October 2023 | The Stanley Report 

Dear Friend,

October's issue of The Stanley Report includes the latest news from Waltham and Beacon Hill plus important information on the November 7th Waltham elections.

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

Sincerely,

Tom Stanley

Rep. Stanley's Statement on Israel

I stand with Israel. I strongly agree with our Secretary of State Anthony Blinken when speaking for America, he stated to the people of Israel and to the world:  “In this moment where evil, hatred, and madness have once more taken so many innocent lives, we must stand together resolved to confront what is worst among humanity with what is best.  We must provide an alternative to the vision of violence and fear, nihilism and terror presented by Hamas. That is what the United States will do, standing with Israel, working together with its people – and all those in this region who remain committed to the vision of a more peaceful, a more integrated, a more secure, a more prosperous Middle East."

Rep. Stanley attended a Gathering in Solidarity with Israel on the Boston Common. Governor Healey and members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation addressed the crowd. 

Rep. Stanley with colleagues at the Gathering in Solidarity with Israel on the Boston Common.

 Rep. Stanley and his colleagues in the legislature visited McLean Hospital in Belmont in September, participating in a tour and a roundtable discussion on behavioral and mental health. 

Rep. Stanley attended a luncheon featuring Yvonne Hao, Secretary of Economic Development. She has convened an economic development planning council and launched a state-wide listening tour to solicit feedback on how to make Massachusetts more competitive and recruit/retain a talented workforce.

Rep. Stanley attended a reception to celebrate the 112th Taiwan National Day with members of the Massachusetts Legislature and staff from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston. Charles Liao, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston, also attended. 

Rep. Stanley served as a panelist at Aging Life Care Association New England Chapter Conference. He discussed legislation that will bolster the Commonwealth's continuum of care and address our caregiver shortage.  

Rep. Stanley Attends Interfaith Service in Solidarity with the

Jewish community and Israel in Waltham

Rep. Stanley attended an Interfaith Service in Solidarity with the Jewish community and Israel hosted by Temple Beth Israel in Waltham. Mayor McCarthy, members of the Waltham City Council, representatives with the Waltham Police Department, members of the Waltham community and Waltham Faith Family also attended. The moving service included remarks from Temple Beth Israel's Rabbi Benjamin Chaidell, pictured above.

Waltham Receives $198,000 Green Communities Grant

Rep. Stanley announced that Waltham will receive a $198,000 grant as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s $3.3 million in Green Communities competitive grants awarded to 27 municipalities across Massachusetts to fund clean energy projects. 

Under the Green Communities Act, cities and towns must meet five criteria to be designated a Green Community and receive funding. The grants provide financial support for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the designated communities’ clean energy goals and are awarded to existing Green Communities that have successfully invested their initial designation grants and previous competitive grant awards. Grants are capped at $200,000 per municipality. Funding for these grants is available through proceeds from carbon allowance auctions under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

Rep. Stanley Tours Watertown Dam

Rep. Stanley attended a tour of the Watertown Dam followed by a discussion about restoring the Charles River. The tour, hosted by the Charles River Watershed Association, included Brian Arrigo, Commissioner of the Department of Conservation of Recreation, and Tom O'Shea, Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game. Rep. Stanley is pleased that the FY24 budget includes funding to study the potential removal of the dam to support habitat restoration, fish passage, and reduce flooding. 

Rep. Stanley signs Energy Efficiency Resolution

Rep. Stanley signed onto an Energy Efficiency Resolution as part of a nationwide effort among business leaders, advocates and elected officials working to educate people about the benefits of reducing energy waste and saving money. This resolution builds off the work already done by the House in advancing energy efficiency legislation, including the Energy SAVE Act which was signed into law last session. The Energy SAVE Act updates energy and water efficiency standards for common household and commercial appliances. Efficiency standards ensure that the products we purchase use less energy and water while preserving quality and affordability. October 4, 2023 was Energy Efficiency Day.

Rep. Stanley Awarded Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Defense

Rep. Stanley received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Defense for his efforts to get the Military SPEED Act passed. Last session, the House and Senate unanimously passed An Act relative to the military spouse-licensure portability, education and enrollment of dependents – the Military SPEED Act. This legislation addressed some of the Commonwealth’s most immediate needs in the veteran community while also making updates to quality-of-life issues for our active service members. This included supporting military families who relocate to the Commonwealth with expedited licensure and school enrollment, creating education awareness programs and establishing the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity.

This session, Rep. Stanley sponsored the Military CHILD Act which will commemorate the founding of the U.S. Space Force, expand recognition of military members during active duty, defines military-connected students and expands school supports for them, and establishes a military spouse liaison to conduct outreach to and advocate on behalf of military spouses.

Rep. Stanley Testifies on Bill Promoting Housing Stability and Homelessness Prevention

Rep. Stanley submitted testimony to the Joint Committee on Housing on behalf of the Right to Counsel Act, legislation promoting housing stability and homelessness prevention in Massachusetts. The bill would address a significant disparity between landlords and tenants in evictions proceedings regarding access to legal representation.

The bill would provide eligible low-income tenants and low-income owner occupants of 1 to 3 family homes full legal representation in eviction cases from the moment a complaint is filed. The Right to Counsel (RTC) program would be funded through a dedicated line-item in the Judiciary budget that would not impact current funding for legal aid programs or housing stability programs. Under the bill, the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) would solicit proposals from organizations with substantial experience in landlord/tenant law to provide free legal assistance to eligible participants. MLAC would then oversee the program with the assistance of an advisory committee.

Rep. Stanley Supports Ollie’s Law

In a letter to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, Rep. Stanley urged favorable action on House Bill 2019 and Senate Bill 1309 to increase kennel safety aka Ollie’s Law. As a cosponsor of the bill, Rep. Stanley states that the legislation is needed to improve the safety and operational standards for dog daycare facilities.

Currently, there are no state regulations overseeing those who operate dog daycare facilities, nor licensing standards to open such a facility. Ollie’s law would create statewide licensure for pet daycare and boarding facilities in addition to standards for training and animal care for the protection of animals and staff. The bill would also establish a committee to advise the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) on the promulgation of regulations and to annually review them once released.

Rep. Stanley Supports Bill to Advance Treatment for Genetic Craniofacial Conditions

As a cosponsor of legislation ensuring treatment for genetic craniofacial conditions, Rep. Stanley submitted written testimony to The Financial Services expressing his support for the bill. Genetic craniofacial conditions refer to the malformation of the face and skull that may result from birth defect, disease, or trauma.

The legislation would close the “cosmetic” loophole that allows insurers to deny coverage for treatment of rare, disabling genetic defects. Under the bill, all insurance carriers would be required to provide coverage for medically necessary repairs and/or restorations of genetic abnormalities affecting teeth. CHIA’s report estimates that the cost of this bill would be minimal; the typical monthly health insurance premium would only increase between 10-28 cents per member per month. While the affected number of residents in the Commonwealth is small – CHIA estimates 863 insured individuals would be covered - this bill would mean an immeasurable improvement to their lives and health.

Rep. Stanley Supports Bill to Improve Outdoor and Indoor Air Quality for Communities Burdened by Pollution

Rep. Stanley submitted written testimony to the Joint Committee on Public Health in support of H.2131/S.1382 to improve outdoor and indoor air quality for communities burdened by pollution. Rep. Stanley is a co-sponsor of the bill which had a public hearing on October 5.

The legislation provides both indoor and outdoor air quality solutions that will bring about sustainable, long-lasting outcomes, particularly in dense urban areas. Under the bill, the following aspects of high air pollution both indoors and outdoors would be prioritized and addressed including expand outdoor air monitoring for black carbon, ultrafine particulate matter, and criteria pollutants in pollution hotspots; setting and achieving ambitious air quality targets by 2030 and 2035; requiring installation of air filters in existing eligible buildings, such as schools, residential buildings with more than 2 tenant-occupied units, certain commercial buildings, and correctional facilities within 200 meters of congested roadways;

requiring advanced HVAC filtration systems (e.g., MERV 16) for new eligible buildings, such as day care facilities, residential developments, hospitals, schools, long-term care facilities, school aged childcare programs, temporary shelters, nursing homes; and updating the state sanitary code to improve mold enforcement.

Rep. Stanley Supports Bill to Address Healthcare Workplace Violence 

Rep. Stanley submitted written testimony to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security in support of legislation he cosponsored (H.2330/S.1539) requiring healthcare employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence. Our frontline healthcare workers put their safety at risk every day.

The bill requires healthcare employers to conduct an annual risk assessment considering all factors which may put any employees at risk of workplace violence. Based on the findings of the risk assessment, the healthcare employer must then develop and implement a program and written plan to minimize the danger of workplace violence. The bill also prohibits employees from being penalized for filing a complaint regarding any unaddressed occupational health and safety hazards contributing to workplace violence risk factors. The bill allows employees of a healthcare employer to take up to seven days paid leave per calendar year to address matters related to an assault.

State Department offers resources on current emergency in Israel

The Department of State has a 24/7 coordinating group communicating with U.S. citizens and providing them assistance through phone calls and an online form. U.S. citizens seeking to be in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Israel can fill out the form call 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.

For the latest updates, monitor the messages to U.S. citizens from the U.S. Embassy in Israel here.

Ask any U.S. citizens in Israel to enroll their contact information in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

The State Department will post additional updates to our travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza as they are issued here.

MEMA Decision Concerning August 8 Rainstorms

The Small Business Administration (SBA) issued an Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the Commonwealth concerning the rainstorms that occurred on August 8th, 2023. Individuals residing in and businesses operating in Essex County, Middlesex County, and Suffolk County are eligible for the

business physical disaster loans, economic injury disaster loans or home disaster loans. The application filing deadline for the business physical damage loans and home disaster loans is November 20, 2023. the application filing deadline for the economic injury loans is June 20, 2024. Learn more.

Request a Vote by Mail ballot for the Municipal Election

Waltham's Municipal Election is coming up on Tuesday, November 7th. Voters can choose whether they would prefer to vote in person or by mail. The last day to register to vote in the Municipal Election on November 7th will be October 28th, 2023. In-person voter registration will be held on October 28, 2023 at the Rosario Malone Archive and Records Center at 260 Grove Street, Waltham from 9:00am - 5:00pm. Visit the City of Waltham’s website for comprehensive 2023 election information. 

Regan's Corner

Meet Regan! Rep. Stanley and his family rescued a pup and named her Regan. Regan loves long walks, playing games in the yard, making friends and lounging with Rep. Stanley!

Help an animal find a home! Learn more about The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and ways you can help.

The Animal Rescue League continues to support legislation that enhances and improves protections for animals, and to oppose reforms that endanger the welfare of animals in Massachusetts. Learn more about ARL's current legislative agenda here.

About Rep. Stanley

State Representative

City Council

Former City Council President

State Committee:

Co-Chairperson, Joint Committee on Elder Affairs

Member of:

Massachusetts Elder Nutrition Commission

Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias

City Council:

Veterans Committee

Economic Development Committee

Committee of the Whole

Education: Suffolk University (MPA), Bentley University (BS - Management), Mass Bay Community College (AS - Business Administration)

Community Involvement (Past & Present):

Waltham Boys & Girls Club, Waltham Youth Basketball Association, Basketball Plus Program, Central Middle School Basketball, Little Nippers Baseball, Warrendale Little League, Waltham Youth Soccer, Waltham Police Athletic League, CCD Teacher, St. Jude Church, Waltham Lions Club, Waltham Rotary Club, Reagle Players Board of Directors, Warrendale Little League Board of Directors, Waltham Partnership for Youth Board of Directors, Waltham Day Center (Homeless) Advisors Board, Waltham Family School Advisory Board, Waltham Safe & Healthy Schools YRBS Steering Committee, Reach Beyond Domestic Violence Advisory Board, Waltham Public Library Planning Committee, Waltham Sons of Italy, Middlesex Area Enough Abuse Campaign

Awards: 

Work, Community, Independence - Human Service Advocate of the Year, COFAR - award recipient for support of people with mental disabilities, MassBay Community College Distinguished Alumni Award WATCH CDC - Housing Advocate Award, Minuteman Senior Services - Certificate of Appreciation, Boston Bar Assoc., Greater Boston Legal Services and MetroWest Legal Services - Pillar of Justice Award, Shining Star Award, Edinburg Center, Community Health Center Leader Award, The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, Dignity Award Certificate of Appreciation

Personal:

Married to the former Kimberly A. Bayliss

Children: Ryan, age 29, Parker, age 20 & puppy Regan