Senator Tolman on the Issues
Senator Steven A. Tolman Votes for Fiscal Year 2011 Senate Budget
The Massachusetts Senate passed a $28.4 billion balanced budget for fiscal year 2011 on Friday May 28th that focuses on prudent expenditures, reforms and economic development. In a conscious effort to unburden residents and keep the Commonwealth on solid fiscal footing, the Senate’s budget does not contain any earmarks or rely on any additional taxes or withdrawals from the stabilization fund. The Senate used a combination of spending reductions and legislative reforms to close the $2.85 billion budget gap.
The overall budget increases spending by approximately 1.7 percent from fiscal year 2010 estimated spending, the majority of which goes toward healthcare and other non-discretionary spending areas.
“This past week the Senate approved a budget that preserves state government’s core functions and retains the key components of the Commonwealth’s social safety net,” said Senator Steven A. Tolman (D-Boston). “The Senate budget affects a number of policy changes, many of which were long overdue. Improved control over the Massachusetts Probation Department and the creation of a dedicated Substance Abuse Treatment fund are two of the changes the fiscal year 2011 Senate budget makes that I believe will make substantial changes to the delivery of state services. While the Commonwealth’s economic situation is improving, this will be a painful budget for many across the Commonwealth as significant cuts to some services and state supported programs were made. The need to make these cuts is a reflection of Massachusetts’ revenue shortfalls, but I am confident that this budget, along with the burgeoning economic recovery, places the Commonwealth on a path toward improved and sustained financial health.”
Included in the Senate’s 2011 spending plan were three amendments sponsored by Senator Tolman which would deny state funding to the Boston Public Library system unless all of its branch libraries remain open. The Boston Public Library Trustees recently voted to close four of Boston’s twenty-six branch libraries, including the Faneuil branch library in Brighton. “Even in difficult economic times, it is unacceptable to close these valuable neighborhood resources,” said Senator Tolman. “The Faneuil branch library is an anchor of Oak Square, and the Allston and Brighton communities, its closure would be a devastating loss to countless individuals and families. The passage of these amendments, along with similar language included in the House’s budget, effectively forces the city to come up with a better plan to address the library’s budget shortfall.”
Utilizing the most up- to- date revenue numbers, the Senate was able to provide targeted increases to areas of the budget that help cities and towns, schools and families.
These targeted investments include an increase of $13.5 million for the Special Education Circuit Breaker, bringing the total funding to $146.4 million. This increases the amount district are reimbursed to 44 percent, providing some much needed relief to school districts for the cost of educating students with special needs.
The Senate also added $5 million to childcare support for low income families, increasing its funding to $233.5 million. There are over 25,000 children on the waiting list for Early Education and Childcare. Last fiscal year, 4,000 children were given access to childcare due to an unexpected surplus of funds. The additional funding in this year’s budget will ensure that those children continue to receive services in fiscal year 2011.
Further focusing on our children, the Senate included an additional $6.7 million for Kindergarten Development Grants that expand classroom time from half day to full day. This will make grant funding available in 2011 for those school districts who received the grants in 2010.
The Senate budget includes an additional $500,000 above what the House budget proposed for the state’s prescription monitoring program. The prescription monitoring program collects prescribing and dispensing information from pharmacies to determine trends, provide information to health care providers on potential abuse cases and assist law enforcement agencies concerning drug distribution and diversion.
The Senate budget also expands the state’s opioid jail diversion program. The Senate included an additional $4 million to set up two additional jail diversion programs around the state. “These programs are critical for the state and for those suffering from an addiction to OxyContin or heroin. Any dollars that the state commits to the jail diversion and prescription monitoring programs today will save Massachusetts taxpayers now and in the future.” said Senator Tolman. “The OxyContin epidemic is a budget buster for the Commonwealth. This Senate budget represents a step forward in addressing many of the root causes of the opiate crisis in Massachusetts.”
Finally, the Senate budget proposes the establishment of a dedicated substance abuse treatment and prevention fund, through which all substance abuse funding would flow. Revenue from the tax on alcohol would be directed straight into the new fund for use in supporting substance abuse programs and services.
The Senate also proposes significant changes to the state’s probation department. The final Senate budget limits the probation commissioner’s term to five years and requires all appointments to the trial court to be approved by the Chief Justice, stripping the exclusive authority from the Commissioner of Probation. The Senate budget also establishes a task force that is charged will making recommendations on placing the department in the executive branch or elsewhere.
One of the most controversial actions the Senate took during its budget debate was the passage of a 22-page budget amendment relative to illegal immigration. The amendment, the text of which was only provided to the membership shortly before its passage, intends to ban illegal immigrants from public health care, housing, and higher education benefits. Senator Tolman joined with nine other Senators in voting against this amendment.
“The decision to alter Massachusetts’ policy towards immigrants as a lengthy amendment to the budget was wrong,” said Senator Tolman. “We have to be sure that illegal immigrants are not sapping state resources, and those changes should be analyzed, debated and passed by the legislature. I voted against this amendment because I did not have the time necessary to review the amendment in its entirety and consider what effect it could have on my constituents. Individual states continue to pass laws to deal with this national issue, a real indicator that comprehensive federal immigration reform is long overdue.”
The Senate budget now goes into conference committee with the House’s version of its budget. The Conference Committee, made up of three members of the House and Senate, will combine the two budgets into a conference committee report. The conference report, when adopted by both branches, will then be sent to the Governor for his approval.
Flooding Damage Resources
Several constituents have contacted me in order to request information about what state support is available to help with the recent rain and flooding that occurred throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Currently, Massachusetts is in the process of assessing the storm’s damage. This storm damage survey is necessary in order to determine the state’s eligibility for federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Please continue to check in with my office, and be sure to visit the links below, for up to date information on the available state support.
Call 2-1-1 from your landline phone:
Calling 2-1-1 will provide you with free health and human service information, as well as up-to-date information on disaster resources, before, during and after such an event.
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
MEMA provides information on current emergency issues, helpful resources on disaster preparation and information for constituents on receiving assistance after a disaster.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA is the federal agency responsible for providing information on disaster preparation, declarations in our area and how to apply for assistance.
Request for Public Comment on the Health Technology Plan
Secretary of Health and Human Services, JudyAnn Bigby, and the Health Information Technology Council, are requesting public comment on the Massachusetts Draft Statewide Health Information Technology Plan. Legislation was passed in 2008 to promote cost containment, transparency and efficiency in the delivery of quality health care. The legislation also aimed to implement Electronic Health Records (EHRs) by the end of 2014. The legislation in question also created the Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative which is overseen by the Health Information Technology Council.
Public comment can be made until Tuesday, February 16, 2010 and can be made through their website.
http://www.maehi.org/HIT/plan.html
Tolman To Hold Office Hours in Cambridge
Senator Steven A. Tolman (D-Brighton) announced today that his office will hold open office hours on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 from 10:00am to 12:00am at the O’Neill Branch Library, located at 70 Rindge Avenue, North Cambridge.
Anyone who needs assistance with a state agency or who would like to discuss a legislative matter should stop by to ask questions or express their concerns. Those unable to attend the community office hours, but would like to contact the office on an issue, should feel free to call the Senator’s office at (617) 722-1280.
Local Census Office Accepting Applicants for Temporary Employment to Support U.S. Census Bureau’s Goal of a Complete Count
U.S. Census Bureau’s Boston North Local 2010 Census Office is recruiting applicants for temporary, good-paying jobs with flexible hours to help ensure the 2010 Census is a success. The Boston North Office serves most of Dorchester, South Boston, the South End, Back Bay, North End, East Boston, Charlestown, Beacon Hill, Allston, Brighton, East End, Chinatown and Downtown Boston. Boston enumerators’ hourly wage is $22.75.
Specifically, census takers, also known as enumerators, are needed to conduct in-person interviews with community residents who do not return census questionnaires. These positions need to be filled by individuals with flexible schedules as work may occur in evenings and on weekends. Some positions may involve shift work. All temporary census employees must be able to attend training, for which they will be compensated. Most training sessions are held during the day on weekdays; occasionally, a session may be held in the evening or on weekends.
Job applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, be able to pass a background check, and complete a 30-minute, multiple-choice, employment test that measures knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform a variety of census jobs. U.S. citizenship is required to work for the 2010 Census except in rare occasions when no qualified U.S. citizens are available.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to call 1-866-861-2010 to schedule an appointment to take the employment test and submit an application. TTY Callers should use 1-800-877-8339. A listing of acceptable forms of ID can be found at: http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/application-material/approved-forms-of-identification.php. An online sample test can be found at: http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/pdf/Practice_Test.pdf. Please note: applicants in Boston do not need to have a driver’s license or use of a car. More information is available at www.2010censusjobs.gov.
The University of Massachusetts Boston, a U.S. Census Bureau partner, is hosting testing sessions on campus Monday, 2/1/10 through Thursday, 2/4/10 on the 11th floor of the Healey Library. Pre-registration is recommended. To schedule an appointment for employment test/application session in your neighborhood please call 1-866-861-2010.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s goal is to count everyone, once and in the right place.
Massachusetts’ Smoking Cessation Program Receives National Attention
In 2006, as part of Massachusetts’ landmark healthcare reform effort the Massachusetts Legislature mandated that smoking cessation benefits be made available to all MassHealth subscribers. The inclusion of smoking cessation benefits in the healthcare reform bill, an effort led by Senator Tolman (D-Boston), recently received national attention and was pointed to as a model for what national healthcare reform should seek to achieve by several Senators in Washington.
“I strongly believe that Massachusetts is a model for what our country is capable of achieving should healthcare reform pass in Washington. Massachusetts’ healthcare system is not perfect, but the fact that 96 percent of our citizens have healthcare coverage speaks volumes about the success that the Commonwealth has had in making long overdue improvements to the healthcare system,” said Senator Steven A. Tolman. “In 2006, I filed an amendment to the healthcare reform bill to establish a smoking cessation pilot program because I believe support for preventative care is one of the best ways to decrease the runaway cost of healthcare.”
Many fail to realize that Massachusetts’ landmark healthcare reform bill and the subsequent reform efforts that the state has undertaken have done more than require residents to have health insurance. Massachusetts has also aggressively sought to contain costs, often by implementing common sense ideas such as providing smoking cessation benefits and supporting preventative care.
Massachusetts’ healthcare reform legislation provides MassHealth clients with barrier-free access to smoking cessation benefits and preventative care through the “Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation & Prevention Program” (MTCP). The MTCP program alone has been responsible for a dramatic 26% reduction in smoking rates among MassHealth clients in the two and a half years since its founding, representing millions of dollars in savings.
The powerful effect that MTCP has had in its short life was demonstrated by a recent study, which found that the previously discussed reduction in MassHealth smoking rates occurred at the same time as a 38% drop in heart attack hospitalizations and 17% decrease in emergency department visits for asthma symptoms, both among cessation benefit users. The fact that these events occurred simultaneously has led many to believe that the two are connected. With an average cost of $48,000 per heart attack hospitalization, the MTCP program has clearly affected healthcare costs in Massachusetts. Programs like MTCP have been integral to the success of healthcare reform in Massachusetts; prevention and innovation cuts cost, improves patient outcomes and, returns money to the taxpayers.
Tolman Votes to Protect and Improve Benefits for Veterans and Service Members
The Senate on Thursday approved legislation to enhance and protect benefits of Massachusetts’ veterans and servicemembers.
“The legislation which the Senate passed today is an acknowledgement and thank you for all that Massachusetts service men and women do,” said Senator Steven A. Tolman (D-Boston). “I am particularly proud of the section of the bill which allows Massachusetts residents serving overseas to vote absentee via electronic means in federal, state and local preliminary, primary and general elections. Doing this removes an impediment that has for too long been an obstacle for servicemen and women to exercise the most basic of American rights.”
The legislation, An Act to Provide Benefits for Veterans and Servicemembers, makes improvements in numerous areas, including voting rights, access to veterans’ services, employment and benefits.
“Our veterans and servicemembers make the selfless decision to stand between us and danger, and it is our job to recognize, remember and support their efforts,” Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. “This legislation will allow the Commonwealth to ensure that veterans’ and servicemembers’ rights are protected, service is acknowledged and benefits are accessible.”
Senate Ways and Means Chairman Steven Panagiotakos (D-Lowell) said: “The legislation passed today will help make a veteran’s return home easier and recognize the invaluable service that our soldiers provide. I am very pleased to see the added benefits and recognition that our veterans will realize as a result of the bill, including the guarantee that those brave men and women fighting to protect our democracy will have the ability to participate in that very democratic process back home via electronic voting.”
Senator Kenneth Donnelly (D-Arlington), Senate chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, said: “This legislation provides a set of new benefits to active servicemembers and veterans, and it is especially appropriate that at this time of year we acknowledge their service to our country. The bill will honor families of servicemembers killed in action, make it easier for active duty members to engage in the electoral process while serving, and add disabled veterans as a group for preference in public works projects. This bill speaks to the invaluable service of the men and women of the armed forces. We are a grateful commonwealth.”
The Senate’s version of the legislation:
· Allows Massachusetts residents serving overseas to receive and return absentee ballots via electronic means for federal, state and local preliminary, primary and general elections;
· Directs the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to study the Commonwealth’s current capacity to provide health care services to veterans, and assess the feasibility of expanding capacity at current soldiers’ homes or establishing additional soldiers’ homes;
· Authorizes state licensing boards to draft regulations exempting honorably-discharged veterans from requirements or credits towards licensure based on skills accumulated during their military service;
· Includes a preference in the General Laws for service-disabled veterans for public works projects;
· Amends the current Welcome Home Bill bonus program, where service members are currently able to obtain a $1,000 bonus for a single overseas deployment, to allow servicemembers who are deployed on multiple tours to apply for up to 50 percent of the bonus upon each subsequent return. This additional benefit will only be allowed while current funds remain available;
· Creates a Medal of Liberty for the governor to award to family members of servicemembers killed in action or who died of wounds received in action;
· Allows city and town clerks to provide the list of veterans to the Executive Office of Veteran Affairs and to local veterans’ service officers; And,
· Establishes a veterans’ hall of fame council to study the feasibility of establishing a veterans’ hall of fame in the Commonwealth.
The legislation now returns to the House of Representatives for further action.
Tolman Votes to Preserve Affordable Housing and Protect Low-Income Tenants
The Senate on Tuesday passed legislation to preserve the stock of publicly-assisted affordable housing units across the state and protect the rights of tenants by implementing earlier notification standards for property owners and establishing a non-partisan advisory board representing tenants, property owners, municipalities and preservation experts to work with the state in developing future regulations.
“In times such as these maintaining affordable housing is particularly important,” said Senator Steven A. Tolman (D-Boston). “The bill which the Senate passed will do just that by requiring earlier notification by an apartment owner’s if they intend to make a unit market rate, for example.”
“Affordable housing has always been an important part of keeping a viable workforce and quality of life in Massachusetts,” Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. “Now, with our current economic conditions, we have an even greater responsibility to make sure affordable housing stays available, and that’s what this bill does.”
The bill targets the state’s estimated 90,000 government-assisted rental housing units, including so called “expiring use” units whose affordability restrictions can end by owners prepaying their subsidized mortgages or not renewing their rent assistance contracts upon expiration. Massachusetts is at risk of losing more than 23,000 units by the end of 2012. Many of the residents in “expiring use” buildings are seniors or people with disabilities.
The Senate legislation establishes provisions that will help preserve as many units as possible. It requires owners who want to sell affordable rental property to offer a purchasing right-of-first-refusal to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) or the local municipality where the property is located.
The bill implements a string of notification requirements also aimed at preserving affordability and protecting tenants. They include the following:
· Written notice must be given at least two years prior to the affordability restriction’s termination;
· Written notice of intent to complete termination must be given at least one year before termination;
· Owners must give notice of intent to sell the property; and
· Owners, upon notice of intent to sell, must make documents, including architectural plans, capital expenses and the number of vacancies available for review by DHCD to help determine property value and purchasing options.
The legislation further ensures the protection of tenants by preventing unfair rent increases for three years after the termination of affordability restrictions and forbidding no-fault evictions.
Finally, to oversee compliance with the bill and secure future safeguards, the bill gives DHCD authority to establish a 13-member advisory committee consisting of housing advocates, municipal representatives, developers and the real estate bar that will provide regulatory advice and recommendations.
The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for further action.