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2005 July to December2005 July to December Mitt Romney Press ReleasesJuly 1, 2005HEALEY HONORS DAVICO WITH GOVERNOR’S AWARD
NEW BEDFORD — Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today presented Davico Manufacturing, a supplier of replacement automotive exhaust systems, with the Governor’s Inner City Investment Award.
The award is given to companies whose success and contributions have brought new economic investment and jobs to cities throughout the Commonwealth. The monthly award series is part of Governor Mitt Romney’s “Jobs First” initiative.
Davico manufactures customized replacement catalytic converters for the widest range of cars and trucks in the industry. The company was started in 1987 out of one bay of a muffler shop, and now employs more than 35 professionals, the majority of them from New Bedford.
The company has made workforce training a key priority as it continues to grow. Davico worked with the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership and utilized a state Workforce Training Fund grant to implement lean manufacturing techniques to improve operations. As a result of the training, the company was able to expand the parts it offered and start a second shift of employees that will grow to 12 by August.
“Davico is a terrific example of a company that was able to create new jobs as a result of workforce training grants,” said Healey. “They employ locally trained professionals to manufacture complicated exhaust systems for all sorts of vehicles, from Range Rovers to Jaguars.
Davico has averaged 38 percent revenue growth over the last three years. The company supplies automotive wholesalers in most regions of the country, and competes directly with larger firms in Tennessee, Indiana and California.
“Lean manufacturing has made our facility very cost competitive with larger operations across the country,” said Raymond Surprenant, president of Davico Manufacturing. “Our work toward continuous improvement allowed us to lower defect rates, increase product capacity, and provide a work environment that is safer and better organized.”
Increasing its product line by 30 percent gave Davico the ability to win new customers the company otherwise would not have. Davico is able to take advantage of the area’s skilled manufacturing labor, primarily graduates from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, and plans to continue adding more staff in the near future.
Previous Inner City Investment Award recipients include The Charles C. Lewis Company, Worcester; Polar Beverages, Worcester; City Fresh Catering, Boston; Court Square Data Group, Springfield; Visualization Technology, Lawrence; City Lights Electrical, Dorchester; Mill City Environmental Services, Lowell; and Traditional Breads, Lynn.
July 7, 2005ROMNEY ANNOUNCES MASSACHUSETTS GREEN COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE$209M would ensure Healthier Homes and Opportunities to Build Affordable Housing
Governor Mitt Romney today announced the Massachusetts Green Communities Initiative to build more environmentally-friendly, affordable housing that adheres to smart growth principles.
The Governor joined MassHousing, The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC), and The Enterprise Foundation (Enterprise) at the announcement. Collectively these organizations will make available $209 million worth of incentives to build 1,000 new environmentally-friendly, “green,” homes in Massachusetts. This project will not require any new taxpayer dollars.
“Combining affordable housing and environmentally-friendly smart growth isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about promoting common sense,” said Romney. “By simultaneously investing in affordable housing and smart growth, Green Communities will help support our economy while maintaining the kind of diversity and healthy environment that makes Massachusetts such a great place to work, live and raise a family.”
MassHousing will provide approximately $125 million in mortgage financing.
“These are exciting new additions to the menu of financing options available to housing developers in Massachusetts,” said Tom Gleason, executive director of MassHousing. “The typical affordable housing developer usually is on a tight budget and doesn’t have the money to explore “green” building techniques, but with these new resources they can do more.”
Enterprise will provide up to $75 million in private equity to developers from the sale of low-income housing tax credits. Enterprise will also provide up to $500,000 in grants and loans for the pre-development, acquisition and construction of projects which meet specific “green” building criteria.
“We commend Governor Romney, MassHousing and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative for joining Enterprise in making smart, sustainable building mainstream in affordable housing,” said Bart Harvey, chairman and CEO of The Enterprise Foundation and chairman of ESIC. “Massachusetts Green Communities will help ensure smarter, healthier homes are available to Massachusetts families with limited incomes while protecting the environment for all of us.”
MTC will provide $8.5 million in grants specifically for renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaic panels, wind powered electricity generators, water-powered electricity generators and fuel cells that are used in the construction of affordable housing.
“This partnership will produce healthier, more energy efficient, affordable housing for residents across the Commonwealth,” said Rob Pratt, director of the Renewable Energy Trust which is located within the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. “We are putting funding from the Renewable Energy Trust to work in clean energy projects and businesses throughout the state, which helps our environment and our economy.”
Massachusetts Green Communities is part of the National Green Communities Initiative. It is a five-year, $555 million commitment to build more than 8,500 environmentally responsive affordable homes.
“The developers of Maverick Landing are honored to have served as a model for integrating green technologies with affordable housing development,” said James G. Keefe, President of Trinity Financial, Inc., the developer of Maverick Landing in East Boston where the announcement was made. “These technologies give us an important tool in combating the relentless rise in energy costs, as well as providing a healthier and more comfortable environment for our residents."
For more information on Massachusetts Green Communities, visit www.greencommunitiesonline.org
July 8, 2005ROMNEY FILES LEGISLATION TO LIFT FAMILIES FROM POVERTYProposes to expand work requirements in line with federal standards
Governor Mitt Romney today filed legislation to help welfare recipients escape the poverty trap. His legislation mirrors a plan he filed as part of his budget submission in January to bring Massachusetts in line with stricter federal standards that are followed in 48 other states.
Romney said he is filing the bill as stand-alone legislation because of the Legislature’s desire to deal with the issue apart from the annual budget, which was signed last week.
“Fundamentally, this is a debate about the best way to help someone lead a fulfilling life. We know that the best welfare system isn’t a handout but a hand up,” Romney said.
Massachusetts currently imposes a limited work requirement for its welfare system under a 1995 waiver from the federal government that expires at the end of September, 2005. When that happens, Massachusetts will be required to conform to stricter federal standards signed into law by President Clinton in 1996.
Following the introduction of work, welfare rolls in Massachusetts have plummeted from nearly 103,000 in 1995 to about 47,000 today. But with all the exemptions to the work requirement in this state, only 28 percent of today’s welfare population has to work. Romney’s plan would raise that to about 55 percent.
“It’s our responsibility to not only provide the opportunity for people to get themselves out of poverty, but also to give them critical support services to help them make their dreams come true,” said Lt. Governor Kerry Healey.
Investments related to this proposal include $8 million for education and training and $6 million for child care. Those funds, requested by Romney in his January budget submission, have already been approved by the Legislature. Romney will seek an additional $600,000 for DTA caseworkers to assist families in their efforts to become self-sufficient.
To bring the state work requirement in line with federal standards, Romney’s plan requires 20 hours of work by adult welfare recipients with children who are between the ages of one and five. 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 are required to work 20 hours per week; those with children between the ages of six and eight are required to work 24 hours per week; and those with children nine or older must work 30 hours per week. Recipients with children under two are currently exempt from any work requirement.
To illustrate the positive effect that work can have on a person’s life, Romney highlighted two former welfare recipients, Annette Jackson of Boston and Tasha Williams of Somerville. Jackson, the mother of a teenage daughter, is now employed at the Department of Transitional Assistance. Williams, who had not been employed for more than two years before enrolling in a supported work program, is now an administrative assistant at Shelter, Inc., a Boston group that works to fight homelessness.
“I am grateful to have had the support to be able to move on and move forward in my life,” said Williams.
Said Jackson: “After being laid off, I used the services of the Department of Transitional Assistance and ended up with a good job. I am glad to be back where I belong, and that’s being employed.”
Adults with severe disabilities that meet federal standards would continue to be exempt from work under Romney’s plan. However, for parents with less serious impairments there will be individualized employment plans developed based on an assessment of their capacity to work.
“Over the past decade there has been a growing recognition that persons with disabilities can and, in fact, are working in competitive jobs,” said William E. Kiernan, Ph.D, Director of the Institute for Community Inclusion, a Boston organization that works to support the rights of children and adults with disabilities. “With effective job matching, comprehensive support and a coordinated effort, employment in a competitive job can be a reality for many persons with disabilities”
Massachusetts is one of only five states without a lifetime time limit for recipients to collect cash assistance. Romney’s legislation calls for continuation of the current time limit of two years in a five-year period, but would also have Massachusetts adopt the federal government’s five-year lifetime limit.
Romney’s plan also rewards work by allowing welfare recipients to keep at least one half of their earned income before their monthly welfare benefits are reduced. Most welfare recipients can currently keep only one third of earned income.
“Relying solely on a welfare check traps people below the poverty line, but working even a minimum wage job for only 20 hours a week raises that same family well above the poverty level,” said Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner John Wagner. “We’re grateful for the cooperative spirit demonstrated by the Administration and the Legislature in endorsing funding for these critical support services.”
July 13, 2005ROMNEY NOMINATES TRIO TO JUDICIARY
Today Governor Romney nominated Henry L. Rigali of Palmer to fill the position of Associate Justice as well as Margaret F. Albertson of Needham and Whitney J. Brown of Reading to fill Clerk Magistrate positions in the state’s court system.
Henry L. Rigali, who was selected for the Juvenile Court, Hampden County Division, has been in private practice since 1987. Rigali previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts from 1983 to 1987. Rigali also held the position of Assistant District Attorney for the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office from 1974 to 1983.
Rigali was a keynote speaker for the United Nations Project this year, and is a member of the Board of Directors for Human Resources Unlimited. Rigali graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree from Union College in 1971, and received his law degree from Albany Law school in 1974.
Margaret F. Albertson, who was selected for the Boston Municipal Court, South Boston Division, has worked in the Boston Municipal Court, South Boston Division as the acting Clerk Magistrate, and as the Assistant Clerk Magistrate since 2000. Albertson previously held the position of Deputy Chief of Superior Court Prosecutions for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office from 1998 to 2000.
Albertson is a member of the Association of Clerk Magistrates and Assistant Clerk Magistrates, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Simon of Cyrene Society. Albertson graduated with a bachelor’s of art degree from the College of the Holy Cross in 1987, and obtained her law degree from Boston University school of Law in 1991.
Whitney J. Brown, who was selected for the Gardner District Court, has worked as the First Assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Middlesex Superior Court since 1993. Brown previously served as an associate at Kezar & Kezar of Malden from 1990 to 1993. Brown has also held various law clerk positions for Finneran & Associates, P.C., Edward H. Lacey, Esq., and Pike & Pike during 1987 to 1989.
Brown is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, and the Massachusetts Associate of Trial Lawyers. Brown graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Bridgeport in 1986, and received her law degree from New England Law school in 1989.
July 14, 2005ROMNEY ADMINISTRATION AWARDED $2 MILLION HIGH school REFORM GRANT
Following a highly competitive process, Massachusetts was one of 10 states selected by the National Governors Association to receive an up to $2 million education reform grant, Governor Mitt Romney announced today.
Massachusetts was among 31 states to apply for the NGA Honor States grant, which is supported by funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will be matched by the state over the next two years.
"This is a great day for education reform," said Romney. "Massachusetts is nationally recognized for its leadership on education reform, and we need to continue down the same path if we’re going to help our kids maximize their potential."
The other states to receive funding include Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Virginia. The grant competition was called "Redesigning the American High School."
The NGA asked states to come up with a program that closes the achievement gap between different racial and ethnic groups; uses data to hold schools accountable; and raises the value of the high school diploma to signify college readiness.
The Massachusetts proposal had a sharp focus on math and science as part of a model high school curriculum. Last month, the Board of education adopted Romney’s proposal to add a science requirement to the MCAS exam starting with the Class of 2010.
The state’s application also proposed to use the grant to enhance opportunities for high school students to take college-level courses, work with high-need districts to close the achievement gap and build a database to better track school performance.
"Massachusetts has been a national leader of standardized assessment and accountability," said Dane Linn, Director of the NGA’s education Division. "Governor Romney’s leadership provides the state with an opportunity to take reform to the next level."
"The national focus on the urgent need to redesign high schools will give us the opportunity in Massachusetts to set in motion the serious comprehensive initiatives we need for our students to attain proficiency in their schoolwork," said education Commissioner David P. Driscoll. "It is critical that we do our part to prepare our children to compete in today’s global economy."
"In order to build upon the great strides our state has taken in education over the past decade we must continue to emphasize student achievement in language arts and mathematics, but also expand that focus to science and technology," said Senator Robert A. Antonioni, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Education. "This grant award underlines our commitment to ensure all students receive the background they need in English, math, science and technology."
Additionally, the state will match the grant funds over the next two years to develop a model high school curriculum and improve teacher quality in math and science.
Maura Banta, Chairwoman of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, applauded Romney and the state’s entire education team for pursuing reform, particularly in the area of science.
"To remain a leader of innovation and technology, the Massachusetts business community needs more talented young people joining the workforce who are educated in the fields of math and science," Banta said.
Banta added, "We applaud the important alignment work that this grant will help accomplish in order to get students excited about their education at an early age."
July 18, 2005ROMNEY UNVEILS CAPITAL BUDGET, MAJOR FOCUS ON HIGHER EDAnnounces plan to use operating surplus to supplement $1.28 billion capital program
Governor Mitt Romney today unveiled the capital budget for the 2006 fiscal year, and said he plans to file a spending bill to dip into the operating surplus to supplement it with an ambitious $400 million capital investment program for higher education.
Romney also said he would use surplus funds to direct another $100 million into Chapter 90 local transportation projects, nearly doubling the amount of money available to cities and towns for road and bridge repair. The fiscal 2006 year began on July 1, 2005.
Romney made the announcement during visits to the Boston campus of the University of Massachusetts and Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester.
“This is a huge shot in the arm for our public colleges and universities,” said Romney. “By targeting these resources to construct new facilities and upgrade existing ones, we can put our higher education system in a position to deliver the first class facilities that our students deserve.”
Over the past 10 years, state bond funding for public higher education capital improvements has averaged $67 million per year. This level of spending has not been sufficient to permit major renovations and new building initiatives at public colleges and universities to advance as quickly as they should.
Because capital spending is capped at $1.28 billion annually, Romney’s use of the operating surplus for capital needs drastically increases the amount of money available to public colleges and universities. In the ordinary capital budget for Fiscal Year 2006, the higher education system is slated to receive $54 million in bond funding.
By increasing the amount of money available to public colleges and universities for construction, Romney would enable higher education institutions to aggressively reduce maintenance backlogs while undertaking major new facility construction at the same time.
Under Romney’s spending bill, which requires legislative approval, the five-campus 60,000-student UMASS system would receive more than $200 million for new science centers and to restore outdated infrastructure that is critical to student life. If funding is approved, construction on many of these projects could begin within the next year.
Targeted funding for new construction at UMASS campuses includes:
* $21 million to build a nanotechnology center at UMASS-Lowell; * $20 million for an integrated science building at UMASS-Amherst; * $13 million to acquire the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center for UMASS-Dartmouth; and * $30 million for a faculty office building at UMASS Medical school in Worcester.
Improvements to existing infrastructure within the UMASS system are a key component of the Romney plan. Earlier this year Romney announced he would dedicate $40 million to help rebuild the crumbling central foundation and parking garage at UMASS-Boston. Given the extent of the work required, however, the Governor today increased his commitment by $10 million, making up to $50 million available for UMASS-Boston to complete the complex reconstruction.
Further improvements to the UMASS system include $60 million for the Amherst campus to rebuild the central heating facility and $8.5 million for UMASS-Dartmouth to construct a new facilities building that will free up academic space.
“It is clearly the case that our capital needs have not been adequately addressed in the past, and Governor Romney’s proposal will literally and figuratively alter the University’s landscape and put us on the road to providing the facilities we need to be a world-class university,” said University of Massachusetts president Jack M. Wilson. “Governor Romney’s proposal rightly matches the repair of existing facilities with the creation of new buildings that will allow the University to advance its science and technology efforts, and in the process expand the Commonwealth’s intellectual and economic frontiers.”
Wilson added: “This has been a year of great progress for the University of Massachusetts, and I thank Governor Romney and the Legislature for investing in UMass, and in so doing, investing in the Commonwealth’s social and economic future.”
Romney also envisions $211 million in capital improvements at the community college and state college level. These include:
* $60 million for the Conant Life science Building at Bridgewater State College; * $20 million for fire safety and accessibility upgrades for dormitories across the public higher education system; * $10 million for the Allied Health Building at North Shore Community College; * $15 million for an academic building at Northern Essex Community College; * $10 million to renovate the Hemenway Hall science facility at Framingham State College; * $11 million to renovate the Quinsigamond Engineering, science and Technology Center at Quinsigamond Community College; * $15 million for a design center at the Massachusetts College of Art; * $10 million for the Allied Health Building at Bunker Hill Community College; * $25 million for Building 19 adaptive reuse at Springfield Tech Community College; * $10 million for a science building at Cape Cod Community College; * $3 million to renovate nursing instruction facilities at Salem State College; * $20 million to renovate the science building at Fitchburg State College; and * $2 million to upgrade the Wallace Civic Center and Planetarium, used extensively by Fitchburg State College.
“Generations of Massachusetts students will benefit from the investment Governor Romney is making in public higher education today,” said Judith Gill, Chancellor of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. “His generous support of capital improvements on our campuses will enhance teaching and learning in the critical areas of sciences, health sciences, and technology, so essential to the economic vitality of the Commonwealth.”
Romney said his spending bill also contains $100 million in Chapter 90 funds to help Massachusetts cities and towns undertake repairs to their aging infrastructure. Chapter 90 grants may only be used for road and bridge maintenance and repair and are awarded by a formula that incorporates road miles, employment levels and population.
The $100 million Chapter 90 increase would be in addition to the $120 million in Chapter 90 funds allotted in the capital budget.
Said Romney: “Municipal leaders from across the Commonwealth have asked for more support to move forward with road and bridge projects that are critical to their economic growth and quality of life. My administration increased Chapter 90 aid by 20 percent last year and I’m pleased to announce a near doubling of that figure to keep our communities moving.”
The capital budget plan includes $350 million to streamline and modernize courthouse complexes or trial courts in Fall River, Lowell, Salem and Taunton over the next five years.
The improvement push is part of an aggressive effort by the Romney administration to reorganize and upgrade justice facilities that have fallen into disrepair due to years of underinvestment. Major court renovation projects in Plymouth and Worcester, announced last year, are currently underway.
The Commonwealth’s Capital Investment Plan provides funding for a wide range of projects around Massachusetts and includes grants for economic development, local aid, infrastructure, education, public safety and housing, among other areas.
A complete list of projects from Romney’s Fiscal Year 2006 capital investment plan is attached.
July 20, 2005ROMNEY APPOINTS LATINO-AMERICAN ADVISORY COMMISSION
Reaffirming his commitment to create a state government that reflects the entire Massachusetts community, Governor Mitt Romney today swore in 12 new members of the Latino-American Advisory Commission (LAAC).
"One of the hallmarks of good government is making sure that everyone has a seat at the table. In this administration, diversity’s not a slogan - it’s a fact," said Romney.
The Commission, which was established in 1993, will be chaired by Heriberto Flores, Chairman of Partners for Community and President/CEO of Brightwood Development Corporation.
"On behalf of the Hispanic/Latino community in Massachusetts, I’d like to thank Governor Mitt Romney for his leadership," said Flores. "I am very impressed with his vision for the Hispanic/Latino communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in the United States."
LAAC is dedicated to improving the economic, social, and political position of the Hispanic community in Massachusetts. The commission will promote the presence of Hispanics in all aspects of Massachusetts life, according to guidelines set by Governor Romney and in accordance with the highest standard of professional conduct.
This commission will be tasked with providing recommendations on how we can best reach out to the state’s thriving Latino community, and attract more Latinos to careers in public service. In the process, it will help raise a broader awareness of the importance of the Latino community to our economic and cultural vitality as a Commonwealth.
LAAC will also be charged with expanding and improving commercial and cultural ties with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries.
LAAC will meet regularly on a schedule determined by the chair, including two meetings each year with the Governor.
July 22, 2005ROMNEY APPROVES TAX-FREE SHOPPING HOLIDAY
Governor Mitt Romney today signed into law a bill establishing a two-day tax holiday and encouraged consumers to shop during the weekend of August 13 and 14 without worrying about paying sales tax.
“We’re sending taxes in Massachusetts on a little summer vacation,” said Romney. “Everyone should head out to their favorite stores to take advantage of the tax-free holiday.”
The upcoming sales tax holiday weekend exempts individuals from paying the state’s five percent sales tax on purchases up to $2,500. Motor vehicles, motorized boats, utility payments, tobacco products and meals are excluded from tax-free shopping.
“The sales tax holiday in Massachusetts is among the most generous in the nation,” said Jon Hurst, President of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. “We are hopeful that consumers will take advantage of the holiday and give local retailers a boost during what is usually a slow time of year.”
The Department of Revenue estimates that consumers will save more than $14 million in sales taxes and retailers will generate about $300 million in sales during the tax-free weekend.
For more information on the sales tax holiday weekend, visit the Department of Revenue’s website at www.mass.gov/dor.
July 28, 2005HEALEY ENDORSES MANDATORY OVERDOSE REPORTING BILL
LYNN - Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today endorsed Senate legislation that would require hospitals and clinics that treat heroin or other opioid overdoses to report such cases to the state Department of Public Health. The names and identities of patients admitted for treatment would not be collected under the bill.
“During meetings with local law enforcement, I heard time and again how powerful this tracking tool could be in confronting heroin abuse in Massachusetts,” said Healey, who announced her support for the measure with legislators at the NSMC Union Hospital. “This tracking system will allow us to target resources more quickly and efficiently, helping us to save lives and stop illegal drugs from destroying our communities.”
Massachusetts has some of the highest heroin use and addiction rates in the nation but the state does not currently track overdose data that could be useful in targeting treatment for addiction and overdose care. Obtaining timely data on opioid abuse could help public healthcare agencies and private providers to identify trends that inform decisions on appropriate prevention and treatment strategies.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Steven Tolman (D-Brighton), would require hospitals and clinics to file reports that include key data about patients that have been treated for the abuse of heroin or other opioids such as OxyContin.
“The devastating epidemic of opioid abuse in Massachusetts is something that physicians, families, educators, and public officials are witnessing every day,” said Tolman, who is Senate chair of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee. “Yet in the face of such a serious problem, we lack actual data and information about drug overdoses that could help us combat substance abuse. This legislation offers an important tool in our fight against drug addiction.”
Reporting requirements include the city or town where the patient resides, the patient’s age, gender, race and the type of drug involved. To protect patient privacy, the patient’s name and other relevant identity data, such as social security number or driver’s license number will not be collected. All aspects of the report will be confidential and will not be considered a public record. Reports must be filed within 24 hours of treatment.
“This legislation is a very important step in gathering information to better understand what we’re facing and how to best combat opiate abuse throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Thomas M. McGee (D-Lynn). “It will bring together healthcare and substance abuse professionals and allow us to truly identify where addiction lies and how it affects all of our communities.”
“This bill is critical to expanding our capabilities to identify the critical patterns involved in substance abuse,” said Representative Brian Wallace (D-Boston). “Bringing greater awareness to a debilitating public health epidemic will only deliver better results regarding drug education and treatment.”
The Romney administration has a strong track record of working to combat heroin and opioid abuse and addiction. In the fall of 2004, the Administration created the Inter-Agency Heroin and Other Opioids Initiative to fight heroin addiction in Massachusetts and announced more than $500,000 in grants to help communities prevent heroin and opioid abuse among children and adolescents.
In addition, the Legislature approved two supplemental budget amendments – totaling over $20 million – that were introduced by Governor Romney for substance abuse prevention and treatment services.
July 29, 2005HEALEY SIGNS BILL REFORMING SYSTEM FOR INDIGENT COUNSELLegislation calls for pay increase, changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness
BOSTON - Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today signed legislation providing for a pay increase for lawyers who represent indigent defendants and instituting reforms in the manner in which the state provides this constitutionally-required service.
"This is a good result, with many new reforms that will improve and make more efficient the system for providing legal services to the indigent," said Healey, who signed the bill in the absence of Governor Mitt Romney.
"The Legislature deserves credit for taking a comprehensive approach and recognizing that an increase in pay alone does not address some of the serious caseload issues affecting the system," said Healey.
The bill, which was enacted by the Legislature yesterday, is largely consistent with the recommendations of a special commission that looked at the system for paying private attorneys, or "bar advocates," who contract with the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), a state agency.
The legislation calls for an across the board increase for bar advocates so that they will receive an hourly fee of $50 for District Court and family law work, $60 for Superior Court and $100 for homicide cases. The previous scale ranged from $37.50 to a high of $61.50.
Among the reforms are a cap on billing at 1400 hours, stricter provisions for the verification of indigency, new CPCS offices in each district with 10 permanent full-time public defenders assigned to each and the hiring of 20 new public defenders to focus on juvenile and family law matters.
One of the major reforms proposed by the special commission and supported by the Governor would have immediately redefined certain misdemeanor offenses so as to remove the requirement of appointed counsel. While the bill did not include this provision, it does enhance the courts' power to treat misdemeanor offenses as civil rather than criminal, thereby eliminating the requirement of appointed counsel. The legislation also establishes a permanent commission to study the impact of reclassifying misdemeanor offenses.
August 3, 2005HEALEY, MENINO TOUT NEWLY-RENOVATED SAVIN HILL STATIONRenovations Part of Comprehensive Rehab of Dorchester Transit Infrastructures
Emphasizing the Administration’s commitment to improve public transportation, Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today joined Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino to celebrate the re-opening of the newly renovated Savin Hill Station on the MBTA’s Red Line in Dorchester.
"The Commonwealth needs a state-of-the-art transportation system to make it as easy as possible for our citizens to get to work in the morning and get home to their loved ones at night," said Healey. "Making sure that MBTA stations are up-to-date will help ensure that neighborhoods in Dorchester and around Boston continue to grow, develop, and prosper."
Originally built in 1927, the Savin Hill Station was in dire need of renovations, the Station and platform upgrades were made in 1982 when the Red Line's tracks were replaced, but the station was never fully reconstructed. The facility now boasts a new head house, extended platforms to accommodate six-car trains, and a new escalator and elevators.
"A neighborhood that is growing as quickly as Dorchester deserves a train station that is modern and accessible. Having safer, cleaner and improved access to the Red Line will improve the quality of life in Savin Hill," said Menino. "I'm proud that by working together with the MBTA and the community, we're promoting improvements that will give residents better access to good, quality public transportation."
Savin Hill, which was closed for 14 months, is the first of three stations to be completed under a $67 million station rehabilitation contract in Dorchester. The other two stations, Shawmut and Fields Corner, are slated for completion in 2006 and 2007 respectively. The upgrades will bring the stations into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide state-of-the-art amenities, including LED display signs and updated communications and security systems.
"Governor Romney and Lieutenant Governor Healey have stressed time and again that we need to invest in our urban centers," said Transportation Secretary John Cogliano. "This refurbished station lives up to the spirit of that sentiment, and it delivers a great new transit improvement in the heart of Dorchester."
The unique designs of all four Dorchester stations were a direct result of years of dialogue between MBTA staff, neighborhood residents, community activists and elected officials. Construction will begin at Ashmont after the MBTA Board of Directors awards a contract with the entire project scheduled to be completed three years from now.
"This is a great day for the residents of Savin Hill," said MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas. "This new station is testament to the T’s commitment to Boston’s neighborhoods by providing transit dependent residents with services that are clean, accessible, safe, and reliable."
The reconstruction of the Red Line stations was awarded to Barletta Construction in September of 2003. Construction commenced in October of 2003.
August 6, 2005HEALEY SIGNS BILL TO HONOR MASS NATIONAL GUARD
WESTFIELD – Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today paid tribute to the Massachusetts National Guard by signing legislation that renames a stretch of state Route 20 as Massachusetts National Guard Way. Earlier in the day, Healey attended send-off ceremonies at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee for 150 National Guardsmen being deployed overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Healey signed the legislation along a section of Route 20. Besides renaming a portion of the road, the bill also designates two bridges on Route 20 for the two arms of the Massachusetts National Guard. The first span, which crosses the Westfield River, will be known as the Massachusetts Air National Guard Bridge. The second bridge, which crosses Powdermill Brook, will be known as Massachusetts Army National Guard Bridge.
“Whether in times of war or peace, military service is one of the most solemn and important commitments any American can make,” said Healey. “We want the members and families of the National Guard, and the individuals who make up the 181st Engineer Battalion, to know that we appreciate their service and all they do for their state and country.”
The measure was sponsored by State Senator Michael R. Knapik (R-Westfield) and State Representative Donald F. Humason Jr. (R-Westfield).
“We’re honored today to be joined by Lieutenant Governor Healey as we officially designate the Massachusetts National Guard Way in the city of Westfield,” said Knapik. The Romney Administration has been instrumental in providing the funding for this $15 million project. This is an appropriate way to memorialize the service and sacrifice of our Commonwealth’s citizen soldiers.”
“The dedication of these structures provides apt recognition for our servicemen and women and it was an honor to assist in shepherding this bill through the Legislature,” said Humason. “I am most pleased and thankful that Lieutenant Governor Healey is here to sign this special bill, the final step in naming a long awaited and nearly completed bridge. We can all be proud of the good work of our National Guards, marked by this special designation.”
“On behalf of the men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard, I wish to express our gratitude to Senator Knapik and Representative Humason for sponsoring this bill, and our special thanks to Lieutenant Governor Healey for signing it into law,” said Brigadier General Oliver J. Mason Jr., the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard.
“As people now travel on Route 20 in Westfield, I hope they will pause for a moment to recognize the service and sacrifice of the dedicated soldiers and airmen of the Massachusetts National Guard, and remember our guardsmen who serve overseas defending our freedom.”
August 8, 2005ROMNEY ASKS COMPANIES TO SIGN UP FOR jobs INCENTIVE PROGRAMSays program will help nurture fledgling life sciences sector
As the Legislature debates ways to further stimulate the Massachusetts economy, Governor Mitt Romney today urged life sciences and medical device manufacturing companies to apply for the jobs Incentive Payment (JIP) program that was part of the last economic stimulus bill.
The manufacturing tax credit is designed for life sciences and medical device manufacturing firms. The program was passed as part of Romney’s first economic stimulus package in 2003. The credit became available in January 2005 for employees hired during 2004.
To date, three companies have applied for the tax credit. Together, these three companies – Agencourt Bioscience of Beverly, Holyoke-based Marox and Hyaluron of Burlington - have together created 38 qualifying jobs with an average salary of more than $32,000.
Right now, there are roughly 22,000 life sciences manufacturing jobs in Massachusetts. While relatively small, Romney said, “As a state, our long-term economic health depends on the expansion of the life sciences job sector. We’d like to give companies in this sector another reason to grow in Massachusetts.”
“Our challenge now is to start spreading the news. The manufacturing tax credit is good for cutting edge companies, good for job seekers and great for Massachusetts,” Romney said.
Under the program, companies that create 10 or more jobs in Massachusetts during a calendar year receive a cash payment equal to half the income tax rate for the salaries paid to the newly hired workers. The incentive is paid out over 3 years provided companies maintain an employment level at least equal to the application year.
“The life sciences manufacturing tax credit has gained much-deserved national attention as an innovative economic program,” said Peter Larkin, chief operating officer and senior vice president of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council. “Since the JIP program clearly boosts our state’s competitiveness, it’s our task to make sure more companies know about this benefit to take advantage of it.”
The state Department of Revenue has budgeted $1 million for the JIP program in the first year and $2 million annually in the following years.
“Hyaluron is a fast growing life sciences manufacturing firm that has been able to take advantage of the talent in Massachusetts,” said Shawn Kinney, president of Hyaluron. “We appreciate the state’s efforts to help us grow and add jobs and Hyaluron encourages other firms to take advantage of this innovative tax rebate program.”
Companies that are interested in taking advantage of the Job Incentive Payment program should contact the Department of Revenue at 617-626-3306 or visit http://www.dor.state.ma.us.
August 9, 2005ROMNEY NAMES MATTHEW N. KANE TO STATE ETHICS COMMISSION
Governor Mitt Romney has appointed Boston attorney Matthew N. Kane to the State Ethics Commission, the five-member body charged with enforcing the Commonwealth’s conflict of interest laws.
"Matthew Kane brings a sharp legal mind and a reputation for fairness to the important work of the State Ethics Commission," said Romney.
Established in 1978, the State Ethics Commission provides free legal advice, education and other information regarding state conflict of interest and financial disclosure laws. The Governor appoints three of the commission members and the Secretary of State and Attorney General each appoint one member. Members serve staggered five-year terms.
According to the law, no more than two members of the commission may be members of the same political party. Kane, an unenrolled voter, replaces Christopher Moore, who Romney tabbed earlier this year to lead the Judicial Nominating Commission. Moore is also an unenrolled voter.
Kane is an attorney with the law firm Donnelly, Conroy & Gelhaar LLP, where he specializes in commercial disputes, intellectual property and white collar criminal defense.
In addition to private practice, Kane has served on the State Ballot Law Commission since 1999. The State Ballot Law Commission conducts hearings and evaluates the validity of nomination papers and initiative petitions, ensuring compliance with election laws and access to the state ballot. Kane resigned as a member of the State Ballot Law Commission in order to join the State Ethics Commission.
"As a member of the Ballot Law Commission, I strived to fairly and impartially evaluate cases involving political candidates and political questions," said Kane. "I look forward to joining the Ethics Commission in its efforts to ensure and promote integrity in state government. I am honored by this opportunity to serve the Commonwealth."
A member of the American Bar Association and the Boston Bar Association, Kane is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
Kane, 33, is a graduate of Harvard College and Boston University school of Law. He resides with his wife, Julie, and their daughter in Charlestown.
August 11, 2005ROMNEY, DIMASI, HART PROMOTE TAX-FREE SHOPPING WEEKEND
BOSTON – Governor Mitt Romney today joined Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi and State Senator Jack Hart to encourage shoppers to take advantage of the tax-free holiday weekend this Saturday and Sunday.
"Taxes in Massachusetts have the weekend off," said Romney during a visit at the shopping plaza in Landmark Center. "This upcoming sales tax holiday, consumers can enjoy savings at a range of shops from major retailers to their favorite mom-and-pop stores."
"This is our way of saying thank you to Massachusetts consumers and businesses," said Speaker DiMasi. "For the second year in a row, shoppers get to save and retailers get to increase their bottom line. It will be a great weekend for everyone."
The upcoming sales tax holiday weekend exempts individuals from paying the state’s five percent sales tax on purchases up to $2,500. Automobiles, motorized boats, utility payments, tobacco products and meals are excluded from tax-free shopping.
"The sales tax holiday boosts the Massachusetts economy during a typically slow time of year," said Hart. "After last year’s tremendously successful tax-free day, we’re pleased to reward consumers with a weekend of savings."
The Department of Revenue estimates that consumers will save more than $14 million in sales tax and retailers will generate about $300 million in sales during the tax-free weekend.
Last year, consumers saved over $10 million dollars in sales tax on a single tax-free shopping day.
"The sales tax holiday in Massachusetts is among the most generous in the nation and we are hopeful that consumers will take advantage of the holiday this weekend," said Jon Hurst, President of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts."
For more information on the sales tax holiday weekend, visit the Department of Revenue’s website at www.mass.gov/dor.
August 17, 2005IN WORCESTER, ROMNEY PUSHES PERMITTING REFORM TO CREATE JOBS
WORCESTER– To help companies across the state expand and create jobs, Governor Mitt Romney today urged passage of legislation that expedites the commercial permitting process and reduces a significant barrier for businesses looking to relocate and expand in Massachusetts.
At Abbott Bioresearch Center, located in the Worcester Biotechnology Research Park, Romney said the state needs a clear and predictable permitting process to help Massachusetts maintain and attract companies.
“This is a no-brainer. If we make it difficult for businesses to grow, we’re not going to have growing businesses,” said Romney. “It’s time to reform the permitting process in Massachusetts so that we can add jobs and chop away at the red tape that keeps good employers from coming to the Commonwealth.”
Romney’s legislation allows communities to opt-in specific sites rather than the entire city or town. This provision was one of the main barriers to the original law passed last year to assist municipalities with expedited permitting. Under Romney’s plan, communities that opt-in agree to complete their local permitting process in 180 days.
“The Governor’s permitting reforms will enhance Worcester’s efforts to support new development and expand existing businesses, thereby creating opportunities for growth across all industry sectors, including the life sciences,” said City Manager
Michael V. O’Brien. “With the support and leadership of our elected officials, Worcester has made great strides towards implementing its economic development action agenda. Permitting reform will help us further those goals, create new jobs and stimulate private investment.”
Officials working with the Worcester Biotech Park would also like to develop an adjacent 35-acre parcel to add up to four new buildings. One of the major issues is the ability to get this parcel pre-permitted to make it easier to market the site to companies interested in moving there.
“At Abbott Bioresearch Center, we have achieved great success by drawing from an outstanding talent pool in Massachusetts and we are grateful that Governor Romney has proposed measures such as a streamlined permitting process to help the life sciences industry thrive here,” said Alejandro Aruffo, Ph.D., Vice President, Global Pharmaceutical Development, Abbott. “We look forward to a continuing partnership between government and industry leaders that will help Massachusetts remain competitive. Working together, we can continue to attract new business and talent to the area and solidify the reputation of Massachusetts as a true biotech leader.”
“A streamlined permitting process would give the Biotech Park the ability to market undeveloped sites more effectively,” said Kevin O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, a non-profit organization focused on growing the state’s biotechnology industry. “The Governor has it right when he says permitting reform makes the Massachusetts business climate more competitive.”
Businesses in the park encouraged the Governor and Legislature to pass permitting reform.
“Using innovative technologies, Athena provides neurologists and other physicians with diagnostic answers that can improve the quality of health care for patients in a cost effective manner,” said Robert Flaherty, CEO of Athena Diagnostics which employs 150 in its Worcester Biotech Park headquarters. “We applaud the efforts of Governor Romney and the Legislature to reform the permitting process to make it easier for companies like ours to grow in Massachusetts.”
Romney added, “If we’re all willing to roll up our sleeves, there’s a lot we can get done. I look forward to working together with the legislative leadership to lay the groundwork for a stronger, more productive economy.”
August 18, 2005HEALEY BREAKS GROUND ON NORWOTTUCK RAIL TRAIL
NORTHAMPTON - Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today joined Northampton area officials to break ground on the $615,000 project to add another three-quarter of a mile to the Norwottuck bike and pedestrian rail trail.
“In the months ahead, Governor Romney and I will continue to look for additional ways to enhance the Commonwealth’s biking and jogging paths,” Healey said. “Massachusetts is a beautiful state and we want to ensure that every resident and visitor has a chance to enjoy all that the Bay State has to offer.”
The project will convert a stretch of abandoned rail bed between Woodmont Road and Damon Road in Northampton into a multi-purpose paved recreational path. The existing Norwottuck Rail Trail is an 8.5-mile path linking Northampton, Hadley, and Amherst along the former Boston & Maine Railroad right-of-way.
“These rail trails are not just a great recreational opportunity. They are also a great way to get from Point A to Point B,” said Transportation Secretary John Cogliano. “The Romney-Healey Administration have been strong advocates of enhancing the Commonwealth’s bike path network and this is another example in that effort.”
The work also includes the installation of a pedestrian traffic control signal at Damon Road and the removal of the existing abandoned railroad bridge over Woodmont Road. The contractor is Dietz Construction Corp. of Easthampton and the project is expected to be complete by the summer of 2006.
The path's level terrain makes it ideal for pedestrians, wheelchairs, joggers, in-line skaters, bicyclists, and in the winter, cross-country skiers. Motorized vehicles and horses are prohibited from using the rail trail. Both ends of the path offer free parking for trail users – Elwell State Park on Damon Road in Northampton and Station Road in South Amherst.
August 22, 2005ROMNEY PUSHES FOR STATE MARKETING TEAM TO HELP CREATE JOBS
CHICOPEE – In an effort to keep Massachusetts-based companies adding jobs and to attract new companies to the Commonwealth, Governor Mitt Romney encouraged the legislature to beef up funding for the state’s sales and marketing efforts.
At Prima North America in the Chicopee River Technology Park, Romney said the state needs to do a better job of marketing to companies in Massachusetts as well as those outside the state to continue the trend of job growth. Massachusetts has had 11 consecutive months of job growth, dating back to September 2004.
"We need to send a clear message to companies in Massachusetts that we want them to grow and add jobs here," said Romney. "We can’t sit around while other states actively recruit our companies to move away. Aggressive marketing efforts will keep more jobs here and will attract companies that want to move to Massachusetts."
Romney’s economic stimulus package calls for $2 million to boost the state’s sales and marketing efforts. The House version of economic stimulus includes $1.5 million for the creation of a state sales force.
"I applaud the Governor’s efforts to keep companies growing and adding jobs in Massachusetts," said Dr. Paolo Cigna, president of Prima North America, a premier provider of lasers and laser systems for the aerospace and automotive industries. "Prima employs 90 people and plans to expand and continue adding jobs in Chicopee. I look forward to seeing more companies move into our Technology Park as a result of the Governor’s efforts to attract new firms."
The Chicopee River Technology Park opened in 2000 and is located in both Chicopee and Springfield. The state invested $4 million in infrastructure improvements and pre-permitted the site for construction of industrial facilities. The park is seeking to attract high technology and life sciences firms.
"The Technology Park is an ideal location for the types of companies the Governor would like to attract to Massachusetts," said Chicopee Mayor Richard Goyette. "Like many cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth, Chicopee wants to bring in more companies that provide long-term employment opportunities. Let’s give the state the resources it needs to bring more companies into Massachusetts."
"My colleagues in the State House understand the importance of marketing Massachusetts to create jobs," said Sen. Brian Lees of East Longmeadow. "Cities like Springfield and many of its surrounding communities want more companies to move here and bring the jobs that come with it. This area certainly has the talent, but the state needs to do its part to attract the companies."
August 24, 2005ROMNEY ANNOUNCES DOUBLING OF SPACE FOR STATE crime LABNew facility is next step in long-term goal of cutting case backlog
SUDBURY - Governor Mitt Romney today cut the ribbon on 12,000 square feet of new office and examination space for the State crime Lab, which conducts forensic analysis for district attorneys and state and municipal law enforcement.
Today’s opening, the first phase of a major forensic services expansion, doubles the amount of available space to the crime lab, which operates as a division of the State Police.
“The reality of forensic analysis may not be as flashy as it is on television, but there is no question it is becoming more and more important to crime solving,” said Romney. “Investing in a state of the art facility is essential to our efforts to fight crime in Massachusetts.”
The capacity of the State crime Lab has long been inadequate, but that is changing. When Governor Romney took office in 2003, the crime lab had just four DNA chemists and a budget of only $3.9 million. Today, the budget is $12.6 million, which will pay for the expanded facility and a total of 34 DNA chemists.
The leased space opened today will significantly enhance the ability of crime lab staff to perform quality scientific analysis in a timely fashion, and the Governor said he plans to work with the Legislature to make additional improvements.
“Forensic analysis has become critical to our criminal justice system and I am pleased to see that Massachusetts continues to strive to have one of the most advanced crime labs in the nation,” said State Representative James E. Vallee (D-Franklin). “The increased funding in this year’s budget is an example of how committed the Legislature and the Governor are to the public safety of the residents of Massachusetts.”
Romney recently filed a bond bill that provides $125 million for the final-phase improvements to the crime lab. When this phase of expansion is completed in 2012, the crime lab will have an estimated 230,000 square feet, including almost 40,000 square feet for DNA-related analysis alone. This amount would increase by about 20 times the amount of lab space originally available to DNA chemists.
“More crime lab space means faster results for criminal investigations across the Commonwealth,” said Public Safety Secretary Edward A. Flynn. “Today marks yet another critical step towards our goal of world-class forensic services.”
“The implementation of this new space and the newly graduated DNA chemists will greatly enhance our efforts to provide the most efficient, quality forensic services to the district attorneys, local law enforcement agencies and to the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Colonel Thomas G. Robbins, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police.
Services provided by the crime lab include controlled substance testing, bomb and arson investigations, toxicology, breath alcohol testing, criminalistics, trace evidence analysis and DNA casework. In addition to these “science-based” forensic laboratory services, the crime lab provides ballistics identification and crime scene services.
August 25, 2005NEW STATE POLICE BARRACKS, MORE COPS ON THE WAY, ROMNEY SAYS
DARTMOUTH– Governor Romney today emphasized his commitment to enhancing public safety in Massachusetts by replacing an outdated State Police Barracks in Dartmouth with a modern, $7.6 million facility and adding the third State Police training class in the past two years.
“Whether it’s 4 A.M. on Christmas Eve or 4 P.M. on a Saturday in August when they’d rather be taking their families to the beach, our State Police force is on duty every hour of every day, dedicated to keeping the public safe,” said Romney. “These initiatives reflect the importance of their jobs and the value of their service to the Commonwealth.”
Romney was joined by Colonel Thomas G. Robbins, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, to break ground on the new 16,500 square feet, state-of-the-art facility. The new Dartmouth Barracks, expected to be completed in just over a year, will contain a cell block area, high-tech communications center, fitness area, and locker rooms. The facility will also accommodate several specialized units such as the Gang Unit and troopers assigned to the Governor’s Auto Theft Strike Force.
“This new barracks will enhance our effectiveness to ensure maximum service to the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Colonel Robbins. “One of the main missions of the Dartmouth Barracks is to provide quality policing to the public to ensure safer roadways.”
Located on Faunce Corner Road near the Interstate 195 interchange, the modern facility will replace the current North Dartmouth Barracks that was originally built as a residence back in the 1920s. The 3,600-square-foot facility was converted to a state police barracks nearly 60 years ago. Since the barracks was not designed for public safety purposes, the obsolete facility does not have a cell block area to hold individuals who have been arrested.
As one of the state’s busiest barracks, Dartmouth is responsible for patrolling over 60 miles of roadway including routes to New Bedford, Fall River and the Rhode Island state line. The Dartmouth Barracks also provides nearly 50 miles of secondary patrol coverage.
“Our State Police troopers who serve the South Coast are working from an inadequate, even dangerous location. Today, our troopers can look forward to a state-of-the-art headquarters from which to fight crime in our region,” said Senator Mark Montigny, who has led the legislative effort for a new facility. “Fighting and winning a war on the thugs that are threatening our quality of life requires adequate resources.”
In addition, Romney announced that $4.4 million from the Fiscal Year 2006 budget that he signed last month will fund a new State Police class. Over the past two years, the state budget at the Governor’s request has provided funding for three state police classes, consisting of approximately 150 recruits per class.
Without funding for new classes, the State Police cannot replace the positions they lose due to retirement, or increase troop strength. The addition of the three classes will increase the State Police force from approximately 2,100 to nearly 2,400 troopers.
The 79th Recruit Training Troop will begin training at the State Police Academy in New Braintree in February of 2006. The current academy class is scheduled to graduate in December and 138 troopers graduated from the State Police Academy in April.
August 31, 2005ROMNEY EXTENDS SUPPORT TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ON military DUTY
Governor Mitt Romney today signed a bill that extends the law protecting public employees from a loss of pay if they are called to active military duty.
"From the day that the colonists in Massachusetts took up their arms to secure their liberty to the present day, Americans have had to fight to protect the freedom that makes our country great," said Romney. "The men and women who have volunteered and who are now serving our country in the global war on terror deserve our support."
Romney extended a law that provides public employees who have been called to active military leave since September 11, 2001 with the differential cost between their military and state salaries. Public employees on active military duty will not lose any seniority, accrued vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, compensation time or earned overtime.
A new provision of the bill allows state employees to receive more of their regular pay. Currently, the state deducts allowances employees receive from the military for family separation, food or cost of living from their state pay. Romney said that under the new law the state will no longer subtract these allowances from an individual’s paycheck.
"Military service members and their families undergo hardships during deployment and this bill will help ensure that anxiety about financial loss is not added to their burdens," said Brigadier General Oliver J. Mason, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard.
Under the law, cities and towns may elect to make up the financial difference of their municipal employee’s regular pay.
"This legislation sends a strong message to those who serve our country that we in Massachusetts commend their efforts and actions, and recognize that the sacrifices theymake during their time of service should not include their wages, their seniority, or their benefits," said State Senator Joan Menard, who filed the bill.
There are approximately 100 state employees who are currently away on military leave and are eligible for payment under this bill. For example, if the salary for an individual enlisted military is $32,000 and their state salary is $50,000, the individual would be compensated for $18,000 to help ease the burden of paying bills while serving our nation on the war against terror.
Following the bill signing, Romney was awarded with the Seven Seals Award by the Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
The ESGR State Chair Kenneth Forchielli presented Romney with the Seven Seals Award, the highest state award given by the organization, and thanked him for recognizing the sacrifice employees of the Commonwealth and their families have made to defend our nation.
"It is very fitting that Governor Romney receives the Seven Seals Award on the same day that he signs legislation to continue pay differentials for state employees mobilized in support of on-going military operations here and abroad," said Forchielli. "This is just another example of the strong support Governor Romney has shown for the men and women of Massachusetts who serve our nation and state in the Guard and Reserve."
The law Romney signed in November 2003 was set to expire on September 11, 2005 and his action today will extend it until September 2008.
September 1, 2005ROMNEY NAMES BURRINGTON TO HEAD STATE PARKS AGENCYNew commissioner to continue focus on customer service, fixing infrastructure
Governor Mitt Romney today appointed environmental advocate and attorney Stephen Burrington as commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the state agency that manages public parklands and recreational facilities.
"Throughout his career, Steve Burrington has proven himself a passionate advocate for the environment as well as a capable and effective manager," said Romney. "He is the right person to move forward with the ambitious program of reforms and improvements already underway across the DCR system."
Burrington has extensive environmental experience in the private and public sectors. Since 2003 he has served as undersecretary within the Office for Commonwealth Development (OCD), which works to promote sustainable development across state environmental, transportation, housing and energy agencies. At OCD, Burrington devised reforms to zoning and transportation policies and helped to shape the Romney administration’s Smart Growth agenda.
Since DCR was formed in 2003, the agency has worked to eliminate overlap between its two legacy organizations, the Department of Environmental Management and the Metropolitan District Commission. The combined agency oversees more than 450,000 acres of public parklands and 440 recreational facilities such as playgrounds, swimming pools and campgrounds.
The Romney administration has made aggressive efforts to address pressing capital needs and rebuild aging infrastructure across the DCR system. The Administration has effectively doubled the agency’s budget for capital projects, helping to make facilities safer, cleaner and more accessible to the public.
Funding commitments have included $8 million to overhaul Dilboy Stadium in Somerville, $5 million for Wollaston Beach in Quincy, $5 million for Horseneck Beach in Westport, $6 million for Revere Beach and $2 million for Salisbury Beach. Increased funding has also allowed extensive upgrades to DCR infrastructure such as parkways, bridges and seawalls as well as repairs at recreational facilities such as playgrounds, skating rinks and swimming pools.
"I want to compliment Governor Romney for his wisdom in appointing Steve Burrington," said Andrew J. Falender, Executive Director of the Appalachian Mountain Club, a conservation group. "He has been a steady champion for the environment - we’re lucky to have someone of Steve’s energy, commitment and experience at the helm of DCR."
"This is a great day for all who use and enjoy our state’s parks and recreational facilities," said Stephen Pritchard, Secretary of Environmental Affairs. "The reforms currently taking place within the Department of Conservation and Recreation continue to enhance the quality and affordability of the recreational facilities in Massachusetts and I look forward to working with Steve to accomplish our goals."
Prior to his work in state government, Burrington was Vice President and General Counsel for the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) – an environmental advocacy organization. At CLF, he directed programs in areas including transportation and land use, air quality and climate change, natural resources and agriculture.
"Every day across our Commonwealth, thousands of people enjoy the broad recreational opportunities our state has to offer and it is an honor to be called upon to lead this department," said Burrington. "As commissioner, I will work to keep these opportunities affordable and see to it that all of our facilities are maintained at the highest possible level."
September 2, 2005ROMNEY MAKES UMASS, PRIM BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Governor Mitt Romney today announced the appointments of Ruben Jose King-Shaw Jr. to the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees and C. LaRoy Brantley to the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board (PRIM), the nine-member body that oversees the state pension fund.
“There is no investment that will pay the Commonwealth a better return than making sure our students receive a first-rate education,” said Romney. “Under the leadership of capable individuals like Ruben King-Shaw, we will work to make the University of Massachusetts one of world’s finest institutions of higher education.”
King-Shaw is the Senior Partner at Pine Creek Health Care Capital, a $2.5 billion asset management firm with offices in Carlisle, MA and Nashville, TN. He is also a founding partner at Pan American Risk Management Associates, a health system development company operating in the Caribbean and North America.
“I am honored that Governor Romney has chosen me to serve the people of Massachusetts in such a meaningful position,” said King-Shaw. “A quality education has made all the difference in my life as it has for many others across the Commonwealth and throughout this nation - education opens doors, opens minds and turns dreams into goals.”
King-Shaw spent fifteen years building and operating academic and provider sponsored health insurance companies in Florida and served as Secretary of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration under Governor Jeb Bush. He also served in the administration of George W. Bush where he was the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He later served as a senior advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury.
King-Shaw graduated from Cornell University’s school of Industrial and Labor Relations and currently serves on the school’s advisory council. He holds two masters degrees, one in Health Services Administration and a second in International Business, both from Florida International University in Miami and the Center for International Studies/Instituto de Empresas in Madrid, Spain.
King-Shaw’s appointment is effective immediately and expires on September 1, 2010.
He and his wife live in Carlisle with their two daughters.
Romney also appointed C. LaRoy Brantley to the PRIM Board. PRIM’s mission is to maximize return on state pension investments within acceptable levels of risk by pursuing diversified investments, achieving cost-effective operations and providing access to high quality investment management firms.
“LaRoy Brantley’s academic training and work as a successful investment manager put him in a strong position to contribute to the important job of increasing our state pension assets,” said Romney.
Since 2002, Brantley has been an investment consultant for Boston investment advisory firm Cambridge Associates, which provides services for endowments, pension funds and private clients. Previously, he was an associate at the investment bank Adams, Harkness & Hill in Boston.
“I am honored to accept this appointment to the PRIM Board, whose work is critical to the financial well-being of thousands of public sector workers,” said Brantley. “I look forward to the opportunity to leverage my investment experience for the Commonwealth as a member of the PRIM Board.”
Brantley will serve the remainder of Greg White’s term, which expires on February 1, 2008. White resigned from the PRIM board due to time constraints on his schedule.
Brantley is a graduate of Amherst College and received an MBA from the MIT Sloan school of Management. He resides in Milton with his wife and their three children.
September 6, 2005ROMNEY SIGNS $25 MILLION EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS
Governor Mitt Romney today signed into law a $25 million emergency budget to meet the needs of up to 2,500 Hurricane Katrina evacuees who could potentially be temporarily relocated to Massachusetts.
Under the law, which cleared both branches of the Legislature in a single day, the Romney Administration has discretion to spend the money on costs associated with providing assistance to the victims of the Gulf Coast disaster, who will be temporarily housed at Camp Edwards on Cape Cod.
Those costs may include expenses related to overtime of emergency personnel, housing needs, medical care and education, including reimbursement to local school districts.
"The people of Massachusetts are kind and generous, and at times like this, those of us in government are acting as instruments of their compassion by providing assistance to fellow Americans who find themselves in need," said Romney, who praised the Legislature for their quick action.
"This is a small, but meaningful step in helping to ease the suffering that so many of our fellow citizens continue to experience. The ready reserve the Legislature approved today serves as the foundation of the Commonwealth’s volunteer effort," said Senate President Robert E. Travaglini. "But I’m sure it will be a springboard for the growing number of our constituents, businesses and public employees who’ve expressed a desire to help in anyway they can."
"The Legislature and the Governor today sent a very strong signal to the victims of Hurricane Katrina that our state is here to help," said Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi."Massachusetts and its citizens are known for their compassion and their generosity in times of crisis. We will see to it that the evacuees are treated with respect and provided with the services and resources they will need to begin rebuilding their lives."
After a meeting co-chaired by First Lady Ann Romney with Interfaith Leaders, Governor Romney announced Reverend Jeff Brown, pastor of the Union Baptist Church in Cambridge, will serve as the "unofficial mayor" of the Camp Edwards facility. Reverend Brown will help facilitate the needs of the evacuees residing at Camp Edwards. Administrative authority on the base will remain with the National Guard.
"I am delighted Reverend Jeff Brown has agreed to serve as our ‘Humanitarian in Chief’ at Camp Edwards," said Governor Romney. "In this critical role, Jeff will be the face of Massachusetts to the new residents of the village, helping to ensure their needs are met and the effort is running smoothly."
Ann Romney, who serves as the Administration’s liaison to the faith-based community, applauded religious leaders for stepping forward to help play a role in meeting the spiritual, emotional and personal needs of the evacuees.
"The people we are about to welcome have lost virtually everything but their faith," said Ann Romney. "To the extent their faith has been tested, we want to make sure our religious community is there to support them during this difficult time."
September 13, 2005ROMNEY HONORS 2005 COMMONWEALTH COMPASS SCHOOLS
Twelve schools that have made tremendous academic progress over the past year were named the state’s 2005 Commonwealth Compass Schools and honored by Governor Mitt Romney at a State House ceremony on Tuesday.
"I applaud the students, teachers and staff of these excellent schools for the hard work and creativity they have demonstrated as we continue making progress toward higher achievement for all students in Massachusetts," Romney said.
The Compass Schools program was developed as a way for the state to recognize and celebrate individual school improvement, and to encourage the sharing of good ideas and effective practices among educators. Each school was given an opportunity to showcase their best practices at an exhibition prior to the event.
"The educators in these schools have learned what works and what doesn’t in public education, and their success stories will be valuable to other educators facing similar issues in their communities," said education Commissioner David P. Driscoll. "Their accomplishments prove that improvement is not only possible, but it’s happening in all corners of our state."
Nearly 200 schools were invited to apply this year, based on exceptional improvement on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam. Administrators were asked to describe successful improvement initiatives they have implemented over the past four years and to demonstrate how they have led to positive results.
Each Compass school will receive $10,000 to prepare materials on their improvement initiatives to share with other educators. Nearly 200 schools were invited to apply this year, and 80 submitted applications.
This year’s 12 Commonwealth Compass Schools are:
Andover High school in Andover;
Thompson Elementary in Arlington;
Sarah Greenwood school in Boston;
Community Day Charter school in Lawrence;
South Street Elementary school in Fitchburg;
Framingham High school in Framingham;
Lynnfield High school in Lynnfield;
Turkey Hill Middle school in Lunenburg;
H.H. Galligan Elementary school in Taunton;
Franklin Avenue school in Westfield;
Lawrence W. Pingree school in Weymouth; and
Mill Swan Communication Skills Center in Worcester.
For more information on the Compass Schools program, visit www.doe.mass.edu/sda/compass. September 16, 2005ROMNEY ISSUES PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT REGARDING DISEASES SPREAD BY MOSQUITOES
Governor Mitt Romney today issued a public health alert to remind the public of the need to take precautions against mosquito bites. Romney said the Department of Public Health (DPH) today confirmed the first two cases of West Nile Virus since 2003. In addition, there have been four cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), including two fatalities.
West Nile Virus causes illness that varies from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis. Persons older than 50 years of age have a higher risk of developing severe illness. With EEE, inflammation and swelling of the brain is the most dangerous symptom.
"Due to the unprecedented nature of this threat, we are asking citizens to take some simple precautions that will protect them from exposure," said Romney.
Romney advised residents to avoid the outdoors if possible between dusk and dawn, and if they must be outdoors to wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and cover up the arms and legs of children.
Romney said a 33-year-old Boston resident and a 56-year-old Newton resident have been diagnosed as the first human cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts since 2003. West Nile Virus infection was confirmed through tests performed at the State Laboratory Institute.
The Boston resident, who has recovered, spent five days in the hospital after becoming ill on September 1. The Newton resident became ill on September 4 and remains hospitalized. State officials believe they both became infected in Massachusetts.
In 2004 there were four cases of EEE that resulted in two deaths. No cases of West Nile Virus infection were identified last year. In 2005, there have been four cases of EEE virus infection that caused two deaths. Also this year, in New Hampshire, there have been five EEE cases resulting in one death.
The public can take simple and effective prevention steps to reduce the chance of becoming infected with West Nile Virus or EEE.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Drain standing water because mosquitoes lay their eggs there. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. These can include: rain gutters; drains; empty flowerpots; wading pools, and birdbaths. Keep mosquitoes out of your home by having well-fitting screens on both windows and doors.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
The hours from dusk to dawn are peak mosquito biting times. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, especially during the evening and early morning hours. Consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times. When possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Apply insect repellent when outdoors. The most effective repellents contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), Picaridin (KBR 3023) or Permethrin. Always follow the instructions on the product label.
Help Your Community
Report dead birds to the Department of Public Health as they may be a sign that West Nile Virus is circulating among birds and mosquitoes in the area. Call 1-866-MASS WNV to report a dead bird.
Mosquito control in Massachusetts is conducted through nine mosquito control districts with 183 member communities. You can check with your local board of health or health department to see if there is an organized mosquito control program in your area. DPH staff on the West Nile Virus hotline (1-866-627-7968) can also direct questions to the appropriate personnel.
Full information on positive results can be obtained at the website: http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv/wnv1.htm
September 22, 2005ROMNEY FILES COMPREHENSIVE education REFORM PACKAGESeeks to put Massachusetts students on top on the national and international stage
Every middle and high school student in Massachusetts would get a laptop computer, the state would add 1,000 new math and science teachers and the best teachers would be eligible for $5,000 bonuses under education reform legislation filed today by Governor Mitt Romney.
Romney promised to lay out an education reform plan in his State of the State speech in January, and the filing of today’s legislation represents the most far-reaching attempt to improve education in Massachusetts since the education Reform Act of 1993.
The legislation would cost $46 million in Fiscal Year 2006 and $143 million in Fiscal Year 2007.
The Governor’s proposal sets several primary performance goals for Massachusetts schools: to enter the top tier of international rankings; to excel at the national level; to ensure the top five per cent of high school graduates are among the best educated math and science graduates in the world; and to close the gap between the top and bottom students by 50 per cent by the year 2014.
"If we’re serious about keeping our kids at the forefront of a highly challenging and competitive world economy, then we have to take the necessary steps to energize our education system," said Romney.
The legislation promotes math and science excellence through the creation of the Commonwealth Teaching Corps to encourage individuals to become math and science teachers; calls for the establishment of math and science Academies throughout the state; and contains an initiative to provide laptops to middle and high school students.
Romney said that competing in the global economy requires students to have high tech skills that can be acquired by using laptop computers for daily schoolwork. Under the Governor’s plan, the state would spend $54 million to equip each middle and high school student with a laptop that they will be able to keep.
The idea for this program came from One Laptop per Child, a non-profit organization started by MIT Media Lab faculty. Said Nicholas Negroponte, the founding chairman of the MIT Media Lab: "One laptop per child will empower and engage children by making education and living seamless."
Under Romney’s proposal, computers would be sufficiently inexpensive, costing approximately $100, but still feature full-color screens and be capable of many of the same tasks as more expensive machines. In Fiscal Year 2007, the first three grades would be outfitted, followed by three more grades the next year.
In all, 500,000 students would receive laptops under the Romney initiative.
The Governor’s bill also leverages the teaching powers of the Commonwealth’s private sector to create new job-oriented pathways for students by establishing applied academic schools that merge academics with occupational training. The bill also accelerates much-needed remedial action in failing schools by shortening the time in which schools may be designated in "turnaround status," and giving superintendents in those underperforming schools extraordinary powers to improve learning.
Additionally, the bill calls for awarding $65 million to teachers statewide who are part of the Commonwealth Teaching Corps, or who teach Advanced Placement math and science courses, or who receive exemplary evaluations.
Romney’s proposal would also require all public high schools in the Commonwealth to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses in calculus, chemistry, biology and physics. Smaller schools that do not have enough students to fill AP classes could satisfy this requirement online.
Significant changes in teacher evaluation are also being proposed. Evaluations would be removed from the collective bargaining process, and would instead be based on improvement in student performance and peer review. Teacher evaluations will determine performance pay, the need for teacher training, or in certain cases, the dismissal of bad teachers.
To further promote science and math education at the high school level, Romney’s plan would establish at least seven math and science academies in cities with populations of 90,000 or more. These academies are patterned on the successful Massachusetts Academy of math and science in Worcester, and would feature accelerated training in math, science and engineering.
To bring career-oriented training to public schools, the plan establishes applied academics within high schools, offering students a chance to combine academic courses with occupational training. Students would pursue certificates of proficiency in areas such as medical services, hospitality, business management and information technology.
By maintaining links to the employer community, applied academics will help students acquire a strong skill set prior to joining the workforce, according to Romney.
"Governor Romney’s education reform plan addresses the single biggest challenge for our state’s economy, which is supplying the pipeline of skilled workers that technology employers need for sustained future growth," said Massachusetts High Technology Council President Christopher R. Anderson. "The Governor’s plan rightly focuses on attracting and retaining the best math and science teachers, while giving them the support and tools they need to prepare students for the competitive global economy."
The legislation offers strong support to so-called "turnaround" schools, which are schools that have not shown significant performance improvement over three consecutive years. The legislation proposes to cut in half to three years the time required to be designated a turnaround school. Currently, this process can take up to six years.
A turnaround designation provides extraordinary powers to the superintendent in the ability to reassign personnel, implement teacher testing and dismiss unqualified teachers. Schools that do not improve within two years could be placed under different management.
"We are gratified that the Governor’s education package incorporates so many of the goals and recommendations leading citizens have supported in the Great Schools Campaign," said Paul Grogan, president of the Boston Foundation and co-chair of the Great Schools Campaign, an effort led by community leaders to advance education reform. "With significant and targeted new money linked to incentives for teachers, more flexibility and reform, we can make Massachusetts an international leader in math and science and a national model for turnarounds of our lowest performing schools."
To prepare parents to take an active role in their child’s education, Romney’s plan also requires elementary schools to offer voluntary parental preparation classes as part of Kindergarten registration. For parents that use state-funded childcare services, attendance in at least one parental preparation class is mandatory.
The Romney bill provides appropriate state oversight by creating an Executive Office of Education, led by a Secretary of Education. Additionally, the bill would remove administrators from union representation. Low performing districts would be exempted from the charter school cap and the burdensome Educational Quality and Accountability (EQA) audit system would be streamlined to focus on constructive management criticism for districts with turnaround schools.
"We have heard from hundreds of educators who want to spend more time educating kids in the classroom and less time on bureaucratic paperwork," said Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, referring to the EQA audit change. "This proposal answers their call for reform."
"I congratulate Governor Romney on his wide-reaching reform plan, and call on all of us in the Commonwealth to recognize that the time for the state’s first phase of education reform has come and gone," said state education Commissioner David P. Driscoll. "Today it is time for a new, more aggressive phase in which the future success of our students takes top priority."
September 30, 2005ROMNEY AWARDS $2 MILLION IN STATE ASSISTANCE TO WORCESTERMoney goes to infrastructure improvements for Gateway Park project
WORCESTER - Governor Mitt Romney today awarded $2 million in state funding to the City of Worcester to make critical roadway and parking enhancements around the planned Gateway Park, a $68 million redevelopment project near the central business district.
“Gateway Park is the kind of project that will pull people into Worcester and make the city an engine of economic growth,” said Romney. “It offers new opportunities for high-tech businesses, access to mass transit and the promise of more housing.”
The result of a partnership among the federal, state and city governments, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and the Worcester Business Development Corporation, Gateway Park is expected to create nearly one million square feet of new, mixed-use development over the next five years in addition to hundreds of new jobs.
The $2 million grant announced by the Governor today will pay for infrastructure improvements that are necessary to realize the long-term development goals of Gateway Park. Improvements include the construction of a new 1,300-foot public road, more than 200 new parking spaces and the reconstruction of 1,800 feet of existing roadway on Prescott and Garden Streets. These roads will serve as the principal means of access for future Gateway Park tenants.
“This grant will allow us to sustain the momentum at Gateway Park in creating a bioengineering and technology center that will benefit Worcester and the Commonwealth on many different fronts,” said Mayor Tim Murray. “I want to thank Governor Romney for recognizing the value of this project.”
Gateway Park was conceived as a center for life sciences and bioengineering and will feature extensive lab and office space for high-tech companies. WPI has committed to be the lead tenant for the project’s first building, the WPI Life science and Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park. WPI will locate its Bioengineering Institute and several graduate research programs in this building, which is expected to be ready for occupancy in January of 2007.
“This critically important support from Governor Romney and the Commonwealth facilitates Gateway Park’s further development as a center for bioengineering, research, urban renewal, economic development, and science and technology education,” said Dr. Dennis Berkey, president and CEO of Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
To promote the site as a center for high-tech innovation, WPI and the Worcester Business Development Corporation will jointly market available spots within Gateway Park to businesses involved in bioengineering, nanotechnology and medical devices.
“We are grateful to Governor Romney and his teams at Commonwealth Development and EOT for this critical funding,” said David Forsberg, president of the Worcester Business Development Corporation. “It will provide the infrastructure necessary to produce jobs and tax revenue for Worcester and will leverage hundreds of thousands of dollars of private investment in the Gateway.”
The long-term site plan calls for the construction of housing and retail space located within walking distance of the new lab and office space. Bounded by Garden, Prescott and Concord Streets, Gateway Park is close to City Hall and the central business district. Regular bus service will run from the area to Union Station.
“The development of Gateway Park is what Smart Growth is all about,” said Douglas I. Foy, Secretary of the Office for Commonwealth Development. “Investing capital resources from the state in this mixed-use project shows how we want to grow in Massachusetts.”
October 3, 2005ROMNEY CALLS FOR TAX CUT AS REVENUES COME FLOODING IN
Following news that state tax revenues are breaking new records, Governor Mitt Romney today renewed his call to lower the state income tax to 5 percent from 5.3 percent.
Preliminary revenue collections for September were $1.940 billion, an increase of $242 million or 14.3 percent over last September. Total monthly tax collections were $177 million above the September benchmark. Year-to-date collections were $4.334 billion, an increase of $317 million or 7.9 percent. After three months, fiscal ’06 collections are $194 million above the benchmark.
“No matter how you look at it, this is extremely positive news for the people of Massachusetts. Revenues were up across the board in every single category. There are more people working, our business sector is healthy and creating jobs and consumers are spending money,” said Romney.
Romney announced that tax collections came in $1.2 billion higher than originally forecast for the prior fiscal 2005 year, that the Stabilization Fund has been returned to pre-fiscal crisis levels of approximately $1.7 billion and that state aid to education is at an all-time high.
“Now, it’s time to take the next step,” said Romney. “There is no longer any reason not to give the people what they voted for – a 5 percent income tax rate.”
Despite a two-day sales tax holiday in August, sales and use tax collections in September were higher than last year and slightly below the benchmark. August sales and use tax collections are reported and paid by retailers in September. The true impact of the Sales Tax Holiday Weekend will not be known until December when DOR completes its analysis.
Income tax collections for September totaled $1.025 billion, an increase of $117 million or 12.9 percent over last September. Withholding tax collections totaled $627 million, an increase of $48 million or 8.2 percent. Sales and use tax collections were $326 million, up $11 million or 3.4 percent. Corporate and business tax collections totaled $433 million, an increase of $113 million or 35.2 percent over last September.
Year-to-date income tax collections were $2.341 billion, an increase of $152 million or 7.0 percent. Year-to-date withholding tax collections were $1.900 billion, an increase of $91 million or 5.1 percent. Year-to-date sales and use tax revenues were $1.050 billion, an increase of $53 million or 5.3 percent. Year-to-date corporate and business tax collections were $502 million, an increase of $128 million or 34.3 percent.
October 6, 2005 CONTACT:HEALEY PRESENTS 22nd ANNUAL HANNA AWARDSHonors police officers in the spirit of Trooper George Hanna
Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today honored police officers from Boston, Framingham the Massachusetts State Police and the MBTA Transit Police at the 22nd Annual George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery.
“I am privileged to recognize the incredible acts of valor accomplished by these forty-three remarkable individuals,” said Healey. “As a Commonwealth, we are fortunate that these dedicated public servants are preserving and protecting the assets and blessings of our country.”
The Hanna Awards are named in honor of Massachusetts State Trooper George L. Hanna, who was murdered in the line of duty in 1983 in Auburn during a routine traffic stop. The awards are presented every year to members of law enforcement who go above and beyond the call of duty and perform heroic acts of bravery when faced with life and death decisions.
Trooper Hanna’s widow, Marilynn, and Public Safety Secretary Edward Flynn joined Healey in presenting the awards to the recipients during a moving State House ceremony.
“These awards were established to recognize outstanding law enforcement officers. Like Trooper George Hanna, they have displayed true heroism in the line of duty,” said Secretary Flynn. “These law enforcement professionals place themselves at risk every day and accept that they may be called upon at any moment to pay the ultimate price.”
The process of selecting honorees begins with a request from the Secretary of Public Safety to each police chief in the Commonwealth asking for nominations for the award. The Heroic Selection Committee, comprised of members of the law enforcement and public safety community, reviews each nomination and makes recommendations for award selections to the Governor.
The Hanna Awards consist of several levels:
Medal of Honor: the highest award that the Commonwealth can bestow upon a police officer. The Medal of Honor is awarded to sworn department personnel who have performed specific acts of bravery, or who have performed acts of extraordinary courage above and beyond the call of duty, with disregard for their own personal safety.
Medal of Valor: established to honor sworn department personnel who have performed acts of extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty.
Merit Award: recognizing sworn department personnel who have performed meritorious acts of bravery, courage and performance beyond the call of duty.
October 6, 2005ROMNEY ADMINISTRATION NAMES THOMAS GLOSTER TO SPRINGFIELD FINANCE BOARD
Administration and Finance Secretary Thomas Trimarco has appointed attorney Thomas F. Gloster III to the Springfield Finance Control Board. The five-member panel was created in 2004 to restore financial stability to the Commonwealth’s third largest city. An original member of the Finance Control Board, Trimarco resigned from it last week in order to become Secretary of Administration and Finance.
“Tom Gloster is a man of intelligence and integrity who will commit himself to solving Springfield’s current challenges,” said Trimarco. “His ties to the area, as well as his personal and professional qualifications, make him uniquely qualified for the job.”
A Holyoke native, Gloster began his law career in Boston in 1971, retiring as a partner with Nixon Peabody LLP in 2002. Gloster’s areas of expertise included real estate, equipment leasing, financial partnerships, government assistance and securities law.
“Having been born and raised in the area, I realize the dominant role that Springfield plays in the economy of western Massachusetts,” said Gloster. “I look forward to working constructively with other board members to continue the progress that has been made to put Springfield back on a secure financial footing.”
A graduate of the University of Massachusetts and Georgetown University Law Center, Gloster resides in Plymouth with his wife, Kathy. An active member of his community, Gloster serves on the board of the Plymouth Library Corporation and as an overseer of Plimoth Plantation.
Gloster will attend the next meeting of the Finance Control Board, which is scheduled for October 27, 2005.
October 7, 2005ROMNEY AND U.S. ENERGY SECRETARY BODMAN JOIN TO PRESENT EASY WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY THIS WINTERNational campaign is raising awareness to help ease winter heating costs
DEDHAM- Governor Mitt Romney joined U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman today to demonstrate common sense ways that families can save money on their energy bills during the cold winter months.
The event in Dedham at the Lowe’s Home Improvement Store was Secretary Bodman’s first stop on a nationwide tour to raise awareness of simple and inexpensive ways consumers can be smarter energy users.
“As a state, Massachusetts and its people have led the way in pursuing energy efficient programs for our homes and businesses,” said Romney. “This year, it’s especially important for consumers to know that winter doesn't have to burn a hole in their wallet. Families can save hundreds of dollars by following some common sense tips.”
“As a longtime Boston resident, I know how tough New England winters can be,” Secretary Bodman said. “Because of tight oil and natural gas markets and the damage to our energy infrastructure caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, consumers can expect to see higher energy bills this winter. There are, however, simple, inexpensive, yet extremely effective measures consumers can take to reduce their energy bills.”
Massachusetts recently launched a number of statewide education efforts to give residents access to information on energy savings opportunities and tips for daily energy conservation to ease the expected high cost of winter heating. One recommendation is to install or replace weatherstripping windows and doors – for a potential savings of $128 this winter – which Romney did himself at home this past weekend.
Other winterization and conservation tips that can save Massachusetts households hundreds of dollars over the course of the heating season include:
* Insulate heating ducts or heating pipe (for a savings of $175/heating season) * Install a high efficiency furnace or boiler (for a savings of $125/heating season) * Lower hot water temperature to 120 degrees, install low-flow showerhead programmable thermostat and lower temperature in home overnight (for a savings of $170.00/heating season) * Replace five incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star fluorescent light bulbs (for a savings of $100/annually)
Romney also encouraged Commonwealth residents to attend one of the state’s informational hearings during the month of October to learn why energy costs are expected to increase, the steps they can take to mitigate those costs and what programs have been put in place to provide relief for qualifying consumers. The Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) will be holding at least ten informational hearings throughout Massachusetts during the last two weeks of October, with representatives from natural gas and electric companies on hand to respond to concerns and enroll those who qualify for discounted utility rates.
Low-income residents in Massachusetts are expected to be particularly affected by increases in energy costs this winter. With heating prices on the rise, Romney and Governor Granholm of Michigan have led an effort among the nation’s governors to obtain approximately $1.3 billion in emergency federal fuel assistance funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Yesterday, Romney met with Senator Arlen Specter, Chairman of a key Senate Appropriations subcommittee, to lobby for the additional funding.
For more energy saving tips and information about heating cost relief programs, please visit the Massachusetts Winter Heating Help Website at www.winterheating.com.
October 18, 2005TO PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY, ROMNEY ORDERS REVIEW OF HIGH HAZARD DAMS
Following a week of heavy rains, Governor Mitt Romney today ordered an emergency inspection of all “high hazard” dams in Massachusetts that are classified as not in good condition.
High hazard means the dams will likely cause loss of life and serious property damage if they fail. There are 320 dams in the Commonwealth that are categorized as high hazard, some of which were originally built in the 1800's.
"In Massachusetts, we've taken a number of steps to address our aging infrastructure, whether it is bridges, dams or roads. My immediate concern is that we focus our available resources on inspecting and re-inspecting dams that are under extreme stress due to last week's heavy rains," said Romney
Romney is taking the action after a week of heavy rains in the Northeast, and as officials keep a close eye on the deteriorating Whittenton Pond Dam on the Mill River in Taunton.
Of the 320 dams considered high hazard, 134 are in good condition, 146 are fair, 38 are poor and 2 are considered unsafe. Therefore 186 dams will receive an emergency inspection.
The Governor also announced that consistent with his "Fix It First" policy, Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Stephen Burrington has developed a $10 million five-year capital improvement plan to fix public dams that are in poor or failing condition.
The state will spend $2 million in the current fiscal year on the dam rehabilitation program - $1.4 million will address the repair needs of all DCR owned high hazard damsand $600,000 will go to the repair of municipally owned dams in the high hazard category.
DCR's Office of Dam Safety is responsible for inspecting all 3,000 of the Commonwealth's dams, most of which are privately owned. DCR inspects these dams on a rotating basis and provides dam owners with a comprehensive inspection report.
The Office of Dam Safety is comprised of eight full-time staff, and makes use of six consultants who are used to help evaluate dams throughout the state. Romney said he has asked Commissioner Burrington to augment the staff as necessary to carry out the emergency inspections of high hazard dams.
In addition, DCR had held public hearings and plans to finalize this fall new regulations that give the state enforcement powers over private dam owners who fail to make needed repairs as suggested by the state.
“DCR is about to issue new regulations which adds new teeth to its enforcement authority so that private dam owners who own almost 90 percent of the dams in Massachusetts, will be mandated to make more timely and necessary repairs,” said Burrington.
October 19, 2005ROMNEY LAUDS NATION-TOPPING PERFORMANCE BY MASSACHUSETTS STUDENTSMassachusetts leads the nation in math and reading exams
Governor Mitt Romney today joined education Commissioner David Driscoll to announce that Massachusetts outscored the nation in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading and mathematics exams in 2005.
The Commonwealth’s fourth and eighth grade students ranked first in reading and tied for first in mathematics, by far surpassing the national average and improving on the state’s own 2003 results. This marks the first year that one state has placed first or tied for first on four exams in one year.
“We’re making progress, there’s no doubt about it, but we have more work to do,” Romney said. “These test scores reflect the hard work and creativity of our students, teachers and schools, but they also reveal that some are still struggling. It is increasingly critical that we advance bold reforms to ensure greater accountability and performance in every classroom.”
Education Commissioner David P. Driscoll said, “This recognition is a great tribute to the hard work our students and teachers have done in Massachusetts. Unfortunately, while we are leading the nation as a state, we are still facing an unacceptable achievement gap between our white and minority students. We still have an enormous amount of work left to do to get every student in this Commonwealth to Proficient.”
Final 2005 results show that fourth graders led the nation in reading, with an average of 44 percent scoring at Proficient or above and tied for first with Minnesota, New Hampshire and Kansas in math, with an average of 49 percent scoring at Proficient or above. Eighth graders were first in the nation in reading with an average of 44 percent scoring at Proficient or above and tied for first with Minnesota in math, with an average of 43 percent scoring at Proficient or above.
Because Boston is one of 11 urban districts nationwide participating in NAEP’s Trial Urban District Assessment (TUDA), it will be the only district in the Commonwealth to receive district results next month.
“The NAEP exams are widely respected as a tough and accurate measure of student performance,” said Boston Superintendent Tom Payzant. “We plan to use our local results to help further guide our reform efforts to accelerate the rate of improvement and help all students reach proficiency.”
Overall state results show that while some gains were made by minority students, a clear performance gap still exists between white students and black and Hispanic students:
* Grade four: In reading, 20 percent of black students and 11 percent of Hispanic students scored at Proficient or above, as compared to 51 percent of white students. In math, 18 percent of black students and 14 percent of Hispanic students scored at Proficient or above, as compared to 57 percent of white students. * Grade eight: In reading, 18 percent of black students and 15 percent of Hispanic students scored at Proficient or above, as compared to 50 percent of white students. In math, 15 percent of blacks and 15 percent of Hispanics scored at the top two categories, as compared to 49 percent of white students.
“As a state, closing this gap is our biggest challenge and one of our most pressing priorities,” Driscoll said. “It is critical that all of our students are given the tools, the assistance and the guidance they need to achieve at higher levels.”
The NAEP exam, known as “the Nation’s Report Card,” is the only national, continuing assessment of what American students know and can do in various subject areas. NAEP is mandated by the U.S. Congress and is administered by the National Center for education Statistics (NCES) at the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information on the state’s results and to view the full Massachusetts report, look online at www.doe.mass.edu/mcas.
October 21, 2005ROMNEY NAMES PAUL COTE AS COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Governor Mitt Romney today appointed Paul J. Cote Jr. as commissioner of the Department of Public Health, the state agency that works to protect and improve the health of the Commonwealth’s residents. Cote has served as the department’s acting commissioner since March of 2005.
“The Department of Public Health plays a critical role in preventing disease and protecting the health of our citizens,” said Romney. “Paul Cote, with his background and education in health issues, is the ideal candidate to help foster a healthier society through prevention, treatment and education.”
Cote is currently commissioner of the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy, and also serves as assistant secretary for the Office of Health Services. Earlier this year, he was interim chief administrative officer at Tewksbury State Hospital. In that capacity, he reshaped hospital leadership and successfully developed and implemented a hospital correction plan that prevented federal decertification of the facility.
“I’m honored to be able to work with a team of nationally recognized leaders in the field of public health to assure the health and safety of our citizens today and for generations to come,” said Cote.
As commissioner, Cote’s priorities will include improving emergency preparedness, supporting healthcare reform, implementing the administration’s substance abuse strategic plan and strengthening public hospitals.
“Since serving as acting commissioner of the department, Paul Cote has demonstrated on a daily basis why he is the most qualified person for the position,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Tim Murphy. “The leadership and organizational skills he has shown throughout his career will put the department in an even stronger position to address public health needs in a changing world.”
Cote will resign his position as commissioner of the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy in order to become public health commissioner. Assistant commissioner Steve McCabe will serve as acting commissioner of that agency until a permanent replacement is named.
A Boston resident, Cote is a graduate of Brandeis University and earned his MBA in healthcare management and finance from Boston University.
October 24, 2005ROMNEY CLOSES CURTAIN ON OPERATION HELPING HANDLast of the 235 evacuees from Hurricane Katrina is resettled today
The last Gulf Coast guest at Camp Edwards is moving into housing today, bringing the curtain down on the temporary safe haven established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for evacuees who fled the wrath of Hurricane Katrina.
“Operation Helping Hand was symbolic of the very best Massachusetts has to offer,” said Governor Mitt Romney. “Government, private non-profits, faith-based organizations and volunteers worked hand-in-hand to take in the displaced victims of Katrina, give them comfort and provide them with the resources to move on with their lives.”
In a little over six weeks, Operation Helping Hand hosted 235 people. One hundred and thirty-five relocated to other states closer to their original homes while 100 have decided to permanently or temporarily remain in Massachusetts. Among the key volunteer organizations were the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, NAACP, Housing Assistance Corp. of Cape Cod and the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department.
The last guest to leave Camp Edwards was Constance Essex, who is moving into an apartment on Cape Cod.
Essex, a 23-year-old deputy sheriff in New Orleans, plans to graduate on November 20 from the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Training Academy, and hopes to find work there as a corrections officer.
“Being the last person to leave Camp Edwards has given me the time to reflect and be thankful for the opportunities and services that have been given to me,” said Essex.
“I’d like the thank the State of Massachusetts, the NAACP, the many volunteers who assisted with Camp Edwards, and most importantly Barnstable County Sheriff James Cummings and all the administrative staff for enabling me to get back on track with my life after this tragedy. This kindness will never be forgotten,” she said.
Romney praised the Rev. Jeffrey Brown from the Union Baptist Church in Cambridge for his performance as the unofficial “mayor” of the Camp Edwards community. “Without the leadership of Rev. Brown and other members of the Interfaith Alliance, this effort would not have been possible.”
“We’re talking about people who were devastated by an act of nature,” said Reverend Brown. “Instead of just throwing them out to fend for themselves, we’ve helped them heal from this tragedy. This was really a test of the quality of this state’s soul.”
While at Camp Edwards, guests were able to access housing and job search services, as well as have their medical and emotional needs addressed. Nine placement counselors were assigned to work with each guest, family or group. The Executive Office of Public Safety coordinated the effort with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services providing necessary services with on-base personnel from many of its 16 agencies.
“Much of the success of Operation Helping Hand is due to the balance we struck between public safety and public service,” said Public Safety Secretary Edward Flynn. “That balance was the result of strong partnerships between dozens of public safety, health and human services and charitable agencies who worked together to make the Commonwealth’s desire to help Katrina victims a reality.”
“The devastation left in Katrina’s wake was a reminder how fragile everything in our lives can be, and that how but for the grace of God, it could have been us looking for help” said Health and Human Services Secretary Tim Murphy. “I want to thank everyone involved for their tireless commitment to help our fellow citizens through this trying ordeal.”
In addition to the 235 who temporarily called Camp Edwards home, the Commonwealth has been providing services for approximately 860 others who arrived here on their own. Children’s Services of Roxbury has been coordinating a full range of social services for them, including health, educational, housing placements and job assistance.
“While the Camp Edwards phase of our commitment to help Hurricane Katrina evacuees has come to an end, we are still there for many others still trying to put back together so many pieces of their lives,” said Romney.
The Governor’s Office is continuing to work with HHS, Children’s Services of Roxbury and a coordinated interfaith effort dubbed “MassFaithHelps,” spearheaded by the Black Ministerial Alliance.
October 26, 2005ROMNEY PUSHES FOR TOUGHER DRUNK DRIVING PENALTIESSeeks to restore key provisions of Melanie’s Bill with amendments to the legislation
Attempting to put teeth back into Melanie’s Bill, Governor Mitt Romney today sent back to the Legislature the drunk driving legislation named in honor of 13-year-old Melanie Powell with amendments that restore some of its original provisions.
Romney is seeking to reinstate three provisions from the original Melanie’s Bill, a proposal that cracks down on repeat drunk driving offenders in Massachusetts. The amendments will close the legal loopholes that experienced drunk drivers use to avoid serious penalties.
Romney thanked the families of victims of drunk drivers for their tireless efforts to pass Melanie’s Bill.
“Letting drunks get behind the wheel of a two ton automobile is no different from handing them a loaded gun and setting them loose on the streets,” said Romney. “While the legislation that came to my desk last week contains several good provisions, it does not go far enough. I believe we can do better.”
The Governor emphasized that stiffer penalties are meaningless unless loopholes in the law and procedural impediments are addressed.
The following amendments were sent to the Legislature today:
* Restoring the provision allowing prosecutors to introduce certified copies of court, registry, department of corrections or probation documents to prove that a repeat offender has been previously convicted of drunk driving. Currently, prosecutors have to locate live witnesses from previous cases to prove prior offenses. * Restoring the provision lengthening license suspensions to at least one year for repeat offenders who refuse to submit to a breath test. * Increasing the mandatory minimum jail sentence for any individual found guilty of manslaughter by motor vehicle from 2 ½ to five years.
Romney noted that more people die from alcohol-related car crashes in Massachusetts than from homicide, and that a large part of the problem is that the same drunk drivers are appearing on the road again and again.
Romney was joined by several victims of drunk driving, who have come forward over the last several months to share their stories in support of tougher penalties for repeat offenders, including Tod and Nancy Powell, the parents of Melanie Powell, and her grandfather, Ron Bersani.
“We applaud Governor Romney's action today in offering these amendments to Melanie’s Bill. Our position has not wavered since we began this campaign over two years ago,” said Ron Bersani, the grandfather of Melanie Powell, who was killed by a repeat offender in 2003.
“We are interested in one thing: passing the strongest possible bill to deal with this insidious, preventable crime,” said Bersani
“Massachusetts has some of the most lax drunk driving laws in the nation, and our communities are paying the price year after year,” said Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey. “Nationwide, drunk driving fatalities fell by about 2 percent last year. But in Massachusetts, fatalities were actually up 5 percent. Those aren’t just percentage points. Those are families that have lost loved ones forever in a senseless and preventable tragedy.”
“It’s not often you get a second chance to do the right thing,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr. “I’m hopeful my colleagues in the House will do their utmost to ensure we pass the strongest drunk driving legislation possible before we adjourn for the fall.”
October 27, 2005ROMNEY SIGNS BILL TO TRACK RELEASED CRIMINALSMassachusetts to join other states in sharing data on offenders who relocate
Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation that enters Massachusetts into the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision, a national system that monitors the movement of the estimated five million convicted criminals nationwide who have been released on probation or parole.
“Massachusetts law enforcement shouldn’t be working blindfolded,” said Romney. “By joining the compact, our law enforcement personnel will have the information they need to keep our communities safe from criminals who move to the Commonwealth.”
Ninety seven per cent of all convicted criminals eventually return to the community, and most of them are on parole or probation. This legislation closes a gap in the law to help authorities more accurately monitor those with criminal histories.
As a member of the interstate compact Massachusetts will be able to share and access information regarding offenders with other states in the nation. Until now, states have not been required to notify Massachusetts when probationers or parolees relocate to the Commonwealth. States have also not been required to supervise offenders who have moved out of Massachusetts.
“With Massachusetts signing this into law, my promise to my daughter Peyton has been fulfilled,” said Pat Tuthill, who became an advocate for the interstate compact after her daughter was murdered in 1999 in Colorado by a convicted felon from Maryland. Colorado authorities did not receive notification the offender had moved to their state and were unaware of his presence until he committed this crime.
The interstate compact sets strict guidelines to govern offenders’ eligibility for transfer to prevent them from crossing state lines without notice and supervision. Such eligibility will be at the discretion of the sending state, and receiving states will accept offenders only if they are in compliance with the terms of supervision in the sending state.
“I am very pleased that we were able to come to an agreement and make this legislation happen,” said Senator Robert A. O’Leary, the bill’s lead sponsor. “Joining the compact will increase public safety and help law enforcement to better perform their duties.”
As a member of the interstate compact, Massachusetts will be able to take advantage of a national database of offenders developed by the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision. This database will provide law enforcement with key information on all individuals who are pending for transfer or have been approved for transfer to another state.
“I am very pleased that we have worked out a solution on the interstate compact and that parole and probation will now oversee these individuals and protect our citizens,” said Representative Lewis G. Evangelidis, a member of the joint legislative committee that approved the bill.
To become a member of the interstate compact, each state is assessed an annual fee. Massachusetts’ participation is expected to cost approximately $25,000 each year. Governor Romney’s Fiscal Year 2006 budget recommendation for the Parole Board included an additional $300,000 to help with operating costs tied to the expected increase in renditions of offenders that will be mandated by the compact.
“You cannot put a price tag on effective public safety,” said Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey. “This administration is committed to helping the Parole Board with any additional financial needs that come from implementing the new interstate compact.”
“The passage of this legislation provides the Commonwealth with the ability to properly track and supervise offenders from other states within Massachusetts and enhance the likelihood that they will remain in the community as tax-paying, law-abiding citizens,” said Maureen Walsh, Chair of the Massachusetts Parole Board, which will oversee the state’s participation in the compact.
October 28, 2005ROMNEY CELEBRATES THE PASSAGE OF MELANIE'S BILLLegislation puts Massachusetts in line with federal standards for drunk driving
Governor Mitt Romney today signed into law the toughest drunk driving legislation in the Commonwealth’s history.
Named in honor of 13-year-old Melanie Powell, the new law will stiffen penalties for drunk driving offenses in Massachusetts and close loopholes in the legal system that allow repeat drunk drivers to get back behind the wheel.
“Today we honor those who have lost their lives in senseless drunk driving tragedies and act to save the lives we could otherwise lose next year,” said Romney. “We have Melanie’s Law today because the citizens of the Commonwealth cared enough to make it happen.”
The new measure gives prosecutors the power to introduce certified court documents to prove that a repeat offender has been previously convicted of drunk driving. In addition, the mandatory minimum jail sentence for any individual found guilty of manslaughter by motor vehicle will be increased from 2 ½ to five years.
Repeat offenders will be required to install an interlock device on any vehicle they own or operate. These devices measure the driver’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and prevent the car from starting if the driver is intoxicated. Any individual who tampers with the interlock device could face a jail sentence.
For the first time, Massachusetts will be in compliance with federal standards for drunk driving laws.
Romney was joined by Tod and Nancy Powell, the parents of Melanie Powell, and her grandfather, Ron Bersani to celebrate the passage of the new drunk driving measure.
“Today we should give thanks to all of those who have worked so hard to make this day possible,” said Bersani. “Governor Romney and the Legislative leadership have advanced the fight against repeat drunk driving to heights that seemed unattainable just six months ago.
Under the law, stiff penalties will be established for individuals who drive while drunk with a child under the age of 14 in the vehicle and those who drive with a BAC of .20 or higher, more than twice the legal limit.
Romney thanked the Legislature for enacting a tough bill that cracks down on repeat drunk driving offenders in Massachusetts.
“Public safety is one of our top priorities and Melanie’s Law will go a long way towards making our citizens and roadways safer,” said Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi. “I commend the my colleagues in the Legislature and the Governor for taking comprehensive and quick action on this very important issue.”
“Today we are sending a powerful message that Massachusetts is serious about keeping repeat drunken drivers off the road,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr. “I am proud of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and my legislative colleagues for joining together to pass tough laws to make our roadways safer.”
“I am pleased and proud that the Legislature did the right thing in the end and supported a Bill worthy of Melanie’s name and the sacrifices made by the Powell family and all victims of drunk drivers,” said Senator Robert L. Hedlund. “Melanie's Law will save lives and it would not have been accomplished if not for the tireless efforts and advocacy of the families.”
Representative Frank Hynes added, “I’d like to commend Ron, Tod, and Nancy for their tireless work in support of Melanie’s bill. As a family, they were able to turn the horrific tragedy in their lives into a greater measure of safety for all families on Massachusetts roadways.”
November 2, 2005ROMNEY SIGNS FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND BIOTECH PARTNERSHIP WITH ITALYAgreement will generate jobs, funding and new R&D opportunities for Massachusetts
Governor Mitt Romney today signed a partnership agreement with Italian officials to facilitate joint research projects and funding for Massachusetts biotechnology firms that want to do business overseas.
Massachusetts is the first state to sign this type of agreement with the Lombardia region of Italy. About 50 percent of all biotech firms in Italy are in the Lombardia region, making it that country’s biotech center.
“Massachusetts is at the leading edge of innovative biotech research and medical breakthroughs,” said Romney. “Today’s agreement gives our biotech firms and hospitals access to new research funding and business opportunities that will create more jobs.”
The agreement will foster R&D collaboration between the United States and Italy, establish joint research centers and create technology transfer centers to commercialize new research, with an early emphasis on hematology and diabetes research. Massachusetts will gain access to EU funding for research and, by tying the state’s companies and universities to counterparts in Lombardia, will also gain new clinical trial opportunities in Europe.
“Companies and research hospitals in Lombardia are working on new ways to treat various diseases, particularly diabetes,” said Lombardia Region President Roberto Formigoni. “Today’s agreement increases the research capabilities of our companies and hospitals to develop new solutions.”
Lombardia was attracted to Massachusetts in part because of the state’s commitment to increasing the commercial opportunities resulting from R&D. The Governor created the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center in 2003, which has focused on the needs of the biotech and life sciences sector.
“Today’s agreement means ZymeQuest can accelerate the launch of clinical trials in Europe that are needed to secure regulatory approvals required to sell our products there,” said Douglas Clibourn, President and CEO of Beverly-based ZymeQuest, which makes blood product technologies and has worked closely with Dr. Thomas Stossel of Brigham and Woman’s Hospital. “As a result, we will be able to sell products faster and expand our employee base in Massachusetts. congratulate the Governor on making this deal happen.”
“Massachusetts biotech firms will be able to do more research and create more jobs as a result of today’s partnership,” said Thomas M. Finneran, president of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council. “With this visionary agreement, Massachusetts is better positioned to secure future business partnerships with other nations.”
“Our center has done groundbreaking work in the treatment and prevention of diabetes, including the development of treatments that are used worldwide,” said David Nathan M.D., director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Center. “Today’s agreement creates a new diabetes treatment research opportunity and will have a direct and important impact on drug discovery and therapeutic advances.”
Future initiatives with Lombardia are expected to encourage new collaborations with the Commonwealth’s academic and medical institutions, increase access to venture capital funding and spur the creation of new biotechnology facilities in Massachusetts and Italy.
Companies that are interested in learning more about this agreement can contact the Massachusetts Business Resource Team at 1-877-BIZTEAM or www.mass.gov/bizteam.
November 3, 2005ROMNEY DECLARES NOVEMBER "HIRE A VETERAN" MONTH
Governor Mitt Romney today declared November “Hire a Veteran” month in Massachusetts as part of a national effort to help connect men and women who serve our country with employment opportunities.
“Our veterans know the meaning of service better than anyone else, and they aren’t about to quit working when they come home,” said Romney. “The best reward we can provide our vets for their service isn’t a medal or a check - it’s a livelihood and a means of supporting themselves and their families.”
Romney noted that employment issues are especially important for newly retired, but still relatively young veterans who seek training and employment in civilian jobs. He recognized Saints Memorial Medical Center of Lowell for their exemplary efforts in hiring and supporting veterans.
“It is important to Saints Memorial that no employee or their family member experience financial hardship or lose their job while serving their country, this is a moral obligation for us and is just the right thing to do,” said Saints Memorial Acting President Judith Casagrande. “We appreciate this acknowledgement and thank Governor Romney for his support.”
Since October of 2001, approximately 18,000 Massachusetts residents have returned home from active duty. While unemployment data for veterans in the Commonwealth is not officially tracked, Massachusetts’ One-Stop Career Centers have provided employment services to nearly 10,000 Massachusetts veterans per year over the past few years.
The Department of Workforce Development, in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Services and the U.S. Department of Labor, is spearheading the “Hire a veteran Month” campaign that will feature special events and information workshops targeting both veterans and employers at many of Massachusetts’ 32 One-Stop Career Centers.
“The need to secure employment and training for veterans is very real,” said Thomas Kelley, Secretary of Veterans’ Services. “Veterans bring character, discipline, leadership skills and a strong sense of integrity to our workplaces. We are committed to doing whatever it takes to help our veteran population gain meaningful employment.”
“Every Massachusetts’ One-Stop Career Center has a veteran employment specialist on-site to connect veterans with employers,” said Jane Edmonds, Director of the Department of Workforce Development. “Through this campaign, we hope to reach out to even more veterans in order to better meet their employment needs.”
The public awareness campaign includes a 60-second public service announcement and posters that will hang inside 100 MBTA train cars and buses and on 25 regional buses.
For information about employment resources for veterans, please contact the Department of Veterans’ Services at (617) 210-5970, go to www.mass.gov/veterans, or visit your local One-Stop Career Center. To find a Career Center near you, call (877) US-2-JOBS or visit www.mass.gov/careercenters.
November 4, 2005ROMNEY DELIVERS OIL SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAILERS TO BUZZARDS BAY COMMUNITIES
NEW BEDFORD - Coastal communities in southeastern Massachusetts today received state-of-the-art emergency response equipment thanks to oil spill legislation signed into law last year by Governor Mitt Romney.
Romney, state environmental officials and local legislators were on hand to deliver trailers and other gear to equip first-responders with the tools they need to act immediately in the event of an oil spill.
On April 27, 2003, Buzzards Bay was the site of a massive oil spill when a Bouchard Transportation barge struck rocks and spilled 98,000 gallons of industrial fuel oil into the bay.
“The Buzzards Bay oil spill had a profound impact on the environment and quality of life here on the South Coast, and we vowed at that time to do all we could to prevent such disasters from happening again,” Romney said. “We have delivered on that promise. Our vessel safety requirements are stronger, financial penalties have been significantly increased, and now Buzzards Bay coastal communities have the emergency equipment they need if disaster strikes again.”
Last year’s Oil Spill Act created several preventive measures to ensure the safe passage of hazardous cargo through Massachusetts waterways. It also established a trust fund paid for by oil companies to purchase equipment and provide training for coastal communities that may have to respond to an oil spill emergency. The approximate $300,000 cost of the trailers delivered today was paid for out of this fund.
“Every environmental spill immediately becomes a local incident,” New Bedford Mayor Kalisz said. “This means our first-responders will now have the additional equipment and capacity to ensure a significant, meaningful response during those crucial first hours.”
The communities receiving the emergency response trailers today were New Bedford, Westport, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion, Wareham, Bourne, Falmouth and Sandwich. The town of Gosnold will also be receiving two trailers to be placed on the separate islands of that community. The town of Dartmouth received its trailer in June.
“When the spill oiled 84 miles of coastline that day, more than 178,000 acres of shellfish beds were closed, hundreds of birds were killed, and sensitive natural resources were changed forever,” Environmental Affairs Secretary Pritchard said. “Now we have put essential emergency equipment right into the hands of the first-responders so that they can act quickly to mitigate the impact during those first crucial hours after a spill.”
Each trailer is 20 feet long by eight feet wide, and contains thousands of feet of boom materials, floats and anchors, absorbent pads, storm drain plugs, life vests and personal protective equipment.
“The Bouchard spill in 2003 taught us how important it is to have our local responders prepared for action in the event of another devastating oil spill,” said Ben Bryant, Marine Policy Specialist for the Coalition for Buzzards Bay. “The Coalition commends the Commonwealth's efforts to prevent another disaster by passing strong oil spill prevention legislation while at the same time providing training and equipment to the municipalities to help protect the Bay.”
Based on the success of the Buzzards Bay pilot program, the Commonwealth plans to expand delivery of emergency response trailers and training to other coastal communities in the coming months.
November 7, 2005ROMNEY HONORS SIX EDUCATORS FOR EXCELLENCE IN math AND SCIENCE
BOSTON - In a Statehouse ceremony today, Governor Romney announced the six Massachusetts finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and science Teaching (PAEMST).
Three science and three math educators were chosen and, of the six, one teacher from each discipline will be selected as Massachusetts’ winners by the National science Foundation and President Bush in March.
“Our Presidential Award nominees set a great example, not only for educators in Massachusetts, but for the nation,” Romney said. “Distinguished math and science teachers like these are the critical components of a public education system that will prepare us for the next century, and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work, creativity and dedication.”
Education Commissioner David P. Driscoll agreed.
“Given the demands of today’s global economy, it is more important than ever before that our students leave our schools with a solid education in both math and science,” he said. “We are lucky to have such skilled educators in our classrooms.”
Recognizing the state’s need for more math and science specialists, Romney called for the formation of a Commonwealth Teaching Corps of math and science teachers in his comprehensive education reform package filed in September. The bill would make Corps members eligible for a $5,000 bonus at the end of each school year.
“Our students and our state are well served by the knowledge and talent these educators bring to the classroom everyday,” Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi said. “On behalf of the House of Representatives, I salute them for preparing the leaders of tomorrow to succeed in today's competitive global economy.”
This year’s Presidential Award finalists are:
* Jesus Hernandez, who teaches Astronomy and AP and Honors Physics to 11th and 12th graders at Lawrence High School. * June Thall, who teaches 7th grade science at the Remington Middle school in Franklin. * Linda Webber, who teaches Chemistry and Honors Chemistry to 10th, 11th and 12th graders at Natick High School. * Amy Lena, who teaches 7th grade math and 8th grade Honors Algebra at the A.W. Coolidge Middle school in Reading. * Marsha Ohanesian, who teaches all levels of 8th grade math at the Sullivan Middle school in Worcester. * Cathie Pollack, who teaches Geometry, Honors Geometry and Honors Calculus at Haverhill High School.
Last year’s Massachusetts winners were Linda Thomasian, a fifth grade math teacher at the Henri A. Yelle Elementary school in Northon, and Darren Wells, a sixth grade science teacher at the James P. Timilty Middle school in Boston.
The PAEMST program, established in 1983 by the White House, is sponsored by the National science Foundation. Each year the program recognizes outstanding mathematics and science teachers for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. teachers must be nominated prior to completing an application. Anyone – principals, teachers, students, parents, members of the community, or the general public – may nominate a teacher.
Recognition for Presidential Awardees includes a special citation signed by the President, a $10,000 honorarium from the National science Foundation and gifts from donors, and a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with leaders in government and education.
November 8, 2005ROMNEY NAMES STEVEN ROSENTHAL TO MCCA BOARD
Governor Mitt Romney today swore in Boston attorney Steven P. Rosenthal to the board of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA).
The MCCA oversees the operations and management of the Hynes Convention Center, the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, the Boston Common Garage and the MassMutual Center.
“Steven Rosenthal has a deep understanding of the needs of business and an appreciation of what makes Boston an attractive convention destination, and I am pleased to appoint him to the convention center board,” said Romney.
Rosenthal is a co-managing partner at law firm Mintz Levin, where he is a member of the firm’s policy committee. His practice focuses on corporate and business representation, business planning, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, real estate and corporate finance.
“Massachusetts boasts some of the most modern and appealing exhibition and convention space of any state in the nation,” said Rosenthal. “I look forward to working with the MCCA to grow this business aggressively on behalf of the residents and businesses of the Commonwealth.”
Rosenthal is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and the District of Columbia and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. He is a member of the American, Massachusetts, District of Columbia and Boston Bar Associations.
A graduate of Harvard College and Boston University Law School, Rosenthal resides in Marblehead with his wife and their three children.
The MCCA seeks to generate regional economic activity by attracting conventions, tradeshows and other events to its facilities. The board’s 13 members serve without compensation.
November 8, 2005ROMNEY APPROVES DEATH BENEFIT FOR MCNAMARA FAMILYLegislation makes sure volunteer firefighters are now covered in the event of tragedy
LANCASTER - Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation that provides a $650,000 annuity to the family of fallen firefighter Martin H. McNamara V and requires cities and towns to provide death benefits to the families of volunteer or part-time public safety officers who lose their lives in the line of duty.
“Each day in the Commonwealth, thousands of part-time or volunteer public safety personnel stand at the ready, willing to risk their own health and safety to save a life,” said Romney. “They are heroes, and we want to recognize their commitment by offering support to their families should the unthinkable occur.”
Martin McNamara died while fighting an apartment fire in Lancaster in 2003. His status as a call firefighter prevented his wife, Claire, and their three children from receiving survivors’ benefits.
Earlier this year, with the support of the local legislative delegation, Romney proposed a $650,000 transfer to the state pension fund to pay for the cost of an annuity for the McNamara family. At the same time, Romney proposed making death benefits available to the families of volunteer and part-time first responders who die on the job.
“This bill recognizes my husband’s heroic effort, and I am honored that it will be named after him,” said Claire McNamara. “I am thankful to Governor Romney for stepping up and for his commitment to my husband, our three beautiful children and to the fire services. It makes me very proud that Marty’s unsung bravery will not be forgotten.”
About half of the Commonwealth’s 20,000 firefighters operate on a call or part-time basis. Since 1980, seven such firefighters have died in the line of duty.
“Today’s event marks a new day for the volunteer firefighters and their families in Massachusetts,” said Senator Robert A. Antonioni. “I want to commend Governor Romney, Senate President Travaglini and Speaker DiMasi for their leadership in collectively making a strong statement about how much we as lawmakers value those volunteers who put their lives on the line every single day.”
In addition to providing benefits for the McNamara family, the new law offers three ways for cities and towns to offer death benefits to volunteer or part-time public safety officers who die while in the performance of their duty. Municipalities may enter into agreements to pool resources to fund the cost of benefits.
“I am very proud to see that both houses of the Legislature and the Executive Branch have stood up to take care of the McNamara family and to protect the families of our state’s volunteer public safety officers,” said Representative James B. Eldridge. “With the signing of the McNamara bill, this tragedy will be prevented from happening again.”
Communities may choose one of three options to provide benefits to survivors: they may purchase an annuity; pay for an insurance policy that provides a one-time benefit of $500,000; or purchase an insurance policy that would cover the cost an annuity to benefit the family of the deceased.
“I am thrilled to see this legislation being signed into law,” said Senator Stephen M. Brewer. “It is high time that we provide to the McNamara family and volunteer firefighters the same benefits as the professional firefighters.”
“Marty’s memory will live on in this legislation, and in the lives of his children and his brother and sister firefighters from around our great state, I am heartened that in some small way we can provide for our call and volunteer firefighters in the future through this legislation,” said Representative Harold P. Naughton in a statement released by his office. Naughton is currently serving with the United States Army in the Persian Gulf.
“I remember vividly the night that I responded to the tragic Lancaster fire that claimed the life of Marty McNamara,” said State Fire Marshall Stephen D. Coan. “While there can never be a silver lining when a life of a firefighter is lost in the line of duty, it is comforting to the families of call and volunteer firefighters across the state to know that from this day forward, if a similar tragedy occurs, the community will protect the firefighter’s family.”
November 9, 2005ROMNEY AWARDS $5 MILLION IN WORKFORCE TRAINING FUNDS
Governor Mitt Romney today awarded $5 million in new Workforce Training Fund grants to train over 5700 employees at 73 businesses across Massachusetts. These grants will help further job growth in the state, build a more skilled workforce and support the Commonwealth’s competitive businesses.
“A highly-skilled workforce enables our state to compete and thrive in the global economy, and these workforce training grants will help our companies stay on the cutting-edge,” Romney said during his announcement of the grants at Infinity Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, one of the 73 grant recipients.
“Businesses relocate and expand where they have access to well-trained and educated workers, and there is no better investment Massachusetts can make than to sharpen the skills of our employees,” Romney added.
Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, the Workforce Training Fund provides businesses with matching grants to provide job-related training to incumbent employees. Since being launched seven years ago, more than $107 million has been awarded to 2,300 companies to upgrade the skills of 157,000 workers statewide.
“Infinity is a proud recipient of this Workforce Training Fund grant, and we appreciate the opportunity to help our employees continue to develop the skills and knowledge that will enable them to succeed and flourish,” said Steven Holtzman, Infinity’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This is a great example of a progressive government program that directly benefits the citizen-workers of the Commonwealth and supports growth of the biotechnology industry in Massachusetts.”
Infinity Pharmaceuticals, founded in 2001, will use its $197,000 Workforce Training Fund grant to train all of the company’s 97 employees in team leadership and project management skills, and to provide customized scientific and English as a Second Language (ESL) training. The company predicted the training will lead to an increase in the number of product entries into clinical trials, new promotional opportunities for its workers as well as increased productivity.
“The Workforce Training Fund makes Massachusetts a more attractive place for all businesses,” said Jane C. Edmonds, Director of Workforce Development. “A highly skilled workforce is one of our state’s major competitive advantages, and continued investments in our employee base helps maintain this edge.”
Romney has committed to fully funding the Workforce Training Fund for $21 million for the next fiscal year, and extending the program through 2008. The Workforce Training Fund now offers employers the use of online applications and an expedited review to more quickly process grant requests of up to $50,000. Employers using the online application for requests up to $50,000 can receive decisions on their grant application within 45 days.
In addition to Infinity, the following grants were awarded today:
* 10 grants in Western Massachusetts totaling $339,866 to train 736 employees; * 14 grants in Central Massachusetts totaling $1 million to train 1,226 employees; * Nine grants in Northeast Massachusetts totaling $659,094 to train 677 employees; * 29 grants in Boston area totaling $2.3 million to train 2,555 employees; * 10 grants in Southeast Massachusetts totaling $580,000 to train 529 employees.
For more information on the Workforce Training Fund and a complete listing of grant recipients, visit www.mass.gov/wtf.
November 11, 2005ROMNEY SIGNS LEGISLATION EXPANDING military BENEFITSSays new law is a fitting Veterans Day tribute to those who have served
Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation that expands benefits to veterans, members of the Massachusetts National Guard and their families. Romney signed the bill into law at a State House ceremony honoring Massachusetts veterans as well as those currently serving in the military.
“Our men and women in uniform carry on a brave and noble tradition of service to their state and country,” said Romney. “They sacrifice much through their service, and I’m pleased that through this package of benefits our state has properly recognized all that military families do to keep us safe.”
Earlier this year, Romney filed legislation to make education more affordable for returning Guard members, increase the benefit paid to families in the event of a member’s death in the line of duty and establish an annual surviving spouse benefit. Romney also proposed to increase the per diem compensation that Guard members receive while on state active duty and have the state cover life insurance premiums for those on active federal duty.
The Legislature supported the Governor’s proposal and expanded it to include other benefits. The bill Romney signed today:
* Exempts Guard members from paying any fees while attending a Massachusetts public college or university. Already, they receive free tuition, but fees can account for as much as three quarters of the cost of a college education. The state, not the schools, will pay for the cost of the waivers; * Increases the death benefit paid to families of Guard members killed in the line of duty from $5,000 to $100,000; * Establishes a check-off on the state tax form to help members of the Guard and armed forces reserves called to active duty after September 11, 2001 and their families defray the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services and other expenses; * Increases the per diem compensation that Guard members receive while on state active duty from $75 to $100; * Provides that the state pay half the monthly life insurance premiums for Guard members; * Creates a new $2,000 benefit for Gold Star spouses and increases the Gold Star parents’ benefit from $1,500 to $2,000; * Provides a $1,000 bonus to Massachusetts servicemen and women who have served on active duty post-9/11 in Afghanistan or Iraq and a $500 bonus to those who serve at least six months on active duty in other locations; * Grants high school diplomas to veterans who left school for good upon being drafted or enlisting in World War II, Korea or Vietnam wars.
“We must ask ourselves what we can do for our veterans here in the Commonwealth, and I strongly believe this landmark legislation brings us a step closer to a fitting answer,” said Senator Stephen M. Brewer, Senate Chairman of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
“With this bill, we have cemented our pledge to those who protect us, the men and women of the armed forces – past, present and future – for they deserve nothing less,” said Representative Anthony J. Verga, House Chairman of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
November 18, 2005ROMNEY PROPOSES TAX FIX TO PREVENT RETROACTIVE TAXATIONIf Legislature approves it, taxpayers would see refunds, not retroactive bills
Governor Mitt Romney today proposed a change in the law that would help tens of thousands of Massachusetts citizens avoid the burden of retroactive taxation.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that a 2002 state capital gains tax increase was unconstitutional because it took effect May 1, part way through the year. Under the court’s ruling, the effective date of the tax increase was moved back to January 1, 2002, which exposed nearly 50,000 taxpayers to an additional $200 million in retroactive state taxes on gains realized during the first four months of 2002.
In a bill sent to the Governor, the Legislature let stand the January 1, 2002 date, but waived interest, penalties and amounts owed of less than $100. However, even with those changes, approximately 40,000 taxpayers will get surprise tax bills.
“It is simply wrong to change the rules after the fact on taxpayers who sold assets in reliance on the tax code in effect at the time,” Romney said.
Romney sent back the bill with an amendment establishing January 1, 2003 as the effective date of the tax law change. This will result in refunds of $225 million to $275 million to people who paid the higher capital gains tax rate in the last eight months of 2002. In order to lessen the impact of the refund, the amendment authorizes the Department of Revenue to pay those refunds over three years. Taxpayers must apply for the abatement before June 30, 2006.
“We have tried to come up with a solution that addresses the concerns of legislators worried about the impact of the refunds on the state treasury. By spreading out the payment of refunds over three years, rather than all at once, we can soften the revenue impact,” said Romney. “Ultimately, it’s going to cost the state some money. But if we don’t act, thousands of taxpayers who played by the rules will be punished for a mistake they did not make.”
Romney noted Massachusetts has available surplus revenues to make refunds.
Romney was joined at today’s news conference by individual citizens, as well as representatives from business and taxpayer organizations.
“I’ve never invested in my life, except for a property I bought in Mission Hill in 1979 and maintained as a rental until 2002,” said Arthur Johanningsmeier, a retired teacher from Ashburnham. “Now four years later I’m probably going to have to take out a loan to pay the $20,000 tax bill. I hope the right decision will be made here, and I appreciate that Governor Romney is doing this for everyone who’s getting hit with these bills.”
“To get a bill like this years after the fact would have a devastating effect on our family financially,” added Loretta LaCentra of Revere.
Unless the law is changed, Loretta and her family would owe nearly $100,000 from the sale of a long-time family asset. “This is not pocket change for us – it’s several years of college tuition for our son and daughter. We don’t know how we’re going to pay for that now. This defies logic in addition to being just plain wrong,” she said.
“Retroactive taxes are inherently unfair. With the Governor’s leadership today, I hope we can use this as a second chance to rally on the taxpayers’ behalf,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. “The Legislature should reverse its money grab by accepting the Governor’s amendment without delay. We can’t allow procedural tactics to stand in the way of principle.”
“I am hopeful that the Legislature will embrace Governor Romney’s proposal to avoid this retroactive capital gains tax and make sure the taxpayers of the Commonwealth are treated fairly,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian P. Lees.
“While permanently raising the capital gains tax in 2002 was a mistake, allowing that increase to be retroactive would be patently unfair and financially destructive to thousands of Massachusetts families,” said Massachusetts High Technology Council President Christopher Anderson. “As a result of the 2002 tax increase, next year the state will collect nearly $1 billion more in capital gains revenue than predicted by pro-tax hike advocates. Supporting Governor Romney’s amendment goes a long way toward fairness, and should help focus debate on restoring a lower capital gains tax rate to create a stable, predictable and competitive tax structure for Massachusetts.”
November 20, 2005ROMNEY SIGNS BILL TO GIVE SENIORS TAX RELIEF
Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation to lower the property tax burden for Massachusetts senior citizens, which he said will help more seniors stay in their homes.
“With the rise in property values, it makes it difficult for seniors to stay in their homes,” said Romney. “Seniors should be able to stay as long as they want in the homes where they’ve raised families and created a lifetime of fond memories.”
Under current state law, homeowners 65 or over who meet certain income eligibility requirements may receive an annual state income tax credit of up to $840 if their house is valued at $400,000 or less. As house values have risen, however, fewer seniors have become eligible for credits. The bill the Governor signed into law today raises the property value threshold to $600,000, making more seniors eligible for tax relief.
A qualifying taxpayer is one whose real estate tax payment exceeds 10 percent of total income, and whose joint income does not exceed $60,000, or $40,000 for a single taxpayer.
Under the new law, annual increases in the eligibility threshold will be based on increases in property values statewide rather than on the inflation rate, as was the case under the old law. Basing eligibility on inflation is unfair as home values tend to rise faster than inflation. This means seniors will not be priced out of receiving the credit in future years due to increased values.
“Our senior citizens are already facing steep increases in home heating costs this winter, and many will soon be forced to make tough choices in order to stay warm,” said House Minority Leader Brad Jones, the bill’s sponsor. “Allowing more seniors to qualify for a break on their property taxes will keep money in their pockets and help them through this tough time. I want to thank Governor Romney for signing this very important bill.”
The law also allows cities and towns the option of charging seniors a lower rate of interest on property tax bills they have deferred. Under the current law, people 65 or older with gross receipts up to $20,000 can defer property tax payments but must pay eight percent annual interest on the amount deferred. Now, cities and towns have the option of lowering that interest rate to as low as zero percent.
Deferred taxes are to be repaid to the municipality on the owner’s demise or property transfer, together with the interest.
“It’s critical to maintain this important form of tax relief as housing costs escalate,” said Senator Bruce Tarr. “This timely action by the Legislature and the Governor will promote stability among senior households.”
November 21, 2005ROMNEY STANDS UP FOR CONSUMERS, VETOES WINE BILL
Governor Mitt Romney today vetoed a bill limiting the ability of out-of-state wineries to ship directly to Massachusetts consumers, calling the legislation “anti-consumer.”
The bill prohibits direct sales by wineries that produce more than 30,000 gallons of wine a year if they have been represented by a Massachusetts wholesaler for the past six months. The provision would therefore prevent a significant number of wineries from shipping wine directly to consumers. Romney said the proposed new law “would benefit a cartel of liquor wholesalers that do not want to give up their monopoly on the distribution of wine.”
“This bill does not give wine lovers the opportunity to purchase the bottlings they want,” said Romney. “It creates artificial barriers to protect Massachusetts wholesalers at the expense of a free market.”
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling this year struck down bans on direct wine shipments in states like Massachusetts. Following this ruling, a federal district court in Boston invalidated those portions of state law that restrict out-of-state wineries from shipping directly to Massachusetts consumers. Under the old law, only local wineries could ship to Massachusetts residents.
Jeremy Benson, the executive director of Free the Grapes!, a national coalition of 300,000 consumers and thousands of wineries, said the intent of the Supreme Court was to open up the market, but that the Massachusetts legislation would effectively keep it closed.
“Contrary to its title, this bill does not allow for direct-to-consumer wine shipments. It protects the wine wholesalers at the expense of consumer choice. We hope the Legislature will consider the proven model direct shipping bill, which is already working in many states and supports consumer choice,” said Benson.
November 22, 2005ROMNEY SIGNS LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE ENERGY PRICE RELIEF AND INCREASE CONSERVATION
Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation that softens the burden of high heating costs and provides incentives to consumers and businesses to use energy efficiently. A companion bill signed by Romney would establish new efficiency standards for household products such as furnaces and boilers.
“Heating costs shouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket. It’s important that we take every measure possible to ensure that Massachusetts stays warm this winter,” Romney said.
“In addition to providing relief from high energy bills, we face a long-term energy challenge and the legislation we are signing today puts in place incentives and standards that promote energy efficiency over the long run,” he added.
The first bill signed by Governor Romney appropriates $20 million in fuel assistance for low income Massachusetts residents who are eligible for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). With the state’s contribution, eligible households will be able to receive as much as $840 towards heating bill payments this winter.
This legislation also:
* Allows a personal income tax deduction of up to $800 for home heating costs incurred between November 1, 2005 and March 31, 2006. To qualify, taxpayers must earn less than $50,000 if they are single filers, or not more than $75,000 if filing jointly. * Provides a one-time tax credit for homeowners who purchase energy-efficient heating products equal to 30% of the cost of the products up to $600 for a single family home and $1000 for a multi-family home. Examples of eligible products include new windows, advanced programmable thermostats, insulation, weather stripping and fuel-efficient furnaces, boilers and hot water systems. * Establishes a one-year, zero or low-interest loan program to help residents improve the efficiency of their homes. The state will subsidize the interest on private loans in order to allow consumers to purchase and install energy efficient items in their homes. * Provides a one-time corporate excise tax credit to businesses that purchase solar water heating systems equal to 15%, or $300 – whichever is less – of the cost to purchase and install the systems.
“I am proud that the Legislature and the Governor acted quickly to help people in need with the high cost of energy this winter and offer incentives to all residents to reduce their overall energy usage through conservation and energy efficiency,” said Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi. “Today's bill signing is part of a larger effort over the long term to address the Commonwealth's energy needs and to develop solutions to reduce the economic impact on our citizens.”
“This bill goes a long way in ensuring that those who need help keeping warm this winter are well taken care of, while at the same time, giving incentives to citizens to utilize and conserve energy resources,” said Representative Bradford R. Hill.
Romney also signed into law a companion bill establishing new minimum efficiency standards for products such as residential furnaces and boilers. Manufacturers and retailers would be required to sell only highly efficient furnaces and boilers in Massachusetts, prompting significant long term savings for consumers.
“These new efficiency standards are part of a long term solution to the energy challenges we face. Clean energy technologies will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, air pollution and long-term energy costs,” Romney said.
The legislation also establishes new standards for other products such as AC/DC transformers, metal halide lamps, and state regulated incandescent reflector lamps. Massachusetts will join states such as California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Oregon, Washington and New York in setting standards for these products.
“The appliance efficiency law will improve our long term economic competitiveness and help save money for all consumers while playing to our strength in innovation and environmental protection,” said Commonwealth Development Secretary Douglas I. Foy.
November 23, 2005ROMNEY NOMINATES ARIANE D. VUONO TO APPEALS COURT
Governor Romney today nominated Ariane D. Vuono of Northampton to the position of Justice of the Appeals Court.
Vuono has been an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts since 1995. While serving as a federal prosecutor, Vuono was the U.S. Attorney’s western regional Anti-Terrorism Task Force designate. Prior to her position as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, she was an Assistant District Attorney for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office from 1988 through 1995, and for the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office from 1985 to 1987. Vuono began her law career as a Judicial Clerk at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Superior Court from 1984 to 1985.
Vuono has served as a member of the adjunct faculty at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Bay Path College and the Western New England school of Law. Subject matter has included Sociology of law, Principles in Criminology and various courses on the criminal justice system and professional ethics and responsibility.
Vuono received her bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a master’s degree from Middlebury College and her law degree from the University of Connecticut school of Law.
December 7, 2005ROMNEY ANNOUNCES STRICT NEW CLEAN AIR REGULATIONS TO TAKE EFFECT JANUARY 1New clean air rules balance environmental and economic goals
Governor Mitt Romney today announced that Massachusetts will take another major step in meeting its commitment to protecting air quality when strict state limitations on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants take effect on January 1, 2006.
“Massachusetts continues to be committed to improving air quality for all our citizens. These carbon emission limits will provide real and immediate progress in the battle to improve our environment,” Romney said. “They help us accomplish our environmental goals while protecting jobs and the economy.”
Massachusetts is the first and only state to set CO2 emissions limits on power plants. The limits, which target the six largest and oldest power plants in the state, are the toughest in the nation and are designed to lower emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and mercury from power plant smokestacks.
In addition to reaffirming existing stringent CO2 limits, the draft regulations announced today, which will be filed next week, contain protections against excessive price increases for businesses and consumers. They allow power generation companies to implement CO2 reductions at their own facilities or fund other reduction projects off-site through a greenhouse gas offset and credits program.
Relative to off-site projects, the new regulations propose a two-tiered system of triggers and safety valves. At first, plants can do offset projects in the northeast region, which keeps technology development and environmental benefits closer to home. However, if the price of available offsets reaches $6.50/ton of emissions for 12 months, firms would then be able to shop for offsets anywhere in the world, where cheaper opportunities might be available – thus protecting ratepayers while providing the same environmental benefit. If the price of offsets climbs yet higher to a point with unacceptable economic impacts, or $10.00/ton, firms can then meet their emissions obligations by paying into a Greenhouse Gas Expendable Trust. The Trust will be used by the state to purchase new offsets or invest in the development of technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The combination of these market-based mechanisms with stringent CO2 caps will lead to cost-effective environmental gains.
“Today’s regulations will achieve our aggressive environmental goals and provide incentives to push technological development,” said Stephen Pritchard, Secretary of Environmental Affairs.
In the development of greenhouse gas policy, Romney Administration officials have elicited input from environmental and economic policy experts. These include John Holden, professor of environmental policy at Harvard University and chair of the National Commission on Energy Policy and Billy Pizer, an economist at Resources for the Future, an environmental policy think-tank based in Washington D.C.
“A safety valve assures that compliance costs will not rise above acceptable levels and guarantees that the market will continue to function despite any unforeseen, adverse events,” said Billy Pizer. “At an appropriate level, a safety valve makes sense for virtually any market-based emissions reduction policy, but especially for one addressing a cumulative problem like CO2 emissions, where the most important element is a continual, long-term incentive for innovative technologies.”
Elements of a safety valve were included in the successful acid rain trading program and would have helped avert the crisis faced by the RECLAIM program in California, when a shortage pushed nitrogen oxide allowance prices to more than $40,000 per ton, far above the normal market price.
Implementing these regulations represents the latest in a series of initiatives that the Romney administration has undertaken to address air pollution. In 2004, Governor Romney announced the Massachusetts Climate Protection Plan, which laid out a coordinated statewide response to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the climate.
Massachusetts has had great success recently in addressing pollutant emissions from both stationary and mobile sources. Last year, the Commonwealth adopted regulations that will capture 95% of the mercury emitted at the state’s four coal-fired power plants by 2012. There have also been major agreements hammered out with the owners of two power plants – Salem Harbor Station and Canal Station in Sandwich – that will guarantee emissions reductions, and ensure regional power grid reliability.
December 8, 2005ROMNEY SIGNS BILL ABOLISHING RETROACTIVE TAXTens of thousands of taxpayers spared retroactive tax bills from 2002
Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation that prevents thousands of Massachusetts taxpayers from having to pay retroactive taxes on financial transactions that occurred more than three years ago. Under the new law, no additional taxes are due and affected taxpayers may disregard any retroactive bills they received.
“By making this important correction we will keep faith with the taxpayers and prevent thousands of families from enduring any financial hardship from an unfair retroactive tax,” said Romney. “I commend the Legislature for approving a solution that fixes this problem once and for all.”
The change in the law was made necessary by an April 26, 2005 decision of the Supreme Judicial Court, which found that a 2002 state capital gains tax increase violated the Massachusetts Constitution because it took effect May 1, part way through the year.
The court set the effective date of the tax increase at January 1, 2002. However, this action exposed nearly 50,000 taxpayers to an additional $200 million in state taxes on gains realized during the first four months of 2002.
Through a bill filed in June and an amendment made to existing legislation last month, Romney proposed to set the effective date of the tax law change at January 1, 2003, a change that would prevent retroactive taxation. Earlier this week, the Legislature adopted Romney’s proposal.
“This difficult issue was the result of two highly unusual Supreme Judicial Court decisions,” said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi. “Working together, we have delivered a swift and fair resolution to the taxpayers of the Commonwealth.”
“The passage of this bill is a real victory for taxpayers,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr. “This is a great example of how the voice of the citizenry can positively impact public policy.”
With the change in date, the state is required to refund between $225 million and $275 million to the estimated 157,000 taxpayers who paid the higher capital gains tax rate in the last eight months of 2002. To lessen the impact of these refunds on the state treasury, payments will be spread out over four years. Anyone owed a refund of $1,000 or less will receive one lump sum. Eligible taxpayers must apply for the refund before June 30, 2006.
“Retroactive taxes are simply unfair,” said Senator Cynthia Creem. “People make financial decisions based upon the tax consequences and they need a stable and predictable tax system.”
“If this tax situation hadn’t been corrected I’m not sure how we would have afforded our son’s last two years of college,” said Loretta LaCentra of Revere. Loretta and her family would have owed nearly $100,000 from the sale of a long-time family asset if the law had not been changed.
“I think I can speak for thousands of other taxpayers like us who breathed a huge sigh of relief when we found out we didn’t have to worry about this anymore. A lot of people are very thankful to Governor Romney and the Legislature for doing the right thing,” she added.
“The Legislature did the right thing in agreeing to stop this unfair retroactive tax increase,” said Massachusetts High Technology Council President Christopher R. Anderson. “This process shows that Massachusetts residents can have an impact on important issues like tax policy when they engage in the debate.”
December 9, 2005GOVERNOR ROMNEY, FIRST LADY TO HOST STATE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE AND MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY
BOSTON – Governor Mitt Romney and First Lady Ann Romney will host the lighting ceremony for the official State House Christmas Tree and Menorah on Tuesday, December 13, 2005.
Joining the Governor and First Lady will be Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, Secretary of State William Galvin and Speaker of the House Salvatore DiMasi.
The ceremony will take place in front of the State House beginning at 5:30 p.m. and will be open to the public. Guests should enter through the State House Center Gates on Beacon Street.
The official state Christmas Tree is a 40-foot Blue Spruce that was donated by Jim and Lisa Slattery of Chelmsford.
Santa Claus will be handing out candy canes and Best Friends Cocoa will provide hot cocoa to guests. Boston City Singers will provide music celebrating Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanzaa during the ceremony.
December 15, 2005ROMNEY AWARDS FREE TUITION TO 14,000 MASSACHUSETTS STUDENTSAdams Scholarship helps make college more affordable for thousands of students
LOWELL – Governor Mitt Romney today congratulated over 14,000 Massachusetts high school students who qualify for four years of free tuition at any of the state’s public colleges and universities. These students were among the top scorers on the MCAS exam, and will receive letters early next year notifying them that they are eligible for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Program.
Romney made the announcement in a visit to Lowell High School, where 127 seniors got the good news.
“Paying for college is one of the largest financial challenges facing Massachusetts families,” said Romney. “For the second year in a row, I’m pleased to reward some of our most promising and hardworking students. When it comes to figuring out how much it will cost to send a son or daughter to college, the Adams scholarship will help ease some of that burden.”
Romney established the merit-based Adams Scholarship Program last year to reward the best and the brightest students, encourage them to go on to higher education in Massachusetts and help families with the rising cost of college.
“These scholarships not only provide an incentive for students to do well in school, but also help ensure more of our kids are prepared to compete in the global economy,” Romney added.
The Adams Scholarship Program is open to all public school students who score in the Advanced category in either the English or math section of the MCAS test and at least in the Proficient category on the other section by the end of their junior year. The students’ MCAS scores must also rank in the top 25 percent of their school district to qualify.
Last year, 13,251 Massachusetts public high school seniors were notified of their eligibility for Adams Scholarships. The preliminary data this fall indicate 3,360 of these students used their scholarships by attending Massachusetts institutions of public higher education. This is approximately a 25% participation rate.
The data on the communities of these students should allay concerns that the Adams scholarships would disproportionately benefit students from wealthy suburbs. The 10 communities with the most participating Adams Scholars are:
BOSTON
186
BROCKTON
75
WORCESTER
66
LYNN
44
QUINCY
41
WESTFIELD
41
LOWELL
39
PLYMOUTH
39
FALL RIVER
34
SPRINGFIELD
34
By contrast, the numbers of Adams scholars from the 10 wealthiest communities, as measured by median family income in the 2000 Census, are:
WESTON
0
DOVER
1
CARLISLE
0
SHERBORN
2
WELLESLEY
0
SUDBURY
3
BOXFORD
3
SOUTHBOROUGH
3
HARVARD
0
CONCORD
0
“The cost of a higher education should not prevent anyone from pursuing a college degree, but too often it does,” said education Commissioner David P. Driscoll. “This scholarship opportunity takes away some of that concern for some of our best and most talented students. I congratulate each and every one of this year’s recipients on their hard work, and urge them to consider attending one of the state’s public institutions.”
“Lowell High school is an urban school and we have a number of students who don't have the economic means to go on to a four-year degree,” said Lowell High school Headmaster William Samaras. “Many have had to make the difficult decision of going to work first to save for college and the Adams Scholarship gives students the opportunity to advance their education right after graduation.”
Students who receive the Adams scholarship must complete their college program in four years or less and maintain a 3.0 grade point average. The average tuition is $734 at community colleges, $954 at state colleges and $1,618 at the University of Massachusetts. The scholarship does not cover fees or room and board.
December 14, 2005HEALEY OPENS RELOCATED RT. 44 BETWEEN CARVER AND KINGSTONNew Section of Roadway Final Piece in $102 Million Relocation Effort
Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today cut the ribbon on a $53 million project that has relocated a six-mile section of Route 44 between the Plymouth town line in Kingston and Route 58 in Carver.
“We know that there’s a shortage of east-west routes in this part of the state, and until today, motorists have had to decide between driving way out of their way or traveling over meandering back roads,” said Healey. “As a direct connector between Route 3 and I-495, the new Route 44 is going to be a major timesaver for commuters, local residents, businesses, and tourists in the area.”
This newly opened section of roadway is the third and final piece in the effort to completely relocate Route 44 between Plymouth and Carver. Today’s opening connects new Route 44 with a previously relocated section between Route 3 in Plymouth the Kingston town line. That section of new roadway was completed in July of 2004 and is 1.5 miles long.
A contract completed in 1997 was the first project in the relocation effort. That contract made a series of interchange improvements to facilitate traffic flow during construction of the new roadway at a cost of $12.4 million.
“The significance of the relocation project is profound for this entire region,” said Transportation Secretary John Cogliano. “The area had long been lacking an efficient and effective east-west connector, and this new roadway will dramatically improve the flow of business, commerce, and people.”
The old Route 44 has long been identified as a substandard undivided road that is not able to handle the traffic volume that it sees on a daily basis. New Route 44 is a limited access, divided highway that will enhance traffic safety and vehicle flow. Plans call for old Route 44 to be re-designated as “44A.”
December 19, 2005ROMNEY TAPS TWO NEW MASS MARITIME ACADEMY TRUSTEES
Governor Mitt Romney today named two distinguished professionals to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Board of Trustees. They are William F. Sinnott, a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and Jimmy Dishner, a retired United States Air Force Brigadier General.
The 11-member board of trustees oversees the operations of the nation’s oldest maritime college. The appointments are for five-year terms.
Sinnott, 47, was an Assistant United States Attorney for 11 years in Boston before entering the private practice of law in 2001. He prosecuted hundreds of cases involving narcotics, gangs, organized crime, weapons and money laundering violators. His Marine Corps Reserve career has featured assignments in the United States, Norway, Greece, the United Kingdom, Spain and Korea. In June of 2004, he was called to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sinnott is a graduate of Holy Cross College and Suffolk University Law School.
Sinnott replaces trustee Joaquim Nobrega, whose term has expired.
Dishner, 66, was a member of the Senior Executive Service, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics. He worked at the Massachusetts military Reservation on Cape Cod until retiring in 2003. He is a 1960 graduate of The Citadel, and holds a master of engineering degree from Texas A&M University. As a member of the Air Force Reserve, he was called to active duty during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He retired from the Air Force Reserve with the rank of brigadier general in 1994.
Dishner replaces trustee Paul McNally, whose term has also expired.
December 20, 2005HEALEY EXPANDS SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FOR WOMEN
Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today announced plans to open a 60-bed residential treatment facility for women who are civilly committed as a result of a substance abuse addiction. The new program will soon end the current practice of housing women at Massachusetts Correctional Facility at Framingham as a means to ensure they receive some form of substance abuse treatment.
“With nowhere to go after being released from detox, some women can become homeless, fall into dangerous situations or return to abusing drugs or alcohol,” said Healey. “We now have a safety net for treating women with addictions, which will provide them with the services they need to lead healthy, sober lives.”
Based at the Highpoint Treatment Center in New Bedford, the women’s residential substance abuse facility will include a 25-bed detoxification unit with 35 step-down beds. The additional beds allow women, whose substance use puts themselves or others at risk, to receive treatment in a community-based setting, rather than at MCI-Framingham.
The number of women ordered by a court into a detoxification program and subsequently forced to obtain treatment in a prison environment has grown over the past 10 years from nine women in 1995 to 157 women last year.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Commonwealth to fill a gap in our substance abuse treatment options for women,” said Corrections Commissioner Kathleen Dennehy. “Women who are civilly committed do not belong in prison. They need to be in a community based treatment center such as Highpoint.”
The new program will offer more comprehensive substance abuse treatment services for the women who are currently sent to the state’s correctional facility. Since civil commitments are housed and treated separately from convicted criminals, the women are not able to participate in a number of substance abuse programs.
The four-year contract costs $1.8 million per year and the program will be open to women affected by substance abuse addiction in April 2006. The contract was awarded to Highpoint based on their track record of providing a comprehensive continuum of care for those in need of substance treatment.
“We are facing a silent epidemic of substance abuse and addiction in the Commonwealth which has been fueled, in no small part, by the skyrocketing use and abuse of OxyContin and heroin,” said Senator Steven Tolman, Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. “Adequate and appropriate treatment is the key to recovery, and these beds will go a long way toward achieving that end.”
“Massachusetts is taking a critical step in combating the epidemic of substance abuse today by investing in a secure treatment facility for women,” said Representative Ruth Balser, House Chairwoman of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. “By taking this program out of a prison and putting it into a health care facility, we offer not only care but hope to those suffering from the illness of addiction.”
In addition to the detox component, the programs at Highpoint will offer counseling services for domestic violence, trauma, and women’s health and family issues. Patients will also have access to an “aftercare” component to assist women suffering from addiction to help maintain their recovery and make a healthy and productive return to society.
The development of the program follows the recommendations identified in Healey’s Substance Abuse Strategic Plan issued in May as well as the report released by the Department of Correction’s Advisory Council.
December 21, 2005HEALEY KICKS OFF STUDENT DRUG TESTING PROGRAM IN NEW BEDFORD
NEW BEDFORD – Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today awarded the City of New Bedford with a $100,000 grant to launch a student drug testing pilot program at local middle and high schools. The program is the result of a community-wide effort that brought together parents, educators and law enforcement officials committed to combating the high level of drug and alcohol abuse among young adults.
“Addiction and abuse rip apart families and shatter the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens, particularly young people,” said Healey. “As part of a broader plan to keep our kids from becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol, voluntary drug testing will help educate parents about the social pressures their children are confronted with.”
Safe and Drug-Free Schools is a voluntary federal program that administers non-invasive drug tests to students in grades 6-12. If a child tests positive, parents are notified and a case worker directs them to counseling services that will treat any potential abuse or addiction. The tests results will be kept confidential and will not be used for punitive action against the student.
Healey added that participating in the drug testing program will help students resist peer pressure to use drugs. Early detection of substance abuse also allows parents to intervene before their children become addicted to drugs and alcohol.
A 2003 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey showed that students who reported a high level of family involvement in school activities were at a significantly lower risk for drug involvement.
The survey indicated that in New Bedford, 46 percent of middle school and 53 percent of high school students reported having tried alcohol. Thirty percent of students in grades 9-12 reported engaging in binge drinking just one month prior to the survey. In addition, 20 percent of middle school students and 31 percent of high school students reported having their first alcoholic drink before the age of 13.
Marijuana is the most commonly used drug by New Bedford adolescents with 19 percent of middle school and 49 percent having tried the illegal substance.
New Bedford’s Drug Free Student Assistance Program is designed to empower families and provide parents with the support necessary to address substance abuse problems. The program includes an educational campaign to encourage parents and guardians to seek prevention and referral services.
“During the past eight years, we’ve worked to rebuild our educational infrastructure as well as provide our students and families the tools they need to succeed,” said New Bedford Mayor Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. “In partnership with the schools, our educators, the community and the Commonwealth, we’re able to make this voluntary program possible, giving parents in our city another tool to assist their children in dealing with the challenges in today’s society.”
In May, Healey unveiled the Substance Abuse Strategic Plan, a strategic blueprint designed to boost substance abuse and prevention programs for at-risk individuals. As part of Healey’s plan, Massachusetts is establishing the state’s first “recovery” high schools to encourage young people to stay sober after struggling with addiction. Intensive case management pilot programs are also underway to help identify school age children at risk for substance abuse and juvenile delinquency.
December 22, 2005ROMNEY APPROVES $11 MILLION PLAN TO TARGET GANG VIOLENCENew initiative part of $53 million supplemental budget bill
Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation that establishes a state grant program to help communities devise and implement innovative new approaches to fight gang violence. The grants will be distributed after a competitive application process and will be targeted to communities with the highest levels of gang activity.
The gang prevention program is part of a $53 million supplemental budget Romney signed. Other funding goes to veterans programs, corrections and various collective bargaining agreements.
“Gang violence destroys the fabric of our communities and offers nothing but a dead end street to young people drawn in by false hope,” said Romney. “This program will encourage communities to develop and pursue promising new strategies that stop the mayhem and bloodshed that gangs inflict.”
The $11 million gang prevention program supports communities that have employed or propose to adopt regional strategies to combat gang violence. These may include coordinated prevention and intervention programs, regional gang task forces, crime mapping and reintegration strategies to prevent ex-convicts from returning to a life of crime.
To qualify for grants, communities must show high levels of youth violence, gang problems and substance abuse. Additionally, communities must propose regional strategies that partner with all relevant law enforcement agencies as well as community organizations. Grant applicants must commit to providing a 25 percent local match from municipal or private sources.
The program will be administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety, which will develop application guidelines before April 15, 2006. To make sure that maximum funding is directed at gang activity, state administrative costs are capped at $100,000 and local administrative expenditures may not exceed three percent of the value of the grant. The grants will be made in 2006.
“Reducing gang and youth violence is our top priority for safer streets and neighborhoods but we can’t expect cities to go it alone,” said Senator Jarrett Barrios, Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. “We have to invest in smart crime prevention - on what we know works. The grant aims to support programs that build bridges between neighborhood groups and police, and for giving youth opportunities to escape the temptation to join gangs.”
“Today’s bill signing establishing an $11 million anti-gang prevention grant program is a giant step forward in our battle against gang violence, and will significantly help our cities and towns combat this very serious public safety issue,” said Representative Stephen Canessa, a co-sponsor of the anti-gang initiative. “Gang violence transcends party politics and I applaud all involved parties - from community activists to political leaders to our law enforcement officials - who have been instrumental in seeing this bill come to fruition.”
“Witnesses are too afraid to come forward to testify out of fear of retaliation against them or their loved ones,” said Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey. “The additional funding will help prevention efforts, but Massachusetts also needs tougher laws to punish witness intimidation and a program that helps prosecutors protect courageous witnesses.”
“By strategically and significantly funding innovative, proven programs in the communities that need the most help, we have the opportunity for some real victories in the fight against gang violence,” said Public Safety Secretary Edward A. Flynn.
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- Jihadist are the only people who would use a nuclear weapon.
- Jihadism is similar to fascism and Soviet communism.
- We must not allow Jihadist to replace modern Islamic states with a caliphate.
- We should help threatened Islamic states with public schools, micro-credit and banking, the rule of law, human rights, basic health care, and competitive economic policies.
- Combating Nuclear Terrorism
- We must not allow a nuclear-9-11.
- We must not allow a nuclear Pearl Harbor.
- We should take Ahmadinejad at his word.
- We should tighten economic sanctions against Iran.
- We should isolate Iran diplomatically.
- We need to communicate to the Iranian people the dangers of being nuclear capable.
- Iran is seeking nuclear weapons.
- Iran’s nuclear ambition has nothing to do with clean energy.
- We should not assume that Iran will act responsibly when they have the bomb.
Strengthening Latin American Allies and Confronting Tyrants
- We should try to strengthen human rights in South America.
- We should try to strengthen freedom in South America.
- We should weaken the threat of the Castro regime.
- We should weaken the threat of the Chavez regime.
- We should use foreign aid and investments on those who stand alongside us.
- We should act to inform public opinion in Latin America.
- We should improve our economic ties with Latin America.
- We must rebuild relationships of respect, trust, and friendship with Latin America.
- We must secure our border.
- We must reaffirm our appreciation of legal immigration.
- We must never ignore Latin America.
Winning the Global Economic Competition
- We should lower the corporate tax rate.
- We need to strengthen education in America.
- We should emphasize math and science.
- We should promote charter schools.
- We should promote public-private partnerships in education.
- We should improve worker retraining.
- America should reform our immigration laws.
- America should end illegal immigration.
- America should encourage legal immigration.
- America should streamline the system to recruit and retain highly-skilled workers.
- America should welcome the best and the brightest from around the world to our universities.
- We should lower taxes for everyone.
- America should not tax middle class savings.
- The government should provide regulatory relief.
- We should make the Bush tax cuts permanent.
- The US should implement national tort reform.
- We should build and repair transportation infrastructure
Ending Our Dependence on Foreign Oil- #
Curbing Out of Control Federal Spending
Ending the Tide of Illegal Immigration
Reducing Spiraling Health Care Costs
Confronting Threats to American Culture, Values, and Freedoms
Raising the Bar on Education
- Closing the achievement gap in our schools is the civil rights issue of our time.
- There is a proper role for the federal government to play in Education.
- The federal government should not determine what schools teach or how they are ran.
- When parents and kids are free to choose their school everyone benefits.
- We should have a federal home schooling tax credit.
- Good teachers should be rewarded for their hard work.
- Competition in Educational opportunities makes traditional public schools better.
2012
Romney
Business
- We need successful people from business to go into politics.
- Romney knows more about business than any other candidate.
- Romney knows more about the economy than any other candidate.
International
Jihadism
Issues
- There are a lot of things we should learn from Iraq.
- Our presence in Iraq is keeping things from falling apart.
"If the Mitt fits, you must commit." ~ Myclob
This site is not paid for or authorized by Mitt Romney. All content Copyright © 2006 by myclob.pbwiki.com.
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