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February 2016 - Promoting State-Municipal Partnerships (for Young Republicans)
News Articles of Interest
September 21, 2016 - Why is Baker cutting OT for personal care attendants?
Oct 29, 2019 - Baker-Polito Administration Awards Almost $1 Million for Cranberry Farm Improvements
Oct 25, 2019 - Representative Gifford supports Student Opportunity Act
Aug 15, 2018 - Representative Gifford maintains perfect voting record
Aug 1, 2018 - House approves local option property tax exemption for seniors
Jul 30, 2018 - Representative Gifford supports enhanced benefits, diversion options for Massachusetts veterans
Jul 26, 2018 - Representative Gifford supports bill to protect consumers' credit information
Jul 16, 2018 - Representative Gifford supports ongoing efforts to address state opioid crisis
Jun 21, 2018 - Representative Gifford's Re-Election Campaign Kickoff
May 30, 2018 - Representative Gifford supports bill to enhance veterans benefits in Massachusetts
May 17, 2018 - Representative Gifford backs funding bill to promote the life sciences industry in Massachusetts
May 10, 2018 - House passes bill raising tobacco purchasing age to 21
April 27, 2018 - Representative Gifford cites Constitutional concerns in vote against police detention proposal
Apr 6, 2018 - Representative Gifford announces $ 747,619 in road and bridge funding for Wareham
Apr 5, 2018 - Representative Gifford supports stronger penalties for opioid trafficking, assaulting a police officer
Mar 19, 2018 - Mass. House and Senate Republicans call on Congress to pass bill reauthorizing National Criminal Instant Background Check System
Feb 20, 2018 - Representative Gifford backs consumer credit report protections for Massachusetts residents
Jan 31, 2018 - Representative Gifford backs $1 million funding appropriation for municipal early voting costs
Jan 31, 2018 - Representative Gifford supports bill to assist Alzheimer's and dementia patients in Massachusetts
Nov 9, 2017 - Representative Gifford supports legislation honoring Massachusetts' veterans
Oct 18, 2017 - Representative Gifford supports effort to reimburse cities and towns for early voting costs
Sep 26, 2017 - A letter from Secretary Bennet on ways to aid Puerto Rico
Aug 18, 2017 - Legislature Formally Condemns Neo-Nazi and White Supremacist Groups
Oct 17, 2016 - Representative Gifford Announces Key Endorsements
Sep 12, 2016 - Representative Gifford to Host Commuter Rail Forum with House Transportation Chairman Straus
Aug 31, 2016 - Rep. Gifford maintains perfect voting record
Aug 30, 2016 - R ep. Gifford to Discuss Senior Safety & Awareness of Scams at Carver COA
Aug 25, 2016 - Representative Gifford supports launching of new state prescription monitoring system to address opioid crisis
Aug 1, 2016 - Representative Gifford supports legislation to assist cities and towns with their finances and operations - Includes her Cranberry Task Force Recommendation
Jul 25, 2016 - Representative Gifford calls on Attorney General to rescind latest gun law Enforcement Notice
June 22, 2016 - Representative Gifford supports bill providing state financial assistance for municipal roads and bridges
June 17, 2016 - Representative Gifford supports bill granting cities and towns more flexibility, local control
May 17, 2016 - Representative Gifford supports HOME Act to assist MA veterans with housing and employment
May 4, 2016 - Representative Gifford supports FY17 House budget that holds the line on taxes and increases local aid
April 27, 2016 - Representative Gifford supports proposal to use excess state revenues to boost local aid
Mar 23, 2016 - Representatives Orrall and Gifford support bill to curb opioid abuse
Mar 21, 2016 - Representative Gifford Kicks-off Re-election Campaign
Mar 15, 2016 - Representative Gifford sets date for "Charlie Card Event" for Wareham Seniors
Jan 12, 2016 - Representative Gifford maintains perfect voting record
Dec 14, 2015 - Representative Gifford Looks into "Charlie Card Event" for Wareham Seniors
Feb 13, 2015 - Representative Gifford Appointed to Key Committee, Leadership Posts
July 8, 2104 - Representative Gifford Announces Earmark in House Budget for Turning Point Wareha
May 5, 2014 - Representative Gifford Announces Earmark in House Budget for Turning Point in Wareham
Nov 7, 2013 - Representative Susan Gifford Instrumental in Wide Sweeping Welfare Reform Legislation
Oct 4, 2013 - Representative Gifford Successfully Advocates for Repeal of Technology Tax
Sep 23, 2013 - Representative Susan WIlliams Gifford Achieves Perfect Voting Record
Sep 12, 2013 - Representative Gifford Continues Effort to Repeal Technology Tax
Aug 15, 2013 - Representative Susan Williams Gifford Appointed to Special Commission
Jul 18, 2013 - Representative Gifford Votes Against Massive Tax Increases, Again
May 10, 2013 - Legislators Issue Letter to Governor Patrick Regarding 9C Cuts
Feb 7, 2013 - Representative Susan Williams Gifford Announces Committee Assignments
Feb 6, 2013 - Representative Susan Williams Gifford Announces Civil Service Examinations
June 28, 2012 - House and Senate Approve $200 Million for Bridge and Roadway Maintenance
June 19, 2012 - Representative Susan Gifford Applauded by Recreational Boating Community as Co-Chair of Legislative Boating Caucus
Apr 11, 2012- House Ways and Means Budget Includes $11.3M for McKinney-Vento Reimbursements
Nov 2, 2011 - House Republicans Secure Increased Funding for Welcome Home Bonus
Oct 25, 2011 - House Republican Reversions Amendment Comes to Realization
Aug 23, 2011 -House Minority Leader Jones Congratulates Representative Gifford on Perfect Voting Record
June 27, 2011 - Cape Representatives Join Effort to Strengthen Ethics Code of Conduct
April 5, 2011 - Rep. Susan Gifford Applauded by Recreational Boating Community as Co-chair of Legislative Boating Caucus
Jan 31, 2011 - Rep. Gifford Announces Committee Assignments
Dec 20, 2010 - Rep. Gifford: Donations Instead of Holiday Cards
Aug 2010 - Rep. Gifford Announces Key Endorsement
Oct 4, 2010 - House of Representatives Approves Funding to Support Operation of Trial Courts
July 13, 2010 - 1,000 Greatest Places in Massachusetts Announced
July 5, 2010 - Massachusetts Marine Trades Association Applauds Representative Susan Gifford AS A LEADING VOICE FOR THE RECREATIONAL MARINE TRADES
June 25 2010 - Op-Ed by Representative Susan Gifford
June 7, 2010 - Rep Gifford featured speaker at Upper Cape Tech graduation
Apr 27, 2010 - Rep Gifford: Republicans score bipartisan victory
Apr 15, 2010 - Rep. Gifford receives sportsmen's award
Mar 24, 2010 - Rep. Gifford announces Republican initiative adopted during supplemental budget debate
Mar 1, 2010 - Rep. Gifford asks residents to nominate their favorite Massachusetts Places
Sep 9, 2009 - An Open Letter to the Residents of Wareham
Aug 10, 2009 - Jones congratulates Gifford on perfect voting record
Apr 7, 2009 - Representative Gifford announces committee assignments
Mar 11, 2009 - Rep. Gifford co-sponsors municpal aid legislation
Feb 26, 2009 - Gifford: Tax burden crushing residents and businesses
Feb 2, 2009 - Rep. Susan Williams Gifford announces Turning Point/Salvation Army event
Jul 3, 2008 - Rep. Gifford Nets State Funding for Turning Point
Jun 16, 2008 - Rep. Gifford announces Wareham Rail Station Amendment
Feb 11, 2008 - Bourne Cultural Council announces 2008 Local Grant Awards
Jan 24, 2008 - Representatives Gifford and Perry announce DHCD award to Bourne Housing Authority
Jan 23, 2008 - Representative Gifford urges constituents to apply for financial aid to help pay for college
Dec 17, 2007 - Representative Gifford attains perfect voting record
Dec 15, 2008 - Representative Gifford announces holiday charity event
Nov 30, 2007 - Homeowner's Commission Report Released
Nov 15, 2007 - Representatives Perry & Gifford co-sponsor legislation to send millions in Local Aid back to cities and towns
Oct 30, 2007 - Homeowners Insurance Commission Announces Intentions to Continue Meeting and Release Findings on November 30th
Sep 19, 2007 - Representative Gifford Announces District Cultural Council Grants
Jul 18, 2007 - Rep. Gifford Appointed to Commission on Homeowner's Insurance
Jul 12, 2007 - Representative Gifford Announces Extra State Funding for Wareham
Jul 12, 2007 - Representative Gifford's Budget Amendments for Bourne Adopted
Jul 10, 2007 - Representative Gifford Announces $800,000 in Funding For Community Upgrades in Wareham
Apr 24, 2007 - Representative Gifford & Republican Colleagues Working to Make State More Affordable for Seniors
Apr 5, 2007 - Representative Gifford and Republicans Caucus Fight to Send More Local Aid Back to Citites and Towns
Feb 22, 2007 - Rep. Gifford Backs Working Families Tax Credit
Jan 22, 2007 - Rep. Gifford Wants State to Allow Municipalities to be Able to Join Group Insurance Commission
Jan 9, 2007 - Representative Gifford, Republican Colleagues Offer Joint Legistlative Agenda
Jan 9, 2007 - Rep Gifford Hails Signing of Kayla's Bill
Oct 23, 2006 - Rep Gifford Announces Environmental Grant for the Town of Carver
Oct 15, 2006 - Rep Gifford Honored at Fire Station Dedication
Sep 27, 2006 - Rep Gifford & Local Owner Team Up for Special Delivery
Aug 17, 2006 - Rep. Gifford Pushes for Immediate Action on Veteran's Bill
Jul 31, 2006 - Representative Gifford Announces Tax Relief for Veterans
Jul 26, 2006 - House Passes Equal Choice Bill
Jun 6, 2006 - Rep. Gifford Announces the Naming of SFC Robert Rooney Bridge
Apr 25, 2006 - House Leadership Guts Efforts to Help Cities and Towns
Feb 21, 2006 - Representative Gifford Announces North Carver Feasibility Study Grant
Nov 4, 2005 - Rep. Gifford Welcomes Oil Spill Cleanup Equipment
Jul 5, 2005 - Gifford Announces over $500 K in Wareham Community Development Block Grants
Jun 7, 2005 - Rep. Gifford, Sheriff McDonald help Onset Crime Watch with special delivery.
Baker-Polito Administration Awards Almost $1 Million for Cranberry Farm Improvements
ROCHESTER – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $991,837 to 21 cranberry growers for bog renovation projects. The grants, awarded through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources' new Massachusetts Cranberry Bog Renovation Enhancement Grant (MCRE) Program, will help renovate existing cranberry bogs, providing higher yields and more efficient methods of cranberry production for participating growers. Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito announced the grants at Slocum Gibbs Cranberry Company's cranberry bog in Rochester.
"The cranberry industry has been a vital part of the environment and economy of Massachusetts for over 200 years, and our administration is committed to working with cranberry growers to ensure the long-term viability of this industry," said Governor Charlie Baker. "This new grant program builds on the recommendations of the Cranberry Revitalization Task Force by providing support for cranberry growers to create more efficient bogs and improve their business and environmental sustainability."
In 2016, Cranberry Revitalization Task Force's final report included a recommendation to provide funding for cranberry growers to renovate their bogs, allowing for more efficient production and cultivation of the larger, higher-yield fruits. The Environmental Bond Bill signed by Governor Baker in 2018 included funding for these grants.
"By supporting these enhancement projects, our administration continues to support cranberry growers by providing the needed capital for their expansion," said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. "As the Commonwealth's cranberry growers face ongoing economic challenges, MCRE grants help drive economic growth and opportunities for these local businesses."
The grant recipients will receive funds for capital expenditures ranging from specialized equipment needed to level and reconfigure bogs, improving irrigation systems and improving irrigation efficiencies, and higher yield variety vines. The projects will improve growers' environmental impact, increase bog productivity, and offer more efficient methods of production for growers.
"The investments made by the Baker-Polito Administration for bog improvements will help local agriculture enterprises reduce environmental impacts, boost production, along with greatly increasing their overall sustainability," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides.
"The MCRE Program is a key new program that is intended to support cranberry growers in managing their operations in a time of increased industry challenges," saidDepartment of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux. "We are excited to be adding this program to our suite of funding programs to help address growers' needs for the future."
The cranberry industry is the state's third largest agricultural sector, and boasts 363 cranberry farms on over 13,555 acres. At nearly $59 million, the agricultural value of the cranberry industry makes up 13% of the state's total agricultural value, despite the industry representing only 4.5% of the state's farms and 2.7% of the state's agricultural acreage.
The following local agricultural operations are receiving grants through the MCRE program's first grant round:
Joseph Michael Keating
Mills River Cranberry Co.
Replant hybrid variety vines and improve drainage bed conditions.
Julian Arnold
JH Arnold Cranberry
Organic bog renovation to increase productivity while maintaining organic practices & reduce water consumption
Back River Bog Company, LLC
Joseph Agrillo
Flow through bog renovation, reconfigure & separate from freshwater stream.
Steven F. Ward
Rebuild bog to a more desirable/productive variety of cranberry
Tilson Brook Cranberry, LLC
Renovation and squaring off of bog for improved irrigation efficiencies
Andrew Rinta
Renovation of bog to improve irrigation and install flume
Ben Peltola
Construction and renovation of cranberry bog
EJ Pontif Cranberries, Inc
Ware Bog
Renovate bog to replace early black vines with Crimson Queens
Southers Marsh Cranberry Bogs
William B. Stearns
Renovate older bog to the higher yield variety and conserve water through leveling
Eric Weston
Eric & Elain Weston
Renovate and reconfigure portion of older, poor producing bog for better yield and management
Joseph John Dvorski, Jr.
Shakey Acres Cranberry Co
Renovate section of bog and plant new hybrid varieties
Weston Cranberry Corp
Gary Weston
Bog renovation, achieving high yield, low farm maintenance and conserve water resources
William J. Morrison
Bog leveling and replanting vines & update irrigation system
Gary S. Randall
Muddy Pond Bogs
Renovate bog to replant vines and update irrigation automation
Edgewood Bogs, LLC
Matthew Rhodes
Environmentally sustain bog renovation with high yielding, virus indexed, Haines cranberry vines.
AD Makepeace, CO
White Island Bogs
Renovate and square off bog to allow for irrigation improvements
WD Bog, Inc.
Renovate bog removing and replacing vines and improve irrigation
North Weston Cranberries, Inc.
Reconfigure and renovate area of older bog made up of small section & inefficient shape
Great Bear Farms, Inc
James Rezendes
Gilmore Cranberry Co., Inc.
Level bog, reconfigure irrigation system and replace vines to one variety
Tassinari Inc.
John Tassinari
Replace vines to higher yield hybrid variety and seal up banking to conserve water
"These enhancement grants provide needed support allowing local growers to compete with more modern bogs in the Midwest and Canada." said State Representative Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett, co-chair of the Cranberry Station Board of Oversight). "I commend the Governor and his administration for supporting these local businesses, many of which have been in the same family for generations."
"This is a great day for the Commonwealth's cranberry industry and the growers of southeastern Massachusetts are the heart of it," said State Representative Susan Gifford (R-Wareham). "While serving as a member of the Cranberry Revitalization Task Force, the concern we heard time and time again was the need to renovate bogs in order to stay competitive. It's wonderful to see these growers benefit from this grant program as a direct result
Represenative Gifford supports Student Opportunity Act
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) is supporting legislation that calls for a seven-year, multi-billion dollar investment in the state's public schools to help ensure that all Massachusetts students have access to a quality education.
House Bill 4137, An Act relative to educational opportunity for students, seeks to implement the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission, which determined in its 2015 report that the state is underfunding public education by as much as $1-$2 billion a year. The bill, which was approved by the House of Representatives on a vote of 155-0 on October 23, represents the first major change to the education funding formula since the passage of the 1993 Education Reform Act.
"I am very pleased that we were finally able to pass this bill addressing many of the Commission's recommendations. Doing so has been a priority for parents, students, educators and Legislators," said Representative Gifford.
In keeping with the Commission's recommendations, the Student Opportunity Act revises the state's funding formula to specifically address the needs of English learners, low-income students, special education programming, and the municipal costs associated with employee and retiree health care benefits. It also raises the annual cap for school building assistance projects to $800 million, with future caps adjusted for inflation, while providing expanded funding for out-of-district special education transportation costs and establishing a timeline for fully funding charter school reimbursements.
"While many school districts will see great benefits, the unfortunate reality of such a major overhaul means some will not. The primary focus of the bill is improving the educational opportunities for low-income students and that is going to benefit Wareham", Representative Gifford added. "That said, it is important to point out that our responsibility in regard to Chapter 70 and other education funding does not end here. We will continue to work to address issues as they arise."
House Bill 4137 also sets strong accountability standards for school districts. The bill authorizes the Commissioner of Education to establish statewide targets and annual benchmarks to address persistent disparities in student achievement, and requires school districts to develop 3-year plans to meet these targets. School districts will also be required to submit annual reports to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to demonstrate that they are making progress in closing existing opportunity gaps among students.
The Student Opportunity Act also:
• establishes an educational mandate task force to review existing state mandates placed on public schools and districts that are not fully funded by the Commonwealth;
• creates a Data Advisory Commission to ensure that resources are allocated effectively at the district and school levels;
• sets financial literacy standards as a statewide educational goal so that all public elementary and secondary school students have an understanding of personal finances; and
• establishes a Twenty-First Century Education program, along with an Advisory Council and Trust Fund, to provide competitive grants to public schools and districts to help address achievement disparities and increase efficiencies.
The proposed reforms included in House Bill 4137 would be phased in over a seven-year period, beginning in Fiscal Year 2021, with the changes fully implemented by 2027.
The Senate previously approved its own version of the education reform bill. A six-member conference committee will now be appointed to work out the differences between the two branches' proposals, with the goal of producing a final bill that can be sent to Governor Charlie Baker for his signature
Representative Gifford maintains perfect voting record
Wareham legislator casts 521 consecutive roll call votes in 2017-2018 session
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham, successfully maintained a perfect voting record during the 2017-2018 legislative session, participating in all 521 roll call votes recorded in the House of Representatives between January 25, 2017 and July 31, 2018.
The Wareham legislator cast votes this session on a number of key policy issues, including legislation to expand opioid prevention and treatment options; protect consumers from data security breaches; establish a Municipal Police Training Fund; enhance veterans benefits; and authorize cities and towns to offer a means-tested senior property tax exemption.
Representative Gifford also voted to adopt uniform standards and procedures in the House of Representatives for reporting, investigating, and punishing incidents of sexual harassment. The new rules – which apply to all of the House's elected members, appointed officers, employees and interns – provide for confidentiality and protections against retaliation for individuals who step forward to report violations.
Another key vote recorded by Representative Gifford this session was for the passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which went into effect on April 1 and requires employers to provide reasonable workplace accommodations for expectant and nursing mothers. She also supported increasing the one-time survivor benefit paid to the families of police, firefighters and other public safety officials killed in the line of duty, which was doubled from $150,000 to $300,000 as part of a supplemental budget signed into law in 2017.
Representative Gifford also voted to support reimbursing cities and towns for the costs associated with implementing the state's early voting law. Over $1 million in reimbursements were delivered to municipalities in March of 2018 to cover the cost of this previously unfunded state mandate.
"Representative Gifford continues to be a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and accountability to the state's taxpayers, while also championing the needs of her district," said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). "The residents of the Second Plymouth District are very fortunate to have her representing them on Beacon Hill."
"Representing the people of the 2nd Plymouth District means the world to me and is not a task I take lightly," said Representative Gifford. "But it's not just about being at the State House to vote. It's about listening to my constituents, knowing how each vote will affect them and casting the vote that will be in their best interest."
A member of the House of Representatives since 2003, Representative Gifford currently serves as the Assistant Minority Whip as well as a member of the House Committee on Steering Policy and Scheduling.
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House approves local option property tax exemption for seniors
Bill would allow communities to establish means-tested tax relief programs
BOSTON – The House of Representatives has given preliminary approval to legislation allowing cities and towns to establish a means-tested property tax exemption program for senior citizens.
House Bill 4001 was engrossed by the House on a unanimous vote of 150-0 on July 30, with the support of State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham. The bill is modeled after similar tax relief programs offered in Reading, Sudbury and Wayland that are designed to help older residents living on fixed incomes remain in their homes.
"Managing household expenses can be a daunting task for anyone especially when taxes and insurance continue to rise. If you are a Senior living on a fixed income, those concerns are even greater," said Rep. Gifford. "If you qualify for the tax relief program, this will help alleviate some of those concerns."
Under the local option proposal, communities can offer property tax relief to qualifying seniors, based in part on the amount of the tax credit they were eligible to receive the year prior under the state's Senior Circuit Breaker program. The actual amount of the tax exemption would be set annually by the local governing body.
House Bill 4001 sets specific guidelines applicants must meet to qualify for a tax exemption. Participation is limited to homeowners who are 65 or older, and have resided in the community for at least 10 consecutive years. If a tax exemption request is filed jointly, the second applicant must be 60 or older, and at least one of the applicants must meet the minimum residency requirement of 10 consecutive years.
Seniors must file annually to receive the exemption, which is subject to approval by the local Board of Assessors. The Board can deny an exemption if it determines the applicant has excessive assets.
House Bill 4001 also contains provisions sun-setting the property tax exemption program after three years. Communities that adopt the local option would be required to vote at three-year intervals to reauthorize the program.
House Bill 4001 now heads to the Senate for further action.
Representative Gifford supports enhanced benefits, diversion options for Massachusetts veterans
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham, has renewed her commitment to Massachusetts veterans by once again backing the passage of the BRAVE Act.
Senate Bill 2632, An Act relative to veterans' benefits, rights, appreciation, validation and enforcement, was enacted by the House of Representative on a unanimous vote of 150-0 on July 27. Representative Gifford also supported the original version of the BRAVE Act when it came before the House of Representatives for a vote on May 23.
The final bill includes compromise language reached by a six-member conference committee that worked to resolve the differences between earlier versions of the bill passed by the House and Senate.
The reconciled language in the BRAVE Act makes corrective changes to veteran diversion, in an effort to shore up changes made by this year's criminal justice reform legislation, which was signed into law on April 13. The changes grant diversion-eligible veterans a 30 day continuance on charges for first-time offenses. For first-time OUI offenses, the veteran must prove their offense was related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or substance abuse disorder suffered as a result of their military service. A veteran will not be eligible for diversion for an OUI if they are charged with any additional offenses stemming from the OUI.
The bill doubles state funding assistance for indigent veterans' burial costs from $2,000 to $4,000, while increasing the property tax exemption for veterans who perform volunteer work for their home community from $1,000 to $1,500. The bill also reduces the residency requirement for veterans and surviving spouses living in Massachusetts to qualify for real estate tax exemptions from five consecutive years of residency to two years.
"I am so proud that Massachusetts ranks number one in the country in regard to providing services and resources for the men and women who have served our great country. But, we must continue looking for ways to repay our Vets for their service and those who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Rep. Gifford. "We owe a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid."
An additional provision contained in the BRAVE Act gives cities and towns the option to adjust veterans property tax abatements on an annual basis. The amount of the increase cannot exceed the cost of living increase for that year, as calculated by the Consumer Price Index.
The BRAVE Act also:
updates the current military campaign eligibility for the Welcome Home Bonus, and authorizes the family of a deceased service member to receive the $1,000 stipend;
adds Prisoners of War (POWs) to the list of veterans eligible for a property tax abatement;
allows municipalities to designate a parking spot for veterans at their city or town hall free of charge during normal business hours;
requires employers to provide employees who are veterans with time off, with or without pay, to observe Veterans Day;
establishes a special commission to study the cost and feasibility of exempting veterans from tuition and fees when attending a public university, with a report due by July 1, 2019;
requires the Commissioner of Veterans Services to maintain and publish a list of law firms and organizations that provide pro bono legal representation for veterans;
allows surviving parents or guardians of veterans who died in service to the country to receive a real estate credit on their property beginning on January 1, 2019;
authorizes recipients of the Bronze Star to be eligible for Bronze Star License Plates through the Registry of Motor Vehicles; and
allows qualifying individuals whose vehicles are owned by trusts, partnerships, or corporations to be eligible for Gold Star Family license plates.
The Senate voted to accept the conference committee report on July 26. Following a final vote on enactment in the Senate, the BRAVE Act will be sent to Governor Charlie Baker for his review and signature.
Representative Gifford supports bill to protect consumers' credit information
BOSTON – The House and Senate have finalized legislation to give Massachusetts residents more control over the use of their personal credit information, along with enhanced protections in the event their information is compromised.
State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham, voted to support House Bill 4806, An Act relative to consumer protection from security breaches, which passed the House and Senate unanimously on July 25. The bill represents a compromise agreed to by a six-member conference committee that worked to reconcile the differences between two earlier versions of the bill previously approved by the two branches.
House Bill 4806 prevents unauthorized access to credit reports by requiring written, verbal or electronic consent from the consumer before their personal information can be accessed. Anyone attempting to access a consumer's credit report must also disclose their reason for doing so to the consumer.
The bill also institutes new requirements on business entities and credit reporting agencies that experience a data breach. Businesses will now be required to provide a minimum of 18 months of free credit monitoring services to consumers following a breach, while credit reporting agencies will be required to provide these services free of charge for at least 3 ½ years. In addition, breached entities must immediately notify the Attorney General and the Director of the Office of Consumer Affairs whenever a breach occurs and provide details on the extent of the breach and the steps being taken to address it.
House Bill 4806 also eliminates the $5 fee consumers must currently pay to each of the three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – every time they want to freeze their credit report or lift the freeze. The bill is a direct response to a 2017 data breach at Equifax, which resulted in hackers gaining access to the Social Security numbers, birthdates, driver's license numbers, and tax identification numbers of 145 million Americans, including at least 3 million Massachusetts residents.
The bill is now on Governor Charlie Baker's desk for his review. He has until August 4 to sign it into law.
Representative Gifford's Re-Election Campaign Kickoff
WAREHAM, MA— Over 100 supporters came together June 21st at The Bay Pointe Club to join State Representative Susan Williams Gifford as she kicked off her re-election campaign for her 9th term for State Representative for Wareham, Carver, and Middleboro.
Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito headlined this event. The Lieutenant Governor expressed her support and confidence in Susan and her ability to work hard for her constituents, "We [on Beacon Hill] should be responsible for how we balance budgets, and for Governor Baker and I, we are so grateful to have had Susan's leadership. When we came in, we had a billion dollar deficit and we managed that, by setting priorities, living within our means, and not asking the taxpayers and the business community to pay more to help us solve our problems. Susan was always right there with us, taking the difficult votes, but she knew it was the right thing for the people in her district and this Commonwealth."
Susan addressed her supporters, "We need to look for every opportunity that we have to take advantage of grants, and funds, and all kinds of other programs, that the Baker-Polito Administration are providing for our cities and towns because believe me times are tough everywhere. We need to make sure that we take advantage of every resource that we possibly can. We all have a deep passion for our districts, and rightly so, because that's what it's all about. It's not about us, it's what we can do for you."
Susan talked about some of the many issues that she is working hard on for her constituents. "I have been working very diligently, with the Baker-Polito Administration on some very important issues. One of which is the Opioid Addiction Crisis. The Baker Polito Administration has taken the lead on trying to address this problem head on by providing funding and more beds in treatment centers for people who want to get treatment to help beat their addictions, and also provide service for their families. It just doesn't affect the addict, it affects families, it affects friends." Susan continues to fight for us in combating the Opioid Crisis that has taken a toll on our Massachusetts communities.
Susan does not stop at battling the Opioid Crisis. She continues to work on other issues to keep us all safe. She shared another one of her current priorities with us, "I am also very much looking forward to working with the administration, as well as our District Attorney Tim Cruz in legislation that the Governor has just filed in regard to those who prey on young children… Those people who should not be let out of prison on a technicality because they have simply served their time." In her over fifteen years as State Representative for the 2nd Plymouth District, Susan has accomplished so much for not only her local communities, but for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
As State Representative, Susan has served on many Legislative Committees including: Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture; Health Care Financing; State Administration and Regulatory Oversight; the Tourism Funding Formula Commission, Insurance; House Personnel and Administration; Financial Services; Steering, Policy and Scheduling; the Coastal Hazzard Commission and the Cranberry Revitalization Task Force. She will continue to pursue fiscal responsibility and government transparency on Beacon Hill; a representative her district can proudly stand behind. Her experience in government institutions as a Selectman and as State Representative has given her the tools she needs to tackle these serious issues we face as a community. But her technical skills are not the only thing she brings to Beacon Hill. Her conviction and dedication to her district has served, and will serve, in bringing a strong voice to represent the needs of her constituents, and she continues to be a beacon of hope for all of us on Beacon Hill, a promise for a successful and united community. For more information about Susan Williams Gifford, please follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateRepGifford/
Representative Gifford supports ongoing efforts to address state opioid crisis
House bill seeks to build on 2016 law by expanding treatment options
BOSTON – In an attempt to address the growing state opioid crisis, State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham, is supporting legislation to expand Massachusetts' comprehensive 2016 opioid law by increasing treatment options for individuals suffering from drug addiction.
House Bill 4725, An Act for prevention and access to appropriate care and treatment of addiction, was engrossed by the House of Representatives on a unanimous vote of 147-0 on July 11. The bill places new mandates on practitioners and pharmacies prescribing opioids and other controlled substances, while taking steps to ensure qualified treatment facilities are available to serve those in need by enhancing the regulatory and licensing authority of the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Department of Public Health (DPH).
"Almost everyone I know has had the scourge of addiction touch their family directly or indirectly with the loss of a loved one and some were lost waiting to get the help they desperately needed," said Rep. Gifford. "While our efforts to combat this crisis in 2016 were a good start, we needed to do more to address problems with prescription monitoring, access to life-saving overdose reversing Narcan, and increasing treatment facilities. This bill does these things."
In addition to requiring the use of electronic prescriptions for controlled substances in non-emergency situations by 2020, House Bill 4725 provides for the expanded utilization of the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) and access to its data to help deter prescription drug abuse. It also directs DPH to issue a statewide standing order allowing pharmacies to dispense the overdose-reversing drug naloxone without a prescription.
According to DPH, there were 379 confirmed opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts in 2000, but the number of confirmed and suspected opioid-related deaths jumped to 2,016 last year. For the first three months of 2018, DPH has confirmed 201 opioid-related overdose deaths, but estimates there will be an additional 240 to 305 deaths once all cases are finalized by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Under the 2016 law, patients who receive naloxone or are treated for an overdose at an acute care hospital or emergency room must undergo a substance use disorder evaluation by a licensed mental health professional within 24 hours. House Bill 4725 would require hospitals and emergency facilities to refer patients who receive an evaluation to an appropriate and available treatment provider, or to provide treatment within the facility if adequate services are available on site. However, patients have the right to refuse further treatment.
During floor debate on the bill, Representative Gifford stood with her Republican colleagues to try to amend the bill by allowing licensed physicians and other medical professionals to place overdose patients into treatment for 72 hours if they present a risk of serious harm due to addiction and will not agree to voluntary treatment. This effort was blocked by a further amendment that instead establishes a commission to study the efficacy of involuntary inpatient treatment for individuals diagnosed with a substance use disorder. "At this time of crisis, we should be utilizing every possible means to get help to those who are at the greatest risk of overdosing again and dying not saying no to something that may save even one life," said Rep. Gifford.
House Bill 4725 also:
creates six additional commissions to study: alternatives to broaden the availability of naloxone without a prescription; community-based behavioral health promotion and prevention; a credentialing process for recovery coaches; insurance coverage for non-opioid and non-pharmacological pain management strategies; the use of, availability, and barriers to medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders; and appropriate prescribing practices related to the most common oral and maxillofacial procedures;
requires the Health Policy Commission and DPH, subject to appropriation, to create and administer an early childhood investment opportunity grant program to test the efficacy of programs supporting and caring for families with young children who were substance exposed newborns, including the long-term effects of neonatal abstinence syndrome on children; and
establishes a 2-year pilot program at six participating state prisons to make medication-assisted treatment available to inmates.
The bill now heads to the Senate for further action.
Representative Gifford supports bill to enhance veterans benefits in Massachusetts
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham, is backing legislation to enhance veterans benefits in Massachusetts.
House Bill 4525, An Act relative to veterans' benefits, rights, appreciation, validation and enforcement, also known as the BRAVE Act, passed the House of Representatives on a unanimous vote of 150-0 on May 23.
"I am so proud that we in the Massachusetts House continue to make our Service Men and Women a priority," said Representative Gifford. "This legislation keeps us number one in the nation when it comes to benefits and resources for all who have served our great country."
In addition to doubling state funding assistance for indigent veterans' burial costs from $2,000 to $4,000, the bill provides for an increase in the property tax exemption available to veterans who perform volunteer work for their home community, raising the cap from $1,000 to $1,500. The bill also adjusts the residency requirement for veterans and surviving spouses to qualify for real estate tax exemptions, reducing the amount of time these individuals must reside in Massachusetts from five consecutive years to two consecutive years.
An additional provision contained in the BRAVE Act gives cities and towns the option to adjust veterans property tax abatements on an annual basis. The amount of the increase would not be able to exceed the cost of living increase for that year, as calculated by the Consumer Price Index.
* updates the current military campaign eligibility for the Welcome Home Bonus, and authorizes the family of a deceased service member to receive the $1,000 stipend;
* adds Prisoners of War (POWs) to the list of veterans eligible for a property tax abatement;
* allows municipalities to designate a spot for veterans parking at their city or town hall during normal business hours;
* requires employers to provide employees who are veterans with time off, with or without pay, to observe Veterans Day;
* establishes a special commission to study the cost and feasibility of exempting veterans from tuition and fees when attending a public university, with a report due by December 31, 2018;
* allows combat medics to use their military training and experience to receive EMT certification in the Commonwealth without having to repeat duplicative classes;
* requires the Department of Veterans Services to maintain and publish a list of law firms and organizations that provide pro bono legal representation for veterans;
* allows parents or surviving guardians of veterans who died in service to the country to receive a real estate credit on their property beginning on January 1, 2019;
* authorizes recipients of the Bronze Star to be eligible for Bronze Star License Plates through the Registry of Motor Vehicles; and
* allows qualifying individuals whose vehicles are owned by trusts, partnerships, or corporations to be eligible for Gold Star Family license plates.
The Senate previously approved its own version of the BRAVE Act on May 3. The House and Senate will now attempt to reconcile the differences between the two bills and reach agreement on a final bill that will be sent to Governor Charlie Baker for his signature.
Representative Gifford backs funding bill to promote
the life sciences industry in Massachusetts
BOSTON – The House of Representatives has approved a multi-million dollar bond bill to support the expansion of the state's life sciences industry, passing House Bill 4501 on a vote of 149-3 on May 16.
State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham, said the bill authorizes $462.97 million in capital funding for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Investment Fund, with approximately one-third of this funding scheduled to be distributed to programs at the state's public universities. The bill also renews a popular tax incentive program for the industry, and calls for the use of targeted grants and internships to promote diversity in the life sciences and biotechnology fields.
According to the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) – which is hosting its 2018 international convention on Boston from June 4-7 – Massachusetts is home to "the top life sciences cluster in the world," due to the "unique cooperation between industry, government, and academia." BIO notes that over the last 10 years, Massachusetts has experienced 33.6% employment growth in the biopharma manufacturing sector, and leads all other states in the number of employees working in biotech research and development.
"The life sciences industry is thriving in Massachusetts, and this bill will position the Commonwealth to continue to be a national leader for many years to come," said Representative Gifford.
Under the House proposal, the annual cap on the Life Sciences Tax Incentive Program will increase from $25 million to $30 million, beginning January 1, 2019. The tax program, which was due to expire at the end of this year, will also be extended for another 10 years, through December 31, 2028.
House Bill 4501 requires the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, which administers the Life Sciences Investment Fund, to invest funding in minority-owned businesses, provide grants to school districts and community colleges with significant minority populations, and develop and implement strategies to help diversify the state's life sciences and biotechnology workforce. The bill promotes the use of internships for minority high school, college and community college students to encourage these students to pursue full-time employment in the life sciences industry after graduation.
The bill also contains funding for several higher education initiatives related to the life sciences, including:
$47 million for a biotechnology and precision manufacturing research and training facility at UMass Amherst;
$20 million for a new Center for Nursing Innovation at UMass Boston;
$21.75 million for expanding and renovating the Center for Advanced Biomanufacturing and Digital Health at UMass Dartmouth;
$50 million for UMass Lowell and the UMass Medical School in Worcester to advance neuroscience-related workforce training, research, and commercialization of devices and image-based diagnostics;
$6 million for the Center for Data-Driven Discovery and Healthcare at UMass Medical School;
$5 million for the development of a biomanufacturing platform at UMass Medical School for cell and gene therapies at the MassBiologics SouthCoast Facility in Fall River;
$3.22 million for the Center for Innovation, Engineering and Energy at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy to address workforce skills gaps; and
$10 million for the Imaging Innovation Institute for the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole in Falmouth.
House passes bill raising tobacco purchasing age to 21
BOSTON – The minimum age to legally purchase tobacco products in Massachusetts would rise from 18 to 21 on December 31, under legislation approved by the House of Representatives.
In addition to imposing new age restrictions for tobacco purchases, House Bill 4479, An Act to protect youth from the health risks of tobacco and nicotine addiction, would also ban tobacco sales at health care institutions and pharmacies while implementing new restrictions on e-cigarettes. State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham, supported the bill, which passed the House on a vote of 146-4 on May 9.
Representative Gifford said the bill will help to reduce the health risks associated with tobacco use by teenagers and young adults by restricting sales to those who are 21 and older. The bill will also create a statewide standard for tobacco sales, as nearly half of all Massachusetts communities have already raised the purchasing age to 21. "The fact the all three of the towns I represent have already raised the age to 21 was another reason to make this state wide," said Rep. Gifford. "This levels the playing field for retailers who lost business to neighboring communities which did not raise the age to 21."
According to the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB), 156 cities and towns across the state currently set 21 as the minimum legal age for the sale of tobacco products. Five other states also have similar age restrictions, including California, New Jersey, Oregon, Hawaii and Maine.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids estimates that as many as 103,000 Massachusetts residents currently under the age of 18 will die prematurely from smoking. The organization also notes that the annual health care costs in Massachusetts directly associated with smoking total $4.08 billion.
House Bill 4479 requires the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA), the Division of Insurance, the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), and the office of Medicaid to review the tobacco cessation benefits offered by each health insurance plan and to compare them to those recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.
The bill also establishes a 15-member task force to study the vaping industry and to provide recommendations for educating students about the dangers of e-cigarettes and restricting the use of these devices in and around schools. The task force has a reporting deadline of January 1, 2019.
Although the House bill would take effect on December 31, it provides an exemption from the age restriction for anyone who turns 18 prior to the effective date.
Representative Gifford announces $ 747,619 in
road and bridge funding for Wareham
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham, announced today that Wareham is scheduled to receive $747,619 in funding assistance for local road and bridge repairs under the state's Chapter 90 program, an increase of $7,327 from FY18.
The money was included in a $200 million bond authorization approved unanimously by the House of Representatives on April 5. The bond bill must still be approved by the Senate and signed by Governor Charlie Baker before the funding is finalized.
"I'm pleased the House has taken steps to ensure that communities will have additional financial resources available to maintain local road and bridges," said Representative Gifford. "While we know that our overall needs are far greater, the funding contained in this bond bill will help Wareham address some of its most pressing transportation infrastructure needs."
The state's Chapter 90 program was established in 1973, and allocates funding on an annual basis to cities and towns using a formula based on the weighted average of a municipality's population, employment, and total road miles. The funds are paid out as reimbursements to communities for qualifying infrastructure work.
Chapter 90 funds can be spent on a variety of municipal roadway projects, including resurfacing, drainage, sidewalks, guardrails, traffic control, right-of-way acquisition and street lighting. The funding can also be used for bikeways, landscaping and tree planting associated with certain projects, and for purchasing and maintaining certain road building machinery, equipment and tools
Representative Gifford cites Constitutional concerns in vote against police detention proposal
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham), recently voted to oppose a proposal to dramatically change a police officer's authority to effect an arrest, citing Constitutional concerns.
Offered as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2019 House budget, the proposal would have significantly changed the "probable cause" threshold an officer must reach to detain a person, specifically, allowing probable cause to be achieved solely by an officer's "beliefs or observation." Under current law in all 50 states, and accepted case law across the nation, probable cause is defined as that evidence which would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime has been committed. Additionally, the proposal would have allowed police to arrest and detain an individual for up to 48 hours following the issuance of an immigration detainer by the US Department of Homeland Security.
In July of 2017, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in Commonwealth v. Lunn that Massachusetts law does not specifically authorize law enforcement officials to arrest and hold an individual based solely on a request from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The court deferred to the Legislature "to establish and carefully define" these detention powers through statute.
Representative Gifford noted that the wording of the budget proposal – most particularly its provisions radically redefining that probable cause may be based on an individual police officer's "personal observations and belief(s)," – would not stand up to Constitutional scrutiny if challenged in court.
"The Lunn decision highlighted a gap in our state laws that should be fixed, but this particular amendment that was offered had fatal flaws in its construction and attempt to find a solution," said Representative Gifford. "We must take an approach that will protect the public but will also pass Constitutional muster, which this amendment clearly fails to do."
Representative Gifford expressed her support for House Bill 3870, which was filed by Governor Charlie Baker last August in response to the Lunn decision. The Governor's bill would authorize police to hold individuals on an ICE detainer request for up to 12 hours, if they are already in state custody and are deemed to pose a threat to public safety.
Governor Baker's legislation narrowly defines a list of specific criminal activity that would be sufficient to determine that an individual poses a threat, including prior convictions for serious crimes such as murder, rape, domestic violence, and human trafficking. It would also apply to individuals who have engaged in, or are suspected of, terrorism or espionage.
Representative Gifford supports stronger penalties for opioid trafficking, assaulting a police officer
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham, is hailing the passage of a comprehensive criminal justice reform bill that strengthens the state's opioid laws, makes it a felony to assault a police officer, and creates a statewide database for tracking sexual assault evidence kits.
Representative Gifford voted to support the omnibus legislation, which was approved by the House and Senate on April 4 and represents a compromise between two earlier versions of the crime bill passed by both legislative branches last fall. The bill is now on Governor Charlie Baker's desk awaiting his signature.
"The opioid addiction crisis and resulting senseless deaths caused by overdoses is an issue of great importance to me and many of my constituents," said Rep. Gifford. "I am pleased that this bill contains specific and severe consequences for those who are distributing the most deadly synthetic opioids, fentanyl and carfentanil. While we need to do more to enable those who need and want help for their addiction, we also must get these drugs off the streets and punish the dealers."
The bill provides for the reclassification of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic drug that was present in 83 percent of all opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts in 2017, as a Class A substance. It also adds carfentanil and U-47700 – also known as "pink death," which is 4 to 8 times more potent than heroin – to this same category. State Representative Timothy R. Whelan (R-Brewster), a former Massachusetts State
Police Sergeant, has been advocating for the new classifications to help address the state's opioid epidemic.
The bill also creates a fentanyl trafficking penalty for 10 grams of fentanyl or any of its derivatives, punishable by a 3 ½ year mandatory minimum sentence with a maximum penalty of 20 years. The same penalties will also apply to trafficking in carfentanil, regardless of the amount involved. In addition, the bill provides for the automatic adoption of the federal scheduling for opioid drugs, unless the Legislature acts directly on a particular substance, so Massachusetts' laws can remain current as law enforcement identifies new drugs that are being trafficked.
The criminal justice reform bill contains a series of Republican-sponsored initiatives, including language making it a felony to commit assault and battery with bodily injury on a police officer while performing their official duties. Sponsored by Representative Paul Frost (R-Auburn), the language creates a new mandatory minimum prison sentence of one year and a maximum of 10 years. Offenders will also face a potential fine of between $500 and $10,000.
The bill also takes steps to empower crime victims by directing the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to establish a statewide sexual assault evidence kit tracking system, which will allow victims of sexual assault to anonymously track their kits. Sponsored by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), the proposal also requires all existing untested kits associated with a reported crime to be submitted for testing.
Other Republican initiatives contained in the bill include:
A proposal by Representative Joseph McKenna (R-Webster) requiring that a finding of "not guilty by reason of insanity" be disclosed on a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) report;
Representative Jones' proposal allowing judges to hold individuals facing a third OUI charge if it occurs within 10 years of a prior OUI conviction, a change that was made after a recent SJC case declared the wording of the existing law to be ambiguous;
A proposal by Representative David Muradian (R-Grafton) to expand witness intimidation protections to include victim witness advocates, correction officers, court reporters and court interpreters; and
Additional language filed by Representative Muradian to establish a special commission that will develop recommendations for preventing suicides among the state's corrections officers and providing mental health services to these individuals, with a report due by December 31, 2018.
Governor Baker has until April 14 to sign the bill into law.
Mass. House and Senate Republicans call on Congress to pass bill reauthorizing National Criminal Instant Background Check System
BOSTON – Members of the Massachusetts House and Senate Republican Caucuses are calling on Congress to reauthorize the National Criminal Instant Background Check System (NICS) as a critical first step towards addressing gun violence.
In a letter sent to U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Massachusetts Republican legislators urged Congressional leaders to schedule one of three pending bills – H.R. 4477, H.R. 4434 and S.2135, known collectively as the "Fix NICS Act of 2017" – "for immediate consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate."
"Recent school shootings, including the one that took place on February 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, have underscored the need to review our country's laws to determine what steps can be taken to enhance public safety," legislators wrote. "The three bills referenced above each represent a proactive approach to addressing gun violence by strengthening federal background checks."
The letter was authored by House Minority Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), and was signed by 35 of their legislative colleagues, including State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham.
The "Fix NICS" bills would amend the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act by requiring federal agencies and departments to provide the NICS with information on individuals who would be prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm, and to certify the information's accuracy. The bills also call for the U.S. Department of Justice to develop an implementation plan, with benchmarks, designed to maximize states' participation and compliance in submitting mental health and criminal history records to the NICS.
"Requiring local, state and federal agencies to submit key information to a national database in a timely fashion will provide law enforcement with an important tool to help identify individuals with a criminal background, a history of domestic violence, or other extenuating factors that would disqualify them from purchasing a firearm. Actively sharing information on a real-time basis is critical to preventing individuals who are determined to do harm from being able to access weapons like the ones used in the Parkland shootings," legislators wrote.
While acknowledging that "this is a multi-faceted issue and more needs to be done," legislators noted that the "Fix NICS" bills "represent a common-sense approach that virtually everyone agrees with on both sides of the aisle," and therefore should be scheduled for an immediate vote.
"Although there are a number of additional proposals that have merit and are deserving of further discussion and action, we should not let the consideration of those initiatives that may be viewed as more controversial delay the passage of legislation at this time," legislators wrote. "We firmly believe Congress should focus its immediate attention on strengthening our national background check system and moving forward with a vote on one of the three underlying bills referenced above so these changes can be implemented without any further delay."
A signed copy of the joint caucus letter to House Speaker Ryan and Senate Majority Leader McConnell is attached.
Representative Gifford backs consumer credit report protections for Massachusetts residents
BOSTON –State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham, is supporting legislation that will enhance consumer protections for Massachusetts residents when dealing with credit reporting agencies and potential data breaches.
Under current state law, consumers must pay a $5 fee to each of the three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to freeze their credit reports and an additional $5 to lift the freeze. House Bill 4232, which was engrossed by the House of Representatives on February 14 by a vote of 152-0, will eliminate these fees and make it easier for consumers to protect their credit rating.
In 2017, a data breach at Equifax resulted in hackers gaining access to personal information on 145 million Americans, including their Social Security numbers, birthdates, driver's license numbers, and tax identification numbers. At least 3 million Massachusetts residents were affected by the data breach and may be vulnerable to identity theft because their personal information could be used to open lines of credit and to file fraudulent tax returns without their knowledge.
"The unauthorized release of sensitive personal information can have a devastating impact on an individual's credit score," said Representative Gifford. "This bill calls for substantive reforms within the credit reporting industry to help protect consumers and make it easier for them to safeguard their personal information."
House Bill 4232 prohibits credit reporting agencies from accessing a consumer's credit report in connection with an application for credit without their written, verbal or electronic consent. It also allows consumers to request a credit freeze by telephone or through a secure website. Credit reporting agencies would be required to implement the credit freeze within one business day, and to lift the freeze within 15 minutes of receiving electronic confirmation.
House Bill 4232 also requires credit reporting agencies to provide consumers with immediate notice of a security breach and details on any mitigation services being offered to address the breach. Reporting agencies would be required to provide the Attorney General and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations with a sample copy of the notification it intends to distribute to consumers so the notice can be posted on their websites.
In the event of a credit breach at any business involving the release of consumers' Social Security numbers, the company must offer free credit monitoring services to affected consumers for one year. The bill also provides protections for residents under the age of 16 by allowing a parent or guardian to act on their behalf to place a freeze on their credit.
The bill now moves to the Senate for further action.
Representative Gifford backs $1 million funding appropriation for municipal early voting costs
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham, joined with her House colleagues to approve more than $1 million in funding to reimburse cities and towns for the costs associated with implementing the state's early voting law. The appropriation included reimbursement funding for all three towns of the 2nd Plymouth District:
Wareham - $1,628.40
Middleboro - $5,409.47
Carver - $2,449.82
The funding appropriation was adopted unanimously by the House of Representatives on January 31 as an amendment to a $17.6 million supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2018. The House Republican-sponsored amendment, and the underlying spending bill, were both approved on separate roll call votes of 151-0.
Approved by the Legislature in 2014, the early voting law was first implemented for the November 2016 state election. In February of 2017, State Auditor Suzanne Bump ruled that some of the expenses incurred by municipalities to implement the new law constituted an unfunded mandate, and suggested these costs should be borne by the Commonwealth.
Last October, Representative Gifford and the House Republican Caucus were able to secure a $485,559 funding appropriation for early voting reimbursements as part of the House version of the Fiscal Year 2017 final deficiency budget. Although the final version of the bill did not contain any funding for early voting costs, it did include language directing the state auditor to certify the costs for each municipality and report back to the Legislature by January 10.
"Returning this funding to our cities and towns has been a longstanding priority for the House Republican Caucus," said Representative Gifford. "I'm hopeful the Senate will act quickly to pass the supplemental budget so we can deliver this money to our communities without any further delay."
In addition to covering early voting costs, the supplemental budget also includes:
· $15 million in one-time funding to assist school districts with the unanticipated costs associated with the influx of students whose families fled Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands following hurricanes Maria and Irma;
· $700,000 for the Committee for Public Counsel Services; and
· $250,000 for the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
The supplemental budget was signed by Governor Baker.
Representative Gifford supports bill to assist Alzheimer's and dementia patients in Massachusetts
BOSTON –State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham, joined with her House colleagues this week to pass legislation aimed at developing an integrated state plan to address Alzheimer's disease and non-Alzheimer's dementia.
House Bill 4116, which was approved by the House on a vote of 153-0 on January 31, calls for expanding the clinical research, training, treatment, and care of individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive impairments in Massachusetts. It also establishes an advisory council that will focus on the research and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's, a number that is expected to climb to 16 million by the year 2050. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and 1 out of every 3 seniors die with Alzheimer's or another dementia.
"Alzheimer's disease and dementia touches the lives of so many families, but most people are unaware of the full range of services available to patients and their caregivers," said Representative Gifford. "This bill will not only make it easier for Massachusetts residents to access the proper care for their loved ones, but will also enhance the state's efforts to develop better treatment options for Alzheimer's patients moving forward."
In addition to requiring caseworkers and medical professionals to be trained in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cognitive impairments, House Bill 4116 gives hospitals three years to implement an operational plan for recognizing and managing patients with dementia. It also authorizes physicians to provide information to the patient's family and caregivers regarding medical and non-medical services and treatment.
The bill also seeks to:
· Accelerate the development of Alzheimer's disease treatments;
· Coordinate the health care and treatment of individuals with Alzheimer's disease;
· Protect minorities who are at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease or are less likely to receive care, be a part of clinical research, and benefit from service efforts;
· Coordinate with federal entities to better integrate information on Alzheimer's disease;
· Provide information to state agencies that address Alzheimer's disease; and
· Implement a strategy to increase the diagnostic rate in the Commonwealth
Representative Gifford supports legislation
honoring Massachusetts' veterans
BOSTON – Just days before the nation observes Veterans Day, State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham joined with her colleagues to support legislation honoring Massachusetts' veterans for their service while also approving funding for a new Soldiers Home in Chelsea.
On November 8, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 4018, which allows municipalities to establish a local Veterans Memorial and Patriotic Celebration Fund, and House Bill 2763, which provides for the designation of special veterans-only parking spaces at city and town halls. Both bills passed unanimously.
The House also gave initial approval to a $199 million bond proposal to pay for the design and construction of a new Soldiers Home in Chelsea, more than half of which is eligible for federal reimbursement. The authorization was included as part of a capital improvement bond bill, House Bill 4015, which passed on a vote of 156-0.
Established in 1882, the Chelsea Soldiers Home offers housing and personal health care services to Massachusetts veterans. The state plans to build a new 154-bed facility that will provide the state's veterans with a community living center for long term care.
House Bill 4018, sponsored by Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus), authorizes cities and towns to include a check-off box on their municipal property tax or motor vehicle excise tax bills, or a separate form enclosed with these bills, for residents to make a voluntary donation over and above the amount owed on their tax bills. These donations will then be used to help fund the creation and restoration of municipal war monuments and to support other local activities honoring the contributions and sacrifices of the community's veterans.
House Bill 2763, sponsored by Representative Claire Cronin (D-Brockton), requires a designated parking space to be made available free of charge to veterans at all city and town hall parking lots during regular business hours. Non-veterans who park illegally in these spots will be subject to a $100 fine and the potential towing of their vehicle.
"As Americans, we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to our veterans," said Representative Gifford. "I'm proud to support these initiatives in recognition and appreciation of their service to our country."
All three bills now move to the Senate for further action.
Representative Gifford supports effort to reimburse cities and towns for early voting costs
BOSTON –State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, R-Wareham is backing a proposal to reimburse cities and towns for the costs associated with the implementation of the state's early voting law during the November 2016 state election cycle.
The proposal, which was sponsored by the House Republican Leadership, was adopted unanimously by the House of Representatives today as an amendment to the $123.2 million final deficiency supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2017. A vote by the state Senate is still required before the measure can be sent to Governor Baker for his signature.
"The introduction of early voting in Massachusetts required a significant investment of time and resources by our cities and towns," said Representative Gifford. "I'm proud to support this effort to compensate the communities of the 2nd Plymouth District for all the work they did to ensure that the process ran smoothly."
Approved by the Legislature in 2014, the Massachusetts early voting law allows registered voters to cast a ballot as early as 11 business days prior to election day, and up to two business days before the election, every two years as part of the biennial state elections. The law was first implemented for the November 2016 statewide election, when more than 1 million early votes were cast.
In February of 2017, State Auditor Suzanne Bump ruled that some of the expenses incurred by municipalities to implement the early voting law constituted an unfunded mandate, and suggested these costs should be borne by the Commonwealth.
The language adopted by the House today sets aside $485,559 to reimburse cities and towns for costs that have previously been certified by the Division of Local Mandates within the state auditor's office. Municipalities will have until December 31, 2017 to apply for the funding.
The spending bill now moves to the Senate for further action.
Legislature Formally Condemns Neo-Nazi and White Supremacist Groups
Joins the Baker Administration in pledging to promote equality, justice and tolerance
(BOSTON) – Representative Susan Gifford (R-Wareham) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to support a resolution that unequivocally denounces white nationalism and neo-Nazism, and condemns the hatred, bigotry and violence these groups consistently espouse. The resolution will be transmitted to the Mayor of Charlottesville, Governor of Virginia and President of the United States.
In highlighting Massachusetts' historic role in promoting civil rights and justice, the resolution emphasized that the values of these groups stand in irreconcilable conflict with the founding principles of both the Commonwealth and the nation.
"I'm proud to sign this joint resolution on behalf of the House to clearly and unambiguously condemn neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups at work in Charlottesville," said Speaker DeLeo. "I'm grateful to Leader Rushing, Chairwoman Benson and the members of the House for pushing for this important action. Massachusetts residents can be reassured that on matters like this, Governor Baker, Senate President Rosenberg and I, and our respective institutions, stand shoulder to shoulder in opposing violent hatred and intolerance."
"I proudly stand with House and Senate Leadership, Governor Baker, and many of my colleagues in this well thought out, bi-partisan response to the violence in Charlottesville and the hate groups responsible for it," said Representative Gifford. "In standing together, we send a more meaningful message. It is my hope that the residents of the Commonwealth will know that we in government condemn the actions and ideologies of the neo-Nazis and white supremacists everywhere."
Following the signing of the resolution, legislators joined Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito in a moment of silence for the Charlottesville victims. The legislation, which was filed in the wake of the Charlottesville tragedy, states that "intolerance has led to senseless acts of violence that continue to terrorize members of ethnic and religious communities." It urges law enforcement agencies and elected officials to condemn white nationalist and neo-Nazi ideology, vigorously pursue justice in response to hate-fueled violence and work to ensure the protection of marginalized and targeted communities.
ADDRESSING NEO-NAZI AND WHITE NATIONALIST HATE ORGANIZATIONS
WHEREAS, white nationalist organizations in our country have consistently promoted values that are overtly racist, anti-Semitic, and anti-immigrant, and these poisonous ideologies continue to promote hatred, bigotry, and violence specifically against individuals solely on the basis of their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and immigration status; and
WHEREAS, today, white nationalism and neo-Nazism remain very real threats to the values for which the Commonwealth stands, and their reinvention as the "Alt-Right," should not mitigate their hateful ideologies; and
WHEREAS, while free speech is a bedrock value for the citizens in our Commonwealth and Country, white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups promote a message that is the antithesis of Massachusetts' dedication to civil rights for all, and is in irreconcilable conflict with our foundational principles of liberty and justice for all; and
WHEREAS, white nationalism and neo-Nazism are continuing to grow as menaces to societal order as they seek to reignite social animosities, reverse improvements in race relations, divide the nation, and foment hatred, classism, and ethnic eradication; and
WHEREAS, the white nationalist and neo-Nazi message of racial and social intolerance has led to senseless acts of violence that continue to terrorize members of ethnic and religious communities; Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that we strongly denounce and oppose the totalitarian impulses, violence, xenophobic biases, and bigoted ideologies that are promoted by white nationalists and neo-Nazis; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we urge law enforcement agencies and elected officials at every level of government to condemn white nationalist and neo-Nazi ideology, to vigorously pursue justice in response to hate-fueled violence and work to ensure the protection of the marginalized and targeted communities.
RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of Charlottesville, Governor of Virginia and President of the United States.
REPRESENTATIVE GIFFORD ANNOUNCES KEY ENDORSEMENTS
BOSTON - Today State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced endorsements by Union Workers and Small Business Owners. The Massachusetts Laborers' District Council and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) have both endorsed her campaign for re-election.
Joseph Bonfiglio, Business Manager for the Mass & Northern New England Laborers' District Council representing nearly 25,000 general construction laborers and public employees said, "Rep. Gifford's tireless advocacy of issues and protections benefitting working class families has been commendable. We are confident that her passions and commitment to these issues will best serve the interests of our members and all hard working men and women in Massachusetts."
Bill Vernon, NFIB/MA State Director stated that their endorsement is based on Rep. Gifford's votes on issues important to small business owners during her terms in office. "We thank her for her commitment to the needs of thousands of Main Street small businesses and their more than one million employees in Massachusetts," said Mr. Vernon.
"These endorsements are a great honor to me," said Rep. Gifford. "I take great pride that I am recognized as being an advocate for working people and the businesses who employ them. The people I represent are my first priority and I truly have my constituents' best interest at heart."
REPRESENTATIVE GIFFORD TO HOST COMMUTER RAIL FORUM WITH HOUSE TRANSPORTATION CHAIRMAN STRAUS
BOSTON –State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that she will be hosting an informational meeting on the proposed alternative South Coast Rail link through Middleboro. The forum will feature her colleague and House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation, Representative Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett).
The forum will take place on Wednesday, September 21st, 2016 at 7:30pm at the Wareham Town Hall auditorium, 54 Marion Road. The meeting is open to the public and anyone interested in the Middleboro proposal as an alternative to the Stoughton line and the future of commuter rail extension to Wareham is encouraged to attend.
"This proposal of routing commuter rail from South Station to New Bedford and Fall River through Middleboro has some very positive possibilities," said Rep. Gifford. "In addition to cost and environmental mitigation, the proposal may also solve some of the drawbacks to extending regular commuter rail service to Wareham."
This forum precedes a scheduled public meeting of the MassDOT and MBTA on South Coast Rail on Thursday, September 22nd, 2016 at Middleboro High School Auditorium, 71 Grove Street, beginning at 6:30pm. For more information, please contact Rep. Gifford's office in Boston at (617) 722-2100 or her District Office at (508) 295-5999 or by e-mail at Susan.Gifford@mahouse.gov
Wareham Republican casts 559 consecutive roll call votes during 2015-2016 session
BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) congratulated State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) for maintaining a perfect voting record throughout the 2015-2016 legislative session. The Wareham legislator participated in all 559 roll call votes cast in the House of Representatives between January of 2015 and July of 2016, achieving a 100% voting record.
Rep. Gifford cast votes this session on a number of key policy issues including: a landmark bill that focuses on treatment, education and prevention to address this growing public health threat of opioid abuse; a statewide "Stolen Valor Act" to prosecute individuals who falsely claim to be a veteran or military honor recipient in order to fraudulently obtain money, property or other tangible benefits; an historic pay equity law designed to prevent gender-based wage discrimination in the workplace; and legislation reforming the state's public records law for the first time in over 40 years.
In addition to supporting the implementation of rigorous public safety standards for Massachusetts-issued drivers licenses to comply with the federal REAL ID Act, the Wareham lawmaker also cast votes in support of the HOME Act, a comprehensive bill that provides expanded employment protections, enhanced housing opportunities, and additional tax abatements to Massachusetts veterans; legislation expanding the procurement of offshore wind power and hydroelectric power; and a $1.02 billion economic development bill that will help create and retain jobs in the Commonwealth and support critical infrastructure investments.
During the 2015-2016 legislative session, Rep. Gifford reinforced her commitment to the communities within the 2nd Plymouth District by voting in support of significant local aid increases. Over the last two years, Chapter 70 education aid has increased by $227.3 million, bringing the statewide total to a record $4.6 billion. Over the same time period, Unrestricted General Government Aid – which helps communities pay for a variety of essential municipal programs – was increased by $76.1 million, to a total of $1.02 billion.
"The people of the 2nd Plymouth District elected me for a very important job, to represent their best interest on Beacon Hill. Being present to cast a vote is the fundamental responsibility of that job," said Rep. Gifford. "But, it's not just about showing up – it's also about being part of the debate and the voice of my constituents."
Rep. Gifford also recorded votes in support of an $800 million municipal road and bridge bill to help cities and towns address critical infrastructure needs, as well as a municipal modernization bill designed to help streamline municipal operations, provide greater financial flexibility to cities and towns, and improve the delivery of essential services at the local level.
"Representative Gifford continues to be a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and accountability to the state's taxpayers, while effectively championing the needs of her district," said Representative Jones. "The residents of the 2nd Plymouth District are very fortunate to have her representing them and fighting for their interests on Beacon Hill."
Rep. Gifford currently serves as the Assistant Minority Whip and on the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling.
Rep. Gifford to Discuss Senior Safety & Awareness of Scams at Carver COA
Carver - Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R – Wareham) announced today that she will be speaking to the Senior Citizens of Carver on Wednesday, September 14th about cyber security and identifying possible scams.
With an increase of phone calls, emails, and even home visits being reported as fraudulent, it is imperative that all citizens remain vigilant about what information they provide when asked by strangers. When you combine this reality with ever evolving technology, the elderly community is the most at risk.
"Even in the face of increasing fraud and scams targeting almost everyone, our Seniors continue to be the most vulnerable," said Rep. Gifford. "Those who intend to do harm, financial and otherwise, have become more creative and devious so Seniors need to be informed and armed with the knowledge to protect themselves."
The event is scheduled to take place at the Carver Council on Aging located at 48 Lakeview Street on Wednesday, September 14th, 2016 at 10:30am; all Senior Citizens are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Rep. Gifford's office in Boston at (617) 722-2100 or her District Office at (508) 295-5999 or by e-mail at Susan.Gifford@mahouse.gov
Representative Gifford supports launching of new state prescription monitoring system to address opioid crisis
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham), says the launching of a new online state database will enhance doctors' and pharmacists' ability to track the prescribing of opioids and other controlled substances to patients in Massachusetts.
Beginning October 15, all prescribers will be required to check the Massachusetts Prescription Awareness Tool (MassPAT) every time they prescribe a Schedule II or Schedule III narcotic. This mandate was included as part of the comprehensive opioid abuse prevention bill that was signed into law on March 14.
The new tracking system, which replaces the Prescription Monitoring Program established in 1992, was created following a recommendation by Governor Baker's Opioid Working Group that the state develop a more efficient and user-friendly online system.
"Massachusetts is facing an unprecedented opioid crisis that has already claimed far too many victims," said Representative Gifford. "MassPAT is an important tool that will help save lives by curbing drug abuse and preventing people from 'doctor-shopping' to fill multiple prescriptions."
According to the Department of Public Health (DPH), MassPAT will offer faster access to data and reports. In addition to being compatible with the electronic medical record systems used by health providers, MassPAT will allow pharmacists and prescribers to access other states' online databases to provide further safeguards against overprescribing.
Licensed prescribers and pharmacists can access the online database to obtain a patient's history of Schedule II through V prescriptions from the previous 12 months, including prescriptions filled by all Massachusetts pharmacies and out-of-state pharmacies that deliver to Massachusetts. According to DPH, approximately 200,000 prescriptions per week (or 13 million per year) are tracked through the state's program.
DPH reported 1,531 accidental opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts in 2015, an 18% increase over the 1,294 confirmed deaths in 2014. DPH estimates the actual number of opioid deaths for 2015 could increase to 1,659 once all cases pending before the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are finalized.
An average of four people die from an opioid overdose every single day in Massachusetts, with DPH reporting that 3 out of every 4 communities in the Commonwealth experienced at least one opioid-related overdose death between 2012 and 2014.
Representative Gifford supports legislation to assist cities and towns with their finances and operations
Includes her Cranberry Task Force Recommendation
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) has endorsed comprehensive legislation that will help streamline municipal operations and provide greater financial flexibility to cities and towns.
On the last day of formal legislative sessions, the House of Representatives voted 158-0 to pass House Bill 4565, An Act to modernize municipal finance and government. The bill represents a compromise reached by a six-member Conference Committee that was appointed on July 18 to work out the differences between previously approved House and Senate versions of the bill.
"The municipal modernization bill contains many important provisions that will help to improve the delivery of essential services at the local level," said Representative Gifford. "Municipal officials from across the state had identified this bill as a top priority, and I'm proud to support its passage on behalf of the communities in my district."
House Bill 4565 provides cities and towns with the option of creating special reserve funds to pay for unanticipated costs associated with special education, out-of-school-district tuition or transportation. The balance of such funds would be capped at 2% of the annual net school spending of the school district.
The bill also increases the amount that cities may appropriate for a reserve fund from 3% to 5% of the tax levy for the preceding fiscal year. In addition to allowing end-of-fiscal-year transfers from health insurance, debt service or other unclassified or non-departmental line items, the bill eliminates the 3% cap on the amount of funding that may be transferred from any department.
Some key provisions from the Cranberry Revitalization Task Force report were also included in the bill. One of them is a recommendation from Rep. Gifford as a member of the Task Force's Exit Strategies sub-committee. It expands the Chapter 61A tax roll-back exemption for land subject to a permanent wetland reserve easement through the agricultural conservation easement program, and land subject to other federal conservation programs. "If we really want to incentivize land owners to keep their land in conservation, taxing them is not the way to do it," said Rep. Gifford.
Another provision included in the municipal modernization bill allows appropriations for local stabilization funds to be made by a majority vote and permits communities to dedicate all or a portion of particular revenue streams to the fund, without appropriation. A 2/3 vote would be required to make appropriations from the fund.
lifts the cap on investments in certificates of deposit from 1 year to 3 years to enable communities to secure better rates on short-term investments;
authorizes 10-year bond anticipation notes to provide more flexibility in structuring debt;
empowers the chief administrative officer to authorize deficit spending for snow and ice removal;
allows municipalities to deny local licenses and permits to delinquent taxpayers who have not filed a good faith application for abatement;
increases to $50,000 the amount of surplus bond proceeds that can be applied to debt service;
amends the municipal procurement laws by increasing the dollar threshold for horizontal construction projects requiring less-than-full competitive bidding from $10,000 to $50,000, and adds a "middle tier" of contracts valued at between $10,000 and $50,000 for which public entities may either give public notification of the contract or use the Operational Services Division's (OSD) statewide contracts or other "blanket" contracts to solicit a minimum of three bids;
requires vertical construction contracts awarded using a competitive bidding process be advertised on the OSD's COMMBUYS system;
increases the property tax exemption for commercial fishing boats, nets and gear from $10,000 to $50,000, and changes the eligibility standard by requiring that at least half of the taxpayer's income come from commercial fishing;
gives communities the option of using electronic poll books for elections;
allows for automatic approval of payment for liabilities incurred as a result of emergencies and disasters when the Governor declares a state of emergency;
authorizes the chief executive entity of any city, town or government unit to enter into a joint powers agreement with another governmental unit for the joint exercise of any of their common powers and duties within a designated region;
sets April 1 as the deadline for personal exemption applications in all communities, including exemptions to the municipal water infrastructure surcharge, creating a uniform and consistent deadline for taxpayers;
removes the $5,000 expenditure limit placed on vocational schools' revolving funds used for culinary arts or other related programs;
increases from $20,000 to $150,000 the amount that municipalities may spend without appropriation from insurance or restitution proceeds to restore or replace damaged property;
updates the lost or damaged school book and materials restitution exception to include electronic devices and equipment provided to students;
allows for the creation of municipal agricultural commissions to promote and develop local agricultural resources;
expands the roll-back taxes exemption for land used or converted to a renewable energy generating source,
authorizes land being used primarily for agriculture or horticulture to be used as a site for a renewable energy generating source, provided that the site produce energy exclusively for the use of the land and farm upon it, and that it not produce more than 125% of the annual energy needs of the land and farm;
The municipal modernization bill, which was also enacted by the Senate, now heads to Governor Charlie Baker's desk for his review and signaturee
Representative Gifford calls on Attorney General to rescind latest gun law Enforcement Notice
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R- Wareham) has joined with her legislative colleagues in a bipartisan effort to call upon the Attorney General to rescind her recent Enforcement Notice relative to the state's assault weapons ban.
Representative Gifford was one of 48 House members and 10 Senate members to co-sponsor a letter to Attorney General Maura Healey expressing their strong concerns about her July 20, 2016 Enforcement Notice, which notified licensed gun dealers that her office is "stepping up" its enforcement efforts against the sale and possession of firearms deemed to be "copies" or "duplicates" of guns banned under the state's 1998 assault weapons law. The letter was signed by 40 Republicans and 18 Democrats.
In her notice, Healey outlined a two-test process her office will now use to determine if a weapon is banned under the law. Specifically, she has ruled that "a weapon is a copy or duplicate if its internal operating system is essentially the same as those of a specifically-banned weapon or if the gun has key functional components that are interchangeable with those of a banned weapon."
Legislators who signed the letter strongly objected to the manner in which the Attorney General issued the Enforcement Notice, noting that this policy decision was implemented without providing any advance notice or soliciting input from the public or the Legislature.
"We want to be clear that we are not opposed to revisiting the state's gun laws periodically to ensure that they are up-to-date and being properly enforced," legislators wrote. "However, we believe strongly that any such review should be accompanied by a rigorous debate of the Legislature, with full public input, before any changes are made to ensure that lawful gun owners have a clear understanding of the law and how it will be enforced."
"Regardless of opinions pertaining to our 2nd Amendment rights, everyone should be extremely concerned about the way in which the A.G. has acted," said Rep. Gifford. "Today, it's Healey's interpretation of gun laws that have been on the books for years. Who knows what she will do next. We are working on finding solutions to protect the rights of law abiding citizens."
According to the Attorney General's office, "For many years, the gun industry has been marketing and selling what they describe as 'Massachusetts compliant' assault weapons, despite the fact that these guns are actually banned under existing state law." Lawmakers questioned the timing of the Enforcement Notice, wondering why Healey and her two predecessors in the Attorney General's office have never initiated any prosecutorial actions challenging the sale or possession of these weapons.
"For the last 18 years, the law has been implemented and enforced consistently, both by your office and your predecessors," the letter states. "Your new directive, which has been presented by your office as nothing more than a closing of "loopholes" in the current law, appears in fact to be much more than that: the enforcement of a whole new law that unfairly infringes on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners in Massachusetts."
On her website, the Attorney General acknowledges there is currently no list of weapons that are banned under state law, but indicated that her office "will work with gun dealers, as necessary, to help them identify the guns that meet one or both of the tests of a copy or duplicate."
"Licensed dealers and gun owners are rightfully concerned about the ambiguity of the directive and the possibility that they could inadvertently violate its terms and thereby subject themselves to substantial penalties, including fines, imprisonment and license revocation," the legislators wrote.
Healey has indicated that her office will not pursue legal action against anyone who had purchased one of these weapons prior to the issuance of her Enforcement Notice. Licensed gun dealers who have any of these items in stock have been told they may "transfer them out-of-state to jurisdictions where sales of these weapons are legal."
Representative Gifford supports bill providing state financial assistance for municipal roads and bridges
BOSTON – State Representative Gifford (R-Wareham) joined with her colleagues today to support legislation that will help cities and towns address critical infrastructure needs.
House Bill 4424, An Act financing improvements to municipal roads and bridges, includes $50 million in funding for a new Small Bridge Program and streamlines the Complete Streets Program to encourage more communities to apply for funding assistance for local road projects. It also authorizes $750 million in new highway spending, which will be used to leverage additional federal dollars.
"Maintaining local roads and bridges is a costly but necessary expense," said Representative Gifford. "The bill passed by the House today represents a significant investment of state resources that will help our cities and towns improve the safety and reliability of their infrastructure."
The Small Bridge Program is designed specifically to reimburse communities for repairing or replacing structurally-deficient smaller bridges – measuring 20 feet or less in length – that are located on municipal roadways but do not qualify for federal funding assistance. Approximately 1,300 bridges statewide fall into this category.
The bill funds the Small Bridge Program at $10 million a year for 5 years. Funding awarded through this competitive grant program can be used to cover design, construction and administrative costs. In addition to capping the maximum funding available to a single municipality at $500,000 per year, the bill also prohibits the Massachusetts Department of Transportation from allocating more than 20% of funds to any one highway district.
Under the Small Bridge Program, participating municipalities will be responsible for administering local bridge projects through the design and construction phases, including the procurement of a designer as well as the bidding and oversight of the construction contract. The municipality will also be responsible for obtaining all environmental permits, coordinating with affected utility companies, and securing required rights of way.
Representative Gifford noted that the bill also updates the Complete Street Program by changing it from a certificate program to a grant program. This change is designed to make it easier for communities to access funding through the program, which can be used for municipal roadway improvements such as new crosswalks, enhanced street lighting, timing changes to traffic signals and the creation of designated bike lanes.
Established in 2014, the Complete Streets Program is designed to promote safe and accessible roadways for people of all ages and abilities, whether they walk, bike, use public transit or drive a motor vehicle.
The bill is now in the committee on Senate Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Representative Gifford supports bill granting cities and towns more flexibility, local control
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) is supporting comprehensive legislation giving cities and towns more flexibility and control over everything from contract procurement and municipal borrowing to the issuance of liens and the management of local stabilization funds.
House Bill 4397, An Act to modernize municipal finance and government, was approved unanimously by the House of Representatives on a 153-0 vote on June 15. The bill reflects many of the priorities the Baker-Polito Administration included in its own version of the municipal modernization bill filed last December by updating or eliminating obsolete laws, streamlining state oversight and granting more independence to municipalities.
"Cities and towns have long been advocating for more flexibility in dealing with a variety of issues that impact municipal government, and this bill delivers on that request," said Representative Gifford. "Today's action by the House provides communities with a wide range of options for better managing municipal finances and improving local government operations."
To help local officials address extraordinary or unforeseen expenses, House Bill 4397 increases the amount that cities may appropriate for a reserve fund from 3% to 5% of the tax levy for the preceding fiscal year. The 5% level conforms to what is currently authorized for towns and districts.
The House bill eliminates existing limits on the types and amounts of appropriation transfers that can be made by local selectmen with finance committee approval. In addition to allowing end-of-fiscal-year transfers from health insurance, debt service or other unclassified or non-departmental line items, the bill eliminates the 3% cap on the amount of funding that may be transferred from any department.
Another provision contained in the House bill permits appropriations into local stabilization funds by a majority vote and permits municipalities, without appropriation, to dedicate all or a portion of particular revenue streams to the fund. It also eliminates the 10% prior year property tax cap on the amount reserved, but retains the requirement for a 2/3 vote to make appropriations from the fund.
House Bill 4397 authorizes 10-year bond anticipation notes to provide municipal treasurers with more flexibility in structuring debt. In addition, the bill allows cities and towns to borrow in advance of receiving federal grants and lifts the cap on investments in certificates of deposit from 1 year to 3 years to help communities secure better rates on short-term investments. It also empowers the chief administrative office in a municipality to authorize deficit spending for snow and ice removal without having to secure the prior approval of the local city council or board of selectmen.
If a taxpayer has neglected or refused to pay local taxes and has not filed a good faith application for abatement, the bill allows municipalities to deny local licenses and permits to that taxpayer until the taxes are paid. Current law permits this collection method, but only if the taxpayer has been delinquent for at least one year. The bill also allows municipalities to impose liens on properties for unpaid fines.
The statutes governing municipal construction procurement are also modified by House Bill 4397. For example, the bill increases the dollar threshold for horizontal construction, such as road and bridge projects, requiring less-than-full competitive bidding from $10,000 to $50,000. It adds a "middle tier" of contracts valued at between $10,000 and $50,000 for which public entities may either give public notification of the contract or use the Operational Services Division's (OSD) statewide contracts or other "blanket" contracts to solicit a minimum of three bids.
In addition, the bill amends the public advertising requirements for vertical construction contracts awarded using a competitive bidding process. Municipalities are already required to advertise these contracts at least once in their local newspapers, not less than two weeks prior to the specified deadline for receiving bids, but House Bill 4397 requires that these contracts also be advertised on the OSD's COMMBUYS system.
To facilitate the implementation of the new "E-Citations" project jointly administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), House Bill 4397 amends definitions and other references to paper citations to include electronically issued citations; gives EOPSS the authority to promulgate regulations to set standards for e-citations and associated equipment requirements; and ensures that both paper and electronic copies of citations are properly delivered by police departments to the RMV and district courts.
The bill also:
allows municipalities and districts that provide water and sewer services to customers outside their borders to establish liens when customers of municipal utility services fail to pay their user charges when due;
authorizes the DOR commissioner to approve a revised tax rate when a community has made significant inadvertent errors in its submission, as long as tax bills have not yet been issued;
increases the amount of surplus bond proceeds that can be applied to debt service from $1,000 to $50,000;
permits governmental units to establish an Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liability Trust Fund, clarifying current language, which only authorizes a reserve fund for retiree health insurance purposes;
allows cities and towns to combine their treasurer and tax collector into a single appointed position without having to secure a special act of the Legislature;
increases the property tax exemption for commercial fishing boats, nets and gear from $10,000 to $50,000;
provides communities the option to use electronic poll books for elections
eliminates the current procedure under which DOR values state-owned land every four years, replacing that process with a statutory formula for determining the valuation every two years after the 2017 valuation required by current law;
authorizes the board of selectmen in a town to approve the establishment of an industrial development financing authority, and permits the board of selectmen in two or more towns to consolidate the functions of their industrial development financing authorities; and
increases by $130,000 the amount that municipalities may spend without appropriation from insurance or restitution proceeds to restore or replace damaged property, from $20,000 to $150,000.
Representative Gifford supports HOME Act
to assist MA veterans with housing and employment
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, (R-Wareham), joined with her colleagues in the House of Representatives today to unanimously approve legislation to enhance housing and employment opportunities for Massachusetts veterans.
The bill – An Act relative to Housing, Operations, Military Service and Enrichment, or the HOME Act – calls for the creation of a new Office for State Veterans' Homes and Housing within the Department of Veterans' Services. In addition to giving veterans preference in state-assisted public housing units, the bill also makes veterans a protected class for hiring purposes.
"The HOME Act seeks to address the needs of our veterans, particularly as it relates to housing," said Representative Gifford. "With Memorial Day fast approaching, it's only fitting that we take these steps now to recognize our veterans and remember the many sacrifices they have made on our behalf."
The proposed Office for State Veterans' Homes and Housing will provide oversight of the Chelsea and Holyoke Soldiers' Homes. The office will also be responsible for making recommendations to address veterans' housing needs across the Commonwealth.
Although veterans currently are given preference in public housing, this preference generally applies only to housing units within the community in which the veteran resides. The HOME Act includes a provision championed by Assistant Minority Leader Brad Hill (R-Ipswich) to give veterans statewide preference for public housing. The bill also prohibits housing authorities from counting as income any veterans benefits for service-connected disabilities in excess of $1,800 when calculating rent.
During floor debate, two Republican amendments were adopted and incorporated into the bill. One amendment, filed by Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus), gives cities and towns the option of establishing a fund to assist local veterans and their spouses with their food, transportation and heating expenses, using money raised through a voluntary check-off box on municipal property and excise tax bills. The other amendment, filed by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), would allow certain surviving family members of American soldiers who were killed in action, and who possess a US Department of Defense-issued Gold Star Lapel Button and letter of approval, to obtain a Gold Star Family license plate from the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.
The HOME Act also contains provisions to assist veterans with securing employment. Under current law, recipients of the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross can be appointed to civil service positions without having to taken an exam. The HOME Act extends this exemption to recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal and Silver Star Medal.
The HOME Act also:
Reconfigures the Massachusetts Post-Deployment Commission, which will study the barriers facing military personnel returning to civilian life and identify ways to better assist these veterans with accessing education, employment, healthcare, housing and other services;
Expands property tax abatements for surviving spouses of service members to include those who have died from injuries or diseases sustained during active service, even if those injuries were not sustained in a combat zone;
Offers full property tax abatements for the permanent residence of any veteran with a 100% disability rating for service-connected blindness;
Extends eligibility for the Public Service Scholarship Program to the children and spouses of Prisoners of War (POWs) who served after Vietnam;
Provides for state employees who are in the reserves and ordered to active duty for more than 30 days to continue receiving their full state salary, minus their reserve pay; and
Allows local Veterans' Agents to be appointed to three-year terms, rather than on an annual basis.
The HOME Act now moves to the Senate for further action.
Representative Gifford supports FY17 House budget that holds the line on taxes and increases local aid
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, [R- Wareham], joined with her colleagues in the House of Representatives to approve a $39.5 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2017. The budget was engrossed on a vote of 156-0 on April 27.
Representative Gifford was able to successfully secure earmarks to support important local initiatives such as $50,000 for a full time Council on Aging Director, and no less than $25,000 for the operation of the Rt. 195 Visitor Information Center in Wareham.
Like the budget proposal Governor Baker released in January, the House budget does not contain any tax increases and significantly reduces the state's reliance on one-time revenues. It also provides for increased local aid for cities and towns.
"As legislators, our first priority is to the taxpayers of the Commonwealth and making sure their tax dollars are being spent wisely and efficiently," said Representative Gifford. "The Baker-Polito Administration has set a high standard for fiscal responsibility, and the House budget in many ways reflects this pro-taxpayer approach."
State tax revenues for Fiscal Year 2017 are expected to total $26.86 billion, which represents a 4.3 percent increase over the current revenue projections for Fiscal Year 2016. However, both Governor Baker and the House have attempted to limit spending growth to just 3.5 percent.
The House budget funds Chapter 70 education aid at $4.6 billion, which is $96 million more than the current fiscal year and $24 million higher than the Governor's proposal, allowing for a guaranteed statewide minimum increase of $55 per pupil. Unrestricted general government aid, which can be used for a wide range of municipal spending purposes, is increased by $42.1 million to a total of $1.022 billion.
Representative Gifford noted that under the House budget plan, Wareham will receive $12,708,042 in Chapter 70 education aid and $1,902,369 in unrestricted state aid. Carver will receive $9,863,519 in Chapter 70 education aid and $1,404,600 in unrestricted state aid. Middleboro will receive $17,709,989 in Chapter 70 education aid and $2,370,560 in unrestricted state aid.
The House budget increases funding for the "Pothole" account from $2.5 million to $10 million to provide extraordinary relief to school districts that experience a substantial shortfall between their Chapter 70 aid and target Chapter 70 aid. The budget also includes $276.6 million for Special Education Circuit Breaker reimbursements – fully funding the state's share of special education aid for local school districts at 75 percent – while also providing $85.5 million for charter school reimbursements and $60 million for regional school transportation reimbursements.
For the second consecutive year, the House budget does not draw money from the state Stabilization Fund. Instead, it provides for $210 million to be deposited into the fund, which will bring the balance to $1.47 billion. The House budget also relies on $253 million in one-time revenues, which is about $350 million less than the current budget.
The budget now moves to the Senate, which is expected to release its own spending proposal in mid-May.
Representative Gifford supports proposal to use excess state revenues to boost local aid
BOSTON – In an effort to enhance local aid for communities in the 2nd Plymouth District, State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) supported a proposal this week to return a portion of any surplus state revenue in the upcoming fiscal year to the Commonwealth's cities and towns.
The proposal, offered by House Republican Leadership as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2017 state budget currently being debated by the House of Representatives, received the unanimous support of the House Republican Caucus but was defeated on a roll call vote of 37-121 on April 25.
The Fiscal Year 2017 budget is being formulated based on an assumption that state tax revenues will total $26.86 billion in the new fiscal year that begins on July 1st. This represents an increase of $1.1 billion – or 4.3 percent – over current revenue projections for Fiscal Year 2016, which ends June 30th.
If actual Fiscal Year 2017 revenues were to surpass projections, Representative Gifford noted, the amendment would have required 50 percent of the excess revenue – up to $100 million – to be made available as additional local aid to cities and towns. The proposal also stipulated that this surplus revenue be allocated on a proportional basis using the distribution formula for unrestricted general government aid, which can be used by municipalities to fund a wide variety of local needs.
"Communities across the Commonwealth are struggling to deliver essential municipal services," said Representative Gifford. "Although the proposed House budget calls for significant increases in local aid funding in Fiscal Year 2017, this amendment would have gone even further in helping to reduce the financial pressures our cities and towns are currently facing."
With the exception of tax collections received during the Great Recession, actual state tax receipts have historically been higher than the consensus revenue estimate. In recent years, excess revenues have averaged $730 million, representing growth of almost 4 percent over original projections.
Representatives Orrall and Gifford support bill to curb opioid abuse
BOSTON – State Representatives Keiko M. Orrall, (R- Lakeville) and Susan Williams Gifford, (R- Wareham) joined with their colleagues to unanimously approve legislation targeting the state's opioid abuse crisis.
House Bill 4056, An Act relative to substance use, treatment, education and prevention, passed the House on a vote of 153-0. The final bill reflects a compromise reached by a six-member conference committee, which spent the past seven weeks working to resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill that passed earlier this year.
"The Baker-Polito Administration and the Legislature have made a commitment to ending the scourge of opioid abuse, which has already claimed the lives of far too many people in the Commonwealth," said Representative Orrall. "This bill represents a positive step forward in our efforts to expand drug treatment and prevention in Massachusetts, but there is still more work to be done to address this public health crisis."
Rep. Gifford echoed her colleague's concerns, "The Legislature, under the leadership of Governor Baker has taken some life-saving steps to combat horrible crisis that knows no bounds. No one wants to be an addict and we've provided a path for those who want help and resources for families to help them deal with addiction," said Rep. Gifford. "There is still more to be done but this legislation is a huge step forward."
An average of four people die from an opioid overdose every single day in Massachusetts, and the Department of Public Health (DPH) has reported that 3 out of every 4 communities in the Commonwealth experienced at least one opioid-related overdose death between 2012 and 2014.
The conference committee report retains several key provisions that were included in the original House opioid bill that passed on January 13. These provisions include: limits on the amount of opioids that can be prescribed for acute care patients; expanded use of the state's Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP); and a requirement that hospitals conduct a substance abuse evaluation within the first 24 hours of an individual being brought to the emergency room after suffering an overdose.
In an attempt to curb prescription drug abuse, the opioid bill requires the PMP to be utilized each time a Schedule II or Schedule III narcotic drug prescription is issued. According to the Baker-Polito Administration, 4.4 million prescriptions were written and 240 million Schedule II and Schedule III pills were disbursed in the Commonwealth in 2014 alone. That same year, Massachusetts recorded nearly 1,300 opioid-related deaths.
The opioid bill also:
imposes a 7-day supply limit for adult patients who are prescribed an opiate for the first time, and caps all opiate prescriptions for minors at a 7-day supply;
gives patients the option of requesting a partial-fill prescription, or requesting in writing that they not be prescribed any opioid medications;
requires the Drug Formulary Commission to identify and publish a list of FDA-approved non-opioid drug products that provide an effective alternative for pain management, and to distribute this list to all prescribers and dispensers;
requires medical practitioners to receive training in effective pain management and the risks of abuse and addiction associated with opioid medication before obtaining or renewing their license;
mandates that pharmaceutical companies operating in Massachusetts maintain or participate in a drug stewardship program to collect and safely dispose of unwanted drugs; and
allows schools to utilize a confidential verbal screening tool to screen students for substance abuse disorders, which students can opt out of if their parents provide the school with prior written notification.
The opioid bill was signed by Governor Charlie Baker on Monday, March 14th 2016.
Representative Gifford Kicks-off Re-election Campaign
MIDDLEBOROUGH – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R – Wareham) kicked off her re-election campaign with special guest Governor Charlie Baker and a surprise visit by First Lady Lauren Baker. The event took place Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 at the Boston Tavern in Middleborough with approximately 100 supporters and other state and local elected officials in attendance.
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said in his introduction that Rep. Gifford has long been known for assisting the D.A.'s office in important matters such as the passage of Melanie's Law which targeted repeat drunk drivers and pushing for funding to relocate and make necessary upgrades to the D.A.'s office in Brockton. "Susan has been a great asset to law enforcement efforts not just in Plymouth County but state wide," said D.A. Cruz. "We are so fortunate to have her as a strong advocate for law enforcement and public safety."
In her remarks, Rep. Gifford spoke about some of her legislative priorities. "Our cities and towns depend on state aid to help them provide services to citizens and keep taxes under control. Local aid has always been a priority for me and that will continue," said Rep. Gifford. She also spoke of her efforts to bring about much needed reforms to the state's Chapter 40B law and the importance of keeping tourism funding coming to the 2nd Plymouth District. "I am also honored to be serving as a member of the Cranberry Revitalization Task Force created by the Legislature last year," Rep. Gifford said. "My District is home to the most actively farmed acres of cranberry bogs in the Commonwealth. We are doing very important work to keep the industry competitive, innovative and environmentally friendly while preserving open space."
Rep. Gifford also said a big announcement will be forthcoming on April 14th concerning the Commuter Rail Extension Pilot Program in a joint public forum with residents and town officials from Wareham and Bourne. "Since I was a Selectman back in 1999, I have been working to make the extension of commuter rail service from Middleboro/Lakeville to Wareham and Buzzards Bay a reality. The Pilot Program is still awaiting final approval so I can't give any details now but this is going to be great news for our towns," said Rep. Gifford.
In her introduction of Governor Baker, Rep. Gifford said working with the Baker Administration is like a breath of fresh air. "When we need information, all we do is send an e-mail or make a phone call and guess what? You get a response! Imagine that," Rep. Gifford said. "Governor Baker has worked tirelessly on the Opioid Addiction Bill, expansion of Charter Schools, State and Local Partnerships and improving Municipal Finance and Government. I am so honored to have him here this evening."
Governor Baker began by speaking of the Opioid Bill just signed into law on Monday, March 14th. "This Opioid Bill was not something that I initially ran for office to accomplish, but everywhere I went in the state I would constantly hear of this horrible disease. It really affected everybody and I know Susan shared my belief that something had to be done. I was happy to work with Susan and her colleagues on this Bill that we are expecting to become a national model."
In speaking about his bill, An Act to Modernize Municipal Finance and Government, Governor Baker said, "It was important for me to improve relations between State and Local government and I am happy to work with experienced Representatives like Susan who know these issues and helped get things done to create a more efficient system." The First Lady of the Commonwealth, Lauren Baker joined Susan and the Governor following an event she attended on the Cape.
Representative Gifford sets date for "Charlie Card Event"
for Wareham Seniors
BOSTON - In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R – Wareham) will hold a Senior Charlie Card event for the Town of Wareham on Friday, April 1st, 2016 in the Community Room at the Wareham Senior Center from 10:00am to 11:30am. This event, provided by MassDOT, is intended to offer senior citizens throughout the commonwealth the ability to apply for a reduced fare CharlieCard without having to travel into Boston.
In order to prevent fraud, the MBTA only allows individuals to sign up for a reduced fare CharlieCard at their Downtown Crossing location. However, the DOT realizes that this may be difficult for some Senior citizens so they are looking to have State Representatives, Senators, and Senior Centers help organize a "CharlieCard Event" in order to make the reduced fare CharlieCard more accessible.
"In order to have this event in Wareham, we needed a minimum of 15 Seniors to attend," said Rep. Gifford. "I'm delighted that the interest in obtaining the Senior Discount CharlieCards far exceeded our expectations. We will have plenty of applications for anyone who still may want to apply but had not yet contacted my office."
Any senior, age 65 or older, with a valid RMV New England issued ID (which is required to apply) is encouraged to attend the event on April 1st. For more information, please contact Rep. Gifford's office in Boston at (617) 722-2100, her District Office at (508) 295-5999 or by e-mail at Susan.Gifford@mahouse.gov
Wareham Republican casts 179 consecutive roll call votes in first half of 2015-2016 session.
BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) congratulated State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) for maintaining a perfect voting record for the first half of the 2015-2016 legislative session. The Wareham legislator participated in all 179 roll call votes cast in the House of Representatives between January and November of 2015, a 100% voting record.
Representative Gifford cast votes this session on a number of key policy issues including: a fentanyl trafficking bill that imposes a prison sentence of up to 20 years for manufacturing, distributing or dispensing more than 10 grams of fentanyl or any of its derivatives; a statewide "Stolen Valor Act" to prosecute individuals who falsely claim to be a veteran or recipient of a military honor in order to obtain money, property or other tangible benefits; legislation limiting the amount of time Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders can secure a stay of final classification pending a court appeal, and mandating an expedited hearing process whenever a stay is granted; and legislation raising the private and public net metering cap to encourage more solar energy projects across the state.
Additionally, the Wareham lawmaker registered votes on legislation regulating secondary metal dealings; clearing titles to foreclosed properties; and reforming the state's public records law.
"Every vote is an important one, regardless of the issue. Representing the people of the 2nd Plymouth District means the world to me and is not a task I take lightly," said Representative Gifford. "My constituents elected me to represent their best interest on Beacon Hill. Being present to cast those votes is the fundamental responsibility of that job. I am dedicated, committed and honored to serve the people I represent and my voting record is a testament to that."
Representative Gifford further reinforced her commitment to the municipalities within the 2nd Plymouth District by voting in support of significant funding increases in local aid for cities and towns in the Fiscal Year 2016 budget. This year's budget includes:
$4.5 billion in Chapter 70 education aid, an increase of $111.2 million;
$979.8 million in unrestricted general government aid, an increase of $34 million;
$271.7 million for the special education Circuit Breaker, an increase of $18.3 million, which funds the state's share of special education aid for local school districts at 75%;
$59 million for regional school transportation, an increase of $7.5 million; and
an additional $80.5 million set aside for charter school reimbursements to cities and towns, an increase of $3.6 million.
Representative Gifford currently serves as the Assistant Minority Whip and is on the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling.
Representative Gifford Looks into "Charlie Card Event" for Wareham Seniors
BOSTON - In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R – Wareham) is looking into the possibility of holding a "CharlieCard Event" for senior citizens of the Town of Wareham. This event provided by MassDOT is intended to offer senior citizens throughout the commonwealth the ability to apply for a reduced fare CharlieCard without having to travel into Boston.
"In order to have this event in Wareham, we need a minimum of 15 Seniors to attend," said Rep. Gifford. "Therefore, I'm asking everyone to make sure they check with their family members, friends and neighbors in regard to possible interest in getting a CharlieCard."
Any senior interested in such an event with a valid RMV New England issued ID (which is required to apply) is encouraged to contact Rep. Gifford's office in Boston at (617) 722-2100, her District Office at (508) 295-5999 or by e-mail at Susan.Gifford@mahouse.gov
Rep. Gifford appointed to key committee, leadership posts
BOSTON – House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) is pleased to announce that he has appointed Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) to a top leadership post and a key legislative committee for the 2015-2016 session.
Representative Gifford has been named as the Assistant Minority Whip for the House Republican Caucus, where she will work alongside the Minority Whip to help manage the caucus' legislative agenda and track important votes. The Wareham legislator has also been appointed to the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling, which is charged with assisting the Speaker and the members of the House of Representatives in identifying the major matters pending before the General Court, and the relative urgency and priority for the consideration of such matters.
"Representative Gifford will play an important role in helping to lead the caucus during the current legislative session," said Representative Jones. "She has always done a tremendous job representing the residents of her district by fighting to keep taxes low, promote affordable housing and protect senior citizens and the environment, and I am confident she will continue to do so in her new position."
"I am honored to receive my new committee and leadership assignments from the Minority Leader, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pursue a responsible legislative agenda that will address the needs and concerns of all my constituents," said Representative Gifford.
Representative Gifford represents the Second Plymouth District, which consists of the communities of Carver, Wareham and Precincts 3 and 6 in Middleborough. She has been a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2003.
REPRESENTATIVE GIFFORD ANNOUNCES EARMARK IN HOUSE BUDGET FOR TURNING POINT IN WAREHAM
BOSTON –State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that the budget amendment she filed in the House Budget back in April for the Turning Point Day Resource Center for the Homeless and Near Homeless in Wareham was included in the Conference Committees version of the Fiscal Year 2015 budget.
The earmark in the category of Housing and Community Development states that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for Turning Point. "I am delighted to see that the services provided to the community by Turning Point were recognized by the members of the Conference Committee," Rep. Gifford said. "Even though the local economy is showing some signs of improvement, there is no shortage of individuals and families having difficulty meeting their financial obligations. This funding will help Turning Point keep up with the ever growing demand for assistance."
After being filed by Representative Gifford and adopted into the House version of the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget, the earmark request was sent to the Senate where it was again successfully adopted after their budget debate in mid-May. The next stop for the $15,000 earmark was the House and Senate Conference Committee. Having just been approved, it now continues its journey to the Governor's desk for final approval.
Rep. Gifford has been successful in the past, taking the lead in securing funds for Turning Point as recently as FY2009. However, due to the state's economic downturn, requests for earmarked funding were severely limited for the past several years.
BOSTON –State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that the budget amendment she filed for Turning Point Day Resource Center for the Homeless and Near Homeless in Wareham was adopted by the House during the Fiscal Year 2015 budget debate last week.
The earmark in the category of Labor and Economic Development states that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for Turning Point. "It was important this year to try to get Turning Point some much needed State assistance," Rep. Gifford said. "This funding will help them to keep up with the ever growing demand of their services due to escalating numbers individuals and families having difficulty meeting their financial obligations."
The earmark must now be successfully adopted by the Senate when they begin their FY2015 budget debate in mid-May and subsequently by the Conference Committee of the House and Senate in June before going to the Governor's desk. "It sounds like a long process but we've done it before and I'm hopeful we can do this again," said Rep. Gifford.
Representative Susan Gifford Instrumental in
Wide Sweeping Welfare Reform Legislation
Republican Amendments Ensure Program Integrity and Long-Term Sustainability
BOSTON – Representative Susan W. Gifford(R-Wareham) was joined by the entire House of Representatives in unanimously approving a welfare reform package aimed at increasing oversight of the taxpayer-funded Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program.
Although House Bill 3737 – An Act Encouraging Low-Income Savings and Economic Opportunity, initially included many provisions for which Republicans had long lobbied – tax return disclosure for income verification, increased penalties for food stamp trafficking, and increased oversight of work requirements – the legislation, as proposed, did not go far enough in addressing the root of the perpetual fraud and mismanagement within the EBT system.
"I am very pleased that the House of Representatives has followed through on another step toward achieving a taxpayer-funded EBT program to serve those citizens in real need of assistance, and who have taken the appropriate and legal steps to secure those benefits," said Rep. Gifford. "The reform package approved by the House acknowledges the majority party's recognition that by including Republican-led amendments aimed at eliminating all levels and degrees of waste, fraud, and abuse within the EBT program, we as a legislature can play an instrumental role in facilitating a pathway to self-sufficiency for people currently receiving assistance."
With a core goal of ensuring that benefits are obtained, distributed, and expended in a manner that is both lawful and beneficial to the recipient of the assistance, the Republican Caucus was successful in offering amendments which rectify current problems within the system while safeguarding the long-term integrity of the welfare program. Some of the proposals offered by Republicans, and adopted by the House, which protect taxpayers and benefit recipients alike include:
Requiring a valid social security number to be provided upon application for benefits, while establishing an exemption for victims of domestic violence and a three-month grace period for expectant mothers and children under four months of age.
Adding a minority party appointment to the Poverty Reduction Commission to ensure that the Commission is bipartisan and reflects a range of viewpoints.
Instructing the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to implement a school attendance verification system for the Commonwealth's students.
Creating a special commission to study the feasibility of establishing a tax credit for small businesses that hire Massachusetts residents who are recipients of DTA benefits, thereby simultaneously aiding both the business and the recipient.
Directing the Secretary of Administration & Finance to study the efficacy of the current benefit systems in Massachusetts, to examine whether the system is successfully moving individuals out of poverty and toward self-sufficiency.
Having passed the House of Representatives and the State Senate, the legislation will now be sent to a Conference Committee to resolve the differences between the two bills.
Representative Gifford Successfully Advocates for Repeal of Technology Tax
Fight Against Destructive Tax on Computer Services Heads to Senate
BOSTON - Today, Representative Susan W. Gifford (R-Wareham) and her Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives were successful in their quest to repeal the Democrat-approved job killing computer services tax, all while refraining from implementing any new revenue measure.
"The repeal of the tax on the technology industry is the direct resultofthe hard-work, dedication and resilience of Beacon Hill Republicans, as well as our partnership with industry professionals," said Rep. Gifford."Today's vote to eliminate the technology tax further illustrates the ill-effects of the Democrats' taxation without information approach to revenue. House Republicans will continue to fight any attempt to suppress economic growth and remain steadfast in our support of the taxpayers and small businesses of the Commonwealth."
The repeal of the tax, widely regarded as the largest and broadest tax on computer and software services in the nation, marks the culmination of a six-month long endeavor by legislative Republicans to eliminate the unprecedented revenue measure.
Having recognized the deleterious effect of a tax on the technology industry, contained within a $500 million transportation plan, House Republicans not only formally requested a public hearing for the massive tax hike, but also went as far as to offer an alternative transportation finance plan – free from any statewide tax increase. While both initiatives were defeated at the hands of House Democrats, the Republican Caucus refused to be cast aside in their tenacious opposition to a tax on the high-tech industry.
Knowing the importance of engaging those individuals adversely affected by this ill-conceived approach to revenue, the House Republican Caucus embarked on a statewide, weeklong series of roundtable discussions with technology industry professionals, and Chambers of Commerce. The 2013 GOP Technology Tax Business Roundtables gave local businesses and Chambers of Commerce, which would have been severely impacted by this reckless tax, the chance to discuss the detrimental effects and ways to reverse what would surely have suppressed future economic growth within the technology industry and the Commonwealth.
As the majority party continued to defend their careless vote to increase taxes on one of the state's most vital economic forces, and in some cases alter their stances, Republicans returned to the drawing board and unveiled legislation to repeal the Democrat-approved job-killing computer services tax. The legislative measure, which contained the same language as a ballot question approved by Attorney General Martha Coakley, was just the latest effort the minority party put forth to eliminate this unprecedented tax.
Having passed the House of Representatives, the legislation will now move to the State Senate for consideration.
REPRESENTATIVE SUSAN WILLIAMS GIFFORD ACHIEVES PERFECT VOTING RECORD
Wareham Lawmaker Registers 224 Consecutive Roll Call Votes This Year
BOSTON— State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) is pleased to announce that she participated in 224 consecutive roll call votes in the House of Representatives this year - a perfect voting record.
"Representing the people of the 2nd Plymouth District means the world to me and is not a task I take lightly," said Representative Gifford. "The people of the 2nd Plymouth District elected me for a very important job, to represent their best interest on Beacon Hill. Being present to cast a vote is the fundamental responsibility of that job. I am dedicated and committed to the people I represent and my voting record is a testament to that."
The Wareham legislator cast votes on a number of issues including: a Republican-led transportation finance package – free of any statewide tax increases, legislation aimed at eradicating waste, fraud, and abuse in our state's welfare system and the restoration of local aid to cities and towns across the Commonwealth.
Additionally, Representative Gifford was instrumental in the Republican Caucus' opposition to a $500 million transportation finance package which contained a myriad of tax increases – one of which was the largest and broadest tax on computer and software services in the nation.
Representative Gifford currently serves on the Committees on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, Steering, Policy and Scheduling, and Financial Services.
Formal sessions will resume in the coming weeks.
Representative Gifford Continues Effort to Repeal Technology Tax
Remains Opposed to Misguided and Destructive Revenue Measure
BOSTON- Representative Susan Williams Gifford(R-Wareham)joined Republican legislators from both the House and Senate Caucuses in unveiling legislation to repeal the Democrat-approved job killing computer services tax. The legislative measure, which contains the same language as the ballot question recently approved by Attorney General Martha Coakley, is just the latest effort the minority party has put forth in eliminating this unprecedented tax.
"This tax is essentially an illness. Ill-conceived, ill-advised and ill-timed", said Rep Gifford. "If we don't repeal this as soon as possible, many in the Commonwealth's tech industry will seek to cure this illness by moving to the states that remain tax friendly to this industry and are actively courting this sector of our economy. One of the biggest deterrents to business growth is tax uncertainty and we have an abundance of that in the Commonwealth."
Announced during a press conference at Genuine Interactive, a leading interactive agency, the proposed bill puts forth a targeted approach to repealing the largest and broadest tax on computer and software services in the nation.
"We can't afford to penalize innovation and job creation in one of the state's most promising sectors if we hope to have the kind of robust economic recovery that creates the jobs people need and the tax revenue state government depends on," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). "The time is now to change course from increasing taxes on productivity and focus on creating a climate for job growth and reform and efficiency in our state's operations."
The filing of legislation comes on the heels of the Massachusetts House and Senate Republican Caucus' statewide 2013 Technology Tax Business Roundtables. The weeklong series of roundtable discussions conducted by Republican lawmakers included conversations with technology industry professionals and representatives from area chambers of commerce about the negative effects of the technology tax. The roundtable discussions were initiated due to the fact that Democratic leadership did not provide a public hearing to solicit public testimony from those affected by the tax on software and computer services.
"Since this reckless tax on the technology industry was approved, we have seen a steady decline in business confidence within Massachusetts," said House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading). "There remains absolutely no appetite for this tax, and it continues to hurt the economic prospects for one of our state's most vibrant and prosperous trades, as well as other industries who are suffering from the trickle-down effect of this careless revenue mechanism. The way to encourage growth and development within the Commonwealth is not through ill-conceived taxes, but through business-friendly directives and initiatives."
Republican lawmakers highlighted the fact that the Commonwealth does not collect taxes on any other service, and expressed fear that the computer services tax sets a dangerous precedent for future efforts to tax other vital services. Furthermore, House and Senate Republicans had each offered revenue-neutral proposals, which if passed, would have avoided the implementation of the technology tax. Industry leaders such as the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation and the Massachusetts High Technology Council have repeatedly warned of the destructive nature of the new tax which is slated to stifle the high-tech industry by close to $500 million a year.
"Genuine Interactive started off as a four person agency in 2005 and since then, it's grown to a 100 person company," said John Grayson, Chief Executive Officer of Genuine. "This tax on technology services is negatively impacting the business and is threatening the future of the entire technology and innovation industry. Out-of-state vendors are seeing this as an opportunity to attract businesses away from Massachusetts and that is going to affect the overall economy of the Commonwealth. In a market where work is already being outsourced to other countries, this puts yet another burden on the technology economy in Massachusetts."
Having been filed in both the House and Senate, the joint legislation awaits assignment to a legislative committee.
Representative Susan Williams Gifford Appointed to Special Commission
Commission Charged with Studying Massachusetts Tourism Fund
BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) is pleased to appoint Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) to a special commission charged with studying the distribution of funds from the Massachusetts Tourism Fund.
The Wareham Republican will join fellow legislators as well as appointees of the governor in reviewing and evaluating the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's current funding formula. The group will also be instrumental in determining if any revisions are necessary for achieving a fair funding formula – thus ensuring that funds are distributed in a judicious and effective manner.
"Representative Gifford is well versed in the Commonwealth's booming tourism industry as her district, the 2nd Plymouth, is comprised of dynamic communities which consistently attract a large amount of tourists," said Representative Jones. "I am extremely confident that Susan will bring a wealth of real-world knowledge and invaluable expertise to this Commission."
"I am honored to have been appointed to this Commission by House Minority Leader Brad Jones," said Representative Gifford. "The questions on who gets tourism funding and how much have lingered for years. I'm looking forward to getting those answers and making sure the funding formula is appropriate."
The Commission will be responsible for submitting their findings to the House and Senate Clerks, the Joint Committees on Higher Education and Ways and Means, and the Joint Committees on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development by no later than May 1, 2014.
Representative Gifford Votes Against Massive Tax Increases, Again
Supports Republican-Led Amendment to Deliver Chapter 90 Money to Cities & Towns
BOSTON – Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) joined the entire House Republican Caucus in voting against transportation finance amendments, offered by both Governor Patrick and House Democrats, which contain hundreds of millions of dollars in crippling tax increases.
"To even consider raising taxes on the hard working people and small businesses of the Commonwealth in these difficult financial times just shows how incredibly out of touch the majority party is," said Rep. Gifford.
The massive tax increases contained in each proposal directly target Massachusetts' taxpayers and small business. The Commonwealth's high-tech industry will not be immune to the wide-reaching tax proposal passed by the Democratic majority. "Higher taxes on certain software services will not only stifle our state's entrepreneurs, but will have a trickle-down effect on residents and customers alike," Rep. Gifford added. "No one even knows exactly what is going to be taxed!"
"While the price-tag of the tax increase advanced by House Democrats may be lower than that of the plan continually pushed by Governor Patrick, the vote by the Democratic-led House of Representatives will prove to be extremely costly for Massachusetts' taxpayers and small businesses," said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading).
In their ongoing advocacy for the state's residents, the House Republican Caucus offered key components of their alternative transportation finance proposal, which would have raised the necessary revenue to solve the state's transportation finance dilemma while refraining from increasing any additional revenue. Although the plan stood to save the Commonwealth's taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, the proposal was not given due consideration by the Democratic majority.
In recognizing the continued financial constraints placed on cities and towns across Massachusetts, House Republicans offered an amendment which would have delivered Chapter 90 money to the state's municipalities. Unfortunately, House Democrats elected to let their quarrel with Governor Patrick interfere with a good-faith effort to infuse desperately needed money into infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth – thus defeating the Republican-led proposal.
The legislation is now before the Senate for consideration.
Legislators Issue Letter to Governor Patrick Regarding 9C Cuts
Representative Gifford Joins Bi-Partisan Group Seeking Reversal of Cuts Made to Local Aid Accounts
BOSTON – Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) joined House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), Representative Angelo D'Emilia (R-Bridgewater) as well as a bi-partisan group of legislators, in submitting a letter to Governor Patrick, asking him to reverse the 9C cuts that were made to accounts affecting local aid. Rendered last December for Fiscal Year 2013, the legislators feel that the cuts have negatively impacted communities across the Commonwealth.
The letter to the Governor, which is supported by both House Democrats and Republicans, emphasizes that "communities across Massachusetts are counting on funding so that they may provide necessary services to our constituents." The correspondence notes that while 9C cuts are within the Governor's authority, the Legislature worked diligently in providing Governor Patrick with a compromise of funding necessary in order for local programs and agencies to operate at an efficient and effective level.
"In light of continued strong revenue collections, restoring these local aid funds cut by the Governor is both fiscally responsible and justified," said Representative Jones. "The funds outlined in our letter to Governor Patrick are essential for cities and towns across the Commonwealth."
"I believe a primary function of state government is to provide local aid to our cities and towns. We do understand that sometimes 9C cuts are a necessary part of fiscal responsibility but priority consideration should be given to any item that would negatively affect anticipated local aid," Representative Gifford said. "Given the recent revenue collection figures, restoring these cuts is the prudent thing for the Governor to do. I will continue to fight for increased local aid to our communities for necessary services and work to overturn these cuts."
"When first faced with the reality of 9C cuts, which would have a negative impact on our communities and constituents, the House and Senate worked diligently and provided Governor Patrick with a compromise of priorities – which he rejected," said Representative D'Emilia. "Now, with the state's finances having well exceeded benchmarks, local aid should be restored before any other monies are spent by the Governor."
Citing Year-to-Date tax revenue collections through April being $510 million above revised benchmark, the letter to the Governor goes on to say, "With this incredible turnaround in revenues, now is the time to restore the cuts which so negatively impacted our communities."
Some of the accounts that the group of legislators is seeking to restore funding to include: Veterans' Benefits; Transportation for Regional School Districts; Reimbursement for Special Education; Charter School Reimbursements; and Department of Correction.
Representative Susan Williams Gifford Announces Committee Assignments
Boston- State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced that she has been appointed to three legislative committees. Rep. Gifford, who was re-elected for her sixth consecutive term last November, will serve as the ranking member on two committees: the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture and on the Joint Committee on Financial Services. In addition to this, Rep. Gifford will also serve on the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling.
"I'm honored that I will be able to continue working on matters concerning the environment and agriculture, which are of vital interest to my District," said Rep. Gifford. "In addition, being re-appointed to the Financial Services Committee this session will allow me to have greater input on the issues of auto and homeowners insurance along with financial services and banking industry legislation."
"I am thrilled to have Rep. Gifford as a member of the House, and most of all, the Republican caucus," said Jones, R-North Reading. "I know she is eager to continue with the legislative process, and I am confident that her wealth of experience and knowledge will be invaluable assets to these important committees."
The Second Plymouth District is comprised of Carver, Wareham, and precincts 3 and 6 of Middleborough. Those interested in more information on these committee assignments are encouraged to contact Rep. Gifford's office. She can be reached at the State House by calling (617)722-2976, or through her District Office by calling (508)295-5999.
Representative Susan Williams Gifford Announces Civil Service Examinations
BOSTON– State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) and the Human Resources Division of the EOAF have announced Saturday, April 20th, 2013 as the date for the Municipal Service Police Officer, State Trooper and MBTA Transit Police Officer examination. Applications must be submitted by March 18th, 2013. Late applications are accepted through April 1st, 2013, but are subject to a $50 processing fee.
The Human Resource Division is responsible for the administration of these state wide entry-level exams, which will be the most important exams the Division will conduct in the coming months. The lists that will result from these examinations will determine the pool of applicants eligible for appointment to the positions of MBTA Police Officer and Police Officers in Cities and Towns covered by the Civil Service Statute.
"It is important and time sensitive that if anybody is interested in taking these exams that they get the applications filled out and sent back so that they do not miss this opportunity," Rep. Gifford said.
For additional information about the examination, eligibility requirements or the application process, persons interested may call the Civil Services Human Resources Division at (617) 878-9895. Please note that all applications must be submitted online.
Applicants can apply online at: www.mass.gov/civilservice. If you have any other questions or comments, please feel free to contact Rep. Gifford's Boston office at (617) 722-2976, or through her District Office at (508) 295-5999.
House and Senate Approve $200 Million for Bridge and Roadway Maintenance
Wareham to Receive $731,968, Carver to Receive $432,434, and Bourne to Receive $599, 028
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) is pleased to announce that Wareham will receive $731,968, Carver will receive $432,434, and Bourne will receive $599,028 in Chapter 90 funds.The funds are part of legislation which allocates $200 million to cities and towns for local road and bridge repairs.
"Our towns have always depended largely on Chapter 90 funds for local roadway improvements and maintenance. However, with costs rising in every aspect of municipal government, it is even more imperative that these funds are made available promptly so necessary work can be scheduled and completed as further delays could result in public safety issues" Rep. Gifford said.
Passed by the House of Representatives and Senate, the bill calls for the state to apportion $200 million to cities and towns for the maintenance and upkeep of existing infrastructure for the upcoming fiscal year. Furthermore, the legislation maintains last year's funding which is the highest amount allotted to Chapter 90 historically.
The bill now awaits the action of the Governor.
Representative Susan Gifford Applauded by Recreational Boating Community as Co-Chair of Legislative Boating Caucus
June 19, 2012: The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) applauds Representative Susan Gifford for her consistent leadership as a Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Legislative Boating Caucus. A founding member of the Boating Caucus that formed in 2004, Chairwoman Gifford is recognized on Beacon Hill as a vital proponent of promoting and growing the recreational marine trades.
Susan Gifford represents a district that is home to many recreational boating businesses, including the Cape Cod Shipbuilding Company and North Atlantic Marine Services. "The boating industry is of vital interest to my constituents. From a recreational perspective, boating is a large part of the quality of life and rich maritime history of the South Coast of Massachusetts. From an economic standpoint, small boating businesses, which are largely family-owned and operated, provide local jobs and generate tourism dollars. I am delighted that my colleagues and constituents recognize my commitment to the Boating Caucus to further promote recreational marine business, waterfront access and investment," stated Representative Gifford.
"The South Coast of Massachusetts boasts a high concentration of marine businesses. Chairwoman Gifford has committed to preserving marine industry jobs and the millions of dollars in direct and indirect spending that boating generates. Being closely bordered with the boat tax-free state of Rhode Island is particularly challenging to Susan Gifford's South Coast constituents. Fortunately they have an effective, hard-working leader on their side," stated Jack Kent, MMTA President.
The mission of the MMTA is to advance the marine trades and the interests of the boating public by participating in the legislative process and providing and advocating for professional improvement and educational programs. For more information visit www.boatma.com.
REP. GIFFORD ANNOUNCES FIREFIGHTER EXAMINATIONS
Boston – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) and the Executive Office of Administration and Finance (A&F) have announced Saturday, April 28th, 2012 as the date for the entry-level Municipal Service Firefighter examination. The final filing date for the exam is Monday, March 19th, 2012.
The Human Resource Division of A&F is responsible for the administration of this state wide entry-level exam, which is one of the most important exams the Division will conduct in the coming months. The list that will result from the examination will determine the pool of applicants eligible for appointment to the position of Firefighter in cities and towns covered by the Civil Service Statute for two years following the establishment of the eligible list.
"It is important and time sensitive that if anybody is interested in taking this exam that they get the applications filled out and sent back so that they do not miss this opportunity" Gifford said.
For additional information about the examination eligibility requirements or the application process, interested parties may call (617) 878-9895.
Also, all those interested in the exam may apply online by visiting www.mass.gov/civilservice or through Rep. Gifford's offices.
They may call the Boston Office: (617) 722-2976, or the District Office: (508) 295-5999, or E-mail: Susan.Gifford@mahouse.gov
House Ways and Means Budget Includes $11.3M for McKinney-Vento Reimbursements
(BOSTON) – State Representative Susan Gifford today joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in thanking Speaker DeLeo and House Ways and Means Chairman Dempsey for including $11.3 million for McKinney-Vento reimbursements in the House Ways and Means budget. Rep. Gifford was one of 108 legislators who cosponsored a letter to Gov. Patrick, Speaker DeLeo, Senate President Murray and House and Senate Ways and Means Committee members requesting the reimbursement of $11.3 million in unfunded mandates be included in a supplemental budget appropriation and in future budgets.
"We are very pleased that Speaker DeLeo and Chairman Demspey included this very important funding in the FY 2013 House W&M budget which will alleviate a financial burden on cities and towns. Their understanding and compassion for municipal needs is greatly appreciated," said Rep. Gifford. "In a time of tight budget conditions, it is critical that we reimburse local governments for this unfunded mandate which could result in cutting teachers, enlarging class sizes and making other expenditures."
In February 2012, State Auditor Suzanne Bump announced the results of a statewide survey which found that school districts are projected to spend close to $11.3 million this fiscal year as a result of an unfunded state mandate. Auditor Bump determined that the voluntary state plan to implement the federal McKinney-Vento Act relating to educational opportunities for homeless students imposes unfunded state mandates on local cities and towns.
Due to the state's participation in the federal McKinney-Vento Act, cities and towns are required to provide transportation and education of some homeless children after they are placed in a different municipality for temporary housing. The Act provides that a homeless student living in temporary housing in a "host community" outside of the city or town where the family lived prior to becoming homeless (the community of origin) may choose to remain enrolled in the community of origin schools. Most significantly, the state plan requires "host" and "origin" communities' school systems throughout Massachusetts to continually fund school transportation costs for homeless students choosing to remain in their community of origin school system. This requirement is in contrast to the general rule whereby school districts are not responsible for students who move outside of district boundaries or students from other communities temporarily living in theirs.
House Republicans Secure Increased Funding for
Welcome Home Bonus
Representative Gifford Helps to Ensure Available Funding for Returning Troops
BOSTON – Led by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R- North Reading) and the Republican Leadership team, the House GOP Caucus was successful in offering, and having adopted, an amendment calling for a $700,000 increase to the Welcome Home Bonus account to provide up to $1,000 bonus payments for residents returning from active deployment. Offered on the heels of President Barack Obama's announcement of the return of combat troops from Iraq and in advance of Veterans' Day, the proposed increase in funding will help to ensure benefits for the 28,000 Massachusetts service-members currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We must have the funding and resources in place for the Commonwealth's service men and women, particularly in light of the President's announcement of troop withdrawals," said House Minority Leader Brad Jones. "These brave soldiers are returning to a struggling economy and a bleak job market. By transitioning $700,000 from the states anticipated increase in revenue, we will ensure the better allocation of funding at this point in time and a smooth transition home for the Bay State's bravest."
The amendment, filed during debate on the Supplemental Budget, will redirect $700,000 from the $395 million increase in anticipated revenue to the Welcome Home Bonus account within the Office of the Treasurer and Receiver-General.
"Our men and women in uniform made a commitment to serve our country. Some will make the ultimate sacrifice. That is a debt of gratitude we can never come close to repaying. However, this increase in funding for benefits to our returning Massachusetts service members is a great step forward," said Rep. Gifford. "Many will face an uphill battle transitioning back to civilian life and we need to do all we can to help."
The amendment now stands before the Senate for their approval.
House Republican Reversions Amendment Comes to Realization
Wareham, Bourne and Carver Will Receive $299,990 in Reverted Funds
BOSTON – Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) is pleased to announce that the passage of the Fiscal Year 2011 (FY 11) Final Deficiency Supplemental Budget will allow for the certification of $65 million in reversion money to be used as a one-time payment to cities and towns. Wareham will receive an additional $121,000, Bourne $89,650 and Carver will receive an additional $89,340 in one-time funding to help maintain vital services and recover from the recent fiscal crisis.
"With many communities in the midst of their fall town meetings and struggling to make ends meet, this could not have come at a better time", said Rep. Gifford. "I, along with my House Republican colleagues, have always and will continue to advocate for increasing local aid and lessening various financial burdens on our cities and towns. I'm very pleased that the Democratic leadership on Beacon Hill has finally agreed with us."
During the House budget debate in April, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and the Republican Caucus were successful in offering and having adopted an amendment to allow unspent funds (reversions) from FY11 to be sent back to cities and towns. This marks the first time in over four years that a Republican-offered amendment has been included in the final version of the state budget.
"After a few grueling months of hard work, negotiations, and persistence, I am pleased to report that this necessary support for cities and towns has come to fruition," said Representative Jones. "I am confident that our cities and towns will put this one-time funding to good use."
The Office of the State Comptroller will be closing the Commonwealth's finance books by October 31st, at which point the funds will be formally recognized and distributed to local cities and towns by the Division of Local Services.
HOUSE MINORITY LEADER JONES CONGRATULATES REPRESENTATIVE GIFFORD ON PERFECT VOTING RECORD
Gifford Casts 104 Consecutive Roll Call Votes This Year
BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. congratulated State Representative Susan W. Gifford (R-Wareham) today for achieving an impressive voting record so far this legislative session.
The Wareham Republican participated in 104 consecutive roll call votes in the House this year, a 100% voting record, casting votes in favor of a number of reforms relative to reversions for local aid and court reform. Representative Gifford also cast numerous votes challenging the Democratic-led House on a number of issues, including a comprehensive Ethics Reform package, an income tax rollback, a permanent sales tax holiday and a gradual rollback of the state sales tax.
"Susan is an incredibly committed member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and an extremely valuable asset to the House Republican Caucus," said Representative Jones. "The people of the 2nd Plymouth District are fortunate to have Representative Gifford up here on Beacon Hill fighting for them day in and day out."
"Representing the people of the 2nd Plymouth District means the world to me and is not a task I take lightly," said Representative Gifford. "I hope my voting record accurately highlights my commitment and dedication to the people in the communities I represent."
Representative Gifford currently serves as the ranking member of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture, the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and the House Committee on Steering, Policy & scheduling. Formal sessions will resume after Labor Day.
Cape Representatives Join Effort to Strengthen Ethics Code of Conduct
BOSTON – Representative Randy Hunt (R-Sandwich), Representative David Vieira (R-Falmouth) and Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives by proposing the first comprehensive reform of the House Code of Ethical Conduct governing representatives and legislative staff in more than 25 years. The proposed reforms will hold members and legislative staff to a higher standard of ethical conduct than prescribed by statute.
When asked about the new standard, Rep. Vieira stated that "After the DiMasi verdict it is more apparent to me than ever that as public officials we must hold ourselves to the highest of ethical standards if we are to restore the public trust."
Reps. Gifford, Vieira and Hunt are hopeful that the measures are adopted when they are filed and debated at the next formal session of the House.
Rep. Hunt said that "As a CPA and member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, I'm no stranger to ethics rules and the idea of an organization successfully monitoring and enforcing ethics of its own members. We like to lay the entire blame on the individuals involved, but it's time we recognize that the past transgressions and crimes of legislators are not just 'one-offs,' rather they are symptomatic of a culture that we control and can change for the better."
Rep. Gifford weighed in by stating "With three consecutive House Speaker convictions and 25 years without any significant changes in rules on how we conduct ourselves and the business of the people we represent, the time is now. All too often, the public perception of Beacon Hill is that of guilt by association, regardless of the conduct of the individual. That is what we need to change."
Highlights of the Proposed Code of Ethical Conduct include:
Procurement: Forbids Members and staff from contacting public entities regarding pending procurements before the award decision is made. Legislators have no constitutional role regarding procurement after voting on appropriation;
Job Recommendations: Limits Members and staff to written recommendations for job seekers in the public sector, unless the employer initiates contact to check references;
Snitch Rule: Creates ethical duty for Members and staff to report any unethical or criminal conduct by any other Members or staff;
Sexual Harassment and Discrimination: Treats sexual harassment and discrimination based on gender, age, sexual orientation, etc. as an ethical issue in addition to an employment issue;
Lobbyists: Prohibits lobbyists from entering the House Chamber and the Members' Lounge, and limits lobbyist access to Members and staff unless displaying a publicly visible badge identifying them as lobbyists;
Arrest or Indictment: Creates detailed disclosure requirements in the event a Member or staff is arrested, indicted or charged with criminal offenses, or named as a defendant in a domestic violence restraining order, and empowers the Ethics Committee to act immediately as appropriate;
Private Life/Privacy: Preserves the right of Members and staff to have private lives, provided that private conduct does not become public or otherwise bring the House into public disrepute. Confirms that Members' and staff's families are beyond the scope of the legislative ethical code.
April 5, 2011: The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) applauds Representative Susan Gifford for her leadership as a recently selected Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Legislative Boating Caucus. A founding member of the Boating Caucus that formed in 2004, Chairwoman Gifford is recognized on Beacon Hill as a vital proponent of promoting and growing the recreational marine trades.
The District that Susan Gifford represents hosts leading recreational boating businesses, including the Cape Cod Shipbuilding Company, Hostar Marine Transport Systems, and North Atlantic Marine Services. "Clearly from an economic perspective, the boating industry is of vital interest to my constituents. Viewing boating from a purely recreational perspective, it is deeply important to the quality of life and maritime history enjoyed in Massachusetts that full use and enjoyment of the waterfront and waterways are available. I am delighted that my colleagues have recognized my commitment to the Boating Caucus's objectives and placed me in a position to further promote recreational marine business, waterfront access and investment," stated Representative Gifford.
"The South Coast of Massachusetts boasts a high concentration of small, family-owned and operated marine businesses. It is to the benefit of all area residents, boaters and non-boaters alike, that Chairwoman Gifford and her colleagues have remained actively engaged in the Boating Caucus. The recreational marine trades provide thousands of full-time, well-paying jobs and millions of dollars in direct and indirect spending related to boating. Being closely bordered with the boat tax-free state of Rhode Island is particularly challenging to Susan Gifford's marine business constituents. Fortunately they have an effective, hard-working leader on their side," stated Jack Kent, MMTA President.
REPRESENTATIVE GIFFORD ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Boston- State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced that she has been appointed to three legislative committees. Rep. Gifford, who was re-elected for her fifth consecutive term last November, will again serve as the ranking member on the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture. In addition to this, Rep. Gifford will also serve on the Joint Committee on Healthcare Financing and the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling.
"I'm honored that I will be able to continue working on matters concerning the environment and agriculture as well as healthcare, which are of vital interest to my District," said Rep. Gifford. "In addition, being re-appointed to the House Committee on Steering, Policy & Scheduling this session will allow me to have greater input and information on the movement of bills through the legislative process."
"I am thrilled to have Rep. Gifford as a member of the House, and most of all, the Republican caucus," said House Minority Leader Brad Jones, (R-North Reading). "I know she is eager to continue with the legislative process, and I am confident that her wealth of experience and knowledge will be invaluable assets to these important committees."
The Second Plymouth District is comprised of Carver, Wareham, and precincts 1, 2 and 3 of Bourne. Those interested in more information on these committee assignments are encouraged to contact Rep. Gifford's office. She can be reached at the State House by calling (617)722-2976, or through her District Office by calling (508)295-5999.
REP. GIFFORD: DONATIONS INSTEAD OF HOLIDAY CARDS
BOSTON - Today State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced that for the second year, she has made donations to charitable organizations in the 2nd Plymouth District in lieu of the cost associated with sending greeting cards for the holidays. The donations were made to the Bourne Friends Food Pantry, the Friends of the Carver Council on Aging Food Pantry and Damien's Place Family Food Pantry.
"Sending cards for the holidays is a nice way to let people know you're thinking of them and wishing them well. However, there are so many families and individuals in trouble again this year and donating the money to charities was the right thing to do," said Rep. Gifford.
In November of 2009, House Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) and Minority Leader Bradley Jones (R-North Reading) asked Legislators to take the voluntary days without pay after House employees, mostly legislative aides, were ordered to take the pay cut to help save more than $600,000. Rep. Gifford, who is a full time Legislator, said, "For me, the decision to take the furlough and make donations to the local charities in lieu of greeting cards was a 'no brainer'. That's when I decided to continue to donate the money for sending cards to local organizations that benefit our most vulnerable citizens."
For more information, please call the Boston Office (617) 722-2976 or E-mail Rep. Gifford at Susan.Gifford@mahouse.gov .
REP. GIFFORD ANNOUNCES KEY ENDORSEMENT
New Bedford – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R – Wareham) announced today that her candidacy for re-election has been endorsed by the New Bedford Standard Times.
According to the editors, Representative Gifford has "done good work" and brings "valuable experience". The endorsement is the only newspaper to date making an endorsement in this race.
"I am delighted to again have the endorsement of the Standard Times," said Rep. Gifford. "While we do not agree on all the issues facing the SouthCoast and how best to solve problems, I know the editorial board understands that the people I represent are my first priority and I truly have my constituents' best interest at heart.
I look forward to continuing to serve as the State Representative for Bourne, Carver and Wareham."
House of Representatives Approves Funding
to Support Operation of Trial Courts
Boston –Representatives William M. Straus (D-Mattapoisett), and Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) applauded the House of Representatives action today to approve a supplemental appropriations bill, which includes $9 million for the Trial Courts in Massachusetts. This funding comes at a critical time for the court system which is currently reviewing closure of several court sessions including the Wareham District Court. The bill now moves to the State Senate for consideration.
"Both myself and Representative Gifford believe that the $9 million provided to the Trial Court in this legislation would be sufficient to prevent the unnecessary closure of critical courts in the state, including those in Plymouth County, such as Wareham District Court", said Representative Straus. Representatives Gifford and Straus have been active in seeking legislative alternatives to the closing of the Wareham Court which is vital to the law enforcement needs of southern Plymouth County. A budget rider to the current state spending law, proposed by the two legislators, successfully delayed any action in closing courthouses without sufficient notice and advance warning. Wareham District Court is on a current list of potential courthouse closures published earlier this year by the administrative arm of the state court system.
"The passage of this bill in the House today removes the argument that the proposed re-location and eventual closure of the Wareham District Court is needed. It is my hope that the Court Relocation Committee will now focus on those courts where facilities are underused and consolidation would be more appropriate", said Representative Gifford. "It is important to add that DA Tim Cruz has been instrumental in the effort of myself and Rep. Straus to take legislative action on behalf of the Wareham Court. He has been an important resource to both of us in demonstrating the regional importance of the court," she added.
"I firmly believe that based upon the caseload, dislocation of court employees, excessive disruption to the public that would result from closing the Wareham District Court, and the lack of any substantial savings from such a closure, it is now clear that the Wareham Court should remain open. I hope for prompt action by the State Senate, so that any cloud hanging over the future of the Wareham Court can be removed" said Representative Straus. "Much of the critical backup information which has helped Representative Gifford and myself argue on behalf of Wareham has been provided by District Attorney Cruz," Straus concluded.
Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz stated "The Wareham District Court serves a vital function in this community and its closure would place an unfair burden on victims, witnesses and law abiding citizens who rely on this local court for justice. Representative Susan Williams Gifford and Representative Bill Straus have been on the forefront of the fight to keep this courthouse open." He concluded, "They understand the critical role that the Wareham District Court has in the providing justice for this community. They took immediate legislative action and have been vigilant in their efforts to ensure that the Wareham District Court remains open. I am thankful for their hard work on behalf of the people of this community and hopeful that it will make the difference."
1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts Announced
Rep. Gifford Congratulates Constituents
on list of Massachusetts 1,000 Great Places
Wareham, MA – Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that the following places in her district are on the list of 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts:
Bourne: The Aptucxet Trading Post Museum, the Cape Cod Canal Bike Path, Scusset Beach State Reservation, and the Herring Run Recreation Area at the Cape Cod Canal; Carver: Edaville Railroad and the Bicycle Trails of Carver;
Wareham: The A. D. Makepeace Store (the Market at Tihonet Village), the Tremont Nail Factory, the Cranberry Bog Farms Trail, Onset Beach/Village, the Plymouth County Cranberry Country Routes 58 and 28, and the Porter Thermometer Museum in Onset.
The official list of 1,000 Great Places was announced on July 12 at the Massachusetts State House. The list was compiled by the 1,000 Great Places Commission which was created by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick in 2009. Its mission is to identify and recognize the 1,000 most truly special places in the Commonwealth, in order to celebrate pride in our history and culture, increase knowledge of our natural surroundings, and encourage regional and international tourism.
The Great Places initiative celebrates what is unique about the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, its communities, and its people. It aims to boost visitation to Massachusetts as well as give local residents the opportunity to visit known and unknown historic sites, cultural venues, and natural landscapes.
Rep. Gifford, who is the ranking Republican member of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts & Cultural Development, was one of Legislative appointees to serve on the Commission. "There was such a sense of pride from all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth and it was evident by the 13,000 nominations we received," said Rep. Gifford. "While these were not the only nominees from my District, they were the ones with the most nominations. I believe the Great Places from Wareham, Bourne and Carver are a great representation of our community and a wonderful addition to the list."
All of the designated Great Places will be receiving a certificate signed by the Governor in recognition of being selected.
A complete list of the 1,000 Great Places can be found on the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's (MOTT) website: http://www.massvacation.com.
The 1,000 Great Places program is administered through a partnership of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development; the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and its regional tourism councils; and the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC).
Massachusetts Marine Trades Association
Applauds Representative Susan Gifford
AS A LEADING VOICE FOR THE RECREATIONAL MARINE TRADES
July 5, 2010: The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) applauds Representative Susan Gifford for her leadership as a founding member of the Massachusetts Legislative Boating Caucus. At the State House on June 24, 2010 Caucus members joined together for an awards ceremony honoring legislators such as Susan Gifford who have the awareness and appreciation for the contributions of the Massachusetts marine trades.
MMTA Director Russ Vickers of Hawthorne Cove Marina in Salem, MA was delighted to present Representative Gifford with a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing her dedication to protecting public access to inland and coastal waterways as well as preserving the Massachusetts marine industry, which employees thousands of men and women throughout the Commonwealth and contributes nearly $2 billion annually to state coffers.
"All aspects of boating along with coastal access for the general public are of vital interest to my constituents. That's why I'm so pleased to partner with the MMTA," said Rep. Gifford. "These people are the ones who make sure the Legislature is looking out for the best interest of the entire boating and marine trades community."
"The MMTA membership is grateful to our elected officials for widening opportunities for small business growth and protecting public waterways access. Our members on the South East Coast are fortunate to have such a committed state legislator with a passion for the Massachusetts coastline and its dedicated boating community," stated Jack Kent, MMTA President.
REP. SUSAN WILLIAMS GIFFORD OP-ED
As you know, the Conference Committee version of the fiscal year 2011 state budget came before the House yesterday for a final vote. While there are plenty of issues I have with the final product which warranted my vote in opposition, there is one which I am particularly pleased to see included – and it impacts those of us in Wareham, Carver, Marion, Lakeville, Middleborough, Mattapoisett and Rochester.
As you may know, Wareham District Court is on the list of potential courthouse closures. When the proposal of closing Wareham was brought to my attention by District Attorney Tim Cruz, I spoke immediately with Representative Bill Straus. Together, with Rep. Straus' quick action, we were able to include the protective language in the House Budget. While I was the chief sponsor of the amendment, it would not have been possible without both District Attorney Cruz and Representative Straus who deserve at least as much credit for their vigilance and effective response.
We were equally successful in seeing that the language was included in the Conference Committee version of the budget, even though the Senate had not included the protective language.
Let me tell you why closing Wareham District Court is a bad idea. It will not save any significant money for the state, but will cost towns and local taxpayers more, and it will costs those who use the court untold hours in additional wait times and commuting time.
In a meeting with the Chief Justice, he indicated that he has no plans to lay-off any employees – but simply will move them around to different courts. While a longer commute rather than unemployment is certainly good news for court employees, I take that to mean that there will be minimal savings from closing the Wareham District Court (28th busiest of the state's 65 courts), other than the rent paid by the state to the county.
It does mean some real costs however to the rest of us. There are the economic costs for the businesses in the area supported by the Court, whether the gas station around the corner or local lunch spots. The loss of hundreds of people per day to that location will cost people in the private sector some jobs.
It also means that if you need to use the court, you will need to travel to exit 5 in Plymouth, where the volume of cases will rise steeply due to the Wareham caseload moving there. So not only will you need to drive an extra hour, you will also need to wait longer to be served. That means everything from restraining orders, small claims cases and juvenile court hearings will move to Plymouth – along with criminal trials, show cause hearings and ticket hearings. It also means that more than 50% of the towns in Plymouth County will be using the same court. Gone will be the days of people familiar with the usual suspects or the historical information needed to ensure justice is truly handed out.
Not only will you need to travel longer, but our police officers will need to travel further. Transporting a drunk driver for a hearing will now be an extra two hour round trip – and will cost the municipal tax payers more. When officers must appear in court to support criminal cases or a summer renter fighting a speeding ticket, our towns must often pay that officer overtime – or if it is on his shift, we pay overtime to a replacement officer. So that two hour extra round trip will cost each town thousands of dollars more in the police budget.
As usual, the State is proposing changes which will not save them much and will not reduce state employees. Instead it will cost us private sector jobs and cost our towns more money. We need to put the brakes on this, review it thoroughly and cut state costs which do not put a higher burden on towns like ours.
This language will require the Chief Justice to submit a court closure plan and give us 90 days to respond.
By slowing down the process, we can ensure ill-conceived plans like this are reviewed thoroughly and stopped. This particular plan is bad for Wareham, and the other communities that use the court, which is why Rep. Straus, D.A. Cruz and I fought diligently for this first step in stopping it.
REP. GIFFORD FEATURED SPEAKER AT UPPER CAPE TECH GRADUATION
BOSTON - State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) delivered the keynote address to the graduating class of 2010 at Upper Cape Regional Vocational Technical High School on Sunday afternoon. The planned outdoor ceremony went off without a "hitch" in spite of gusty winds and a few brief raindrops.
Superintendent Kevin Farr told the crowd, "When we asked Rep. Gifford to be our guest speaker, her first words were that she would be honored and we're happy to have her here." Rep. Gifford began her address stating," I think I'm more excited to be here than you are!" Her words were met with shouts from the class of "No way!" and "I don't think so!"
In her address to the 156 graduates, the largest class in Upper Cape's history, Rep Gifford told them," The only limits to what you can accomplish are those you place on yourself. If you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life."
To the parents and guardians, Rep. Gifford said, "Don't be nannies, maids, butlers or ATMs. Be there to offer guidance, advice and support to your graduates. Challenge them to solve their own problems."
Finally, Rep. Gifford remarked lightheartedly to the class, "Your parents are both proud of you and relieved. Now would be a good time to ask for money." Then, she imparted the advice, "Don't forget where you came from but never lose sight of where you're going. Work hard, play hard and find something good in every single day."
Rep. Gifford: Republicans score bipartisan victory
Controversial language struck from Municipal Relief Bill
BOSTON— Calling it a bipartisan victory, State Representative Susan Williams Gifford today praised her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for adopting a Republican-offered amendment to protect taxpayers from yet another tax increase.
As you may recall, the House Ways and Means Committee proposed allowing municipalities to raise property taxes outside of the constraints of the so-called "proposition 2½ limits" without a local vote.
Representative Gifford, along with her Republican colleagues, supported an amendment offered by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr., to the so-called Municipal Relief Bill striking out the language permitting the increase of property taxes absent an override vote.
"Instead of delivering property tax relief as promised in his campaign, they have actually increased anywhere from 7 to 15 percent across the Commonwealth under Deval Patrick's administration," Rep. Gifford said. "It was an outrage to think we would let our property owners take yet another hit without any public input. Enough is enough!"
Citizens for Limited Taxation had estimated that if this bill passed with the original language, it would cost Massachusetts taxpayers more than $500 million in increased property taxes.
REP. GIFFORD RECEIVES SPORTSMEN'S AWARD
[Boston, MA] – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) received very special recognition from the Massachusetts Sportsmen's Council on Saturday, April 10, 2010. The "Sportsmen's Representative Award" was presented to Rep. Gifford on Saturday, April 10, 2010. The annual banquet and awards night was held at the Chester P. Tuttle Post #279 American Legion in Auburn.
President of the M.S.C. Mike Moss stated that the award is given in recognition of legislative work with and in support of matters of interest and causes to the sportsmen and women of the Commonwealth in the House of Representatives. Rep. Gifford was nominated to receive the award by John Fabrosky, President of the Plymouth County League of Sportsmen.
"I am so honored to receive this award," Rep. Gifford told the capacity crowd. "I come from a family with a true appreciation of the outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, camping or hiking. If my Dad were alive today, he'd be so proud."
President Moss said that as the ranking Republican member of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture, Susan serves as the "first line of defense" against legislation that takes aim at the rights of sportsmen and women in the Commonwealth while also protecting the Commonwealth's most valued recreation conservation areas.
REP. GIFFORD ANNOUNCES REPUBLICAN INITIATIVE ADOPTED DURING SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET DEBATE
State to reimburse cities and towns for special election costs
BOSTON—State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) is pleased to announce a critical Republican initiative was adopted during today's supplemental budget debate. The proposal which was offered as an amendment on the House floor today will appropriate $7.2 million to reimburse cities and town for the costs related to the special election held earlier this year.
Rep. Gifford was surprised this appropriation wasn't included in the House Ways and Means supplemental budget. The State Auditor had previously confirmed that the special election represents an unfunded mandate that must be covered by the state.
"This reimbursement could not come at a more critical time for our communities and I'm pleased my colleagues agreed," said Rep. Gifford. "This is local aid we deserve at a time when the democratic majority is talking of cutting local aid to our cities and towns for the upcoming fiscal year 2011 by 4% from last year." Rep. Gifford last week also co-sponsored a local aid resolution that would have established a minimum level of Chapter 70 and Unrestricted Local Aid equal to the amount proposed by the Governor for FY'11 essentially providing for at least level funding. The resolution was not allowed to be introduced and debated by the House democratic leadership.
Under this amendment, Bourne will receive $21,672.82; Carver's reimbursement will be $6,237.32 with Wareham receiving $20,149.55. The amendment was nearly adopted unanimously. All but one lawmaker voted in favor of it.
REP. GIFFORD ASKS RESIDENTS TO NOMINATE THEIR FAVORITE MASSACHUSETTS PLACES
New program gives district a chance to spotlight its special places
[Boston, MA] – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) invites residents of Wareham, Bourne, and Carver to nominate their favorite places in Massachusetts.
1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts is a new cultural tourism program that celebrates what is unique about our state, its communities, and its people, and also to stimulate cultural tourism. The program seeks to increase visitation to the state's wide range of exceptional historic sites, cultural venues, and natural landscapes.
Nominations will be considered for a final list of 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts to be announced in May.
"This commission was established as a means of promoting Massachusetts' widely varied tourist destinations, not only for those visiting from out of state but for many of us are looking for short getaway in these difficult financial times," Rep. Gifford said. "This is a wonderful opportunity to get some of our little known great places into public view and I'm honored to be appointed as a member."
The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) has established a website to accept nominations from the public: www.Massvacation.com/1000greatplaces
Residents who have already submitted their suggestions to Rep. Gifford should still visit the website to officially submit their nomination.
All Great Places that are nominated must be open and available to the public. Only one nomination per person will be accepted. The nomination period will close April 1, 2010. The Commission will meet later that month to draw up a final list of 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts.
BOSTON - Today State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced that she has made donations to charitable organizations in the 2nd Plymouth District in lieu of the cost associated with sending greeting cards for the holidays. The decision came shortly after she agreed to accept the proposed five day unpaid legislative furlough. The donations were made to the Bourne Friends Food Pantry, the Friends of the Carver Council on Aging Food Pantry and Turning Point Day Resource Center for the Homeless & near Homeless.
"Sending cards for the holidays is a nice way to let people know you're thinking of them and wishing them well. However, there are so many families and individuals in trouble this year and donating the money to charities was the right thing to do," said Rep. Gifford.
In November, House Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) and Minority Leader Bradley Jones (R-North Reading) asked Legislators to take the voluntary days without pay after House employees, mostly legislative aides, were ordered to take the pay cut to help save more than $600,000. Rep. Gifford, who is a full time Legislator, said, "For me, the decision to take the furlough was a 'no brainer'. While the five days pay is a small savings to the Commonwealth, it shows that most of us have empathy for those who are going through some very tough times." All House Republicans agreed to take the furlough but sixteen Democrats refused.
For more information, please call the Boston Office (617) 722-2976 or E-mail Rep. Gifford at Rep.SusanGifford@hou.state.ma.us .
An Open Letter to the Residents of Wareham:
It is my great pleasure to serve as your State Representative. It is an honor and a privilege, which I take very seriously and with the utmost gratitude.
I work very hard to ensure that the residents of my district, including Wareham, are heard on Beacon Hill. Once again this year, I have a 100% voting record, indicating my full-time commitment to you. I am also committed to being available day and night to ensure your access to the services of state government is not inhibited by red tape, bureaucracy or other roadblocks. I pride myself on being responsive to constituents, regardless of their point of view on a matter.
It is with disappointment that I am brought to write this letter though. There have been allegations from a shock "journalist" which are downright maddening. While I refuse to engage that editorialist, I will speak directly to you.
As State Representative, municipal politics is a fine line to walk. When the town speaks with one voice, it is easy to hear, and clear on how to proceed. When the town is divided, or the leaders are not united, it presents a difficult environment for a State Representative – and frankly one, which I have historically tried to avoid until the town works it out.
There is no better example of that fragmentation than the Wareham computer audit. As State Representative, I want nothing to do with that process. It will play out however the Selectmen, District Attorney and others decide. If there is action for me to take as State Representative when the chips fall, I will take any required action. As the wife of a Wareham department head who has been engaged on the periphery of this audit, I want nothing more than to profess my support of my husband. And that is the dilemma I have faced. The sacrifice as State Representative is that my staunch support ends at my kitchen door or the ears of a few friends and acquaintances. That had been my decision, and I have sat in silence, re-assured that my husband does a great job and is not involved in whatever the Selectmen are looking for.
That silence has been turned into something sinister by a begrudging "semi-journalist" who says my silence is admission to involvement in some fictitious activity. He relies on an "anonymous e-mail" or phone call to justify a headline to try to sell a newspaper, trying to elicit a response. When none comes, he declares that it must be true - silence is admission.
I will not respond to him, but instead will respond to you. When my husband's name was brought up by a selectman in a closed meeting which was accidentally broadcast, I did talk with my husband about the open meeting law and that it looked like a clear violation. We talked about whether he would file a complaint, and I told him that he was well within his rights and that he should not worry about how that might look for me, as State Rep. What spouse would not do such a thing? Of course I talked to my husband about it. I did not use my office to get special treatment. I did not send a letter with my office letterhead. I did not sign or write a letter. I supported my husband and any journalist worth their salt could separate the spousal role from the elected role and see that I crossed no line.
There was no letter to the District Attorney about the computer audit. There was no writing of a letter for my husband. There was no interference at all from me or my husband regarding the computer audit, and neither of us involved the District Attorney. My husband asked if the selectmen violated the open meeting law and in so doing, violated his rights to be present when they discussed him.
This is a clear example of an alleged journalist fabricating a story – trying once again to draw lines where none exist. His similar attacks on District Attorney Cruz, who is the epitome of professionalism and character, are just as mind-blowing. I am so disappointed that people read these ridiculous allegations and confuse it for factual information. Good people are hurt by reporting which is basically "made-up".
While I am disappointed to have to talk to you on this topic, I will say that I look forward to our continued dialogue on all matters of importance to you.
Susan Williams Gifford
I am also the wife of Wareham DPW Director Mark Gifford.
JONES CONGRATULATES GIFFORD ON PERFECT VOTING RECORD
Casts 210 Roll Call Votes This Year
BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. today congratulated State Representative Susan Gifford for achieving an impressive voting record so far this legislative session.
The Wareham Republican participated in all 210 roll call votes held this year, a 100% voting record, casting votes in favor of a number of reforms relative to pension and ethics while voting against controversial issues such as the sales tax increase.
"Susan is an incredibly committed member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives," said Representative Jones. "She works tirelessly on behalf of her constituents and is a great ally to the people of her district. I am proud to work alongside such a great legislator."
"The good people of the 2nd Plymouth District elected me to be their voice on Beacon Hill and being present to cast my vote is the most fundamental part of the job," Representative Gifford said. "It is a job I take very seriously and will continue to do so. My constituents know I'll be there for them even though we may not always agree on the issue."
Formal sessions are expected to resume after Labor Day.
REPRESENTATIVE GIFFORD APPOINTED TO
1,000 GREAT PLACES IN MASSACHUSETTS COMMISSION
Boston- House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr. (R-N. Reading) appointed Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) to a special commission to study the 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts.
This commission was established by legislation passed during last year's Legislative session. The special commission will consist of three members of the Senate, three members of the House, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, three representatives of the regional tourist councils and three representatives of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The commission will identify, catalogue, evaluate and designate 1,000 Great Places in the Commonwealth from the Cape to the Berkshires.
Rep. Jones stated he had full confidence in his designee. "I know Susan will discharge her responsibilities admirably and that her talent will add significantly to the work of the commission." Rep. Gifford serves as the ranking member of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts & Cultural Development. Anyone who would like to submit a Massachusetts "great place" for consideration by the Commission should contact Rep. Gifford's office.
Boston- State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced that she has been appointed to five legislative committees. Rep. Gifford, who was re-elected for her fourth consecutive term last November, will serve as the ranking member on two committees: the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture and on the Joint Committee of Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development. In addition to this, Rep. Gifford will also serve on the Joint Committee on Financial Services, the Joint Committee on Healthcare Financing and the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling.
"I'm honored that I will be able to continue working on matters concerning the environment and agriculture as well as tourism, which are of vital interest to my District," said Rep. Gifford. "In addition, being re-appointed to the Financial Services Committee this session will allow me to have greater input on the issues of auto and homeowners insurance along with financial services and banking industry legislation."
Rep. Gifford Co-Sponsors Municipal Aid Legislation
Legislation will assist municipalities with managing snow & ice costs
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R – Wareham) announced today that she has co-sponsored legislation that will aid municipalities with their strained budgets. House and Senate Republicans are co-sponsors of this timely legislation as areas in the Commonwealth try to deal with huge snow and ice deficits.
The legislation, An Act Relative to Aiding Cities and Towns with Unfunded Obligations Associated with Snow and Ice Control, will allow cities and towns to use state-appropriated roadway improvements funds, known as Chapter 90 funds, to offset their snow removal budget. This winter's above average snowfall, coupled with the rising cost of de-icing materials, has forced many cities and towns to deficit spend their snow and ice budget.
"This legislation is not meant to advocate using money designated for repairing our roads and bridges for snow and ice removal," said Rep. Gifford. "It is meant to provide a much needed option for our cash strapped cities and towns when weather puts public safety at risk."
GIFFORD: TAX BURDEN CRUSHING RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES
Tax Increases No Substitution for Reform
BOSTON—State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) as well as several Republican lawmakers from both the House and Senate held a press conference this afternoon to express their frustration and disappointment with Governor Patrick's increased tax burden on residents and businesses.
"I cannot in good faith ask, nor can I justify asking taxpayers to fork over even more of their hard earned dollars to support Governor Patrick's misplaced priorities," said Rep. Gifford. "In the last year alone, the Democrats with much opposition from the Republicans, have passed the largest corporate tax increase in history, raised the cigarette tax and proposed a slew of other revenue increases. Enough is enough. We are tired of this argument being painted as if increasing the gas tax or tolls and fees are our only solutions. That is a fallacy and one we are here to clarify."
Along with elected officials, Peter Christie of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and gas station owner Arthur Pappas were there explaining to the press exactly why their industries can no longer afford to stay afloat. For example, Governor Patrick has proposes a sales tax on candy, soda and alcohol for which he hopes will generate $25 million for the current fiscal year and as much as $150 million for next fiscal year. Especially for those of us who represent communities within close proximity to other states, all we will see is decreased tax revenues and our small businesses closing. With so many companies and retail operations struggling, raising retail taxes to cover any shortfalls is the last thing we should be thinking about. The only ones making out are the businesses in surrounding states.
"It is time to roll up our sleeves and make the hard choices. Increasing taxes is easy, it is a quick fix, but no longer can our residents and small business owners afford quick fixes. They long for and deserve long term solutions and our caucus is offering sound alternatives and we hope our counterparts in the House will start considering them," added Rep. Gifford.
REP. SUSAN WILLIAMS GIFFORD ANNOUNCES TURNING POINT/SALVATION ARMY EVENT
BOSTON - State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced that the charitable donations from Wal-Mart during the Christmas charity drive at the Wareham Wal-Mart have been presented at an event today. Rep. Gifford and her husband, DPW Director Mark Gifford, participated in the Salvation Army's "Ringing Bells Across America" drive along with Wal-Mart in an effort to raise funds for local charities. Wal-Mart had pledged to match the kettle donations for the charity of Rep. Gifford's choice but then pledged a much larger contribution.
In addition to the kettle donations received during the bell ringing event on December 20th, Rep. Gifford and her husband raised $2,105 for Turning Point Day Resource Center in Wareham prior to the event. These donations were delivered personally to Turning Point by Rep. Gifford on December 23rd.
Wal-Mart Corporation donated $5,000 to Turning Point and $1,000 to the local Salvation Army. The event took place at the Wareham Wal-Mart located at 3005 Cranberry Highway. Rep. Gifford was joined by Wal-Mart Senior Manager of Public Affairs & Government Relations Representative Christopher Buchanan to present the donations to representatives from each organization. Present were Director Lee McDonald, other volunteers of Turning Point and Major Ralph Hansen of the Salvation Army.
Representative Gifford Announces Holiday Charity Event
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that she is partnering with Wal-Mart Corporation and the Salvation Army for a holiday charity event in Wareham. Along with her husband, Wareham DPW Director, Mark Gifford, Rep. Gifford will be at the entrance of the Wareham Wal-Mart ringing the bell with the familiar red Salvation Army bucket from 1-1:30pm on Saturday December 20th.
Wal-Mart will match the donations raised during that time and donate the money to the charity of Rep. Gifford's choice. She has selected Turning Point Day Resource Center for the Homeless in Wareham.
"For the last five years, I've been able to secure an earmark in the state budget for Turning Point. However, the earmark for fiscal year 2009 in the amount of $15,000 fell victim to Gov. Patrick's budget cuts," Rep. Gifford said. "The timing could not have been worse as the need for Turning Point's services has skyrocketed in this difficult economic environment."
Rep. Gifford and her husband encourage everyone in the community and come out and support this great cause, especially during the holiday season, when help is needed the most. Anyone who would like to make a donation but will be unable to visit the Wareham Wal-Mart on Saturday is asked to call her office to make arrangements for early donation drop-off. Checks should be made payable to "Turning Point".
This event is part of the "Bell Ringing Across America" program sponsored by Wal-Mart and Salvation Army. Last year this program was able to raise a record $30 million dollars for the Salvation Army as well as various local charities. If you have any questions about this event or to donate in advance, please call Rep. Gifford's State House office at 617-722-2090 or the District Office at 508-295-5999.
REPRESENTATIVE GIFFORD NETS STATE FUNDING FOR TURNING POINT
BOSTON – Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that her budget amendment for $15,000 to benefit the Turning Point Day Resource Center in Wareham has been passed by the Conference Committee into the Fiscal Year 2009 budget.
These funds will be used for the Turning Point's operating expenses. "I am delighted that Turning Point will receive the same funding as last year," Rep. Gifford said, "given the dramatic increase in the number of individuals and families who need their assistance." This is the fifth consecutive year that Rep. Gifford has been successful in acquiring funding for this organization in the state budget. She originally filed the amendment after learning that donations were being used for expenses rather than providing services.
Turning Point serves Carver, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Buzzards Bay, Wareham, Onset and Bourne. The facility offers a variety of services including providing homeless and near homeless people with food to transportation to doctor appointments, job interviews and local offices of the Department of Transitional Assistance.
The 2009 fiscal year budget now heads to the Governor's desk to await his review. "This very important earmark survived the veto pen last year," said Rep. Gifford. "I have no reason to believe there will be any problems this year."
Rep. Gifford announces Wareham Rail Station Amendment
BOSTON — State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced that the proposed commuter rail extension to Wareham garnered support in a $1.5 billion transportation bond bill passed by the House last week.
Though the commencement date of the rail project has yet to be determined, the idea of extending the Middleboro-Lakeville line to Wareham and Buzzards Bay has been long talked about in the Southcoast region.
Last Wednesday night the House approved an amendment for the $100,000 for the design, siting and initial permitting for a train station in Wareham. This amendment was sponsored by Rep. Williams M. Straus (D-Mattapoisett) and Rep. Gifford.
Rep. Gifford also co-sponsored a separate amendment for $150,000 to plan for the extension from Wareham to the village of Buzzards Bay. That study would include issues like parking, pedestrian walkways and the impact on traffic to retail and residential areas.
From the House, the bond bill will move to the Senate and eventually Gov. Deval Patrick, who will have the final word on whether to release the funds.
The Legislators said there is far more support for a train station in Wareham, while there is still much discussion about the project in Buzzards Bay. Rep. Straus said it made sense to move forward more aggressively in Wareham, with the intention of bringing rail to Buzzards Bay once there is a general consensus. "Extending the rail line has enormous potential, and that's even before you take account of the increase in ridership on the 'T' and commuter rail the last few months," Rep. Straus said.
"Upgrading the rail line is estimated to cost $40 million to $50 million, and it would not compete with a $1.4 billion plan to bring rail to Fall River and New Bedford. We're talking about two very different plans," said Rep. Gifford. "We have the state owned track and service to Wareham and Buzzards Bay could begin relatively quickly, since they are already used for freight service."
According to Rep. Gifford, the Wareham proposal is much further along. A site for the train station has not been chosen but officials are looking at land near the Wareham Crossing mall. Recent upgrades in highway access and traffic signals to accommodate the mall make that site attractive. "We had a fairly good consensus and collaboration on how we were going to move this forward and on what makes the most sense," Rep. Gifford said. "This amendment sends a message to the state on the Wareham station."
"We've done this leg work for you right now, in doing everything we can to make the job easier," Rep. Gifford said. "The next step would be to approach the Buzzards Bay situation in the same manner, with the rest of the representatives in the town of Bourne and Senate President (Therese) Murray."
Reps. Gifford and Straus and Sen. Marc R. Pacheco, D-Taunton, held a series of public meetings with local and regional planning officials last year to shape the proposal. The meetings also included the state Transportation Department
Bourne Cultural Council announces 2008 Local Grant Awards
State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) and Kathy Timmins, chair of the Bourne Cultural Council, have announced the award of 12 grants totaling $4,300 for cultural programs in Bourne. The grants were awarded from a pool of funds distributed to the town of Bourne by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency that supports public programs and educational activities in the arts, sciences and humanities.
Grant recipients include the Bourne PTA, Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce, and Friends of Bourne Council on Aging. A complete list of recipients can be found below.
The Bourne Cultural Council is part of a grass-roots network of 329 local councils that serve every city and town in the state. The program is the largest, most decentralized one of its kind in the United States. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which then allocates funds to each local council. Decisions about which activities to support are made at the community level by a board of municipally appointed volunteers.
"It's the local volunteers who really make this system work," said Representative Gifford. "Thanks to them, the arts, sciences and humanities are part of people's everyday lives in every community across the state."
The members of the Bourne Cultural Council are:
Elizabeth Brown, Dr. Susan Cushing, Jane Dalton, Audrey Forge, Karen J. Gradowski, Kathy Timmins
(Chair), and Carolyn Viles
The Bourne Cultural Council has several openings so please contact Ms. Kathy Timmins if you are interested in serving on it.
Statewide, more than $2.65 million will be distributed by local cultural councils in 2008. Grants will support an enormous range of grass-roots activities: concerts, exhibitions, radio and video productions, field trips for schoolchildren, after-school youth programs, writing workshops, historical preservation efforts, lectures, First Night celebrations, nature and science education programs for families and town festivals. Nearly half of LCC funds support educational activities for young people. This includes the PASS Program, which provides subsidies for school children to attend cultural field trips.
The Bourne Cultural Council will seek applications again in the fall. Information and forms are available at the Bourne Town Hall and the Cataumet Arts Center and are due Oct. 15. This year's grants in the town of Bourne are as follows:
1) Bourne PTA for Finding Your Groove dance program (Spring 2008)
2) Bourne PTA for Mad Scientist-Sparking Imaginative Learning science program (February 2008)
3) Bourne PTA for Zeiterion Theatre at Cape Cod Community College (March 2008)
4) Bourne Society for Historic Preservation for Trolley Tours (Summer 2008)
5) Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce for Concert in the Park Series (Summer 2008)
6) Falmouth Chorale for Community Performances (March 2008)
7) Friends of Bourne Council on Aging for Clarence Darrow History Performance (May 2008)
8) Mastersingers by the Sea Chorus for Haydn's Creation Concert (April 2008)
9) Plymouth Guild for the Arts for 41st Annual Art Show and Stroll (Sept. 2008)
10) Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, Inc. for Concerts by The Phil (Sept. '07 - May '08)
11) Sagamore Beach Colony Club for Arts on the Beach (Summer 2008)
12) Cape Cod Museum of Art for ARTWORK/Art Internship Program (Sept. '07-May '08)
REPRESENTATIVES GIFFORD AND PERRY ANNOUNCE DHCD AWARD TO BOURNE HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOSTON – State Representatives Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) and Jeffrey D. Perry (R-Sandwich) announced today that the Bourne Housing Authority has received a grant in the amount of $25,000 from the Department of Housing and Community Development. These funds will be used for the emergency improvement of the Authority's Waterhouse Apartments development. Improvements will include the replacement of three boilers and design plans to replace the remaining thirteen boilers.
Rep. Gifford noted that the grant award could not have come at a better time. "There is no secret that we are facing budgetary constraints due to a continuing increase in state spending and limited revenue. Timing is everything and these repairs are long overdue," said Rep. Gifford. "Our Housing Authorities face a constant struggle to secure funds not only for increased operational expenses but emergency repairs. These grants are so important and much appreciated."
"I am pleased DCHD has awarded the Bourne Housing Authority funds for the requested emergency repairs. The goal of this state program is to enhance the quality of life of residents," Perry said, "DHCD provides professional assistance and financial resources in an effort to promote safe, decent affordable housing opportunities, economic vitality of communities and sound municipal management. I look forward to continuing to work with the Bourne Authority to address their repair issues."
Representative Gifford urges constituents to apply for financial aid to help pay for college
Boston- Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today where constituents can receive help in applying and receiving financial aid to help pay for college. Every year, Massachusetts students use state and federal low-interest loans to help them afford their college education and free guidance is available to help applicants through this process.
"Time is of the essence, and students planning to attend college next fall should begin the financial aid application process right now," said Rep. Gifford. "While substantial aid is available, students should apply early, preferably earlier than March 1, and investigate all possible sources of aid."
Students begin the process of applying for both federal and state aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This document is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Many private colleges and universities also require a second form, the CSS PROFILE ®, which is available at The College Board's website.
To receive free guidance on identifying sources of financial aid and completing applications, students and families throughout Massachusetts may call TERI's toll-free information hotline at 1-877-332-4348 or visit one of TERI's nine College Planning Centers in Boston, Brockton and Chelsea, MA, or an Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) in Lynn, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Worcester. For hours of operation of TERI's Centers visit www.tericollegeplanning.org. TERI's hotline is made available through a partnership between the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and TERI.
"Students and their families need to be aware that funds exist to help ease the financial burden of attending college, said Rep. Gifford "It takes time and patience to uncover these sources, and to get through the application process. For those looking for financial help, I urge you to get started now. "
STATEWIDE TOLL-FREE EDUCATION/FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
The TERI Information Hotline, 1-877-332-4348, puts students and families across Massachusetts in touch with experts who provide free guidance on college planning. Hours are Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTERS
Boston TERI College Planning Center
Boston Public Library, Copley Square
700 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116
Visit www.tericollegeplanning.org for information on TERI's 9 Centers in Boston, Brockton and Chelsea.
Brockton TERI College Planning Center
34 School Street Brockton, MA 02301
Leominster North Central Educational Opportunity Center
100 Erdman Way Leominster, MA 01453
Lynn Educational Opportunity Center
Corner of Broad and Market Streets Lynn, MA 01901
New Bedford Seven Hills Behavior Health
New Bedford Educational Opportunity Center
10 Welby Road New Bedford, MA 02745
Pittsfield The Learning Connection
10 Lyman Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
Greater Springfield Valley Opportunity Center
Educational Opportunity Center
152 Center Street Chicopee, MA 01013
Worcester Ed Central – Colleges of Worcester Consortium
484 Main Street, Suite 500 Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 754-6829 ext.3004
GIFFORD ATTAINS PERFECT VOTING RECORD
Casts 243 consecutive roll call votes this year
BOSTON—House Minority Leader Brad Jones congratulated state Rep. Susan Gifford today for achieving a perfect voting record in 2007.
The Wareham Republican participated in every one of the 243 roll call votes held this year, casting votes on legislation to protect consumers from identity theft, promote benefits for veterans, and increase local aid and education funding for cities and towns.
"Sue's voting record shows her dedication and commitment to being a true advocate for the people of her district," Jones said. "She devotes a great deal of time and effort to being an active, involved legislator, and her constituents certainly reap the benefits."
Homeowner's Commission Report Released
BOSTON- Earlier today, the special Commission created by the legislature to review the current state of homeowners insurance in the Commonwealth released its final report.
"This is a critical issue, impacting thousands of homeowners in the Commonwealth," said Representative Ron Mariano (D-Quincy), Commission co-chair. "The Commission has worked hard on solutions that will produce real, tangible results."
The report outlines six recommendations made by the Commission intended to bring long-term stability to the homeowners insurance marketplace in coastal areas. Amongst the recommendations given were the ideas to establish a public entity to study the reliability of catastrophe models; create a state-run catastrophic event fund; and increase consumer education.
"Over the past several months this Commission has spent countless hours considering ways to improve the homeowners insurance market in the Commonwealth," said Senator Stephen J. Buoniconti (D-West Springfield), Commission co-chair. "Through the dedication and expertise of all the members of the Commission, I am pleased that we have been able to put forward a number of recommendations to the legislature which will have a beneficial effect on Massachusetts consumers."
Over the past few months, the Commission held four public hearings across the state, giving people who have been affected by this issue a chance to offer input and suggestions. The Commission also heard from a range of experts in the insurance and storm modeling industries.
"Rising premiums are a constant concern in my district and I am glad to be a part of the resolution to this pressing issue," said Rep. Eric Turkington (D-Falmouth), Commission member.
"I have heard from countless constituents who have been affected by this crisis. I am pleased that the legislature recognized this as a priority and put together this high-level commission to investigate the root-causes," said Representative Susan W. Gifford (R-Wareham), Commission member. "I am proud of the work we have done, and I know that our recommendations will benefit Massachusetts homeowners."
"It is my hope that the work of this Commission will continue to bring greater attention to the homeowners insurance crisis and needed reforms will be implemented," said Senator Robert O'Leary (D-Barnstable), Commission member. "Finding a long-term solution to our property insurance crisis is one of my highest priorities. I am pleased that the commission has endorsed a number of legislative actions, including the creation of a state-run catastrophic event fund. The creation of a CAT Fund is one of the things we can do to potentially reduce people's rates."
The panel was made up of 16 members, including: Nonnie S. Burnes, Commissioner of Insurance; John K. Golembeski, President of the Massachusetts FAIR Plan; a designee from Attorney General Martha Coakley's office; Sen. Robert O'Leary (D-Barnstable); Rep. Eric Turkington (D-Falmouth); Rep. Susan W. Gifford (R-Wareham); Senior Vice President of Eastern Insurance Don Uvanitte; and other representatives from insurance and reinsurance companies and consumer advocacy groups.
PERRY AND GIFFORD CO-SPONSOR LEGISLATION TO SEND MILLIONS IN LOCAL AID BACK TO CITIES AND TOWNS
BOSTON—State Representatives Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) and Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) and the House Republican caucus recently filed a bill, HD4651, that would return over $450 million in local aid to Massachusetts cities and towns.
Perry, Gifford and the Republican caucus believe the money is due to local communities because the state diverted $450 million away from them in recent years through a cap on Lottery aid, money that communities use to pay for police, schools and other essential local needs.
"This money is due to cities and towns because the State diverted $450 million away from them over the past several years through a cap on Lottery aid, money that communities use to pay for police, schools, senior citizen centers and other essential local services. After all, the State made a promise to lottery players and local communities that 100% of the net lottery revenue would be sent back to cities and towns and that promise, like so many others in government today, was broken by the elected officials who are supposed to be the defenders of the people," said Perry from the State Office today.
"The Commonwealth took this money designated for our cities and towns for its rainy day fund at a time when it appeared we were headed for the storm. The storm has passed the Commonwealth but it has moved on to our local communities and it's time to give that money back now," added Gifford.
Under the legislation, the $450 million would be returned to cities and towns as unrestricted local aid, so that communities could use the funds for their most pressing needs. The money would be distributed through the same formula the state uses to dole out Lottery aid every year.
Towns in Perry's and Gifford's Districts stand to gain millions under the bill if approved. Barnstable would receive $1,259,917; Bourne would receive $708, 379; Carver would receive $875, 017; Mashpee would get $220,375; Sandwich would receive $632, 575; and Wareham would receive $1,185,109.
Homeowners Insurance Commission Announces Intentions to Continue Meeting and Release Findings on November 30th
BOSTON- In its ongoing effort to find long-term solutions to the homeowners insurance problems plaguing coastal areas of Massachusetts, the Special Commission on Homeowners Insurance, which was created by the legislature during this year's budget cycle, today announced intentions to release its final recommendations on Friday, November 30th. The 16-member commission of legislators, regulators, and insurance professionals, has been meeting on a weekly basis since August.
"The Commission has worked diligently on finding ways to offer relief to consumers, and also create a marketplace where insurance companies want to write. While those seem like mutually exclusive goals, we are working to address both," said Eric Turkington, a state representative from Falmouth and member of the Commission.
The Commission released a preliminary report in October, which summarized the testimony collected at the four public hearings held across the state, and expected to file a final report with recommendations in early November.
"It has really come down to doing this fast, or doing this right. I am happy with the progress we have made so far, and think the extra time will give us the time we need to produce a report with real solutions," said Robert O'Leary, a state senator representing Cape Cod and a member of the Commission.
"The Commission is composed of professionals with wide-ranging perspectives on our homeowners insurance problem. The give and take between members has really helped to define the root causes of the problem, and some realistic ways to address them," said Susan Williams Gifford, a state representative from Wareham and member of the Commission.
REP. GIFFORD ANNOUNCES DISTRICT CULTURAL COUNCIL GRANTS
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that the Cultural Councils in the 2nd Plymouth District will again receive grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The grants totaling $13,530 have been awarded as part of a state-wide funding program by the MCC and is part of the Local Cultural Council Program. The Bourne Council will receive $4,000; Carver was awarded $4,040; and Wareham's grant totals $5,490.
"These programs support community-based projects that explore local arts and history, expand education and accessibility, and celebrate diversity," said Rep. Gifford. "The Local Cultural Council Program is the most extensive cultural funding system of its kind in the nation and we are so fortunate to have this money available for our local councils." This network provides funding to every Massachusetts city and town through 329 LCCs and 2,500 volunteer members.
"Now more than ever it is important to recognize and celebrate the cultures of those who not only call the Commonwealth their home but helped to shape who we are today," Rep. Gifford said. "This continued source of funding helps us do just that."
REP. GIFFORD APPOINTED TO COMMISSION ON HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE
Boston- House Minority Leader Brad Jones today designated state Rep. Susan Williams Gifford (R- Wareham) to serve on a special commission reviewing the current state of the homeowner's insurance market in Massachusetts. The 15-member commission will study the availability and affordability of property insurance, including factors driving rates and the accuracy of loss projections. The commission is required to meet a series of times to complete its work, and to hold at least 1 public hearing on Cape Cod or another coastal area.
"Susan is one of several members of the Republican caucus who are familiar with insurance issues affecting the Cape Cod/Southeastern Massachusetts region and who know the problems with the property insurance marketplace," Jones said. "Her knowledge and experience will be valuable assets to the group."
"I am so pleased to be named to this commission. The situation with Homeowner's property insurance was an issue for me during the last legislative session but it is now nearing the crisis stage," said Rep. Gifford. "It's time to get things moving and start fixing the problems."
The commission was created in a section of the state budget, which was signed into law by the governor on July 12, and it is expected to hold its first meeting on July 26th
REPRESENTATIVE GIFFORD ANNOUNCES EXTRA STATE FUNDING FOR WAREHAM
BOSTON – Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that the budget amendments she filed for the town of Wareham were successfully adopted into the fiscal year 2008 budget signed yesterday by Gov. Patrick. The Turning Point Day Resource Center for the Homeless and the Rt. 195 Visitor Information Center in Wareham will be the beneficiaries of specific line item earmarks.
Turning Point will receive $15,000 for operating expenses, a five thousand dollar increase from FY07. "It was important this year to not only secure the same funding that we had in the past for Turning Point, but to increase the funding," Rep. Gifford said, "This increase will help Turning Point to keep up with the ever growing demand of their services due to escalating numbers individuals and families having difficulty meeting their financial obligations." This is the fifth consecutive year that Rep. Gifford has been successful in acquiring funding for this organization in the budget.
In addition, Rep. Gifford also secured a budget earmark in the amount of $9,000 for operating expenses of the Visitor Information Center on Rt. 195 in West Wareham. This center is the only one in the Commonwealth not funded by the state and relies on donations from individuals and business sponsorships. "I filed an amendment last year seeking an earmark but was unsuccessful. Persistence pays off and it's a step in the right direction," said Rep. Gifford. "It's a modest amount but enough to take off some of the burden. The staff at the Center works very hard to promote Wareham as a tourist destination and direct travelers to our local businesses. They need all the help they can get.
REP. GIFFORD'S BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR BOURNE ADOPTED
BOSTON – Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that budget amendments she filed concerning the Buzzards Bay Village Association and the Bourne Financial Development Corporation were accepted into the fiscal year 2008 budget signed yesterday by Gov. Patrick.
Rep. Gifford was successful in securing a line item earmark in the amount of $100,000 for the Buzzards Bay Village Association to implement the Greenbelt Pathway Project and to advance to the second phase of a master plan for the Bridge Park along Main Street. "This is the fourth year I've been able to get an earmark for the BBVA in the House budget and at a time when state spending is tight, I'm very pleased," said Rep. Gifford.
For the second consecutive year, Rep. Gifford was successful in acquiring an earmark for the Bourne Financial Development Corporation to complete a redevelopment project in Buzzards Bay, and to begin a redevelopment analysis of MacArthur Boulevard. This year the amount is $170,000. "In this difficult fiscal time, our towns are relying more and more on economic development. The BFDC and BBVA are doing amazing things for Bourne," said Rep. Gifford. "I'm happy that I can help keep the momentum going."
Representative Gifford Announces $800,000 in Funding For Community Upgrades in Wareham
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that Wareham will receive $800,000 in federal funding for Housing Rehabilitation, Planning, and Public Services through a Community Development Block Grant.
Funds from the grant will be put to use in several community and public service projects. In addition to a housing rehabilitation of sixteen residences there will be a Wareham Village sign and façade program that will benefit six buildings. Public services will include an after school program, transportation supplements for low income seniors, disabled and homeless citizens, a literacy training program and a youth mentoring program.
" Wareham's Community & Economic Development staff did a fantastic job in putting together a clear, concise package in the grant application, "said Rep. Gifford. "It targeted all aspects of the available funding for some much needed projects and DHCD agreed."
Community Development Block Grants are issued annually by the federal government and are administered to communities with populations of less than 50,000 by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. CDBG funds are targeted to communities to provide decent housing and a suitable living environment and to expand economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.
"This funding is great news for Wareham because it gives us a boost in housing assistance, fixing up older homes, economic development and providing beneficial services for some of our most in need residents," Rep.Gifford said.
Representative Gifford & Republican Colleagues Working to Make State More Affordable for Seniors
BOSTON—In an effort to make Massachusetts more affordable for older residents, State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) and her fellow House Republican members won approval today for a plan that gives more seniors a bigger break on their property tax bills.
During a debate on the House budget, Republican members offered an amendment that would let seniors include half of their home heating costs when applying to be eligible for the senior circuit breaker tax credit.
Currently, seniors can only include their water and sewer fees as expenses when they apply for the program. The senior circuit breaker credit allows residents age 65 and older to claim a credit of up to $870 on their income tax form for the property taxes they paid on their home in that year, provided they meet certain income guidelines, and if their home is valued at $684,000 or less.
Expanding the eligibility guidelines to include home heating costs would allow thousands more seniors to get the property tax relief they need. About 40,000 seniors are currently eligible for the program.
"Making Massachusetts more affordable is the centerpiece of the Republican agenda," said House Minority Leader Brad Jones, R-North Reading. "We are focused on making Massachusetts more livable for the average, middle-class citizen, and we believe our legislative proposals and policies will resonate among residents."
"Property taxes are one of the biggest expenses residents face, and they can be especially devastating for older homeowners on a fixed income," said Rep. Gifford. "I am very pleased that my colleagues in the House agreed to give seniors a break but we still have a lot more work to do."
House lawmakers voted to approve the Republican amendment Monday, and will continue debating the budget throughout this week. The Senate will get a chance to offer and debate its own spending plan next month, and a final budget should be in place by July 1.
REPRESENTATIVE GIFFORD AND REPUBLICAN CAUCUS FIGHT TO SEND MORE LOCAL AID BACK TO CITIES AND TOWNS
Offered proposal to send $230 million more to communities
BOSTON—In an effort to significantly increase financial help to struggling communities, State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) and her House Republican colleagues offered a proposal today to send $230 million more in local aid back to cities and towns.
The proposal, offered as an amendment to a local aid resolution crafted by Democratic leaders, would have given local communities 40 percent of whatever the state takes in from the sales tax, personal income tax and corporate excise tax.
The amendment was overwhelmingly rejected by the Democrat-controlled House.
"I am extremely disappointed that my fellow House members did not see the merit in sharing some of the state's wealth with local communities," said Rep. Gifford. "The House missed a big opportunity today to do better by cities and towns especially in light of the fact that some 50 communities are currently seeking overrides."
The local aid resolution debated yesterday increases local aid to cities and towns by $235 million over last year. Although that number is higher than the amount Gov. Deval Patrick proposed in his own spending plan, 80 communities got less under the House resolution than they did under the governor's plan. The Republican caucus offered an amendment to restore aid to those 80 communities, but that proposal was also rejected.
Under the House resolution, Wareham will receive an additional $134,883 for Chapter 70 school aid; Carver will see an increase of $94,204; and Bourne nets $6,454.
REP. GIFFORD BACKS WORKING FAMILIES TAX CREDIT
Republicans tackle affordability issue with new agenda
BOSTON – In an effort to make Massachusetts more affordable for middle-income families, State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) is co-sponsoring a comprehensive tax credit plan that will help residents cope with the state's high cost of living.
Known as the Working Families Tax Credit, the legislation would allow taxpayers to claim up to $20,000 in deductions on their state income tax return to offset a variety of everyday living expenses, including rent, utilities, college tuition and child care. The proposal was filed last week as part of a far-reaching Republican Policy Conference agenda backed by all 24 House and Senate Republicans.
Under the GOP proposal, taxpayers can choose one or more deductions from a "checklist" of qualifying expenses. Deductions will range from $500 for property or casualty insurance costs on a primary residence to as much as $6,000 for mortgage expenses. Collectively, the total deduction claimed by any taxpayer can not exceed $20,000 in any given tax year.
"The idea is to make this plan as broad-based as possible so that more people would qualify for relief," Rep. Gifford said. "Depending on their personal circumstances, some taxpayers will get a small credit, while others will be able to claim the full deduction."
"Until we make Massachusetts more affordable, we will continue to see residents pulling up stakes and moving to other parts of the country," said House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading). "The Working Families Tax Credit is a key component of our effort to turn that trend around and keep people at home in the Bay State."
Republican House and Senate members are now working together to develop new ideas that will improve the lives of Massachusetts residents. The tax credit is one of several initiatives Republicans are offering this session to try to stop the exodus of residents from Massachusetts. More than 250,000 people have left the state over the last four years, due primarily to high housing and insurance costs. "To stop this mass departure of residents from the Commonwealth, we need to be creative and pro-active in offering solutions to this problem," said Rep. Gifford. "This is a comprehensive proposal that truly offers something for everyone and should help to stem the tide of residents who are fleeing the state."
Highlights of the Working Families Tax Credit legislation include:
an expansion of the existing rental deduction, which will increase from $3,000 to $4,500;
the introduction of a new mortgage interest deduction for a primary residence, which will be capped at $6,000;
the creation of a $500 deduction for property or casualty insurance costs associated with a primary residence;
the establishment of a $2,500 utility deduction, which will allow residents to offset costly expenses such as water, sewer, electricity, home heating oil, natural gas and propane.
an increase in the standard child care deduction, which for a single child will rise from $4,800 to $5,520, and from $9,600 to $11,040 for parents with two or more dependents; and
an expanded student loan interest deduction, which will now be available not only to undergraduate students, but also to graduate students pursuing an advanced degree.
The tax credit package also offers an additional benefit to parents sending a child to college. Under current tax law, when a student is enrolled in a two- or four-year college, parents can claim a credit equal to the amount by which the tuition payments exceed 25 percent of their adjusted gross income. The new proposal expands eligibility by allowing for the deduction of tuition costs that exceed 15 percent of adjusted gross income.
Republican legislators have been working closely with the Department of Revenue to determine the fiscal impact the tax credit proposal will have on the state. Although it will mean a loss of tax revenue, Rep. Gifford said the plan is well worth implementing. "This proposal will cost some money up front, but it will reap enormous economic benefits for the Commonwealth as a whole in the long run," said Rep. Gifford
REP. GIFFORD WANTS STATE TO ALLOW MUNICIPALITIES TO BE ABLE TO JOIN GROUP INSURANCE COMMISSION
Management-Labor Coalition calls for quick passage early in the legislative session
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) joined a coalition of municipal officials, union leaders, and retiree representatives working together as the Municipal Health Insurance Working Group in calling for a reform to give cities and towns the option to join the state's Group Insurance Commission (GIC). Rep. Gifford is one of more than 105 legislators who are sponsoring reform legislation to ease the burden of skyrocketing health care insurance costs on municipalities, taxpayers, and employees. Governor Deval Patrick also endorsed the concept last week.
"Municipal health insurance costs have long been a budget buster for our financially strapped cities and towns," said Rep. Gifford. "This is a great opportunity to get much needed help. The proposal can save a town millions of dollars while providing municipal employees and retirees with high quality health insurance."
"This proposal represents months of hard work and goodwill from major stakeholders in municipal government," said John Hamill, Chairman of Sovereign Bank and the convener of the Municipal Health Insurance Working Group. The group has been meeting since September 2005 to try to find common ground on municipal health insurance reform. This reform is a win-win situation for everyone, including taxpayers."
In order for communities to consider joining the GIC for the next fiscal year, the Legislature would need to pass the law very early in the session. The GIC must receive notice by October 2007 in order to enable a municipality's employees and retirees into the system by July 2008.
The organizations supporting the proposal include the Metro Mayors Coalition, Massachusetts Municipal Association, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), Massachusetts Teachers Association, AFT-Massachusetts, AFSCME Council 93, the Retired State, County & Municipal Employees of Massachusetts, and the Essex County Retirement Board. MAPC, the regional planning agency for Greater Boston, provided staff support for the coalition.
"Health insurance premiums have risen in double digits for most of the past decade, threatening the ability of many cities and towns to provide quality public services, eroding their ability to increase wages, and leading to lay-offs of municipal staff," Rep. Gifford said. "That's bad for everyone so there was a strong incentive for all to put a plan together."
Highlights of the proposal:
It would create a local option for cities and towns to purchase health insurance through the GIC. Analysis shows that the GIC's high quality plans are generally significantly less expensive and provide more choices to employees and retirees than typical municipal options. Under the proposal, no community would be mandated to join the GIC.
A decision to join the GIC would be made collectively among municipal leaders, public employee labor representatives, and retiree representatives. The proposal uses the existing mechanism called "coalition bargaining" to bring stakeholders together to make health care decisions.
All decisions about contribution ratios – i.e., the percentage of health insurance premiums that are borne by employees or retirees, and the percentage borne by the municipality – would continue to be made at the local level. The GIC, however, would have responsibility for contracting with health care insurers and making plan design decisions. Municipal employees would be in the same insurance pool as all state employees, which currently covers more than 265,000 people in the Commonwealth.
Municipalities would pay all costs associated with purchasing health insurance through the GIC, including a small administrative fee to the Commission. The proposal is structured to be self-financing and start-up costs for the Commonwealth would be nominal.
As part of the proposal, the coalition seeks to expand the Commission by adding representatives of municipal management and public employee unions. These new additions would not change the balance of the Commission.
More information about the Municipal Health Insurance Working Group's proposal is available at www.mapc.org.
REPRESENTATIVE GIFFORD, REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES OFFER JOINT LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Plan would make Massachusetts more livable, more environmentally-friendly
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) and fellow House and Senate Republicans this week unveiled a comprehensive joint legislative agenda focused on making Massachusetts more affordable, moving the state to the forefront of energy and environmental policy, and encouraging innovation and competitiveness.
Their agenda includes a plan to help first-time homebuyers put down roots in Massachusetts, tax breaks for working families on their mortgage, child care and education expenses, and strict, new standards for energy efficiency in the state.
Other proposals include cost-cutting measures for cities and towns, disaster preparedness and relief legislation, and a grant program to help students at public colleges and universities turn innovative ideas into actual businesses in Massachusetts.
"This multi-faceted agenda responds directly to the key issues facing our Commonwealth and sets the stage for action on affordability, competitiveness and other pressing concerns of the people of our state," said Rep. Gifford. "Now more than ever we must work together and focus on issues and initiatives that will make a real difference for our state's future."
"This agenda really defines what we stand for as Republicans in Massachusetts and what we want our state to look like in the future," said House Minority Leader Brad Jones, R-North Reading. "We are focused on making Massachusetts more livable for the average, middle-class citizen, and we believe our legislative proposals and policies will resonate among residents."
The agenda, "Toward a Better Massachusetts," addresses the five top priorities of the Republican caucus: affordability, innovation and competitiveness, conserving resources, strengthening, protecting and empowering communities, and restoring confidence in government.
"The state will be facing many difficult challenges over the next two years," said Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei, R-Wakefield. "Families and companies are leaving the state because they can no longer afford to live and do business here. As Republicans, we are committed to doing everything we can to stop this exodus and to make the Commonwealth a better place to live, work and raise a family, and that is reflected in our policy agenda."
This is the first time the House and Senate caucuses have partnered in this way to create a shared legislative strategy and philosophy. As part of the new collaboration, Jones and Tisei appointed a Republican Policy Conference to help develop a legislative agenda and decide on joint policy matters that arise in the House and Senate throughout the year. The committee is chaired by State Sen. Bruce Tarr and state Rep. Paul Loscocco.
"The agenda reflects the collective input and tireless work of many committed legislators within our caucus, and we're proud to offer this to the people of Massachusetts," said state Rep. Paul Loscocco, R-Holliston. "Our legislative agenda is about setting priorities and offering a plan to move Massachusetts forward."
Legislation included in the Republican agenda will be filed by tomorrow.
REP. GIFFORD HAILS SIGNING OF KAYLA'S BILL
BOSTON – Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced that Kayla's Bill, an act requiring automated external defibrillators ( AED) be present in all health clubs in Massachusetts, was signed into law by Governor Romney. Rep. Gifford co-sponsored the bill with Sen. Rob O'Leary (D-Cummaquid).
This bill was named after Kayla Richards, a 22-year-old young woman from Carver who collapsed and died last March while working out at her local health club. Many, including Kayla's friends and family, believe that she could have been saved if there had been an AED present. Public support for this legislation was overwhelming, as was the support legislators received from the American Heart Association.
"I am so pleased and grateful that then Governor Romney recognized how important this legislation is and chose to sign it into law," said Rep. Gifford. "If he didn't sign it, the bill would have become a 'pocket veto' and we would have had to start from square one. Who knows how many others would have to suffer the loss of a loved one the way Kayla's family did if we didn't get this done."
Kayla's Bill requires health clubs with five full time employees to have on the premises at least 1 AED, and at least 1 employee trained and authorized to use it in attendance during business hours. The AED is a computerized medical device capable of delivering an electric shock to restart the human heart. An AED can check a person's heart rhythm, and can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock. It can also advise the rescuer when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take.
"As soon as I knew the bill was on the Governor's desk, I called his office every day asking for his signature, even during the New Year's weekend," Rep. Gifford said. "We finally got the confirmation that Kayla's Bill was now Kayla's Law on January 2nd."
An event in recognition of Kayla's Law is being planned for next week and will take place at Jordan Hospital, where Kayla's mother, Judy Richards, is a registered nurse. The American Heart Association is sponsoring the event.
Representative Gifford Announces Environmental Grant for the Town of Carver
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that the town of Carver has been awarded a $500,000 self-help grant by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. This money will be used for the Cole Property project, a unique undertaking by the town which seeks to identify and develop a new water source, as well as to protect the surrounding environmental area.
This grant will enable the town of Carver to purchase 98 acres of land on which the Cole Property is located. The presence of a high-yield aquifer makes it an ideal area for development as a new water source. It sits along the Winnetuxet River, and is classified as a BioMap Core Habitat. In addition to the aquifer, there are also 2 rare species of animals, cranberry bogs, and vernal pools.
"This is a great day for Carver! The town officials worked very hard to put together a clear, concise grant application," said Rep. Gifford. "That makes my job of convincing EOEA of the wonderful benefits of this project so much easier. We need to find every dollar from every available source to move this forward."
The Self-Help program was established in 1961, and it provides financial assistance to municipal conservation commissions to acquire land for natural resource and passive outdoor recreation purposes. The legacy of this program is that it affords legal protection to each property acquired, thus allowing the land to be kept in conservation use. Lands acquired may include wildlife habitats, trails, water resources, and working forests
REP. GIFFORD HONORED AT FIRE STATION DEDICATION
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) was recognized today for her efforts to make the new Sagamore Beach fire station a reality. At a dedication ceremony to officially open the new station, Bourne Fire Chief Charles Klueber presented Rep. Gifford with a plaque thanking her for her leadership and vision.
The new fire station replaces the one that was located on the old Sagamore Rotary and was negotiated as part of the overall Sagamore Route 3 "Flyover" project by Mass Highway and the Executive Office of Transportation. It houses a new ladder truck, fire engine, ambulance and hazardous materials vehicle ready to service 110 communities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape & islands. Two firefighter/paramedics regularly staff the station next to the village post office.
"It hasn't been an easy task," said Chief Klueber. "There were many bumps in the road but Rep. Gifford was there for us whenever we needed her. I've had to call on her many times for other matters and she's always been available to help."
In her remarks at the dedication, Rep. Gifford said how proud she was to have this state of the art public safety facility in her district. "I believe the fundamental role of government is to keep its citizens safe," said Rep. Gifford. "This fire station is truly a testament to that."
REP. GIFFORD & LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER TEAM UP FOR SPECIAL DELIVERY
DAMIEN'S PLACE FOOD PANTRY TO BENEFIT
BOSTON – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that she and Wareham business owner John White delivered a new computer system to Damien's Place Food Pantry in Wareham. Rep. Gifford and Mr. White who owns Mijon Technologies in Wareham and Pocasset Computer in Bourne teamed up to make the much needed donation.
"About a month ago, I received an email from Vic Giammalvo who volunteers at Damien's. He told me the present system was failing and asked if I knew of anyone who might be able to help them with a replacement. Donations to the Pantry have been down and they just didn't have the funds available to buy a new computer," Rep. Gifford said. "I immediately thought of John and called him. Computer prices have fallen so we decided to make a 'joint donation' of a new system."
Mr. White is no stranger to community involvement. The past Chairman of the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce and former board member of the Onset Bay Association, he was eager to help. "When Susan called, I never gave it a second thought. Damien's Place has done so much good for the people of Wareham and surrounding communities. This request was an easy one for us to honor," said Mr. White.
Fr. Gabriel Healy who spearheads Damien's operation was present to accept the donation along with Mr. Giammalvo and his wife, Dolores who also volunteers. Donations are much needed andcan be made to Damien's Place, 77 Adams St., PO Box 111, Fairhaven, MA 02719.
REP. GIFFORD PUSHES FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION ON VETERAN'S BILL
BOSTON - Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) joined Senator Brian A. Joyce,and Veterans and Federal Affairs Co-Chairmen Stephen M. Brewer and Anthony J. Verga today to urge the Senate President and Speaker of the House to expedite the passage of an appropriation that would fund new state policy allowing National Guardsman to attend state colleges and universities for free.
While language implementing free tuition and fee waivers for Guardsmen was passed in "The Welcome Home Bill" last November, a standoff has developed between the Board of Higher Education and the Legislature over whether the Board can withhold the waiver program without upfront direct appropriations from the Legislature.
The legislators circulated the letter to Senate President Travaglini and House Speaker DiMasi amid reports of veterans being denied tuition and fee waivers at local colleges.
"It would be shameful if it did not fulfill the commitment we made to our brave men and women in the military," said Rep. Gifford. "They are the ones who protect our freedom and liberty through their bravery and sacrifice. This is the right thing to do. We must welcome home our veterans." Over 65 legislators to date have signed on to the letter.
In July, the governor filed, H. 5202, An Act Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2007 to Provide for National Guard Tuition and Fee Waivers," currently in the House Ways and Means Committee, after funding for the program was not included in the budget.
Representative Gifford Announces Tax Relief for Veterans
BOSTON – Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that the Massachusetts Legislature recently passed a measure that will provide tax relief for the men and woman of our military.
Thousands of Massachusetts veterans and their families will be eligible for various forms of tax relief thanks to legislation unanimously approved by the House of Representatives. The Massachusetts Military Enhanced Relief Individual Tax (MERIT) Plan honors the memory and bears the name of Edward G. Connolly, a U.S. Army veteran and an eight-term state Representative from Everett who passed away in May.
The legislation, delivers the following forms of relief to the Commonwealth's military families:
Increases various property tax exemptions and abatements for veterans;
Grants a $2,500 property tax exemption for eligible surviving spouses of veterans killed in combat or missing in action;
Increases the real estate tax exemption for disabled veterans from $600 to $1,000 and makes the exemption available for surviving spouses of qualifying disabled veterans;
Establishes a new five year 100% property tax exemption for war widows and widowers (Gold Star Spouses);
Gives cities and towns the local option of suspending property tax payments from National Guard members and Reservists who are serving on active duty or their dependants; and
Extends sales and vehicle excise tax exemptions to all veterans who qualify for a Disabled Veterans license plate, as determined by the Registry of Motor Vehicle's Medical Advisory Board.
"No matter what we do, it will never be enough," said Representative Gifford. "I'm pleased that we're taking these steps to try and repay the debt of gratitude we owe our military men and women for their sacrifices. The MERIT plan, along with the Welcome Home Bill that was passed into state law last November, exemplifies the Legislature's unwavering and resolute commitment to the Commonwealth's veterans and the benefits they deserve."
The bill now awaits final action by the Senate. Once given this final approval, the bill will head to Governor Romney's desk for his signature.
House Passes Equal Choice Bill
Representative Gifford Sees Victory for Elderly, Disabled
BOSTON - Representative Susan Williams-Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that senior citizens and the disabled who quality for long term care services under the MassHealth program will have an "Equal Choice" of care at home, or care in a nursing home, under legislation adopted unanimously today by the House of Representatives.
House Bill 5203, the "Equal Choice" bill, renovates the MassHealth program from one which has historically been institutionally oriented, to one which focuses on care "in the least restrictive setting appropriate" to an individual's needs. This legislation has been endorsed by the major elderly and disabled rights groups in the Commonwealth, including Mass Home Care, AARP, the Statewide Independent Living Council, MAOA, Mass Senior Action, Mass Councils on Aging, and the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization.
"The elderly and the disabled want to be cared for at home as a first resort," explained Representative Gifford. "This legislation gives them the choice to live independently in the community."
The Equal Choice bill will save Commonwealth taxpayers $134 million in the first five years after implementation. Several recent studies of the state's long term care system have noted the state's over-reliance on institutional care. Today, approximately 75% of the MassHealth funding for long term care goes to nursing homes. Massachusetts ranks 25 th in the nation for the percentage of MassHealth funding spent in the community.
Representative Gifford said, "This bill is a win-win. It keeps elders living in the community, and it saves tax dollars as well."
The Equal Choice bill establishes a more focused and defined "pre-admission counseling" program for people who are being referred to a nursing home, to ensure that they are aware of their community alternatives. Everyone about to enter a nursing home regardless of whether they are privately paying, or seeking MassHealth support will have the opportunity to explore options in the community first. This bill will allow the Commonwealth, after submitting a waiver to the federal government, to capture a 50% federal match for some elders who are not fully supported with state funding.
The Senate engrossed a similar version of the Equal Choice bill on a unanimous vote. The bill will now come up for a final vote in the Senate followed by final enactment in the House before being sent to the Governor for his approval.
Rep. Gifford Announces the Naming of SFC Robert Rooney Bridge
BOSTON – Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) announced today that Governor Mitt Romney signed into law legislation that honors SFC Robert Rooney, a Massachusetts National Guardsman who lost his life while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom on September 5 th, 2003.. This bill names the Route 44 bridge over Brook Street in Carver the " SFC Robert Rooney Bridge".
"I am delighted the Governor acted so quickly to sign this bill," said Rep. Gifford after the official signing ceremony. "The entire Rooney family and the town of Carver deserves this permanent memorial to their fallen hero." Rep. Gifford filed the original legislation in 2005 following the request by Sgt. Mike Miksch of the Carver Police Department, a long time family friend.
Sergeant First Class Robert Rooney proudly served his country for 24 years in the National Guard. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Rooney was attached to the 379 th Engineer Company in his second tour. Rooney also served in Desert Storm. SFC Rooney, a Nashua, New Hampshire native, lived in the town of Carver for over fifteen years, where his family still resides. SFC Rooney was the first Massachusetts National Guardsman to lose his life during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SFC Rooney was a husband and father of 3.
The ceremony was attended by Sgt. Rooney's widow, Diane and other immediate family members as well as numerous members of the House and Senate. "We owe a debt of gratitude to our military men and women who serve this country, even more to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I'm so pleased that Sergeant Rooney will forever be remembered with this bridge named in his honor and memory," said Rep. Gifford during the ceremony. "Details of the sign placement ceremony at the bridge will be made public when available.
HOUSE LEADERSHIP GUTS EFFORT TO HELP CITIES AND TOWNS
BOSTON— A Republican effort to excuse cities and towns from having to pay the 21-cent state gas tax was squashed by House leadership today, delaying much-needed financial relief for local communities.
The proposal, filed as a budget amendment by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr., could have saved cities and towns close to $10 million a year. The plan was co-sponsored by State Representative Susan Williams Gifford.
"It is extremely disappointing that a majority of my colleagues in the House chose to snub cities and towns by denying them this relatively small financial break," said Jones, R-North Reading. "I sincerely hope that this begrudging attitude toward our communities is not an indicator of how the rest of the budget debate will play out. I know my Republican colleagues and I will continue to fight for cities and towns every step of the way."
Rep. Gifford (R-Wareham) also expressed her disappointment. "I just don't understand the unwillingness to do this one simple thing that would help our ailing cities and towns. I have not heard one good reason not to do this," said Rep. Gifford. House Republicans originally filed a bill seeking the municipal gas tax relief last fall when gasoline prices spiked after the hurricanes. In March, that bill was sent to a "study" which usually signals its demise. "Everyone screams for more local aid but when we have a chance to provide some immediate help, we get stopped in our tracks," Rep. Gifford said.
Jones' proposal would have exempted cities and towns from paying the state gas tax when filling the tanks of municipal vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances and police cruisers. The plan was backed by the Massachusetts Association for Pupil Transportation.
Representative Gifford Announces North Carver Feasibility Study Grant
BOSTON – Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R – Wareham) announced today that the town of Carver has been awarded $50,000 from the FY 2005 Economic Development Fund (EDF) of the Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant Program. The purpose of this grant is to fund a pre-development planning analysis to study the developmental feasibility of a 128-acre site located in North Carver known as the Whitfield property.
The study will analyze and recommend the most advantageous redevelopment strategy for the site, holding in account the town's broader vision and planning efforts for the North Carver area. Implementation of the plan will guide economic development in balance with smart growth and sustainable development principles.
"This is a terrific step forward for the town given the economic opportunities in North Carver enhanced by the Route 44 project," Rep. Gifford said. "I join with town officials in looking forward to the study results."
REP . GIFFORD WELCOMES OIL SPILL CLEANUP EQUIPMENT
NEW BEDFORD – State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) joined state and local officials Friday as the Town of Wareham became the proud new owner of an oil spill emergency response equipment trailer. The ceremony at Fort Taber Park was attended by Governor Romney, Environmental Affairs Secretary Stephen Pritchard, DEP Commissioner Robert Golledge, Onset Fire District Chief Howard Anderson and Wareham Municipal Maintenance Director, Mark Gifford.
The trailers, 10 in all at a cost of $30,000 each, include 1,000 feet of oil containment booms, anchors, oil-absorbent materials and other supplies for fighting spills. "These trailers were paid for by the 2 cent per barrel levy on transiting oil that was included in the Oil Spill Act of 2003," said Rep. Gifford. "As a member of the Buzzards Bay Oil Spill Commission that drafted this legislation, I am please to see that our hard work is now paying off, literally."
The legislation was prompted by the April 2003 Bouchard oil barge accident that deposited 98,000 gallons of No. 6 heavy oil into Buzzards Bay . The spill cost $40 million to clean up, closed 178,000 acres of shellfish beds and killed hundreds of birds. "Unfortunately, the fight is not over as the federal government has filed a law suit against our legislation," Rep. Gifford said. "They say it is too strict and interferes with interstate commerce by allowing only double-hulled barges in our waters, along with pilots familiar with our waterways and tugboats. I say we had to do everything possible to see to it that this type of disaster doesn't happen again, and if it does, the responsible part will pay dearly," she said.
Trailers were awarded to towns across the South Coast and upper Cape . Fire chief from these communities were on hand for the event. Pictured with Rep. Gifford from left to right: Secretary Stephen Pritchard, Chief Howard Anderson, Director Mark Gifford and Commissioner Robert Golledge.
MASSACHUSETTS MARINE TRADES ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES REPRESENTATIVE SUSAN WILLIAMS GIFFORD FOR ACTIVE SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION ADDRESSING LAND ABANDONED VESSELS
On MONDAY, July 11, 2005 at 1PM in Room A1 at the State House in Boston the Legislature's Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture held a PUBLIC HEARING on House Bill 1399, An Act Relative to Abandoned Vessels . The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) has worked closely with Representative Gifford of Wareham and each member of the Legislative Boating Caucus to advance HB1399. Passage of this legislation would make it possible for boatyard and marina owners and operators to affordably and expeditiously dispose of or sell derelict and abandoned vessels on their property.
HB1399 would amend existing laws to allow marinas and boatyards, with reasonable judicial process, to obtain title to certain vessels abandoned on private property that have remain unclaimed, represent a potential environmental liability, and for which efforts to seek remedy from the owner have been unproductive. The legislation would streamline the process for lien holders to legally dispose of or sell abandoned vessels and those vessels on which payment for storage and services rendered are delinquent.
"This legislation is critical to the safe operation and environmental soundness of marinas and boatyards throughout Massachusetts . Abandoned vessels on private land are an anchor fastened to the ankles of the countless small marine business owners forced to accommodate them. These vessels pose safety and environmental concerns as well as taking up precious waterfront space that could be made accessible to other responsible boat owners. With affordable boat storage facilities fast disappearing, we simply cannot afford the space to warehouse these derelict boats. The bottom line is this is an issue of fairness. Just as private homeowners need not accept neighbor's abandoned cars on their front lawn, the law should not be on the side of individuals who irresponsibly abandon vessels without regard for the consequences to the marinas and boatyards that are left as reluctant custodians," stated Representative Gifford.
Among other things, if passed HB1399 would permit filing legal proceedings in district court in addition to the existing superior court jurisdiction. The bill also contains a provision that when a land-abandoned vessel is sold for more than the past due storage and repair fees, the "excess" money would go into a Commonwealth fund for removing water-abandoned vessels.
MMTA asks that marina and boatyard owners and personnel help move HB1399 favorably out of Committee by sharing personal experiences with abandoned vessels by contacting area legislators.
GIFFORD ANNOUNCES OVER $500 K IN WAREHAM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS
Boston - State Representative Susan Gifford announced today that Wareham will receive $508,000 in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to fund numerous projects which will improve businesses, support housing rehabilitation and upgrade public facilities, social services and local infrastructure.
"These grants play an important role in helping us to continue implementing 'Smart Growth' strategies in Massachusetts," said Rep. Gifford. "Whether these funds are used to refurbish old homes and commercial buildings, or upgrade our streets and sidewalks, or improve the delivery of public services, they will help to improve our overall quality of life in the Commonwealth."
Community Development Block Grants are issued by the federal government and are distributed to communities with populations of less than 50,000 by the state Department of Housing and Community Development. The primary objective of CDBG awards is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income. Eligible communities with populations greater than 50,000 receive CDBG funds directly from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
"These grants can be used in many different ways to meet community needs as well as those of the Commonwealth," said DHCD Director Jane Wallis Gumble. "This is especially true with the Romney Administration's emphasis on smart growth development by investing our resources in and around city and town centers, or near public transportation, or in areas that have been previously developed for commercial, industrial or institutional uses."
Rep. Gifford, Sheriff McDonald help Onset Crime Watch with special delivery
Boston - State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) and representatives from Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald, Jr. gave the Onset Community Crime Watch a gift that was on their "wish list" last Tuesday. That gift was the keys to a van donated by the Sheriff's Department. The van will serve as the second vehicle in the Crime Watch Fleet.
Rep. Gifford stated that she had been approached by Mr. Coleman, Chairman and Area Leader of the group, who advised that they had received some sort of commitment from the previous Sheriff to attempt to secure a "surplus" vehicle for use by the Onset Community Crime Watch. However, when Sheriff McDonald was elected, it was a new ball game. "George asked for my help so I called Sheriff McDonald. We discussed the situation and the need for the vehicle. The Sheriff expressed his desire to try to make this happen and it did," Rep. Gifford said.
Mr. Coleman was delighted. "On behalf of all Crime Watch members and I am sure the citizens of Wareham we owe a debt of gratitude to Susan Williams Gifford for her full support of the Crime Watch Program and helping us to procure a donated vehicle from the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Joe McDonald," said Coleman.
"I couldn't be more pleased about the outcome today, " said Rep. Gifford. "George and the Crime Watch team worked very hard to get the organization rolling and Sheriff McDonald has proven that he is a man of great character. After all, we really don't know what commitment, if any, was made by the previous Sheriff."
The Crime Watch van along with others were made available as "surplus" as a result of a transportation restructuring plan to cut costs. The van was re-habed painted and lettered as requested by the Crime Watch at no cost to them as a courtesy of the Sheriff's Department. Attending the event on behalf of Sheriff McDonald was Special Sheriff Christopher Coppage who added, "Sheriff McDonald wanted very much to be here personally today. Unfortunately, due to an illness, he was unable to do so."
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