and part of a parking garage into a 2.2 million square foot mix of new commercial and residential space, is one of the largest private development projects undertaken in Massachusetts outside of the Boston area. The 20.2-acre site is adjacent to Union Station, City Hall and Worcester Medical Center. The proposal will include office, medical and retail space as well as 900 market-rate housing units. In addition, it will restore historic street patterns and a new plaza to create direct pedestrian access from Union Station to the heart of Main Street at City Hall.

 

The City of Worcester and site owner Berkeley Investments have identified $80 million in necessary infrastructure improvements for the project and have negotiated a district improvement financing (DIF) proposal for financing $55 million of the total cost. The City has requested $25 million in state infrastructure funding to support the project.

 

Romney pointed out that the economic stimulus package he filed earlier this year contains a program that could fund the $25 million in infrastructure improvements necessary for the CitySquare project. Under his plan, the Jobs Capital Fund will designate $200 million to help companies that create at least 100 new jobs. The program provides up to $20,000 for each job created, targeting the funds toward infrastructure improvements, such as curb cuts, sewer lines, traffic signals, access roads and highway ramps. The CitySquare project is expected to create 1,700 new jobs, therefore qualifying for Romney’s program.

 

“Our economy is on the upswing. Since the beginning of last year, we have created more than 30,000 new jobs. In March alone, we added another 5,600 jobs – our seventh straight month of job growth,” Romney said. “Let’s keep the momentum going by working together to pass another economic stimulus bill so we can keep Massachusetts competitive over the long run.”

 

In addition to the Jobs Capital Fund, Romney’s economic stimulus bill includes:

 

 

The Jobs Incentive Fund

This fund, worth $185 million over five years, will provide incentive payments of up to $10,000 per new job to companies that attract investment to Massachusetts and that add at least 100 new jobs over two years.

 

 

The Jobs Partnership Fund

This $100 million capital fund will be available to support partnerships between companies in growing industries that have a research contract with any Massachusetts university.

 

Romney’s plan also lowers unemployment insurance costs and streamlines permitting for businesses looking to relocate or expand in Massachusetts.

 

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May 11, 2005

ROMNEY UNVEILS COMMONWEALTH’S ANTI-TERROR FUSION CENTER

Raytheon awarded contract for designing software to assist with intelligence analysis

 

FRAMINGHAM – Taking critical steps to advance homeland security, Governor Mitt Romney today unveiled the latest weapon in the fight against terror, the Commonwealth Fusion Center. Romney also announced the award of a contract to the Raytheon Company for the designing of software to carry out intelligence analysis.

 

The creation of the fusion center is consistent with the recommendations Romney made to the nation’s governors as Chair of the White House’s Homeland Security Task Force.

 

“It is physically impossible to protect all targets that a terrorist might attack,” said Romney. “The biggest lesson we learned from the September 11th tragedies is that intelligence sharing between our local, state, and federal law enforcement officials is absolutely necessary to the security of our nation and the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

 

The fusion center was first proposed by Romney in 2003, and is based on lessons learned from successful infiltration of terrorist organizations in the United Kingdom and Israel. Its core mission will be to facilitate critical and timely information sharing from the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to municipal police, fire and emergency response agencies. Massachusetts will be the only functioning fusion center in New England; currently New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Iowa, Arizona, and California have fully operational centers.

 

“Terrorists may plan globally, but when they act, they act locally,” said Public Safety Secretary Edward A. Flynn. “A successful terror prevention plan must rely upon information gathered by local law enforcement that can be put in the context of regional and national intelligence.”

 

Terrorist cells often fund their activities through conventional crimes such as credit card fraud, drug dealing, and other financial crimes tied to the funding of terrorist or planned terrorist operations.

 

The contract with Raytheon will provide the software, integration services, installation, training, and follow-on support. The software will integrate information from multiple law enforcement databases that will provide an analytical capability to identify trends and patterns. Raytheon estimates that it will take approximately six months to develop and implement the state-of-the-art tool.

 

“We’re excited to be able to work with the Massachusetts State Police,” said Guy Dubois, Vice president of Operational Technologies and Solutions for Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems business. “This program provides Raytheon an outstanding opportunity to apply our engineering capabilities and technology to the challenges of the U.S. law enforcement and homeland security communities.”

 

The Commonwealth Fusion Center is currently staffed with fifteen analysts and twenty-three intelligence officers. They have received high-level intelligence training, and are providing investigative support to public safety agencies. Once the fusion center is fully operational in 2007, it will be designated the “operational and organizational hub” of the Commonwealth's homeland security efforts.

 

The State Police is working with the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office and municipal police representatives to develop an operations plan to be used statewide once the software is in place. The Executive Office of Public Safety (EOPS) is providing each of the five homeland security regions $2 million to accomplish this phase.

 

“The State Police are committed to working collaboratively with our fellow law enforcement agencies to improve the flow of information, identify criminal trends, and take action to reduce crime and prevent terror,” stated Colonel Robbins of the State Police.

 

The Massachusetts State Police is the primary agency overseeing the Fusion Center, working in close partnership with other local, state and federal agencies including the Regional Homeland Security Councils, Boston Police Tactical Intelligence Center, Department of Corrections, the Massachusetts Transit Police, the United States Coast Guard, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Attorney’s Office. The activities of the fusion center will be linked closely to the ongoing work of the Joint Terrorism Task Force based in Boston.

 

 

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May 16, 2005

LT. GOVERNOR HEALEY UNVEILS SUBSTANCE ABUSE PLAN

Administration outlines legislation to curb methamphetamine epidemic

 

Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today detailed a strategic blueprint to boost substance abuse and prevention programs and help at-risk individuals address the dangers posed by drug addiction. The comprehensive approach, for the first time, highlights prevention as critical to reducing substance abuse problems in the Commonwealth.

 

The plan calls for:

 

• the passage of $9.1 million in supplemental funding to expand substance

 

• allowing local school districts as a voluntary option to impose drug testing on

 

• the filing of new legislation cracking down on methamphetamine

 

• intensive case management for at-risk youths;

 

• real-time tracking of heroin overdoses; and

 

• better coordination among state agencies through the formation of a new

 

“In human and economic terms, the costs of drug addiction are unacceptable,” said Healey, who will chair the new Interagency Council.

 

“The comprehensive strategies unveiled in this plan emphasize prevention and target regions that have high substance abuse. To ensure the most effective use of our resources, these recommendations focus our spending on science-based programs and expanding access to treatment. The best substance abuse strategy is to help kids never to start,” she said.

 

More than 82,000 people in the Commonwealth received treatment for substance abuse last year. Drug and alcohol abuse continues to increase the burden on criminal justice systems with over 80 percent of individuals abusing drugs. Drug abuse among young people starts at an early age. Among teens who were admitted for substance abuse treatment, they were experimenting with the drug at an average age of 12.9.

 

Over the last year, Boston has faced a 153 percent increase in emergency room visits related to OxyContin. There has been a dramatic 200 percent increase in opiate -related hospitalizations, particularly heroin and OxyContin, over the past nine years with the most significant increase among 15 to 54 years olds. In 1996, there were 200 opiate -related fatal overdoses and 449 in 2003 statewide.

 

To address these spikes in substance abuse cases and establish a comprehensive strategy, Healey convened a series of regional roundtable meetings last August with both state and local government agencies, municipal leaders, public safety officials, school administrators and health care experts.

 

Healey also expressed her commitment to work with the Legislature to approve $9.1 million in substance abuse funding in order to receive a matching grant from the federal government worth $14.5 million.

 

The funding will allow the expansion of detox services for an additional 6,000 to 8,000 new clients. If Massachusetts does not receive the additional funding, the state will lose millions from the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant, which matches the state funding with over $35 million annually.

 

The plan also permits the implementation of voluntary, comprehensive school drug testing programs in interested local school districts.

 

“I would like to thank Lieutenant Governor Healey for recognizing the substance abuse problem in our schools and for her willingness to do something about it,” said Salem School Superintendent Herb Levine. “Her efforts to implement pilot programs for voluntary drug testing is another intervention tool parents can use to keep their kids off drugs and that also helps kids that are addicted get better.”

 

The Romney Administration also filed legislation today to stiffen fines and penalties for possession with intent to manufacture methamphetamines. Originating on the West Coast, methamphetamine abuse and crime-related activities have become a national epidemic. The alarming trend is marching towards Massachusetts and neighboring states.

 

The bill contains a list of chemicals that can be used to manufacture methamphetamines and possession of any one, or combination of, these chemicals with intent to manufacture or distribute will result in a felony offense punishable up to five years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines.

 

Healey stated, “Stricter laws combined with community and police efforts will help keep drug dealers off our streets and put them behind bars where they belong.”

 

Each year, the state spends over $250 million across 13 agencies to provide substance abuse services and treatment for thousands of individuals and families. The formation of the Interagency Council on Substance Abuse and Prevention will better coordinate these resources.

 

“Developing the strategic plan for substance abuse services represents a milestone for Massachusetts. This charts a course for all state agencies to make an impact on the problems associated with substance abuse,” said Acting Public Health Commissioner Paul J. Cote.

 

Prevention efforts highlighted in the strategic plan include intensive case management for at-risk elementary and middle school students, featuring a program that was developed by the National Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse, and the establishment of two “recovery” schools similar to the charter school model where students leaving drug treatment may complete their education in a supportive environment.

 

Real-time tracking of heroin overdoses will allow for the targeting of resources to those areas where heroin use is on the increase.

 

“I am pleased with what I have heard today from Lieutenant Governor Healey and the Administration’s commitment to address the substance abuse crisis confronting the Commonwealth,” said Senator Steven A. Tolman, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. “We are facing an epidemic in Massachusetts, particularly with regard to OxyContin and heroin abuse, and we must work together to get the message out and to stem the tide.”

 

 

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May 18, 2005

ROMNEY CRACKS DOWN ON IDENTITY THEFT AND FRAUD

Files legislation making it harder for terrorists and identity thieves to operate

 

Governor Mitt Romney today proposed revamping the state’s outdated identify theft and fraud laws, filing legislation to thwart criminals from securing counterfeit documents and boosting protections for individuals who are the victims of identity theft or fraud.

 

“Identity theft is a terrible crime that can take many years and much frustration to correct,” said Romney. “I want to make sure we have the right tools in place to not only deter, but apprehend thieves and potential terrorists before they leave their victims in a wake of confusion and grief.”

 

Romney said that identity theft poses a serious threat to national security. A false identity could enable a terrorist to enter the country, board an airplane, obtain weapons or gain access to facilities that are part of our critical infrastructure. Identity theft is a principal means to commit other crimes such as credit card theft and money laundering that facilitate terrorist operations. Information included in Al Qaeda training manuals detailed the importance to terrorists of obtaining fraudulent identification documents.

 

Romney’s legislation is a critical part of the state’s comprehensive homeland security strategy. To counter the identity theft trend and its effects, Romney's bill proposes new felonies and eliminates gaps in existing laws to make the investigation and prosecution of theses crimes easier.

 

New specific felonies for identity theft include:

 

• Using or conspiring to use personal identifying information about another person or deceased person with the intent to defraud or commit any crime;

 

• Possession of a false identification document;

 

• Providing a false identification document to a police officer;

 

• Using the seal of a department or agency without authority;

 

• Concealing material facts to obtain a valid identification card;

 

• Possession of document-making implements with the intent to use such implements for the production of false documents; and

 

• Possession of five or more false identification documents, with the intent to use or transfer them unlawfully.

 

The first four felonies listed carry a possible punishment of up to five years in state prison or two-and-a-half years in a house of correction, a fine of up to $5000, or both. The final three felonies carry a punishment of up to 10 years in state prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Romney’s legislation also creates an enhanced penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $30,000 for anyone convicted of one of these crimes in connection with a major felony such as murder or threatening to kill with a chemical, biological or nuclear weapon.

 

“Identity theft is a serious crime with serious consequences for its victims, for our economy, and for the safety of the American people,” said Public Safety Secretary Edward A. Flynn. “The punishment should match the crime.”

 

Romney said identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity thieves victimized 27 million individuals and businesses between 1998 and 2003. In 2004, nearly 4,000 Massachusetts consumers filed identity theft complaints with the FTC. Consumers and businesses combined continue to lose tens of billions of dollars each year from the illegal practice. In addition to the financial costs, identity theft frequently imposes significant emotional burdens on victims who must struggle to set their financial history straight.

 

To expand the protections offered to consumers, Romney's proposal features the following consumer protection provisions:

 

• Requires companies doing business with Massachusetts consumers to promptly notify their customers if they suspect an unauthorized individual has acquired personal information through their systems or databases;

 

• Allows consumers to flag or freeze access to their credit reports from credit-reporting bureaus if they suspect their personal information has been stolen.

 

“The sooner we spot identity theft, the greater chance we will have to reduce the damage that can occur. This bill gives consumers a key tool to block access to their credit histories and recognizes that businesses must make protecting their customers’ vital information the highest priority,” said Consumer Affairs Director Beth Lindstrom.

 

Romney’s bill also contains a forfeiture provision that would give law enforcement officers and prosecutors additional resources to address identity theft and related homeland security threats. Items such as computers and document production equipment seized in connection with prosecutions could be used to defray the costs of investigations and to provide restitution to victims.

 

###

May 20, 2005

ROMNEY SIGNS REPEAL OF COLONIAL ERA INDIAN PROHIBITION ACT

 

 

Governor Mitt Romney today signed a bill repealing an archaic law that prohibited Native Americans from entering or being found in Boston.

 

The law hasn't been enforced in centuries, but Romney said its abolition is a symbolic measure that underscores the openness and tolerance of modern-day Massachusetts.

 

"It is our hope that signing this bill into law will provide some closure to a very painful and old chapter in Massachusetts history," said Romney. "This archaic law belongs in the history books, not the law books."

 

The law was passed in 1675 during King Philip's War between colonists and local tribes. Under the Indian Imprisonment Act, any Native American found inside the borders of Boston was subject to confinement.

 

"It's time to make things right. I thank Governor Romney, Senate President Travaglini, Speaker Di Masi, Senator Dianne Wilkerson, Chairman Antonio Cabral, Representative Byron Rushing and the City Council for their efforts in removing this blemish from our city's records. This sends the message that hatred and discrimination have no place in Boston," Mayor Menino said. "Tolerance, equality and respect - these are the attributes of our city. These are the qualities that give Boston its vitality, that make diversity our strength."

 

 

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May 24, 2005

ROMNEY FILES 'MASSACHUSETTS GI BILL,' PUSHES FOR BETTER SOLDIER BENEFITS

Swears in Oliver Mason as new Adjutant General of MA National Guard

 

LEXINGTON - Governor Mitt Romney today filed legislation to enhance the benefits of National Guard members, saying it will help increase recruitment efforts and honor the contributions of military men and women fighting to defend freedom.

 

Romney made the announcement as he administered the oath of office to new Massachusetts National Guard Adjutant General Oliver Mason, who replaces George W. Keefe, who retired in April after a distinguished 49-year military career.

 

Of the legislation, dubbed the “Massachusetts GI Bill,” Romney said, “Our citizen soldiers have been serving us; now it’s time for us to serve them.”

 

The bill exempts all National Guard members from paying any fees while attending a Massachusetts public college or university. Currently, Guard members do not pay tuition, but fees now account for three quarters of the cost of an education.

 

In addition, Romney is proposing to increase the per diem compensation that Guard members receive while on state active duty, from $75 to $100. This would be the first increase since 1999.

 

There are two other features to the “Massachusetts GI Bill,” both of which have been previously filed. One increases the death benefit awarded to survivors of Guard members killed in the line of duty from $5,000 to $100,000, and the other has the state pay for life insurance premiums on policies worth up to $250,000.

 

Since September 11, 2001, 9600 members of the Massachusetts National Guard have been mobilized - more than at any other time since World War II.

 

Romney honored their service at today’s ceremony, saying Massachusetts has an obligation “to do more to extend a helping hand and provide a measure of comfort” to National Guard members.

 

“Soldiers willingly sacrifice to protect and defend our freedoms. We can do our part by honoring their hard work, commitment and sacrifice by passing the Massachusetts GI Bill,” Romney said.

 

Mason is a 30-year veteran of the Massachusetts National Guard and has held a number of leadership positions during the 19 years he has spent as a full-time employee of the organization. He is a graduate of Nichols College in Dudley and holds master’s degrees in education from Fitchburg State College and Worcester State College.

 

Following 9/11, General Keefe appointed then-Colonel Mason as Director of Operations, a position that put him in charge of coordinating the Massachusetts National Guard's response at the national and state level. He was responsible for deploying military forces and providing security and force protection at major airports, reservoirs and other potential targets.

 

Prior to joining the Guard full-time in 1986, General Mason was a high school science teacher in Ayer. He resides in Millbury with his wife, Jane, and they have two children.

 

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May 25, 2005

HEALEY PUSHES TOOL TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM SEX OFFENDERS

New technology teaches children and teens about potential dangers of Internet use

 

SOMERVILLE – Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today launched a free educational tool designed to help protect children and teens from sexual predators and encouraged parents and educators to be informed of the possible dangers that children can face while surfing the web.

 

“The Internet is a great place for kids to learn, play games and chat with friends, but they need to be aware that sex offenders can easily disguise themselves in the cyber world,” said Healey. “Today we are giving parents and children important tools to help protect them from the dangers of sexual predators.”

 

During a visit to the East Somerville Community School, Healey unveiled the NetSmartz Workshop, an interactive, educational safety resource, that will be available to educators in Massachusetts to teach kids and teens how to use the Internet more safely. Through a customized program, educators can download activities, games, and teen vignettes and also teach children and teens on web safety in group settings. Parents and after-school program providers can also use the web-based tool to help keep children and teens safer from dangerous people who lurk in chat rooms and various Internet sites.

 

According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Online Victimization: A Report on Our Nation’s Youth, of more than 30 million children in the United States who use the Internet, approximately one in five children received a sexual solicitation or approach over the web.

 

In addition, one in 33 received an aggressive sexual solicitation that included an invitation to meet them at a certain location, a telephone call or regular mail, money, or gifts.

 

“Our best chance of protecting our children is to teach them how to avoid being a victim. NetSmartz is a free resource for parents, educators, and law enforcement that is adaptable and entertains while educating even the most tech savvy children and teens,” said Mark Minicucci, Manager, Web and Media Production of NetSmartz.

 

To better inform parents about the potential dangers of the Internet, Comcast New England Cable will air a Public Service Announcement on the NetSmartz program that will run for six months and reach 2.6 million Massachusetts residents.

 

“Comcast is proud to work with Lieutenant Governor Healey and NetSmartz to protect our children on the Internet,” said Paul D'Arcangelo, area vice president for Comcast New England East. “Teaching students Internet safety goes a long way towards ensuring that children can take advantage of the Internet as an important educational resource while avoiding its dangers.”

 

NetSmartz was created by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to prevent children from being victimized online and help increase self-confidence when they use the Internet. NetSmartz uses 3-D and 2-D technology to create animated characters that entertain children while educating them about online dangers and how to avoid them.

 

Specialized technology educators from over 220 districts in Massachusetts, approximately two-thirds of the total districts, will attend workshops to learn about the Internet safety program. Schools will receive a free downloadable version of the interactive activities to install on school computers.

 

For more information on how Massachusetts, NetSmartz and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children are working to teach children about Internet safety, visit www.NetSmartz.org or call 1-800-THE-LOST.

 

 

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May 26, 2005

SALEM POWER PLANT SETTLEMENT ENSURES ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE, REGIONAL GRID RELIABILITY

Romney Administration, Dominion, Mayor Usovicz, advocates sign agreement

 

The Romney Administration today joined with Dominion, Salem Mayor Stanley J. Usovicz, Jr., HealthLink, the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and other health and environmental advocacy groups to announce that they have signed an amended consent order to bring the Salem Harbor power plant into compliance with the state’s toughest-in-the-nation emission regulations, enabling the plant to continue to contribute to the reliability of the New England power grid.

 

Dominion, which purchased the facility early this year, has agreed to meet the stringent environmental requirements in the Department of Environmental Protection’s clean air regulations.

 

Governor Mitt Romney called the settlement a win-win solution. “When I first took office, I identified the cleanup of Salem Harbor Station as a priority,” Romney said. “Today, I am pleased to announce that we have worked with Dominion, Mayor Usovicz, the environmental and health advocates, the unions and regional grid operators to ensure that Salem Harbor Station will continue to provide reliable electric service in New England, but will be upgraded and operated to quickly come into full compliance with the state’s air emission limits.”

 

The amended consent order requires Dominion to start taking immediate action to ensure short- and long-term environmental compliance at the facility. Among other things, Dominion will implement a program to burn low-emission coal (Low-E coal) at the plant. The Low-E coals, which are low-NOx-emitting and low-sulfur-bearing coals, are significantly more expensive than coals typically used at power plants in the United States.

 

Under the order, Dominion will immediately implement its Low-E coal program. Beginning October 1, 2005, Dominion is required to comply with the power plant regulation limits for sulfur dioxide (SO2), mercury, and carbon dioxide (CO2), just like the other facilities subject to the regulation. Dominion is also required to comply with the NOx limits, through actual reductions at the plant and the limited use of credits earned from prior emission reductions.

 

Dominion is also improving its coal-handling procedures and is designating a company representative to field inquiries from the public on dust issues, so that any perceived problems can be addressed in a timely manner.

 

Mayor Usovicz hailed the efforts of the parties involved in the negotiations. “This agreement insures that the Salem Harbor Power Plant will continue to provide much-needed power generation to the North Shore for many years to come, while saving the jobs of many North Shore residents, and helping to stabilize Salem’s industrial tax base,” Usovicz said. “Throughout these negotiations, I fought to see that a proper balance was achieved between the important goals of the environmental regulations and the economic concerns of Salem businesses, taxpayers, and the entire North Shore economic engine that Salem represents. This settlement agreement is a win-win for everybody; truly a job well done.”

 

Lt. Governor Kerry Healey also noted that the settlement represents the good faith and hard work of all the parties to achieve environmental compliance at the plant. “We are especially pleased that the consent order provides certainty of environmental compliance both for the short-term and the long-term,” Healey said. “The Low-E coal program is an innovative solution to bring the facility into compliance quickly.” Dominion will buy and burn coals that will lower NOx and SO2 emissions, while continuing compliance with mercury and CO2 standards.

 

“Since 1998, we have worked to improve the community’s health by reducing exposure to power plant pollution. This agreement is another step on the long road toward that goal,” said Jane Bright of HealthLink. “And, over the next several years, HealthLink and our colleagues at Clean Water Action, the Conservation Law Foundation, MassPIRG, and the Wenham Lake Watershed Association will continue working with the state, community, unions, the plant owners and the city as the reductions are implemented, new decisions must be made, and the many benefits from our tough pollution regulations are realized.”

 

“CLF is proud to have represented and worked with a broad coalition of environmental, community and health organizations in shaping this latest chapter in the long story of implementation of the Massachusetts power plant regulations – a chapter that will bring immediate reductions in air pollution, even greater long-term emissions reductions and a pathway for open decision making about the future of the plant, a future that will include full compliance with these critical environmental regulations and puts responsibility for paying for this compliance in the place it belongs, on the shoulders of the owner of the plant,” said CLF Senior Attorney Seth Kaplan.

 

"All parties should be congratulated in reaching these agreements. New England, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Salem will benefit both from the cleaner emissions and a steady, reliable flow of electricity from Salem Harbor," said David A. Heacock, Dominion vice president-Fossil & Hydro.

 

The amended order is part of a comprehensive settlement of issues concerning Salem Harbor Station. Today, the Commonwealth, Dominion, the City of Salem, and the environmental groups jointly filed settlement documents in proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), along with unions representing the Salem Harbor workforce, and the New England ISO, which operates the New England power grid.

 

The FERC settlement will provide Dominion with a fixed amount of funding, $6.75 million over 24 months, from ratepayers to settle the litigation. Dominion will absorb all costs associated with continued operation of the facility and the necessary environmental upgrades to comply with DEP regulations, including installation of certain fire suppression equipment and significantly increased fuel costs. The upgraded fire suppression equipment will allow the plant to use the wider variety of Low-E coals.

 

This fixed amount minimizes, to the extent possible, the price impact on consumer’s monthly bills. On average, the cost to customers on a monthly basis is a few cents.

 

The FERC settlement also ensures reliability of the New England power grid and prohibits Dominion from seeking to recover any additional ratepayer funding until at least September 30, 2008.

 

1. # #

May 27, 2005

ROMNEY FILES “MELANIE’S BILL,” SAYS IT WILL HELP KEEP REPEAT DRUNK DRIVERS OFF THE ROAD

Legislation stiffens penalties for repeat offenders, preserves federal funding

 

Governor Mitt Romney today filed legislation he dubbed “Melanie’s Bill,” a tough new proposal that cracks down on repeat drunk driving offenders. Romney said the legislation is necessary to preserve federal funding and protect the lives and safety of Massachusetts citizens.

 

The bill increases penalties for drunk driving related offenses, particularly with regard to individuals who repeatedly drink and drive.

 

Romney was joined by Tod and Nancy Powell, the parents of Melanie Powell, 13, of Marshfield, who was struck and killed by a repeat drunk driver while walking to the beach with her friends in 2003.

 

“Two years ago, Melanie Powell went out for a walk with her friends and never came back. Her life was taken by a repeat drunk driver. We can’t bring Melanie back, but we can do everything in our power to prevent this kind of tragedy from occurring again,” said Romney.

 

“The Powell family has suffered the worst loss imaginable. Sadly, they know first-hand that drunk driving laws in the Commonwealth allow offenders to get behind the wheel over and over, sometimes with limited consequences. We want to ensure that when their reckless behavior takes an innocent life, they can never legally drive again,” said Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey.

 

“Melanie’s Bill” increases penalties for a range of drunk driving offenses and gives prosecutors the power to go after repeat drunk drivers with heavier crimes and penalties.

 

Under Romney’s proposal, new crimes with stiff penalties are established for repeat offenders, individuals who drive while drunk with a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle and those who drive with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .20 or higher, more than twice the legal limit.

 

The legislation also creates the crime of manslaughter by motor vehicle and requires a driver convicted of this offense to suffer the permanent loss of his or her driver’s license. Currently, drunk drivers who kill in Massachusetts do not automatically lose their licenses for life. The proposed law will also raise the minimum sentence for such a conviction from the current maximum, which is two and half years, to a minimum sentence of five years.

 

“It's time for Massachusetts to devote less emphasis and resources to the rights of the accused and more on the rights of the victim,” said Ron Bersani, Melanie’s grandfather. “The passage of this legislation will be an enduring legacy to a little girl whose dream job was to grow up and become a guardian angel so she could always be there to protect her family and others from harm.”

 

 

“Melanie’s Bill” also contains tougher license suspension provisions, including:

 

 

To target the drunk drivers who continue to drive despite an OUI suspension, Romney’s proposal will establish jail time for motorists who operate with a suspended license, and mandatory jail time for those who drive drunk while under a license suspension from a prior OUI.

 

The bill also has a provision that will lift an unreasonable burden on our prosecutors, who currently have to prove prior OUI convictions after each new offense. This allows certified records to serve as self-authenticating proof making them automatically admissible in any courtroom of the Commonwealth.

 

The legislation conforms the laws of the Commonwealth with federal requirements that Massachusetts must adopt in order to preserve federal funding intended for important highway projects. If Massachusetts does not meet the federal mandates by October 2005, the state will have to transfer approximately $9 million from the Highway Department to the Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau.

 

Last year, Governor Romney filed similar legislation, and it was passed by both the House and the Senate. However, it failed to get a final enactment vote before time ran out on the legislative session.

 

Aggressive efforts to crack down on drunk driving by state and local police and the tough per se law signed by Governor Romney in 2003 are making roads in Massachusetts safer, but there is still more work to do. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-related deaths have declined 17 percent in Massachusetts between 2002 and 2003. However, statistics show that residents are still more likely to die in an alcohol-related accident than by a homicidal crime. In 2003, 142 people were killed by homicide, compared to 207 alcohol-related highway fatalities.

 

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June 1, 2005

GOVERNOR ROMNEY FILES AUTO INSURANCE REFORM LEGISLATION

$150 Million Initial Savings for Good Drivers, Reigns-In Fraud & Non-Medical Costs

 

Governor Mitt Romney today filed legislation that cuts rates for good drivers and introduces more competition into the anemic Massachusetts auto insurance marketplace by providing consumers with the same choices as drivers in other states.

 

With a goal of ensuring that drivers pay premiums in relation to their own driving histories, cost savings from the Governor’s proposals will fund a $150 million rate rollback for motorists with clean driving histories, which encompasses 64 percent of all drivers.

 

Average savings for the state’s better drivers will amount to 5 percent, or between $52 to $119 on a statewide basis. Savings will be higher in the cities, where premiums are also higher. Savings for Boston drivers with clean records will range between $80 and $167. In Lawrence, the savings will range between $90 and $173.

 

Allston resident Matthew Snyder, in attendance this morning, currently pays $1,800 for a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. “As a resident of Boston with a clean driving record, I support this new piece of legislation that Governor Romney is proposing today because it is time for progress and change here in Massachusetts,” he said. “We need a system in place that allows for more competition, better rates for drivers, and more options for consumers across the Commonwealth.”

 

The Governor’s proposal targets fraud and excessive personal injury costs associated with over-treatment by raising the current tort threshold to $4,000 from $2,000, capping non-medical treatments at ten visits and establishing a fee schedule for health care reimbursements, a measure that was key to controlling medical costs during the state’s workers’ compensation reform of the early nineties.

 

“With so few insurers doing business here, we can no longer pretend that our system is healthy and benefiting our citizens. This bill brings the flexibility to our system that exists everywhere else. It attacks fraud and excessive treatment costs, gives our good drivers some immediate rate relief and provides insurers with the flexibility to charge rates that reflect drivers’ records,” said Romney.

 

Representative Ron Mariano, Chairman of the House Committee on Insurance and Financial Services said, “The task force has worked long and hard over the past 13 months to develop an automobile reform package that we hope will attract national writers to Massachusetts and strengthen our overall insurance market.”

 

The legislation will allow insurers rate flexibility for all coverages, but would cap any maximum rate increase for liability coverages at 15 percent annually. Governor Romney pointed to reform success in New Jersey as proof that good drivers will be rewarded with significant savings in the future. New Jersey policyholders have received $334 million in savings in just two years following passage of similar reforms.

 

“We expect our reforms here will yield similar results in the coming years,” added Romney.

 

Massachusetts Consumer Affairs Director Beth Lindstrom and Insurance Commissioner Julie Bowler applauded the benefits and protections under the Governor’s proposal.

 

“Our consumers have been short-changed on options and the ability to shop around on price for too long. A competitive market and a good driving record is the pathway to savings for the vast majority of our drivers,” said Lindstrom.

 

“As in every other state, insurers’ rates will not take effect without my staff’s scrutiny. In a new, competitive landscape my agency will give consumers the information they need to understand their choices and protections including an Auto Insurance Consumer Bill of Rights and a re-vamped website to guide consumers thru the insurance options in their area,” said Insurance Commissioner Julie Bowler.

 

“This concrete step toward auto insurance reform is greatly welcome and necessary,” said Edmund F. Kelly, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Mutual Group, the state’s fourth-largest and nation’s eighth-largest auto insurer. “In no other state are consumers so limited by choice as in Massachusetts, and we laud the Governor's support of restoring healthy competition to the market.”

 

Progressive Insurance, the nation’s third largest auto insurance group, stopped doing business in Massachusetts years ago, but was hopeful of returning to Massachusetts if the legislation becomes law.

 

“We are encouraged to see reform underway in Massachusetts. Our hope is that a bill passes into law with language that creates a competitive, open, and flexible market that will allow Progressive to serve Massachusetts residents,” said Adam M. Kornick, Massachusetts Product Manager, Progressive Insurance, based in Ohio.

 

“The insurance industry is critical to the economic foundation of our state,” said Ranch C. Kimball, Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development. “We need to attract new insurers to Massachusetts and make this industry more competitive.”

 

 

Safety considerations and injury prevention are also proposed in the legislation, which would require remedial driver training for those with five surcharges in three years and a 30-day license suspension following a Registry hearing for those who don’t comply.

 

Tougher penalties for failure to use car seats for infants and toddlers and a new requirement for the use of car booster seats for small children are also included in the proposed legislation.

 

 

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June 6, 2005

ROMNEY ADMINISTRATION TOUTS FINANCE TOOL FOR CITIES, TOWNS

Website and legislation to help communities keep an eye on costs, plan for the future

 

Secretary of Administration and Finance Eric Kriss today announced an online tool to assist municipal budget writers make more accurate and complete decisions on salary, wage and benefit compensation. Additionally, the Administration will file legislation which would require that collective bargaining agreements receive formal approval by a municipality’s legislative body.

 

Developed jointly by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F) and the Division of Local Services, the Municipal Stability Factor is a user-friendly website that allows municipal officials to change local revenue and expenditure assumptions to better gauge revenue and expense levels to more effectively plan their budgets.

 

A city or town’s municipal stability factor is a measure that assesses a community’s sustainable growth rate after paying for health insurance and pension costs. The factor is determined by trending past revenue and expenditure results into the upcoming fiscal year, helping budget writers to detect early warning signals that could spell trouble for a community’s bottom line.

 

For example, if a community’s municipal stability factor is two percent but the community is proposing salary increases of four percent, the community would be spending in excess of its stability factor. Continued spending at this rate would necessitate a tax increase or spending cuts.

 

“Given the relatively stable long-term recurring revenue growth rates of four to five percent for most of our communities, the real challenge is controlling expenditures, particularly health insurance costs,” said Kriss. “My goal is that the Municipal Stability Factor will serve as another source of information for municipal decision-makers to use as they determine their priorities and balance the competing needs within their budgets.”

 

The Municipal Stability Factor was created as a result of regular meetings the Romney administration holds with local officials regarding municipal budgets. During these meetings many local officials indicated that state aid reductions in the early 2000s turned budgeting for the future into an uncertain process.

 

An A&F analysis of state aid showed that state aid grew by 4.6 percent on average from Fiscal Year 1991 through Fiscal Year 2004. However, over this period the annual growth rate of state aid to cities and towns varied widely due to the Commonwealth’s tax structure, which is highly sensitive to broader economic trends.

 

Communities that did not count on continued high rates of growth in state aid tended to build significant reserves and fared better during economic downturns, such as the one that occurred during Fiscal Year 2003 and Fiscal Year 2004. Conversely, communities that built budgets dependent upon significant increases in state aid experienced budget deficits during the most recent fiscal years.

 

As an analytic tool, the Municipal Stability Factor website will be particularly helpful when communities deliberate over the affordability of multi-year collective bargaining agreements. Comprising on average 70 percent of a community’s total expenditures, municipal salaries and benefits have the largest impact on a city or town’s bottom line.

 

To enhance the level of review that municipal salary and benefits packages receive, the Romney administration will file legislation tomorrow requiring a community’s legislative body to approve all municipal collective bargaining agreements. Allowing a more complete review of an agreement’s principal terms and costs will help communities to better project their future costs and add stability to the budgeting process.

 

The Municipal Stability Factor is available online at:

 

http://www.dls.state.ma.us/

 

http://www.mass.gov/eoaf/

 

 

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June 7, 2005

ROMNEY ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION VETERANS CEMETERY EXPANSION

 

 

WINCHENDON - Governor Mitt Romney today unveiled a $3 million plan to expand the new Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in response to the demand for more burial space for aging veterans.

 

“This cemetery is a tangible reminder of the country’s appreciation for the sacrifices veterans have made in the cause of freedom,” said Romney.

 

The Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon is a joint project among federal, state and local partners and is the second state cemetery for veterans. It covers roughly half of 210 acres donated to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by the Town of Winchendon.

 

Developed with federal and state funds, the $9 million dollar cemetery has a capacity of more than 7,000 spots. Romney’s expansion proposal would raise this figure to more than 9,500. The expansion is needed because veterans are dying in greater numbers each year. Nationwide, World War II veterans are dying at a rate of 1,000 per day; in Massachusetts, the number is about 20 per day. By 2008, it is estimated that 1,700 veterans will die each day.

 

Those eligible for burial include veterans, spouses and children, depending on their age and level of dependency on the parent. Veterans must either be honorably discharged or have died while on active duty. There is no charge for veterans.

 

Veterans’ leaders across the state welcomed Romney’s expansion proposal:

 

“We are excited about the dedication of the much-needed and deserved veterans’ cemetery in Winchendon, and we applaud Governor Romney for his leadership and decision to pledge $3 million for future expansion,” said Robert Van Kirk, State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Massachusetts.

 

“The $3 million for expansion being put forth by Governor Romney is good news for our veterans who deserve a dignified final resting place,” said Harvey Weiner, Department Commander of the Department of Massachusetts Jewish War Veterans of the United States.

 

“The dedication and consecration of the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery provides a lasting testament and tribute to the veterans of the Commonwealth who served their state and nation with honor and integrity,” said Ted Mulvehill, President of the Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers Association. “Governor Romney’s decision to expand Winchendon just after its official opening is welcome news and clearly shows his commitment to the veterans of the Commonwealth.”

 

“This is a proud day for so many veterans who deserve the honor of being laid to rest with their fellow veterans,” said Tom Daley, State Adjutant for the Disabled Veterans Department of Massachusetts. “Veterans are passing away in record numbers and we need to make sure there’s enough space to accommodate them in the future. Governor Romney’s decision to expand this cemetery will be welcomed by veterans statewide.”

 

“With recent legislation to increase benefits for National Guard members and now this pledge for expansion at Winchendon, the veterans’ community is very pleased with what Governor Romney and Secretary Kelley are doing on our behalf,” said Eugene Vaillancourt, Commissioner of Veterans’ Services for the City of Boston. “I’m very pleased with what’s happening on the state level for our veterans.”

 

“This has been a giant effort that has come full circle,” said Thomas G. Kelley, Secretary of the state Department of Veterans’ Services and a Congressional Medal of Honor winner. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to the citizens of Winchendon, our colleagues in the federal government and Governor Romney for their total commitment to this project. Governor Romney’s decision to make a further significant investment in this facility is great news for all veterans.”

 

Romney’s $3 million expansion plan will be paid out of state capital funds over the next three years and does not require legislative approval to move forward. The project is expected to go to bid this summer and construction is projected to begin in fall 2005.

 

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June 9, 2005

HEALEY ANNOUNCES $75 MILLION FOR RENTAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

 

 

HAVERHILL – Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today announced that $75 million in state and federal tax credits, grants and loans will be awarded to fund new rental developments in 12 communities across the Commonwealth.

 

The housing initiative will create 820 new apartments and 665 of those units will be affordable to low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

 

Healey lauded the new project at the historic downtown Haverhill factory building which will be renovated and transformed into 146 mixed-income apartments utilizing approximately $17.6 million of those funds.

 

“Haverhill is an example of the Romney Administration’s goal to increase the state’s housing supply through smart growth development,” said Healey. “Targeting new housing starts near public transit centers and in areas within walking distance of shopping, employment and entertainment is an innovative approach to developing city regions in Massachusetts.”

 

Approximately $62.7 million of the new funds will be generated through private investment in exchange for five years of state low-income housing tax credits and ten years of tax credits from the federal government. The remaining $13.3 million will be awarded from the state Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Housing Stabilization Fund (HSF), Facilities Consolidation Fund (FCF), HOME program and the Housing Innovations Fund (HIF), as well as the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which is jointly administered by DHCD and the quasi-public agency MassHousing.

 

Each of the programs provides funds to non-profit and for-profit developers who produce housing for income-eligible seniors, families, individuals and special needs residents throughout the state.

 

In addition to the Haverhill project, 15 rental developments will receive funding in the cities of Attleboro, Boston, Chelsea, Easthampton, New Bedford, Somerville, and Springfield and the towns of Chatham, Framingham, Salisbury, and Stoughton.

 

“This is great news for the City of Haverhill,” commented Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini. “I want to thank the entire Romney Administration for its support of this project. We appreciate the commitment that the state has made to help us as we continue to revitalize the downtown area of our great city. This project is consistent with the state's plans for transit oriented development and the reuse of factory buildings and it is one that will continue the renaissance that is occurring in our downtown.”

 

“By utilizing various financial resources from the public sector to leverage private investment, we can support these important housing developments throughout the state,” said DHCD Director Jane Wallis Gumble. “These various state and federal programs, along with our close working relationship with state quasi-public housing agencies allows us to serve our core mission of serving the needs of low- and moderate income families.”

 

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June 10, 2005

ROMNEY FILES LEGISLATION TO “FIX” CAPITAL GAINS ERROR; CITIZENS WILL GET REFUNDS, NOT RETROACTIVE TAX BILLS

Governor Mitt Romney today filed legislation to protect Massachusetts taxpayers from the unfairness of retroactive taxation.

 

The bill was made necessary by the April 26 decision of the Supreme Judicial Court, which found that a capital gains tax increase that was part of the 2002 tax bill passed by the Legislature violated the Massachusetts Constitution. The Court said because the increase took effect May 1, 2002, it failed to observe the requirement that taxes be uniform throughout the entire year.

 

The SJC determined the effective date of the capital gains tax increase to be January 1, 2002, meaning thousands of taxpayers who filed their 2002 returns on time and paid their taxes in good faith will be assessed additional taxes that were not owed under the law as it existed at the time.

 

However, the Court offered advice on how to avoid the burden of retroactive taxation: “It is, of course, within the Legislature’s power to amend the Act yet again, if it wishes, to set the effective date at January 1, 2003.”

 

Romney said the bill he is filing is consistent with the SJC’s guidance in this case.

 

“It is fundamentally unfair to tax people retroactively. If we are to keep faith with the taxpayers of Massachusetts, we need to correct the constitutional error that occurred here,” said Romney.

 

According to the Department of Revenue, if the January 1, 2002 effective date is allowed to stand, the state would have to collect an additional $150 million to $200 million from as many as 120,000 taxpayers. By changing the date to January 1, 2003, the state would send out refunds to up to 145,000 taxpayers at a cost of between $225 million and $275 million.

 

Romney said there are sufficient surplus revenues to cover the cost of the refunds without affecting current state services.

 

Gaylord MacCartney, of Westford, is among those affected by the capital gains mix-up. MacCartney sold real estate in the first half of 2002 to help pay for his retirement, netting a gain of $150,000. Without a change in the law, he would be hit with a retroactive tax bill of approximately $8,000.

 

“I’m a middle class person. I merely invested in some real estate and after I sold it, all of a sudden the rules changed,” said MacCartney, a retired air force colonel.

 

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr., who worked closely with the Governor’s Office in drafting the legislation, said, “It is wrong for us to surprise taxpayers with an unexpected demand for more money. Fairness and equality are the underpinnings of any good tax code. If the Governor’s bill does not pass, our capital gains tax law will not reflect these basic principles.”

 

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June 15, 2005

ROMNEY AWARDS $8.5 MILLION IN WORKFORCE TRAINING FUNDS

Makes statewide push for economic stimulus bill to create more jobs

 

Governor Mitt Romney today awarded $8.5 million in Workforce Training Fund grants to 72 businesses across Massachusetts and continued his statewide campaign to pass a real economic stimulus package.

 

“These funds to train our workforce in cutting edge technologies and workforce efficiencies are absolutely critical to enhancing Massachusetts’ competitive edge,” said Romney, who announced the grants at Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO), which received a $188,000 grant to train 310 employees.

 

Administered by the Department of Workforce Development, the Workforce Training Fund provides businesses with matching grants to provide job-related training to current employees. This current round of grants will help train 11,600 employees. Since being launched seven years ago, more than $104 million has been awarded to nearly 1,500 companies to train 153,000 workers statewide.

 

“Technology within the utility industry is rapidly evolving and our workforce needs to keep pace with these changes,” said WMECO President and Chief Operating Officer Rodney O. Powell. “These funds will help train and develop our workforce so we can use new technologies, improve our productivity and ensure we are safely and efficiently delivering electricity to our customers.”

 

WMECO, a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities and is the largest electric distribution company in Western Massachusetts, serving more than 200,000 customers in 59 communities. The company will make $40 million of investments in its distribution system over the next two years, and employees will be trained on the latest software to manage system changes.

 

The Governor has committed to fully funding the Workforce Training Fund for $21 million for the next fiscal year, and extending the program through 2008. Recent program enhancements include the use of online applications and a rolling review to speed grant requests of up to $50,000. Employers using the online application can receive decisions on their grant application within 45 days.

 

The following grants were awarded in this latest round:

 

• 13 grants in Western Massachusetts totaling $1.11 million to train 1,740 employees;

 

• Seven grants in Central Massachusetts totaling $1.48 million to train 1,103 employees;

 

• Nine grants in Northeast Massachusetts totaling $1.09 million to train 1,313 employees;

 

• 32 grants in Greater Boston totaling $4 million to train 6,719 employees;

 

• 11 grants in Southeast Massachusetts totaling $832,900 to train 750 employees.

 

For more information on the Workforce Training Fund and a complete listing of grant recipients, visit www.mass.gov/wtf.

 

Later in the day, Romney continued to push for passage of his economic stimulus bill to keep Massachusetts’ recovery strong. Addressing the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce in Pittsfield and then at a meeting with small business leaders in Worcester, Romney said his plan would help businesses add jobs by providing incentives and targeting the state’s highest-in-the-nation unemployment insurance system.

 

“We’ve had a lot of success over the last two years reforming government and putting the state back in sound fiscal condition. But there is still more to do,” said Romney. “It’s time to build on that success by passing an economic stimulus bill that provides real job-creating incentives to employers and helps ensure that we don’t backslide to the days of economic stagnation.”

 

To sustain and accelerate Massachusetts’ economic recovery Romney proposed an economic stimulus bill in March that would use nearly $500 million in incentives to help businesses attract at least 20,000 new jobs to the state over the next five years.

 

June 16, 2005

ROMNEY FILES BILL TO EXPEDITE LOCAL PERMITTING

Businesses say legislation necessary for expansion and job growth

 

Governor Mitt Romney, with broad bipartisan support, today filed legislation that expedites the commercial permitting process and overhauls a significant barrier for businesses looking to relocate and expand in Massachusetts.

 

The Governor originally offered permitting reform as part of the Economic Stimulus Bill he filed on March 3, but decided to move it ahead of consideration of the larger bill by filing it as separate legislation.

 

“Permitting can take up to five years to complete, making it extremely difficult for businesses here to expand and add jobs,” said Romney. “If we’re serious about encouraging business investment and expansion, we have to take a chainsaw to the red tape that ties up the process for years and years.”

 

The legislation allows communities to opt-in specific sites rather than the entire city or town, one of the main barriers to the original law passed last year to assist municipalities with expedited permitting. Communities that opt-in agree to complete their local permitting process in 180 days.

 

“These reforms would enhance Worcester’s competitiveness and ability to recruit new businesses while providing assistance to existing companies to expand and create jobs,” said City Manager Michael V. O’Brien. “I am in full support of the Romney administration’s permitting reform package.”

 

Technical assistance grants totaling $4.5 million would be available to help communities update local bylaws and procedures to comply with the reformed permitting process. The Office of Technical Assistance will support communities looking to update permitting regulations. An online inventory of pre-permitted sites will be developed and marketed by the state’s Business Resource Team.

 

“The Governor and I have personally met with companies that have committed to expanding in Massachusetts once this legislation is passed,” said Ranch C. Kimball, secretary of economic development. “Streamlining our permitting process removes a long-standing barrier to job growth in the Commonwealth.”

 

Business leaders from around the state applauded the Governor and the Legislature for focusing attention on the issue of permitting.

 

“AVANT Immunotherapeutics understands the value of having policies in place that encourage economic growth in Massachusetts, and is happy to have expanded recently within Massachusetts,” said Una Ryan, Ph.D., president and CEO of AVANT Immunotherapeutics. “A streamlined permitting process will make it easier for others to join us.”

 

“A predictable and clearer permitting process helps businesses plan for future growth and create jobs,” said Daniel A. Guglielmo, CEO of Trust Design, a financial advisory firm that consults with businesses that want to expand in Massachusetts. “This reformed permitting process will help many of my clients expand and add jobs in the Commonwealth.”

 

“I will be able to renovate our newest Lawrence facility faster and create 100 new jobs as a result of this reform,” said Sal Lupoli, the president and CEO of Sal’s Pizza, the largest manufacturer of fresh pizza in New England. Lupoli’s business has also spent more than $1 million to rehabilitate vacant Lawrence mills into residential, commercial and retail space.

 

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June 22, 2005

ROMNEY ANNOUNCES 2006 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

 

Governor Mitt Romney today announced that the 2005-2006 Massachusetts Teacher of Year is Suzanne Wintle, a veteran elementary school teacher at the Florence Sawyer School in Bolton.

 

“Our children deserve only great teachers who are hard working, creative, enthusiastic and committed to the success of every child.” said Romney. “Massachusetts has a strong tradition of excellent teachers. I want to congratulate our distinguished honorees and personally thank them for all that they do.”

 

Wintle, a Weston resident, has been in education for 35 years. She began her career as a second grade teacher in Nebraska in 1970, and the following year moved to Westchester, Illinois, where she taught grade three, and in 1976 she moved to Massachusetts, where she began teaching grades 1 and 3 at the Florence Sawyer School. Since then she has taught grades 1 through 6 at the school.

 

Commissioner of Education David Driscoll lauded the accomplishments, commitment and dedication of the two educators.

 

“We are lucky in Massachusetts because our classrooms are filled with excellent educators, and these teachers are among our finest,” Driscoll said. “Suzanne and Beth do excellent work in the classroom every day, and I am deeply grateful to them for the impact they have had on the children of Massachusetts.”

 

In her application, Wintle describes teaching as her “calling” and notes that after 35 years, teaching is still her passion.

 

“I remember receiving my first paycheck as a teacher,” she wrote. “I was making a little over $7,000 a year, but kept saying to myself, “I really get paid for doing this? How great is that?”

 

Lynne Weliver, a parent of one of Wintle’s former students, says that Wintle changed the lives of her two sons by teaching them both a love for learning that has continued to grow.

 

“All parents wish for a time in their children’s educational experience when they would meet a teacher who opened their eyes to new vistas, exposed their minds to new ideas, and sparked a love for learning,” she wrote in a letter of support, “How fortunate are the students, parents and peers who have known Suzanne Wintle!”

 

Romney also named Beth Harding, a middle school U.S. History teacher from Worcester, the state’s 2005 Preserve America History Teacher of the Year.

 

Harding, a Holden resident, has been a U.S. History teacher at the Sullivan Middle School in Worcester for the past nine years. Lauded for her commitment to her students and dedication to teaching, she also mentors new teachers, taught a broadcasting class, and has led her students to volunteer at the Worcester Historical Museum and for the Special Olympics. She travels each summer around the United States and brings back artifacts to enhance her teaching.

 

“Love of children, love of subject, energy and enthusiasm, and a willingness to put in the extra time are my criteria for greatness in the classroom,” wrote Sullivan Middle School Principal John Bierfeldt. “The truth is I no longer have to look to many individuals to construct the mold – I simply use Beth Harding as the model to which all teachers should aspire.”

 

Romney and Driscoll also recognized the state’s two 2004 Milken Family Foundation National Educator award recipients. They are Michael Aw, a 6th Grade teacher at the Hopedale Memorial Elementary School and Holly Concannon, a 4th and 5th grade teacher at the Richard J. Murphy Elementary School in Boston

 

The Massachusetts Teacher of the Year is automatically the state’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year. While remaining in the classroom, Wintle will serve as ambassador to the teaching profession over the next year by making speeches and conducting workshops throughout the state. She succeeds Nancy Tyler Schoen, last year’s Teacher of the Year.

 

The Preserve America History Teacher of the Year is a White House initiative and is sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History. Harding will represent Massachusetts in the national program and is a candidate for the national award.

 

 

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June 23, 2005

ROMNEY ADMINISTRATION RECEIVES TOP AWARD FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT

Chief Human Resources Officer awarded for vision and innovative practices

 

The Romney Administration’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Ruth Bramson, received top honors at the 14th annual 2005 Better Government Competition sponsored by the Pioneer Institute, a non-partisan think tank.

 

“This honor highlights the types of reforms and efficiencies we have put in place at the state level to professionalize human resources practices,” said Governor Mitt Romney. “By creating a work environment that rewards job performance and attracts talented employees, Ruth has been instrumental in helping to change the culture on Beacon Hill.”

 

The Pioneer Institute’s Better Government Competition rewards innovative ideas that improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of government services, attracting submissions from around the country.

 

“The quality and quantity of entries to the competition this year were, simply, fantastic. Over 200 superb entries came from all over the country,” said Shawni M. Littlehale, director of the Better Government Competition. “Given the quality of the entries, it’s a good sign that – for the first time in the history of the competition – all but one of the winning ideas are from Massachusetts. Clearly, inroads are being made into streamlining government in the Commonwealth.”

 

The Pioneer Institute selected “Shared Services: Streamlining Massachusetts Government Human Resources,” Bramson’s strategic plan for improving human resource service delivery through a model which encourages agencies to partner with each other to reduce costs and eliminate redundancies.

 

Bramson introduced state-of-the-art practices to reduce the cost of managing the executive branch workforce and make merit the prime factor in hiring and promotions. Bramson spearheaded the first “pay-for-performance” system in state history that provides incentives to motivate and reward the best performers.

 

Bramson also headed initiatives to improve state government training by creating an “e-learning” curriculum and reducing a backlog of 22,000 unpaid bills related to workers compensation.

 

“This award recognizes the success of the Shared Services initiative which fundamentally alters how the workforce operates and ultimately is creating a better, more effective work environment for those who serve the people of the Commonwealth,” said Bramson. “I am honored to receive this award and share it with the dedicated team of human resources professionals who provide service to our employees every day.”

 

Bramson was named the Commonwealth’s first Chief Human Resources

 

Officer in 2003, bringing 25 years of human resource experience to the public sector from the private sector. She was hired after Governor Romney abolished the old office of the Chief Secretary, which was responsible for putting patronage hires in place throughout state government.

 

 

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June 24, 2005

ROMNEY NAMES LUISA PAIEWONSKY AS HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER

 

 

Governor Mitt Romney today appointed Executive Office of Transportation Assistant Secretary Luisa Paiewonsky as Commissioner of the Massachusetts Highway Department.

 

“With a solid record of achievement at MassHighway, Luisa Paiewonsky is the right person to lead the agency forward,” said Romney. “As we work to complete projects within our Long-Range Transportation Plan, I look forward to Commissioner Paiewonsky’s advice on how to keep our citizens moving now and in the future.”

 

Paiewonsky’s appointment continues Romney’s record of hiring women to high-level positions within his administration. A study conducted last year by the University of Albany ranked Massachusetts first in the nation in appointing women to policy-making positions.

 

Paiewonsky started her career in transportation 16 years ago as an assistant in MassHighway’s Planning Department. After a series of promotions, she was elevated to Director of Transportation Planning in 1998, and she was appointed MassHighway Deputy Commissioner in 2002. In the fall of 2004, Paiewonsky was named Assistant Secretary of the Executive Office of Transportation.

 

While working within state transportation agencies, Paiewonsky has spearheaded several key transportation initiatives such as the development of the $300 million Route 146 relocation in Worcester and Millbury, the location of the Anderson Regional Transportation Center in Woburn, and the implementation of the Southeast Expressway contra-flow “Zipper Lane.” Most recently, Paiewonsky has worked on revisions to the Highway Department’s Design Manual to make it more responsive to cities and towns in accordance with Governor Romney’s Communities First initiative.

 

“I’m honored that Governor Romney has selected me to lead the Highway Department at this critical juncture,” said Commissioner Paiewonksy. “We have an ambitious agenda of investing in our aging infrastructure, dramatically reducing the number of structurally deficient bridges, and spending at least $450 million a year on road and bridge construction. I look forward to working with the staff at MassHighway to realize Governor Romney’s transportation goals.”

 

As Highway Commissioner, Paiewonsky will manage 1,850 employees and have purview over 9,500 lane miles of roadway and more than 2,800 bridges. MassHighway has a combined annual capital and operating budget of $890 million.

 

Among the key projects that Paiewonsky will be advancing as Commissioner are the elimination of the Sagamore Rotary, the Route 128 add-a-lane project between Randolph and Wellesley, and the $166 million Brightman Street Bridge replacement between Fall River and Somerset.

 

Paiewonsky received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish at Mount Holyoke College in 1986 and holds a Masters of City Planning Degree from Boston University. She resides in Arlington with her husband John and her daughter Lauren.

 

 

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June 28, 2005

ROMNEY VOICES SUPPORT FOR FAITH-BASED PROGRAMS

Announces Ann Romney will serve as volunteer liaison to the faith-based community

 

Governor Mitt Romney, joined by White House Director of Faith-Based Initiatives Jim Towey, today held a roundtable discussion with religious and social service leaders from around Boston. The Governor announced that his wife, First Lady Ann Romney, will serve in a voluntary capacity as the Administration’s liaison to the faith-based and social service communities.

 

“The organizations and congregations represented here today have the power to lift up those around us who may have fallen on hard times,” said Romney. “Millions in need across our nation have been touched by the positive influence of faith-based organizations.”

 

During the meeting, Towey gave Boston’s faith and social service communities an overview of programs and grants available from the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. The Office works to empower faith-based and other community organizations to apply for federal social service grants. Over the past two years, more than $60 million in federal funds were granted to faith-based and community organizations in Massachusetts.

 

“President Bush established the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to strengthen the partnership between the federal, state and local government to faith-based and community groups that provide compassionate assistance to the American people,” said Towey. “Grassroots groups touch the lives of the poor and distressed with lasting, positive results.”

 

Said Romney: “It gives me great pleasure that Ann has agreed to serve as our state’s ambassador in this compassionate effort.”

 

As liaison, Mrs. Romney will provide information and resources to faith-based and community organizations about partnering with state government to provide social services.

 

“One of the most satisfying parts of my life has been working with many of the people in this room who strive to make life better for those in need,” said Mrs. Romney. “I look forward to strengthening the connections we share and to making new ones as we continue the vital work of faith-based and community organizations in Massachusetts.”

 

Mrs. Romney has a long history of volunteerism with charitable organizations in and around Boston. She has been a leader in the United Way of Massachusetts Bay as a board member and currently serves as co-chair of the Faith and Action Committee, which provides funding to urban church programs for at-risk youth. Additionally, Mrs. Romney is a board member of the Children’s Trust Fund and volunteers her time for equine therapy programs for physically challenged children and for other institutions including: Partners for Youth with Disabilities; the American Red Cross; the Reebok Human Rights Awards; the New England Women’s Leadership Awards; the Boston Ten Point Coalition; and the Perkins School for the Blind.

 

“Ann Romney has an extensive history of volunteer service and her expertise will help encourage and expand the important work of these organizations in Massachusetts,” Towey added.

 

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June 30, 2005

GOVERNOR ROMNEY SIGNS INTO LAW $23.8 BILLION BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR ‘06

Budget maintains balance, restores spending to key accounts

 

Governor Mitt Romney today signed into law a $23.8 billion budget for the new fiscal year that begins July 1, saying it maintains fiscal stability. Romney issued $110 million in vetoes to spending that he considered ineffective, wasteful or simply unnecessary.

 

The Fiscal Year 2006 budget increases spending on education and local aid, and provides more money for public colleges and universities. Year to year, the total spending increase in the budget is 3.5 percent.

 

“I want to congratulate the Legislature for sending me a budget that is on time and balanced,” said Romney. “Because of strong fiscal management and an improving state economy, Massachusetts has its fiscal house in order.”

 

The Governor filed a budget that increased spending by 2.6 percent and lowered the personal income tax to 5 percent, as voted by the people in a 2000 referendum. The Legislature decided not to lower taxes and instead increased spending in certain accounts above the Governor’s recommendation.

 

Romney vetoed some of that spending, except in areas where he shared the Legislature’s priorities, such as K-12 and higher education and local aid.

 

One of the largest vetoes was to a $15 million increase in the account that pays for health insurance for state employees. The Legislature reduced the contributions that state workers make for their own health insurance, undoing a key reform of the prior two years.

 

The Governor’s veto maintains the current tiered schedule, which requires employees to pay as much as 25 percent of their premium instead of the old 15 percent rate.

 

“This is not the time to retreat from the important reforms we made over the last two and a half years,” said Romney. “State employees should pay the same for their health insurance as their private sector counterparts.”

 

Romney also returned spending on the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) to the same level as the prior year, or $24.2 million, and refiled reforms that would impose work requirements and time limits for recipients of the rental subsidy program. The Legislature had rejected the reforms and increased spending by $2 million.

 

Total local aid climbs to $4.78 billion, a $251 million increase. There is an additional $105 million for Chapter 70 school aid, including $28 million to support a $50 per pupil increase. The lottery distribution was increased by $100 million over the prior year, and there is $2 million to increase funding for the METCO program and $2 million for kindergarten expansion grants.

 

Higher education got a healthy boost in the budget. Spending is up to $414 million at the University of Massachusetts, an $18.5 million, or 4.7 percent increase, and to $400 million at the state and community colleges, a $24 million increase, or 7 percent over the prior year that will be distributed through a formula.

 

In the area of public safety, the budget provides $4.4 million for a new State Police class and $12.2 million for improvements at the state police crime lab, a $4.6 million increase.

 

The Governor also vetoed a $75 sex offender registration fee, calling it a well-intentioned idea that could discourage offenders from registering. Instead, the Governor urged the Legislature to enact tougher criminal penalties for offenders who fail to register.

 

Said Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, “Since coming into office, we have made tremendous progress in reducing the backlog of unregistered sex offenders. The small amount of revenue generated by charging a fee to register does not outweigh the importance of getting everyone signed up.”

 

Medicaid, a chronic budget buster, is funded at $7.27 billion, a $350 million increase, or a relatively tame 5 percent growth rate when compared to the double digit increases of prior years.

 

The Governor also vetoed a $43 million mandatory rate increase for nursing homes, noting that nursing homes have already received on average a 7 percent per bed day increase for each of the past five years. The Governor filed legislation to review the rates biennially.

 

The Legislature adopted the Governor’s proposal to transform Prescription Advantage into a program that subsidizes seniors who will not receive the full federal Medicare drug benefit that begins January 1. The change will save $20 million even as the state maintains its commitment to providing drug benefits to seniors.

 

Because the Legislature chose not to deal with Romney's proposed welfare reforms as part of the budget, the Governor said he would file as separate legislation the stricter work rules Massachusetts must adopt in order to come into compliance with federal standards.

 

The budget also increases homelessness assistance by $5 million, from $30 million to $35 million.

 

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