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麻州州長動態 - Nominates Attorney William J. Galvin as Circuit Justice of the District Court

Governor Baker Nominates Attorney William J. Galvin as Circuit Justice of the District Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Attorney William J. Galvin as Circuit Justice of the District Court.

 

"Attorney Galvin’s many years of legal experience make him well-suited for this appointment," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am glad to submit his nomination to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

 

"If confirmed, this distinguished nominee would bring significant trial experience to his new role,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I am confident that he will serve as a fair and thoughtful member of the judiciary.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About William J. Galvin

 

William J. Galvin began his legal career in 1995 as a legal intern at the Boston Water and Sewer Commission. He then joined the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, first as an investigator with the Senior Trial Unit, where he assisted with trial preparation and testified before grand juries and at trials until 2001.  He became an Assistant District Attorney in the Office and prosecuted cases in both District Court and Superior Court.  He also supervised prosecution teams in both the Central and Dorchester Divisions in the Boston Municipal Court. In 2008, Attorney Galvin opened his own solo practice, the Law Office of William J. Galvin, until 2011, where he worked as a litigation attorney for criminal and civil matters. Since 2011, Attorney Galvin has worked as a partner at Eisenstadt, Krippendorf and Galvin, LLP. An active member of his community, Attorney Galvin has volunteered as a coach of multiple youth sports in Norwood and as a participant of Bike MS, a charity based around multiple sclerosis. Galvin received his bachelor’s degree from Iona College in 1995 and his Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law in 2001. 

Governor Baker Nominates Brendan Walsh as Associate Justice of the District Court and Maureen Flaherty as Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court 

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of Brendan Walsh as Associate Justice of the District Court and Maureen Flaherty as Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court. Combined, they have over 50 years of legal experience.

 

“The decades of experience in public service that Brendan Walsh and Maureen Flaherty will both bring to the courts and the people of the Commonwealth make them well-qualified candidates,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I look forward to the Governor’s Council’s consideration of their nominations for these appointments.”

 

“Attorneys Walsh and Flaherty bring with them 50 years of experience in the Massachusetts courts and legal systems and have demonstrated a commitment to justice and service,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I am confident that their skills and knowledge will allow them to serve all those who will appear before them with fairness and justice.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

The Boston Municipal Court Department has 30 judges serving the City of Boston in 8 court divisions located in Brighton, Central (downtown), Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, South Boston, and West Roxbury. Besides both criminal and civil cases, the Boston Municipal Court Department also has jurisdiction to review some government agency actions, such as unemployment compensation appeals and firearms license appeals.

 

For more information about the Boston Municipal Court, please visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

Brendan Walsh

 

Brendan Walsh is currently Senior Legal Counsel for the Arbella Insurance Group, a position he has held since 2005. He represents the company and those insured by it in all phases of federal and state civil litigation, and is responsible for annual training seminars for the company’s several claims offices. Attorney Walsh began his legal career in 1996 as a litigation associate at Gallagher and Gallagher, P.C, and he took a similar position at Burns and Levenson, LLP, until 1999 when he joined the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney. Between 2000 and 2005, he worked first at Zevnik Horton, LLP and then subsequently at Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. Walsh volunteers for the Walpole Public School District as a parent volunteer and for Walpole Little League as a coach. He previously volunteered or served as a member in the New England Futbal Club, the Walpole School Committee, Walpole Zoning Board of Appeals, and the American Legion Boys’ State Program. Walsh received a Bachelor’s degree from Boston University in 1990 and a Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 1995.

 

Maureen Flaherty

 

Attorney Flaherty has been a solo practitioner since 2013. Her practice focuses on criminal defense in the Boston Municipal Court and the Massachusetts Appeals Court, as well as estate planning, real estate conveyancing, and reviewing contracts. She began practicing law as a staff attorney with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department’s Inmate Legal Services in 1996, where she first became the Director of Inmate Legal Services and later Assistant General Counsel in the Office of the General Counsel. While at the Sheriff’s Department until 2001, Flaherty was tasked with representing the Department in labor disputes, civil, and criminal matters, as well as supervising attorneys and support staff. Flaherty then served as a solo practitioner from 2001 to 2012, before joining the Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) as a Staff Attorney, where she represented indigent criminal defendants in the Roxbury and West Roxbury Municipal Courts.  Flaherty volunteers with the with the Parkway Girls Softball League and the St. Theresa School Running Club, and previously served as a Troop Leader with the Girl Scouts of America. She also enjoys playing hockey in a recreational women’s ice hockey league and softball in the West Roxbury Women’s Softball League. Flaherty received her Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College in 1988 and her Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 1995Governor Baker Nominates SallyAnn Janulevicus and Zachary Hillman as Associate Justices of the District Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nominations of SallyAnn Janulevicus and Zachary Hillman as Associate Justices of the District Court. Combined, Attorneys Janulevicus and Hillman have over 40 years of legal experience

 

“The decades of experience in public service that SallyAnn Janulevicus and Zachary Hillman will bring to the District Court make them well-qualified candidates,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I look forward to the Governor’s Council’s consideration of their nominations for these appointments.”

 

“These two distinguished attorneys both possess the experience to serve the courts well should they be confirmed,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Their skills and knowledge will allow them to serve all those who will appear before them with fairness and justice.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

SallyAnn Janulevicus

 

Attorney SallyAnn Janulevicus has been a solo practitioner since 1991. Her concentration during this time has been in criminal defense, civil litigation, and domestic relations. Additionally, Attorney Janulevicus was an adjunct professor at New England School of Law. A 1985 graduate with a Bachelor’s degree from Boston College, Janulevicus received her Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law in 1990. Since 2018 she has been a hearing officer with the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, handling matters pertaining to attorney discipline. Outside of her career, Attorney Janulevicus has worked as a pro-bono attorney for Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC), served as President of the Justinian Law Society of Massachusetts from 2000-2002, and has been a member of the Salem State University Assistance Corporation’s Board of Directors since 2018.

 

Zachary Hillman

 

Attorney Zachary Hillman has been the General Counsel for the Administrative Office of the District Court since 2017. He advises the Chief Justice, Justices, and Clerks on complex legal matters including legal developments, legislation, and ethics, in addition to other duties. Prior to his time in the Administrative Office, he served from 2008 to 2017 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Appeals Unit of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, where he was responsible for a wide range of duties, from arguing over 90 cases in the Supreme Judicial Court and Massachusetts Appeals Court, to representing the office in community-outreach activities, such as meeting with members of Boston’s Somali community and neighborhood clean-up programs. Additionally, from 2007 to 2008, he served as a Clerk to the Justices for the Superior Court of Massachusetts. Attorney Hillman has also been a member of the Bar Association since 2015, and a member of its Appellate Bench-Bar Committee. A 2003 Plymouth State College graduate, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in History, and a 2007 graduate of Suffolk University Law School, he is also a member of the Massachusetts Law Review and the Boston Bar Association, and has served as a volunteer teacher with Discovering Justice. 

Governor Baker Nominates Justice Cathleen Campbell as Associate Justice of the Superior Court

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Cathleen Campbell as Associate Justice of the Superior Court. Justice Campbell currently serves as Associate Justice of the Cambridge District Court and has more than 25 years of legal experience.

“Justice Campbell is a committed public servant, having long served the Commonwealth in various legal roles,” said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am pleased to submit this candidate to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

"Over the course of her career, Justice Campbell has demonstrated her deep expertise in civil and criminal matters and dedication to public service,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, I am confident that she will continue to serve the Commonwealth well as Associate Justice of the Superior Court.”

The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. The Court's 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought. It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town. The Superior Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes.

For more information about the Superior Court, visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Justice Cathleen Campbell

 

Justice Cathleen Campbell began her legal career in 1992 as a Deputy General Counsel for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, where she represented the Department in civil litigation before the First Circuit, U.S. District Court, Suffolk Superior Court, and the Massachusetts Commission against Discrimination (MCAD). She later served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Essex County District Attorney’s Office from 1996 until 1999, while also serving as an Adjunct Professor and Senior Lecturer at Northeastern University. Justice Campbell entered private practice in 1999 as a solo practitioner, specializing in criminal appeals, estates, and probate issues. Later, she was a partner at Schofield, Campbell, and Connolly, LLC., which specialized in civil and criminal litigation as well as appeals. In 2012, Justice Campbell was sworn in as Associate Justice of the District Court, handling jury trials in 14 distinct courts and authoring over 400 decisions and orders. Justice Campbell is an Ex-officio member of the Board of Directors of Road to the Right Track (RRT), a youth running club founded by New Balance and St. Elizabeth’s that serves inner city youth, where she also serves as a running coach. Additionally, she volunteers in various capacities with the Allston Multi-modal Task Force, Brother’s Deli in Lynn and various other organizations.

Governor Baker Nominates Nicholas Parsenios as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Nicholas Parsenios as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court. Attorney Parsenios has nearly 23 years of legal experience

“With more than 20 years of experience serving children and families in the Commonwealth, Attorney Parsenios has been well prepared to serve as an Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to submit this qualified candidate to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

“The families and communities of Massachusetts have benefited from Attorney Parsenios’ years of work within our court system,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.​ “If confirmed by the Governor's Council, I am confident that he will continue to serve the Commonwealth and its citizens well."

The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related and probate matters such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, adoption, termination of parental rights, abuse prevention and wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and changes of name. The Probate and Family Court has over 40 judges, including Chief Justice John D. Casey. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Parsenios will fill the seat vacated by Judge David Sacks.

For more information on the Probate & Family Court, please visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

About Nicholas Parsenios

A resident of Lenox, Nicholas Parsenios began his legal career ​in 1997, when he joined Berkshire Life Insurance Company as a Staff-Contract Attorney. In 1998 he entered private practice, both under his own name and as a part of the Law Office of Michael J. Considine. There, he has continued to argue cases before the District, Superior, and Probate and Family Courts, handling a wide range of matters. Prior to his work as an attorney, Mr. Parsenios served in the Clinton County Children’s Services in Ohio for six years, where he supervised caseworkers tasked with investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect. Since 2016, Attorney Parsenios has been involved in the Berkshire County Bar Association, serving as both the Association’s Court Conciliation Volunteer Program Coordinator since 2016, and as a member of its Executive Committee since 2018. He is an active member of his community, serving since 2013 as the Vice-President and Treasurer of St. George’s Orthodox Church in Pittsfield, and since 2015 as the Chairperson of St. George’s Orthodox Church’s Greek Festival. Attorney Parsenios earned his Juris Doctorate from the Massachusetts School of Law in 1997 and his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of Cincinnati in 1991.

Governor Baker Nominates Rachel Hershfang as Associate Justice of the Appeals Court and Asha White as Circuit Justice of the District Court 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of Rachel Hershfang as Associate Justice of the Appeals Court and Asha White as Circuit Justice of the District Court. 

“The decades of experience in public service that Rachel Hershfang and Asha White will bring to the respective courts and the people of the Commonwealth make them well-qualified candidates,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I look forward to the Governor’s Council’s consideration of their nominations for these appointments.”

“I am pleased with the nomination of these two distinguished attorneys who both have the experience to serve the courts well should they be confirmed,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I am confident that their skills and knowledge will allow them to serve all those who will appear before them with fairness and justice.”

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

The Massachusetts Appeals Court is a court of general appellate jurisdiction. The justices review decisions that trial judges from the several Departments of the Trial Court have already made in many different kinds of cases. The Appeals Court also has jurisdiction over appeals from final decisions of three State agencies: the Appellate Tax Board, the Industrial Accident Board and the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board. The Appeals Court has twenty-five statutory justices, including the chief justice. The Massachusetts Appeals Court mission is a commitment to: doing justice under the law by rendering thoughtful, well-reasoned appellate decisions in a timely and efficient manner, treating all those who come before the court fairly and impartially.

For more information about the Appeals Court, please visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

Rachel Hershfang

Attorney Rachel Hershfang has been a senior trial attorney at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) since 2008. She advises investigations of securities law violations including fraud, technical and accounting violations, and manages cases as they move through the civil litigation process. Before the SEC, Hershfang was an Assistant United States Attorney at the United States Attorney’s Office from 2000 to 2008, where she specialized in prosecuting cases involving drugs and money laundering. From 2005 through 2008, she was also the Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, supervising its work throughout Boston and New England. Prior to the U.S. Attorney’s Office,  Hershfang served as a Litigation Associate with Ropes & Gray from 1996 to 2000, working cases involving contract breaches, trademark infringements and Telecommunications Act disputes. In 1999, during her time at Ropes & Gray, she became a Special Assistant District Attorney to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, where she tried cases, negotiated plea bargains and handled arraignments, bail arguments and motions to suppress. A 1989 graduate of Northwestern University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English, Hershfang later earned a Master’s Degree in English from the University of Chicago in 1992, then her Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School in 1995. A member of the Boston Bar Association since 2011, she became a member of the BBA Council in 2017 and now sits on its Executive Committee. She previously sat on two BBA steering committees, and served on the Boston Bar Journal’s Board of Editors from 2011 to 2017.

Asha White

Attorney Asha White is Assistant Attorney General and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Bureau at the Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, where he joined last year. He supervises a wide variety of prosecutions, including cases of white collar crime, human trafficking, financial investigations, gaming enforcement, and major and cyber crimes, along with Victim Services, the Detective unit of the Massachusetts State Police and the Digital Evidence Lab. Prior to his time in the Attorney General’s office, he served from 2018 to 2020 as an Assistant Court Magistrate in the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court, and from 2009 to 2018, he ran his own law office, working on both private and appointed criminal cases including homicides across state and Boston municipal courts. White has also served as a supervising attorney in the Central Division of Boston Municipal Court for Suffolk Lawyers for Justice from 2015 to 2017, training bar advocates in Suffolk County. He served as Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Litigation Division of the City of Boston Law Department from 2008 to 2009, representing the city in civil cases in both federal and state court. Prior to his time with the city, he worked in the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney in the Roxbury District Court, Superior Court Teams: Major Felony Unit and Gang Unit, where he prosecuted both misdemeanors and felonies. White earned his Juris Doctorate from Northeastern University School of Law in 2004 after graduating from Boston College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology in 2001. He has been a member of the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association since 2018, becoming president of the group this April. He is also a member of the Boston Bar Association Task Force on Ensuring Police Accountability, and has been part of the Boston University School of Law LALSA Mentorship Program since last year. A one-time co-coach of the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition, White worked with both the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Tiered Community Mentoring Program and the Massachusetts Association of Magistrate and Assistant Clerks from 2018 to 2020. 

Governor Baker Nominates Karen Fabiszewski as Administrative Law Judge of the Industrial Accidents Reviewing Board, Michael Sherry and Timothy Dooling as Administrative Judges of the Industrial Accidents Boar 

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker nominated Karen Fabiszewski of Swampscott to a six-year term as administrative law judge of the Industrial Accidents Reviewing Board, and Michael Sherry of Medway and Timothy Dooling of Natick to six-year terms as administrative judges on the Industrial Accident Board at the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). Attorney Fabiszewski has a decade of experience at DIA, most recently serving as the Director of the Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund, and Attorneys Sherry and Dooling have a combined more than five decades of legal experience.

“Throughout her career, Attorney Fabiszewski has demonstrated a meaningful commitment to public service and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is well suited to serve as an Administrative Law Judge,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Both Attorneys Dooley and Sherry bring with them significant experience in the public and private sectors, and I am confident that if confirmed, all three of these nominees will continue to serve the Department of Industrial Accidents.”  

 

“Attorneys Fabiszewski, Sherry and Dooling have served their communities and the Commonwealth for decades, and if confirmed by the Governor’s Council, I am confident that they will continue to well serve residents impacted by work-related injuries in Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

 

The Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) oversees the Massachusetts workers’ compensation system, serving injured workers, employers, attorneys, and insurers. The Industrial Accident Board consists of twenty-one administrative judges who preside over disputed workers’ compensation cases. For more information about the Division of Industrial Accidents, please visit their homepage

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for administrative judgeships are reviewed by the Industrial Accident Board Nominating Panel and recommended to the governor. Governor Mitt Romney established the Industrial Accident Board Nominating Panel in December, 2003 pursuant to Executive Order 456, to screen administrative judicial applications. The Panel is composed of thirteen members, including the governor’s Chief Legal Counsel, the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, the Commissioner of the DIA, the Senior Judge of the DIA and eight appointees of the governor representing labor, business and health care providers.

 

About Karen Fabiszewski

 

Attorney Fabiszewski has worked in various legal counsel roles at the Department of Industrial Accidents since 2001, most recently serving as the Director of the Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund, which is responsible for overseeing the Commonwealth’s workers’ compensation system and managing approximately $45,000,000 annually in payments and reimbursements. Previously, she served as an attorney with the Labor Relations Commission. A 1992 cum laude graduate of Salem State College where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Attorney Fabiszewski went on to receive her Juris Doctor cum laude from Suffolk University in 1995. In 2017, Attorney Fabiszewski also received her MPA from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

 

About Michael Sherry

 

Attorney Sherry has more than 32 years of legal experience in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, specializing in complex civil litigation and workers’ compensation matters in both courts and administrative bodies. Since 1994 he has worked at Liberty Mutual, handling all aspects of their practice, representing company and their insured as well as civil litigation stemming from such claims.  In addition, Attorney Sherry also was the primary manager for the Providence, Boston and Springfield offices.  A recipient of a Martindale-Hubbell Notable Peer Rating for Strong Ethical Standards, Attorney Sherry received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Boston College and his Juris Doctor from Boston College School of Law.

 

About Timothy Dooling

 

Attorney Dooling has more than two decades of legal experience in both the private and public sectors, most recently serving as General Counsel & Deputy Auditor in the Office of State Auditor Suzanne Bump. Since 2009, he has served in various counsel roles throughout state government and previously served as a prosecutor in both Suffolk and Essex Counties. Attorney Dooling received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and his Juris Doctor from New England Law, and was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar in 2014.Governor Baker Nominates Honor Segal as Associate Justice of the District Court 

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of Judge Honor Segal as Associate Justice of the District Court. Judge Segal has served since 2017 as an Administrative Judge for the Department of Industrial Accidents, and has more than 16 years of legal experience.

 

"The deep legal experience Judge Segal has built presiding over cases as an Administrative Judge and handling matters before courts across the judicial system has prepared her well to serve as an Associate Justice of the District Court,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to submit this nomination to the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent.”

 

"As an Administrative Judge and throughout her career, Judge Segal has demonstrated her commitment to fairly serving the public,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, I am confident that she will maintain that commitment as an Associate Justice of the District Court.”

  

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to 5 years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and bylaws. In civil matters, District Court judges conduct both jury and jury-waived trials, and make final determinations on any matter where the likelihood of recovery is no more than $50,000 (for cases commenced on or after January 1, 2020). The District Court also tries small claims involving up to $7,000 (initially tried to a magistrate, where the defense has a right of appeal either to a judge or a jury). If confirmed by the Governor's Council, Judge Segal will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Mark S. Coven.

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

  

Honor Segal

 

Honor Segal has served since 2017 as an Administrative Judge for the Department of Industrial Accidents, where she presides over workers' compensation cases and drafts decisions and orders for publication. Prior to her appointment as an Administrative Judge, Judge Segal served from 2013 until 2016 as Assistant General Counsel for the Department of Industrial Accidents, litigating administrative, civil and criminal matters and drafting departmental policies and procedures. Before joining the Department of Industrial Accidents, Judge Segal also served as Legal Counsel and Senior Banking Analyst for the Joint Committee on Financial Services from 2012 until 2013, where she advised the Chairmen and Committee members on legislation and policy issues related to banks and banking institutions. Judge Segal began her legal career in 2005 as an Associate Counsel for the Law Offices of Ronald Ian Segal and Stephen D. Judge in Lynn, where she litigated criminal and civil matters before the District Court, Superior Court, Appeals Court and Immigration Court. She then served from 2006 until 2010 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Essex County District Attorney's Office, prosecuting criminal matters in the District Court and Juvenile Court, before joining the Law Office of John Andrews, PC, in Salem from 2010 until 2012. In this role, she litigated matters in the District Court, Superior Court, Housing Court, Juvenile Court and Family Court, in addition to administrative law proceedings before state agencies. Judge Segal earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, and her Bachelor’s Degree from Salem State University.​​

Governor Baker Nominates Maureen E. Walsh as Associate Justice of the Appeals Court, and Lisa S. Lippiello and Andrew J. Abdella as Associate Justices of the District Court 

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of the Honorable Maureen E. Walsh as Associate Justice of the Appeals Court, and Lisa S. Lippiello and Andrew J. Abdella as Associate Justices of the District Court. Judge Walsh currently serves as an Associate Justice of the Eastern Hampshire District Court, and Attorneys Lippiello and Abdella have nearly 30 years of combined legal experience.

 

“Throughout their careers, Judge Walsh and Attorneys Lippiello and Abdella have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving their communities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Should they be confirmed, I am confident that their knowledge of the law and wisdom will serve the Commonwealth and their respective courts well.”

 

“I am pleased with the nominations of three well-respected and skilled individuals from Western and Central Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Their broad experience and dedication make them great candidates to serve the Commonwealth and those who appear in their courts.”

 

The Appeals Court is a court of general appellate jurisdiction, where justices review decisions that the trial judges from the several Departments of the Trial Court have already made in a wide variety of cases. The Appeals Court also has jurisdiction over appeals from final decisions of three State agencies: the Appellate Tax Board, the Industrial Accident Board and the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board. The Appeals Court consists of a chief justice and twenty-four associate justices. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Judge Walsh will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Edward J. McDonough, Jr.​

 

For more information on the Appeals Court, please visit their homepage​.

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to 5 years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and bylaws. In civil matters, District Court judges conduct both jury and jury-waived trials, and make final determinations on any matter where the likelihood of recovery is no more than $50,000 (for cases commenced on or after January 1, 2020). The District Court also tries small claims involving up to $7,000 (initially tried to a magistrate, where the defense has a right of appeal either to a judge or a jury). If confirmed by the Governor's Council, Attorney Lippiello will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable David S. Ross, and Attorney Abdella will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Arthur Haley.

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

Maureen E. Walsh

 

The Honorable Maureen E. Walsh has served since 2008 as an Associate Justice of the Eastern Hampshire District Court. Since 2011, she has also served as Regional Administrative Judge for Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties, and since 2018 she has also served as Presiding Justice of the Northampton District Court. From 2011 until 2018, Judge Walsh served as Presiding Justice of the Holyoke District Court. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Walsh served as a member of the Massachusetts Parole Board from 1998 until 2008, and as Chairwoman from 2003 until 2008. Before joining the Parole Board, Judge Walsh began her legal career in 1991 as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Michael A. Ponsor in the US District Court in Springfield, until joining the Northwestern District Attorney's Office in 1994 as an Assistant District Attorney. Judge Walsh is an active member and past president of the Hampshire County Bar Association, and a member of the Criminal Justice Section Council for the Massachusetts Bar Association. She has also served as a Commissioner for the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision, a member of the Governor's Anti-Crime Council, and a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County. Judge Walsh earned her Juris Doctorate from Western New England University School of Law, and her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

 

Lisa S. Lippiello

 

Lisa S. Lippiello began her legal career in 2007 as a Public Defender for the Committee for Public Counsel Services in Northampton, providing legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses before the District Court. After more than 3 years in this role, Attorney Lippiello opened the Law Office of Lisa S. Lippiello in 2010, a solo general practice where she specialized in criminal defense with concentrations in sexual harassment, employment discrimination, LGBTQ matters and other civil litigation, and took on criminal defense cases as a member of the Bar Advocate Program. In 2013, Attorney Lippiello joined Burrows, Weiss, Mintz & Lippiello LLP as a Partner, providing legal representation in criminal defense and civil litigation matters, as well as in business and contract litigation cases. Since 2017, she has served as a Partner at Olin Lippiello LLP, a general practice handling sexual harassment, employment discrimination and civil litigation matters, including court appointed cases in Hampden and Hampshire Counties. Prior to her legal career, Attorney Lippiello served from 1987 until 2001 as a member of the New York City Police Department, where she earned the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant. Attorney Lippiello is an active member of the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association, where she serves on the Board of Directors and as Chairperson of the Western Massachusetts Committee, as well as the Hampshire County Bar Association, where she served in 2020 as President. Attorney Lippiello earned her Juris Doctorate from Western New England University School of Law, a Master's of Public Administration from Marist College and her Bachelor's Degree from Hunter College.


Andrew J. Abdella

 

Andrew J. Abdella began his legal career in 2006 as an Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Worcester, where he litigated cases before the District and Superior Courts. In 2011, he joined the Worcester County Sheriff's Office as General Counsel, where he serves as the sole legal advisor responsible for all day-to-day legal needs of the Sheriff's Office and litigates a wide variety of civil actions including civil rights cases, employee actions, medical malpractice cases and personal injury cases. Since 2017, Attorney Abdella has also served the Sheriff's Office as a Special Sheriff and the statutory Chief Administrative Officer, supervising 60 employees and 6 mid-level managers while overseeing the Legal, Grants, Maintenance, Employee Wellness, Inmate Programs and Services and After Incarceration Services departments. Attorney Abdella is also a member of the Worcester County Bar Association and the Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff's Association, where he helps organize an annual coat drive and food drive. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School and his Bachelor's Degree from College of the Holy Cross

Governor Baker Nominates Carol T. Vittorioso as Clerk Magistrate of the District Court and Brendan J. Moran as Clerk Magistrate of the Juvenile Court 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of Carol T.  Vittorioso as Clerk Magistrate of the Fitchburg District Court and Brendan J. Moran as Clerk Magistrate of the Worcester Juvenile Court. Attorneys Vittorioso and Moran are both currently serving in the role of Acting Clerk Magistrates in their respective courts, and have nearly 50 years of combined legal experience.

"As two highly experienced attorneys currently serving as Acting Clerk Magistrates, Attorneys Vittorioso and Moran are well-qualified to serve as Clerk Magistrates of the District and Juvenile Courts," said Governor Charlie Baker. "In their roles as Acting Clerk Magistrates, they have led their courts with distinction, especially during the complications brought on by COVID 19, and I am pleased to submit their nominations to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

"Throughout their careers and as Acting Clerk Magistrates, Attorneys Vittorioso and Moran have both demonstrated their commitment to fairly serving their courtrooms and communities," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. "If confirmed by the Governor's Council, I am confident that they will continue to serve well as Clerk Magistrates of the District and Juvenile Courts."

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to 5 years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and bylaws. In civil matters, District Court judges conduct both jury and jury-waived trials, and make final determinations on any matter where the likelihood of recovery is no more than $50,000 (for cases commenced on or after January 1, 2020). The District Court also tries small claims involving up to $7,000 (initially tried to a magistrate, where the defense has a right of appeal either to a judge or a jury).

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

The Juvenile Court Department is a statewide court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters including delinquencies, care and protections, youthful offender cases and children requiring assistance. The Juvenile Court's mission is to protect children from abuse and neglect, to strengthen families, to rehabilitate juveniles and to protect the public from delinquent and criminal behavior. The Juvenile Court has over 40 judges, including Chief Justice Amy L. Nechtem, in over 40 locations.

For more information about the Juvenile Court, please visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

Carol T. Vittorioso

Carol T. Vittorioso began her legal career in 1991 as an Associate at the Law Offices of Gregory J. Angelini in Leominster, handling litigation in civil and criminal matters. During this time, Attorney Vittorioso also began serving as a Panel Attorney for Bar Advocates of Worcester County, representing and counseling indigent and juvenile clients in criminal proceedings before the District and Juvenile Courts from 1992 until 2002. From 2001 until 2002, she would also serve as a member of the Board of Directors of Bar Advocates of Worcester County. In 1993, Attorney Vittorioso entered private practice as Partner and Owner of Vittorioso & Taylor in Leominster, a general practice primarily focused on domestic relations and probate matters before the Probate and Family Courts, as well as real estate and land use matters before local zoning and planning boards, and litigation in civil and criminal matters before the District, Juvenile and Superior Courts. After serving in this role for more than 25 years, Attorney Vittorioso joined the Fitchburg District Court in 2019 as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate, and has served since 2020 as Acting Clerk Magistrate. From 2015 until 2019, she also served as Co-Vice Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission, and from 2016 until 2017 as a Member of the Supreme Judicial Court Nominating Commission. In addition to her legal work, Attorney Vittorioso has served since 1994 as a Member of the Leominster Planning Board and currently serves as Vice Chair. She also served from 2006 until 2015 as a Member of the Board of Trustees of Fitchburg State University, serving as Vice Chair from 2009 until 2011 and as Chair from 2011 until 2014. Attorney Vittorioso earned her Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law - Boston, and her Bachelor's Degree from College of the Holy Cross. She also holds an honorary degree from Fitchburg State University.

Brendan J. Moran

Brendan J. Moran began his legal career in 2004 as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Juvenile Court in Boston, where he assisted in the drafting of findings of fact and conclusions of law, wrote memoranda of law and performed legal research. In 2005, Attorney Moran joined Tattan, Leonard & Murray as an Associate, where he would become a Partner and form Tattan, Murray & Moran. In this role, he served as a Bar Advocate in the District and Juvenile Courts, representing parents and children in Care and Protection proceedings, and represented clients in a variety of civil matters before the Superior and District Courts. In 2010, Attorney Moran joined the Youth Advocacy Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services in Worcester as a Staff Attorney, representing juveniles charged in delinquency and youthful offender matters at magistrate hearings, school expulsion hearings and termination of parental rights trials. From 2014 until 2017, he served as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate of the Fitchburg District Court, before transitioning to his current role as Acting Clerk Magistrate of the Worcester Juvenile Court. Attorney Moran is also an active member of his community, serving since 2007 as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Emerald Club of Worcester County, which raises and provides funding for the Mercy Centre and other local programs serving individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. He also serves on the Canal Diggers 5K Road Race Committee, organizing the annual event to raise funds for the Hibernian Culture Center in Worcester and other local charities. Attorney Moran earned his Juris Doctorate from Western New England School of Law, and his Bachelor's Degree from Fordham University.​ 

Governor Baker Nominates Dana S. Doyle as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of Dana S. Doyle as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court. Attorney Doyle has more than 22 years of legal experience.

“I am pleased to nominate this experienced attorney who has served her community well and with distinction throughout her career,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Attorney Doyle’s compassion and understanding of the issues before the Probate and Family Court will make her an invaluable and fair arbiter for the Commonwealth’s families.”

“Attorney Doyle’s deep understanding of the law through practice, teaching and activity within her community has prepared her to address the issues that will come before the Probate and Family Court,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I look forward to the Governor’s Council’s review.”

The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related and probate matters such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, adoption, termination of parental rights, abuse prevention and wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and changes of name. The Probate and Family Court has over 40 judges, including Chief Justice John D. Casey. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Doyle will fill​ Judge Elizabeth Crawford's seat.

For more information on the Probate & Family Court, please visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

About Dana S. Doyle

Dana S. Doyle began her legal career in 1998 with Western Massachusetts Legal Services, first as an Americorps Attorney​ and later as a Staff Attorney, where she represented victims of domestic violence in civil matters. ​In 2002, Attorney Doyle joined Gobel & Hollister in Pittsfield as an Associate Attorney, representing clients in civil matters until 2005, when she joined Cianflone & Cianflone, P.C., in Pittfield as an Associate Attorney and continued to serve in a similar role until 2012. In 2012, she opened Dana S. Doyle, Attorney at Law and Berkshire Mediation Group in Pittsfield, where she operated her own private practice and served clients as a family law attorney, mediator, conciliator, guardian ad litem and parenting coordinator until 2017. In 2017, Attorney Doyle joined Community Legal Aid in Pittsfield as a Staff Attorney, where she represents low-income victims of domestic violence in family law matters. Attorney Doyle is also President of the Berkshire County Bar Association, having served previously as Vice President from 2017 until 2019 and as an Executive Committee Member since 2009, as well as a Member and former Chairperson of the Berkshire County Probate Court Bench-Bar Committee. From 2006 until 2008, she served as President of the Elizabeth Freeman Center, which provides services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Berkshire County. Attorney Doyle also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Elizabeth Freeman Center from 2002 until 2012. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Western New England College School of Law, and her Bachelor’s Degree from the State University of New York at Potsdam.

Governor Baker Nominates Whitney J. Brown as Associate Justice of the District Court and Kevin T. Smith as Associate Justice of the Land Court 

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of Whitney J. Brown as Associate Justice of the Westborough District Court, and Kevin T. Smith as Associate Justice of the Land Court. Attorneys Brown and Smith have more than 60 years of combined legal experience.

"The many decades Attorneys Brown and Smith have spent handling cases before the District and Land Courts have prepared them well to serve as Associate Justices of the District and Land Courts," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am pleased to submit these candidates to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

“I am confident that Attorney Brown’s and Attorney Smith’s familiarity with the trial court system, honed over more than two decades in many courtrooms, will allow them to run fair, efficient and effective courtroom sessions,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, their longstanding and deep commitment to their communities will be well received by the bench, bar and communities that they will serve with distinction and honor.”

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to 5 years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and bylaws. In civil matters, District Court judges conduct both jury and jury-waived trials, and make final determinations on any matter where the likelihood of recovery is no more than $50,000 (for cases commenced on or after January 1, 2020). The District Court also tries small claims involving up to $7,000 (initially tried to a magistrate, where the defense has a right of appeal either to a judge or a jury). If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Brown will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Robert B. Calagione. 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

The Land Court’s mission is to provide an accessible forum where specialized expertise is applied to resolve civil matters and disputes involving the ownership, development, and use of real property (i.e. Land). The seven justices of the Land Court sit in Boston and hear cases involving real property located in every part of Massachusetts. Typical Land Court cases concern: land title disputes about ownership, easements, and property boundaries; zoning and subdivision appeals, challenges and enforcement proceedings; real estate tax and mortgage foreclosures; actions to enforce contracts to buy and sell real estate; partition proceedings; cases to interpret and reform conveyancing instruments, and cases seeking equitable and declaratory relief where real estate title interests are involved. Additionally, the Land Court hears cases to determine the military status of mortgagors, and the foreclosure and redemption of real estate tax liens. The Land Court also has superintendence authority over the registered land offices in the county Registries of Deeds, and daily plays an important role in facilitating the transfer of registered land property ownership. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Smith will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Keith Long. 

For more information about the Land Court, visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

About Whitney J. Brown

Whitney J. Brown began her legal career in 1989 as a Law Clerk for Finneran and Associates in Newburyport, before joining Kezer & Kezer in Malden as an Associate in 1990. After more than three years in this role, Attorney Brown joined the Middlesex Superior Court in Cambridge as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate in 1993. During her 12 years in this role, she served as First Assistant Clerk Magistrate and was appointed to the Supreme Judicial Court's Judicial Education Policy Board, where she served as Chairperson for the Clerks Education Subcommittee under Justice Charles Fried. In 2005, Attorney Brown was appointed Clerk Magistrate of the Gardner District Court, where she continues to hear cases. Since 2011, she has also served as Acting Clerk Magistrate of the Winchendon District Court. In addition to her work as a Clerk Magistrate, Attorney Brown has also served as an appointee to the Trial Court Complaint Standards Working Group and the Supreme Judicial Court Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Criminal Procedure, and as a Member of the Executive Board of the Association of Magistrates & Assistant Clerks. She is also a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association, and has organized and volunteered educational events to introduce students to the legal profession and process. Attorney Brown earned her Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law - Boston, and her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Bridgeport.  

About Kevin T. Smith

Kevin T. Smith began his legal career in 1989 at Smith, Somerville & Case in Baltimore, Maryland, where he represented businesses and individuals in an insurance defense practice with a focus on construction disputes, before joining Gebhart & Smith in Baltimore in 1992 in a similar role until 1996. In 1996, Attorney Smith joined Masterman, Culbert & Tully, LLP, in Boston, where he represented corporations, small businesses and individuals before courts and administrative agencies in connection with eminent domain takings, and represented developers, contractors and individuals in breach of contract actions, trespass and boundary disputes and zoning appeals. After more than 10 years in this role, he joined Greenberg Traurig, LLC, in Boston in 2007, representing corporations, small businesses and individuals in land use and property rights disputes, including claims for damages from eminent domain takings, zoning appeals, Chapter 40B appeals and commercial lease disputes. Since 2010, Attorney Smith has operated the Law Office of Kevin T. Smith in Concord, where he represents owners of all types of real property in disputes arising from real estate development projects, real estate or business transactions, and commercial leases, including contract litigation, general business disputes, construction disputes and employer-employee disputes, in addition to advising clients on all aspects of real estate development. Attorney Smith is also an active member of his community, having served previously as a Member of the Boards of Friends of Concord Carlise Fields and Carlise Conservation Foundation, and as a youth football and basketball coach. He earned his Juris Doctorate from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and his Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College.

Governor Baker Nominates Michael F. Hogan as Clerk Magistrate of the District Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of Michael F. Hogan as Clerk Magistrate of the Lynn District Court. Attorney Hogan has over 25 years of experience in the criminal justice system as a practicing attorney for 22 years and a member of the Massachusetts State Police for 25 years.

 

“Attorney Hogan’s unique perspective and experience in public service and criminal justice makes him well-qualified to serve as Clerk Magistrate,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to submit his nomination to the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent.”

 

“For nearly three decades, Attorney Hogan has committed himself to the justice system and to serving his community,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If confirmed, Attorney Hogan will bring extensive knowledge and experience to the Lynn District Court.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to 5 years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and bylaws. In civil matters, District Court judges conduct both jury and jury-waived trials, and make final determinations on any matter where the likelihood of recovery is no more than $50,000 (for cases commenced on or after January 1, 2020). The District Court also tries small claims involving up to $7,000 (initially tried to a magistrate, where the defense has a right of appeal either to a judge or a jury).

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Michael F. Hogan

 

Attorney Hogan has served as the Assistant Clerk Magistrate of the Malden District Court since 2014. From 1999 until 2008, Attorney Hogan worked for the firm of Hogan, Roache and Malone. In 2008, Attorney Hogan joined Manzi, McCann, Baddour and Nierman, where he practiced until 2012 before transitioning to his own practice. In addition to his years practicing law, Attorney Hogan served as a member of the Massachusetts State Police for 25 years in a variety of roles and cross-agency specialties, and he retired in 2010 at the rank of Sergeant. He graduated from the Massachusetts State Police Academy in 1985, and completed Graduate Coursework in Criminal Justice at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 1993. Hogan earned his B.S. from Westfield State College in 1985 and J.D. from Suffolk University Law School in 1998.

Governor Baker Nominates John E. Garland as Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of John E. Garland as Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court. Attorney Garland has more than 24 years of legal experience.

“Attorney Garland's decades of legal experience in the Boston Municipal and District Courts have prepared him well to serve as an Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court. I am confident that he will bring his unique understanding of these courts to the bench and will serve those who come before him fairly and justly,” said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am pleased to submit this candidate to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

“Throughout his more than 24 years in practice, Attorney Garland has demonstrated his commitment to serving the legal profession and his community," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. "If confirmed, I am confident that he will maintain that commitment, serving the community as a valued member of the Boston Municipal Court."

The Boston Municipal Court Department has 30 judges serving the City of Boston in 8 court divisions located in Brighton, Central (downtown), Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, South Boston, and West Roxbury. Besides both criminal and civil cases, the Boston Municipal Court Department also has jurisdiction to review some government agency actions, such as unemployment compensation appeals and firearms license appeals. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Garland will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Michael J. Coyne. 

For more information about the Boston Municipal Court, visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015

About John E. Garland

John E. Garland began his legal career in 1997 by opening the Law Office of John Garland in Quincy, a private practice he has owned and operated for more than 24 years. In this role, he handles cases pertaining to a wide range of matters including family law, criminal defense, municipal zoning and permitting. Prior to his legal career, Attorney Garland worked from 1993 until 1996 as an Owner's Representative for SAR Engineering Incorporated in Braintree, ensuring compliance with construction plans and specifications for various public housing improvements. From 1984 to 1993, he also worked as a Project Coordinator for O'Connell Management Corporation in Quincy, assisting in securing city and state approvals for residential and commercial developments in and around Boston, coordinating the outfitting of leased office space, and serving as a liaison to mortgage brokerage, architectural and law firms. In addition to his legal career, Attorney Garland is an active member of the community, serving since 2003 as a Board Member for Suffolk Lawyers for Justice and since 2008 as an Organizer for the Saint Mary of the Hills Shattuck Shelter Feeding Program. He was also previously President of the Bar Association of Norfolk County from 2005 until 2006, and a member of the Quincy Zoning Board of Appeals from 2002 until 2006, where he also served as Chairman for 2007. Attorney Garland earned his Juris Doctorate from New England Law - Boston, and his Bachelor's Degree from Boston College.

Governor Baker Nominates Maureen Mulligan as Associate Justice of the Superior Court and William Travaun Bailey as Associate Justice of the District Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of Maureen Mulligan as Associate Justice of the Superior Court, and William Travaun Bailey as Associate Justice of the District Court. Attorneys Mulligan and Bailey have nearly 50 years of combined legal experience.

 

"The many complex cases tried by Attorneys Mulligan and Bailey in their decades of legal experience, coupled with their commitments to the legal community, have prepared them well to serve as Associate Justices of the Superior and District Courts," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am pleased to submit these candidates to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

 

"Over their nearly 50 combined years in practice, Attorneys Mulligan and Bailey have both demonstrated their deep legal acumen and dedication to their communities," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. "If confirmed, I am confident that they will serve the Commonwealth well as Associate Justices of the Superior and District Courts."

 

The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. The Court's 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought. It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town. The Superior Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Mulligan will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Elizabeth Fahey.

 

For more information about the Superior Court, visit their homepage.

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to 5 years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and bylaws. In civil matters, District Court judges conduct both jury and jury-waived trials, and make final determinations on any matter where the likelihood of recovery is no more than $50,000 (for cases commenced on or after January 1, 2020). The District Court also tries small claims involving up to $7,000 (initially tried to a magistrate, where the defense has a right of appeal either to a judge or a jury). If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Bailey will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Michele B. Hogan. 

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage​.​

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Maureen Mulligan

 

Maureen Mulligan began her legal career as an Associate at Peabody Arnold, LLP in Boston in 1990, where she concentrated in professional liability defense and insurance coverage. From 1993 until 1995, Attorney Mulligan also served part-time as a Lecturer at Boston University School of Law, where she taught a year-long legal research and writing course to first year law students. In 1996, she joined Sedgewick, Detert, Moran & Arnold in San Francisco, California as an Associate, focusing on professional liability defense, until joining Farbstein & Blackman, PC in San Mateo, California in 1998, where she concentrated in matters pertaining to business litigation, intellectual property and professional liability defense. In 2002, Attorney Mulligan returned to Massachusetts as a Shareholder at Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, PC in Boston, where she would remain until 2015. In this role, she represented clients in complex business litigation matters, including shareholder, insurance coverage, internet, technology and digital media disputes; trademark litigation; banking and commercial litigation; and professional liability claims. She also advised clients on privacy, security and data breach response. In 2015, Attorney Mulligan returned to Peabody & Arnold, LLP as a Partner, where she continues to represent clients in complex business disputes, including professional liability defense and insurance coverage litigation. In addition to her professional work, Attorney Mulligan is an active member of the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Boston Bar Association (BBA), serving since 2007 as Chair of the BBA’s Women’s Advancement Forum, and since 2017 as a member of the Superior Court’s Business Litigation Session Advisory Committee. She also served from 2011 until 2019 as a member of the ABA’s Commission on Women in the Profession, chairing a series of initiatives designed to promote the advancement of women in the legal profession. Attorney Mulligan earned her Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School and her Bachelor’s Degree from Brown University. 

 

About William Travaun Bailey

 

William Travaun Bailey began his legal career in 2001 as an Associate in the office of Hal Etkin, Attorney at Law, in Springfield, handling all aspects of civil and criminal litigation. Over the next 14 years in this role, he handled cases pertaining to a wide variety of matters, including employment law, contracts, personal injury medical malpractice, family law, criminal law, and consumer protection. Since 2002, Attorney Bailey has also operated the Law Offices of William Travaun Bailey in Springfield, representing clients in matters pertaining to business litigation, employment law, family law and criminal law before the District Court, Superior Court, Probate and Family Court and Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. In addition to his professional work, Attorney Bailey is an active member and Ex-Officio Past President of the Hampden County Bar Association, serving since 2013 as Chair of the District Court Bench Bar Committee and since 2013 as a board member of the Hampden County Lawyers for Justice. He also served previously from 2018 until 2019 on the Supreme Judicial Court's Steering Committee on Lawyer Well-Being as an appointee of Chief Justice Ralph Gants, representing solo and small firm practitioners, and from 2014 until 2017 as Director of the Western New England University School of Law Alumni Board. Attorney Bailey earned his Juris Doctorate from Western New England School of Law and his Bachelor's Degree from Elmira College.​


Governor Baker Nominates Kristen Buxton as Associate Justice of the Superior Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of Kristen Buxton as Associate Justice of the Superior Court. Attorney Buxton has more than 24 years of legal experience, and has served since 1996 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.

 

"Attorney Buxton’s decades of experience before the District and Superior Courts have prepared her well to serve as an Associate Justice of the Superior Court,” said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am pleased to submit this candidate to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

 

“Over more than 24 years as a prosecutor, Attorney Buxton has demonstrated her commitment to justice and public service,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If confirmed, I am confident that she will continue to serve the Commonwealth well as an Associate Justice of the Superior Court.”

  

The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. The Court's 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought. It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town. The Superior Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Buxton will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Thomas A. Connors.

 

For more information about the Superior Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Kristen Buxton

 

Kristen Buxton began her legal career in 1996 as an Assistant District Attorney for the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, where she has served as a prosecutor for more than 24 years in a variety of roles. From 1996 until 2000, Attorney Buxton prosecuted cases before the Lynn District Court pertaining to misdemeanor and felony crimes, including domestic violence, larceny, and operating under the influence. From January 2000 until October of that year, she also served as Supervisor for the Lynn District Court, before transitioning to prosecute cases before the Superior Court. Over nearly 19 years in this role, Attorney Buxton prosecuted cases pertaining to major felonies including murder, rape and sexual assault, firearms violations, robbery and assault. Since 2019, she has served as Chief Homicide Prosecutor for the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, supervising homicide investigations and prosecutions, as well as providing training to prosecutors and investigators on homicide-related issues. Attorney Buxton is also a member of the Essex County Bar Association, and was inducted in September 2020 as a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Tulane Law School and her Bachelor’s Degree from Colgate University. 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Land Conservation Partnership Protecting More Than 2,000 Acres in Connecticut River Valley

Critical Wildlife Habitat and Working Forest Permanently Conserved

 

BOSTON— The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and its Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) have acquired a $3.25 million conservation restriction on 2,038 acres of timberland in Shutesbury, Pelham, and Leverett. The property was owned by W.D. Cowls, Inc. of North Amherst, and will continue to be maintained as a sustainable working forest, conserve critical wildlife habitat, protect water resources, and ensure continued public access to the property for hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife observation, and other outdoor recreation.

 

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to investing in the protection of open space and sustainable forestry, which are critically important to the character and economic vitality of Massachusetts’ rural communities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This public-private partnership will permanently conserve a large parcel of valuable forest land and wildlife habitat, provide greater access to open space and support our efforts to address climate change.”

 

“Conserving more than 2,000 acres of forest land under continued private ownership is great news for these communities, wildlife, and people who enjoy the outdoors,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We appreciate the partnership with W.D. Cowls, the Kestrel Land Trust, and significant funding from the federal Forest Legacy Program that made this project possible.”

 

The property will be named the Walter Cowls Jones Working Forest. Parts of the property are adjacent to the Quabbin Reservation and Town of Amherst watershed land, and it is located near other large state wildlife lands including Mount Toby, Montague Plains Wildlife Management Area and the 3,486-acre Paul C. Jones Working Forest, which was protected by a similar conservation restriction acquired by DFG in 2011. Together with these and other important forest lands, the large area of conservation habitats maximize the protection of native biodiversity and allow natural communities to adapt to climate change due to topographical diversity, geological diversity, and relative habitat connectivity.

 

“This property is part of approximately 32,000 acres identified as the tenth largest landscape block in Massachusetts, the type of forest that will be most likely to sequester and store carbon and help mitigate climate change,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Connecting large blocks of wildlife habitat also provides plants and animals improved ability to adapt to changing weather conditions, making this acquisition a tremendous asset for the Commonwealth, surrounding communities, and future generations.”

 

The Walter Cowls Jones Working Forest comprises a rich variety of native hardwood trees including red oak, white oak, and black birch, and softwood conifers such as white pine and eastern hemlock. More than 95 percent of the property is identified as Core Habitat or Critical Natural Landscape by MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, habitats essential for ensuring the long-term survival of rare and common wildlife. Two reptiles listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act will gain from conservation of this property, as will forest birds like the scarlet tanager, blackburnian warbler, and Canada warbler. The acquisition also benefits mammals with large home ranges such as black bear, moose, and bobcat as well as other common wildlife like white-tailed deer, wild turkey, porcupine, snowshoe hare, and ruffed grouse. The area also includes headwater tributaries that are valuable to coldwater aquatic wildlife.

 

“Protecting more than 2,000 acres in just one acquisition is an extremely rare opportunity and incredible achievement in a small state like Massachusetts,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Ron Amidon. “We thank W.D. Cowls for their willingness to partner with us again, and also thank the Kestrel Land Trust, which secured more than $2 million from the U.S. Forest Legacy grant and raised another $250,000 for this acquisition.”

 

“This property checks off almost all the attributes we look for when making land protection decisions,” said Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Director Mark Tisa. “It’s an area of high ecological integrity, contains critical habitat for rare wildlife and game species, and includes headwater streams to designated coldwater fish resources, the Mill River and Cushman Brook. Combined with the property’s size and connectivity to other large, conserved lands make this acquisition a slam-dunk.”

 

“Clean air and water, access to recreation, and the ability to harvest local forest products are critical and finite,” said Cinda Jones, President of W.D. Cowls, Inc. “My brother Evan and I are making it our legacy to permanently conserve natural, cultural, and recreational values that natural resources hold in our community.”

 

“Kestrel Land Trust is grateful for the opportunity to partner with W.D. Cowls — the largest landowner in the State, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, and the U.S. Forest Legacy Program to protect this woodland. This is the kind of public-private partnership, fueled by major public funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, that is critical to achieving forest conservation on a landscape-scale in the Commonwealth,” said Kristin DeBoer, Executive Director of Kestrel Land Trust. “This CR on the Walter Cowls Jones Working Forest, along with the last partnership with Cowls and DFG to conserve the 3,486-acre Paul C. Jones Working Forest, are outstanding contributions to maintaining the rural forested hillsides west of the Quabbin Reservoir.”


The $3.25 million acquisition of the conservation restriction by DFG and MassWildlife was funded with $2,037,750 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Forest Legacy Program; $760,000 from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Landscape Partnership Grant Program; $250,000 from the Kestrel Land Trust; and $202,250 from DFG/MassWildlife. In Fiscal Year 2020, DFG conserved a total of 2,200 acres through 36 land acquisition projects.

 

“The West Quabbin Woodlands Forest Legacy Project is a significant achievement for the Massachusetts Forest Legacy Program, complimenting the nearby Brushy Mountain Forest Legacy Project,” said Massachusetts Forest Legacy Program Coordinator Lindsay Nystrom. “The protection of these working woodlands achieves multiple program goals by maintaining large forest blocks that provide habitat and biodiversity, as well as economic benefits to the region through sustainably managed forestry practices.​”

 

"I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to all parties, and especially to Cinda and Evan Jones, to the Kestrel Land Trust and to the MA Department of Fish and Game, for their tireless work and collaboration to make this vision of conservation a reality,” said State Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst). “This project, the Walter Cowls Jones Working Forest, reflects our shared commitment to the ideals of - and investment in - conservation, to the protection of these forests forever, to the health of our water supply, and to the benefits of public access and enjoyment of their beauty." Baker-Polito Administration Awards Over $4.7 Million to Support Food Security in Massachusetts

Fifth Round of New Grant Program to Increase Access to Local Food as Holiday Season Approaches

 


Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides helps assemble food donation bags at the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex in Boston on Tuesday. For high resolution and additional photos, click here.

 

BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced over $4.7 million in grants to address urgent food insecurity for residents across the Commonwealth as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is being awarded as part of the fifth round of the new $36 million Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program, created following recommendations from the Administration’s COVID-19 Command Center’s Food Security Task Force, which promotes ongoing efforts to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have access to healthy, local food. 

“As Massachusetts residents celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we recognize that food insecurity remains a significant challenge for many families throughout the Commonwealth, making our efforts to secure a resilient, diverse local food supply chain even more critical,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Through a $56 million investment through our Food Security Task Force, our Administration is committed to investing in our local food infrastructure and ensuring a secure supply of food, which will enable us to ensure that families throughout Massachusetts can access local, nutritious food as they continue to meet the challenges created by the pandemic.” 

“During this holiday season it is important that families across Massachusetts, especially those living in underserved communities, receive better access to healthy, local food,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The investments made through this program will help Massachusetts’ farmers and food producers build on the progress our state has made since the onset of the pandemic to ensure a strong local food chain.”

The goal of the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program is to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have equitable access to food, especially local food. The program also seeks to ensure that farmers, fishermen and other local food producers are better connected to a strong, resilient food system to help mitigate future food supply and distribution disruption.

The fifth round of the grant program includes 54 awards for a total of $4,742,293 to fund critical investments in technology, equipment, capacity, and other assistance to help local food producers, especially in the distribution of food insecure communities. When evaluating the applications, considerations included equity, economic impact and need, sustainability and scalability of efforts, and ability to support producer readiness to accept SNAP and HIP benefits. In the program’s first four rounds, the Administration awarded over $17.7 million to more than 137 recipients.

“The upcoming holiday season marks a new and challenging milestone in the Commonwealth’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and ensuring residents throughout Massachusetts maintain access to healthy, local food remains a critical focus,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “These grants support Massachusetts’ agricultural and food businesses while building better access to healthy, nutritious food for our underserved neighborhoods and communities.”

“As Massachusetts weathers a second surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases, food pantries and meal providers across the Commonwealth have indicated a need for increasing food availability and efficiency of services. This additional funding from the Food Security Infrastructure Grant program  will allow for the expedited support of our community partners as they see an increased need for food services,” said COVID-19 Response Command Center Director and Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “Local grassroots organizations are keeping our communities fed and are the boots on the ground that reach residents who participate in existing nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC to ensure they are well supported during this difficult time.”

 

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration also announced the COVID-19 Command Center’s new food program for isolating and quarantining individuals in collaboration with local boards of health and the Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC), which invests nearly $1.2 million to support residents in isolation. Communities across the Commonwealth have developed innovative, local solutions to support families who are dealing with the direct impacts of COVID-19, for which access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food is crucial. For a portion of low-income households, and in certain geographic areas, food security remains a top concern while isolating. This new program will be coordinated with local health departments, the CTC, food pantries, municipalities, and other local partners to assess needs and gaps in service at the individual and community level, and develop and deploy local solutions to ensure the foods security needs of those isolating and quarantining can be met.

As part of the announcement, Secretary Kathleen Theoharides and Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Jim Montgomery visited the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex, which has been used by the YMCA of Greater Boston as a distribution location for its food bank services beginning in October 2020. The site is used as a delivery point for pallets of food which are broken down and repackaged into donation bags which are distributed to neighborhood organizations and Massachusetts residents in need. The space in the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Complex supports the efforts of the YMCA while furthering DCR’s efforts to serve the community, an excellent example of public-private partnership.

The YMCA of Greater Boston is also receiving a $183,847 grant in this round of the Food Security Infrastructure Program, which will enable it to establish mobile food pantries to deliver food to underserved neighborhoods in Boston. The mobile food pantry will provide full-service food pantry operations, and will rotate on a weekly basis to deliver to as many neighborhoods as possible.

“The DCR Melnea A. Cass Recreation Complex is a critical resource in the Roxbury neighborhood for indoor/outdoor recreation, community outreach, and education,” said DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery. “What better way to continue the Complex’s legacy than to welcome the YMCA food security operations into the facility, illustrating an excellent example of public-private partnership.”

Eligible grantees include entities that are part of the Massachusetts local food system including production, processing and distribution, the emergency food distribution network, Buy Local, community and food organizations, school meal programming, urban farms and community gardens, non-profits, and organizations that provide business planning, technical assistance and information technology services. The Request for Responses for project proposals closed on September 15, 2020. Applications submitted before the proposal deadline will continue to be evaluated for future rounds of funding.

This grant program implements the recommendations of the Food Security Task Force, which was convened by the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center in response to increased demands for food assistance. The task force is composed of a broad group of public and private members charged with ensuring food insecurity and food supply needs are addressed during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The Food Insecurity Infrastructure Grant Program was announced in May 2020 as part of a $56 million investment by the Baker-Polito Administration to combat urgent food insecurity for some Massachusetts families and individuals as a result of COVID-19. The Administration also announced a $5 million increase for the Healthy Incentives Program to meet increased demand for local produce and to increase access points that process SNAP and HIP benefits, $12 million for the provision of 25,000 family food boxes per week through a regional food supply system, and $3 million in funding as an immediate relief valve to food banks.

Several new HIP vendors are receiving funding through this round of the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program to purchase new equipment to process SNAP and HIP benefits. Everett Community Growers, a coalition of Everett residents who sell culturally significant produce for the area, including collards, squash, and radishes, and Mycoterra Farm, which runs Mass Food Delivery, an online ordering platform sourcing local farms. As HIP vendors, they will be able to home deliver local produce to low-income households, several senior centers, and housing facilities throughout multiple counties, using minimal/contactless delivery service.

 

In addition to expanding HIP, the Administration continues to leverage federal food and nutrition resources during COVID-19, including federal flexibilities for SNAP to ensure individuals and families have stable access to these critical benefits. Over $16.4 million has been spent by households using their SNAP benefits to buy food online from Amazon and Walmart since launching the SNAP Online Purchasing Program in May. Since March, SNAP households have received extra benefits to bring their monthly benefits up to the maximum amount for their household size, providing over $335 million in food support to over 280,000 households. The most recent federal appropriation extended Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) through the entire 2020-2021 school year. To date, Pandemic EBT has helped over 550,000 students buy food.

 

In August, the Baker-Polito Administration launched the MassGrown Exchange, an online platform designed to facilitate business-to-business connections within the local food system for products and services. Developed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), in collaboration with the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), this platform was established to both address COVID-19 disruptions to the local food supply and to serve as a helpful tool and resource for Massachusetts growers and producers in accessing markets beyond the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.

 

“We understand that these uncertain times have unfortunately meant many families are without hot meals,” said James O’S. Morton President and CEO of The YMCA of Greater Boston. “We are honored to partner with amazing organizations allowing us to provide comfort to our community during the holiday season and continuing our dedication to helping those in need.”

 

“Hunger has been one of the most rampant and devastating side effects of this pandemic, and over the past several months food insecurity in Massachusetts has climbed dramatically,” said State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz (D-Boston). “These organizations, serving communities across the Commonwealth, have stepped up to fill a critical need throughout this prolonged crisis--and I particularly want to honor the great work being done at the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex, which has opened its space to help keep Boston residents nourished. By investing in their and others' operations, we can expand access to local, healthy food and help care for our neighbors, ensuring they have enough to eat this holiday season.”

 

“Healthy and locally grown products have not always been easily accessible to low income individuals,” said State Senator Dean Tran (R-Fitchburg). “Thank you to the Baker-Polito administration for their continued support and investment in equipment for local organizations to help make their products available to the underserved population.”

 

"I'm grateful for the Baker-Polito Administration's efforts to strategically fund initiatives that meet our neighbors’ basic needs since the global pandemic hit here," said State Representative Liz Malia (D-Boston). "This fifth round of food security infrastructure grants is a significant boost to the awardees and the families they feed."

 

"I'm so glad that Growing Places is being recognized for their vital work with a Food Insecurity Infrastructure Grant,” said State Representative Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster). “This funding will help Growing Places expand its ability to connect low income community members to fresh local produce throughout North Central Mass." Representative Natalie Higgins

 

The awardees for the fifth round of the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program include:

Awardee Name

Location

Project Summary

Funding

YMCA of Greater Boston

Boston

The funding will enable the YMCA of Greater Boston to establish mobile food pantries to deliver food to underserved neighborhoods in Boston. The mobile food pantry will provide full-service food pantry operations and it will rotate on a weekly basis to deliver to as many neighborhoods as possible.

$183,847

Double C Ranch

Granby

The funding will aid in the stabilization of the beef supply within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by assisting the ranch with the installation of a walk-in freezer for additional storage, the purchase of a refrigerated vehicle to increase product delivery.

$40,748

Citizens for Citizens

Fall River

To increase the capacity and distribution of food to those in need within the Fall River region, funding will assist the organization with the purchasing of a refrigerated truck and facility equipment.

$112,009

World Farmers

Lancaster

The funding will enable the organization to expand the availability of its products to low income individuals and families by investing in equipment that enables SNAP/EBT payments to be directly made. Simultaneously, the investment will facilitate the growth and development of small-scale vegetable farms owned and operated by immigrant and refugee farmers through the Flats Mentor Farm (FMF) program.

$5,397

Caretaker Farm LLC

Williamstown

Caretaker Farm will build a clean, safe, and efficient wash station area that will assist in providing high quality produce to local consumers by streamlining operations.

$29,075

All Nations Church Food Pantry

Springfield

In an effort to meet the increased demands of food assistance from the food insecure and low-income residents of Hampden County, funding will enable the food pantry to renovate and equip a new facility space. Funding for renovations and equipment includes refrigerator and freezer units, electrical service upgrades, plumbing services, HVAC & installation, and the installation of counters.

$87,446

Park Hill Orchard LLC

Easthampton

To further reach food insecure residents within Hampshire County, the funding will assist Park Hill Orchard LLC with the purchase of an insulated cargo van to distribute fresh and shelf stable fruit products via farmer’s markets, roadside stands, pantries, and direct delivery.

$36,890

Full Well Farm

Adams

The funding will enable the farm to expand the availability of products to low income individuals and families within the Town of Adams by investing in equipment that enables SNAP/EBT payments to be directly made.

$1,128

Edgartown Council on Aging

Edgartown

To aid in the efforts to fulfill the organization’s essential goal in addressing food insecurity and access in Dukes County, program funding will allow for a larger volume of meals to be made in advance, enhanced storage, and protect frozen meals until they are consumed or safely stored by recipients. Funding will go towards the purchase of new equipment, such as a freezer and carts and shelving for storage.

$3,738

Southbridge Public Schools Federal Lunch Program

Southbridge

In an effort to serve both students and members of the community, funding will aid the Southbridge Public School Federal Lunch Program with the purchasing of equipment to establish an on-site farm, which will grow and harvest greens for salads. The on-site farm will increase the production and consumption of MA grown food, it will ensure food safety as the lettuce is grown free of herbicides and pesticides, and will help reduce hunger and food insecurity.

$116,000

Buzzards Bay Fisheries, Inc.

New Bedford

Funding will assist in the purchasing and installation of a haddock cutting machine for Buzzards Bay Fisheries, Inc. Importantly, the new equipment will provide an increase in fresh seafood for residents within the region and throughout the state, as well as, reduce labor time while increasing safety for staff.

$100,000

The Neighborhood Farm, LLC

Wayland

To reach food insecure residents within the Middlesex County area, the funding will assist the Neighborhood Farm LLC with the purchase of a new delivery van and truck for food distribution to markets, food pantries, meal kitchens, and home deliveries during the fall and winter months.

$119,000

Farming Falmouth, Inc.

Falmouth

The funding will assist individuals, including those with disabilities, with the opportunity to plant and harvest vegetables at a Town of Falmouth owned property by providing gardening infrastructure, such as wheelchair accessible beds and irrigation in an effort to foster healthy eating habits of organic produce at a low cost.

$5,600

Mountain Girl Farm, Inc.

North Adams

Due to the closure of local farmers markets because of the ongoing public health emergency, access to farm-to-table produce has become limited since March 2020. Funding will aid in the purchasing of a vehicle to be used to deliver fresh produce to individuals, including those utilizing SNAP benefits, in Northern and Central Berkshire County.

$35,600

Holiday Farm

Berlin

The funding will increase refrigeration capacity at the farm stand to not only store additional produce but to also increase its longevity, ensuring better availability of vegetables and other products at the facility for the public to obtain.

$1,020

Great Falls Farmers Market

Turners Falls

The funding will enable the organization to expand the availability of its products to low income individuals and families by investing in equipment that enables SNAP/EBT payments to be directly made.

$1,150

Diemand Egg Farm, Inc.

Wendell

The funding will increase storage capacity at the egg farm by purchasing a new commercial walk-in freezer for onsite storage. With the new refrigeration equipment, perishable products will be more widely available to the local community to obtain.

$121,850

Cottone Inc.  FV Sabrina Maria

Gloucester

With the need of nutritious proteins being made readily available within the local community and region, funding will purchase fish processing equipment on the deck of the Sabrina Maria, a groundfishing vessel out of Gloucester, Massachusetts.

$72,000

Maria F.S. DeLume Inc   FV Santo Pio

Gloucester

With the need of nutritious proteins being made readily available within the local community and region, funding will purchase fish processing equipment on the deck of the Santo Pio, a groundfishing vessel out of Gloucester, Massachusetts.

$72,000

First United Methodist Church

Southbridge

Funding will assist the organization, which offers free food and meals to those in need, to increase food storage through the purchasing of a freezer unit.

$800

Hart Farm

Conway

In an effort to increase product storage and preservation, and for better food distribution, funding for the project will go towards the purchasing of important infrastructure, such as a walk-in cooler.

$10,538

Julia Coffey DBA Mycoterra Farm

South Deerfield

The funding will enable the farm to expand the availability of its products to low income individuals and families by investing in equipment that enables EBT payments to be directly made.

$3,200

Steppingstone, Inc.

Fall River

Working with high risk, low income populations, the organization is seeking to make upgrades to its food storage and delivery infrastructure to reduce waste, which will simultaneously provide more individuals in need with food. Equipment includes a cargo van, freezer unit, storage bins, and food preparation equipment.

$38,500

The Gray House, Inc.

Springfield

To meet the demand to provide food to those in need, funding will assist the food pantry to make important infrastructure improvements to increase food storage and distribution. New equipment includes food carts, a freezer, and a computer.

$45,513

Malden Public Schools

Malden

Program funding will enable the school system to expand its meal distribution services to students in need with the purchasing of a food truck.

$110,309

Everett Community Growers

Everett

Funding will enable the organization to expand the availability of its products to low income individuals and families within the community by investing in equipment (a receipt printer) that enables SNAP/EBT payments to be directly made.

$319

The Keith Farm

Westport

To further the farm’s efforts to increase produce yields and food distribution to the local community, funding will assist in the purchasing of a greenhouse, non-commercial kitchen, and a refrigerated vehicle in the New Bedford/Fall River area.

$248,290

People Helping People Food Pantry

Burlington

To ensure COVID-19 guidance compliance and further improve the distribution of food to those in need, the food pantry’s project will update its infrastructure with the purchase of a freezer, and outdoor refrigeration unit, a refrigerated vehicle, kitchen infrastructure, and a generator.

$106,517

Chelsea Public Schools

Chelsea

The Chelsea Public Schools will utilize program funding to enable the purchasing of new equipment and point of sale tablet technology, which will assist in food distribution through its grab and go meals program.

$80,743

Fishing Vessel Cheryl Ann

Scituate

With the need of nutritious proteins being made readily available within the local community and region, funding will purchase fish processing equipment on the deck of the Cheryl Ann, a groundfishing vessel out of Scituate, Massachusetts. Importantly, a portion of the catch will be donated to the Scituate Food Pantry for those in need.

$82,600

Daily Table

Dorchester

To meet the demand to provide food to those in need, the organization will utilize program funding to purchase equipment that will increase its capacity to provide 75,000 meals per month. Equipment includes refrigerators and transportation.

$374,750

Berkshire Community Action Council, Inc.

Pittsfield

To better serve the residents of the region, the organization will use program funding to purchase a delivery vehicle. Additionally, storage and a refrigeration unit will be purchased to assist the distribution of food to those in need.

$96,914

Wendell Good Neighbors, Inc.

Wendell

To reach and provide individuals and families in need, the organization will utilize the funding to purchase a vehicle to distribute over 10,000 pounds of food per month in the Town of Orange.

$59,298

Greater Fall River Community Food Pantry, Inc.

Fall River

To better serve the residents of Fall River and the surrounding communities, the food pantry will use program funding to purchase a refrigerated delivery vehicle. Additionally, storage and IT equipment will be purchased to streamline the process to better transport and provide food to those in need.

$78,287

Brockton Public Schools

Brockton

In an effort to increase fresh produce, funding will enable the school system to purchase a climate-controlled freight container farm, which will be able to support over 13,000 plants.

$118,260

Fund For the Needy of St. Bonaventure Parish

Plymouth

In an effort to increase food storage, funding for the project will go towards the purchasing of a food refrigeration unit. The project will assist in the organization’s dedication to providing food to families within the area.

$3,800

Sweet Morning Farm, LLC

Leyden

To expand the food harvesting season and meet local demand, project funding will enable the farm to purchase a greenhouse to improve food production during the winter months.

$27,898

Book and Plow Farm

Amherst

With the purchase of a new shipping container to store produce, the farm will be able to increase its food distribution efforts to meet increased demand of products within the area.

$24,500

Food Link, Inc.

Arlington

To better serve individuals and families in over 25 area communities in Eastern Massachusetts, program funding will enable the organization to purchase a new vehicle for food distribution.

$73,625

Chicopee Public Schools Food Service Department

Chicopee

Program funding will enable the purchase of a food truck to deliver meals for distribution to both in-person and remote students.

$153,300

Our Neighbors' Table

Amesbury

Project funding will provide critical infrastructure investments at several of the organization’s food distribution locations, such as churches, public schools, and councils on aging to improve the distribution of food insecure populations.

$141,000

Massachusetts Military Support Foundation Food4Vets Program'

Bourne

Program funding will assist in the distribution of food to members of the military (both active and inactive service) and their families through the acquisition of a delivery vehicle and a food refrigeration unit.

$91,579

LEO Inc.

Lynn

To better serve the residents with the City of Lynn who are in need, the organization will utilize program funding to purchase a refrigerated cargo van. Additionally, storage and important kitchen infrastructure will be purchased, commercial refrigerator and freezer units, worktables, and insulated food containers.

$152,157

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

Boston

The funding will enable the organization to implement a Facility Adaption Project, which includes updates and adaptations to BGCB Clubs to prepare for the reopening and/or to safely conduct programming in order to provide services to youth during the 2020-21 program year.

$142,770

Laura Inc.

Gloucester

With the need of nutritious proteins being made readily available within local communities, funding will purchase fish processing equipment as well as a chilling tank.

$160,109

Park Hill Orchard

Easthampton

To increase the longevity of fruit, reduce waste, and ensure a higher availability of produce for residents, funding will enable the organization to purchase freezer and refrigeration units.

$9,410

Princess Diana 1 Inc.

Gloucester

In an effort to increase groundfish harvesting, which a portion of the catch will go to local partners, such as food pantries, funding will purchase and install semi-pelagic trawl doors and electronic trawl door sensors on the groundfishing vessel FV Orion. The equipment will provide invaluable information regarding the location of fishing gear in relation to the bottom of the sea floor and how it is performing.

$84,000

Little Bit Farm & Apiary

Leicester

In an effort to increase produce for the public, funding will enable the organization to extend its harvesting season with the purchase of a heater for a greenhouse. Additionally, to increase the longevity of perishable foods, a new refrigerator will be purchased, which will ensure higher availability of products.

$7,714

RMV Inc.

Gloucester

To increase the longevity of harvested fish, RMV Fishing Corporation will be assisted with funding to purchase fish processing equipment to increase its shelf life and store it at a safe temperature. Furthermore, the funding of this project will help with the transporting of the product to local partners, which includes food pantries.

$102,000

Lowell Public Schools

Lowell

In an effort to meet the increased need of food services due to the pandemic, the school system will utilize program funding to build a new refrigeration system, which will expand its remote feeding program. New equipment includes a refrigerated truck and walk-in freezer.

$180,691

GROWING PLACES GARDEN PROJECT INC

Leominster

The funding will enable the organization to expand the availability of its products to low income individuals and families by investing in equipment that enables SNAP payments. Furthermore, kitchen infrastructure, such as refrigeration storage, will allow better distribution of food to underserved individuals and families within the community.

$66,100

Berea Church Food Pantry (Greater Boston Food Bank Agency #455)

Dorchester

To better serve the residents within the City of Boston neighborhoods, the food pantry will use the program’s funding to purchase a delivery vehicle. Additionally, storage and IT equipment will be purchased to streamline and strengthen the process to distribute food to those in need.

$171,784

Reed Farm

Sunderland

To meet the demand within the region for high quality, local poultry, the farm will utilize funding to make significant upgrades to its existing poultry facility. These upgrades include the design and installation of a new septic system, a walk-in cooler and freezer, and a propane generator.

$495,760

Neighbors In Need Food Pantries

Lawrence

In an effort to meet an increased demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the food pantry, which distributes food to 13 locations within the Greater Lawrence area, will utilize funding to expand their food storage capacity. New Equipment includes refrigeration and freezer units, shelving, and tables.

$54,757

Governor Baker Nominates the Honorable Daniel J. O'Shea as Associate Justice of the Superior Court and Danielle L. Williams as Associate Justice of the District Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of the Honorable Daniel J. O'Shea as Associate Justice of the Superior Court, and Attorney Danielle L. Williams as Associate Justice of the District Court. Justice O'Shea currently serves as First Justice of the Attleboro District Court, and Attorney Williams serves as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate of the Springfield District Court. They have nearly 50 years of combined legal experience.

 

"The many years of courtroom experience shared by Justice O'Shea and Attorney Williams make them well-qualified to serve as Associate Justices of the Superior Court and District Court," said Governor Charlie Baker. "Both these candidates share a strong commitment to the law and service in their communities, and I am pleased to submit them to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

 

"Throughout their careers, Justice O'Shea and Attorney Williams have both demonstrated their deep dedication to the law and public service," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. "If confirmed, I am confident that they will continue to serve the Commonwealth with distinction as Associate Justices of the Superior Court and District Court."

 

The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. The Court's 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought. It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town. The Superior Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Judge O'Shea will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Robert C. Rufo.

 

For more information about the Superior Court, visit their homepage.

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to 5 years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and bylaws. In civil matters, District Court judges conduct both jury and jury-waived trials, and make final determinations on any matter where the likelihood of recovery is no more than $50,000 (for cases commenced on or after January 1, 2020). The District Court also tries small claims involving up to $7,000 (initially tried to a magistrate, where the defense has a right of appeal either to a judge or a jury). If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Williams will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Patricia T. Poehler.

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Daniel J. O'Shea

 

Justice Daniel J. O'Shea began his legal career in 1990 as a Staff Attorney for Commonwealth Energy System in Cambridge, where he handled litigation for large public utility companies and served as a claims administrator for liability and workers' compensation cases. In 1992, he joined the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents as an Administrative Judge, presiding over hearings, conferences and motion sessions involving workers' compensation cases. From 2000 until 2005, Justice O'Shea served as Senior Judge of the Division of Dispute Resolution, with statutory authority over 21 administrative judges and 6 reviewing board judges. In 2005, he was appointed as Associate Justice of the Attleboro District Court, where he has served since 2010 as First Justice. Justice O'Shea has written three books on workers' compensation law, and served as Adjunct Faculty at Norwich University, Suffolk University, Anna Maria College, Stonehill College, and Quincy College. He also mentors new judges through the Judicial Institute's Judge to Judge Program. Justice O'Shea earned his Juris Doctorate from New England Law Boston and his Bachelor's Degree from Norwich University.

 

About Danielle L. Williams

 

Attorney Danielle L. Williams began her legal career in 2003 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, where she handled more than 300 cases and served as a member of the Insurance Fraud Unit. In 2007, she entered private practice, representing both businesses and individuals for The Scott Firm in Brooklyn, New York, before returning to Massachusetts in 2013 to join Fierst, Bloomberg & Ohm in Northampton. In 2016, Attorney Williams served as an Assistant Attorney General for the Government Bureau in Springfield until May of that year, when she began serving in her current role as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate for the Springfield District Court. In addition to her legal work, Attorney Williams also serves as President of the Springfield Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, an international not-for-profit corporation devoted to strengthening African American communities through fund-raising, education, advocacy and volunteering. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Western New England University School of Law and her Bachelor's Degree from the College of William and Mary.

Governor Baker Nominates Stephen B. Geary as Associate Justice of the Lowell District Court, and Susan H. McNeil as Associate Justice of the Lawrence District Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Stephen B. Geary as Associate Justice of the Lowell District Court, and Susan H. McNeil as Associate Justice of the Lawrence District Court. Attorneys Geary and McNeil have a combined 50 years of legal experience.

"Attorneys Geary and McNeil offer the District Court decades of experience in the legal field, which have prepared them well to serve as Associate Justices," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am pleased to submit these qualified candidates to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

"Over the course of their legal careers, Attorneys Geary and McNeil have both demonstrated a deep commitment to the pursuit of justice, public service and their communities," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.​ “If confirmed by the Governor's Council, I am confident that these experienced attorneys will serve the Commonwealth well as Associate Justices of the District Court.

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to 5 years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and bylaws. In civil matters, District Court judges conduct both jury and jury-waived trials, and make final determinations on any matter where the likelihood of recovery is no more than $50,000 (for cases commenced on or after January 1, 2020). The District Court also tries small claims involving up to $7,000 (initially tried to a magistrate, where the defense has a right of appeal either to a judge or a jury). If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Geary will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Barbara S. Pearson, and Attorney McNeil will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Martine Carroll.

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage​.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

About Stephen B. Geary

​Stephen B. Geary has spent the entirety of his legal ca​reer at Geary & Geary in Lowell, where he currently serves as a Partner. Since joining the firm in 1996, Attorney Geary has specialized in criminal, civil and domestic relation matters. His practice also includes areas such as breach of contract and landlord-tenant disputes, 209A restraining order hearings, small claims litigation, and land use and zoning appeals. Since 2019, he has also provided pro bono legal services to clients through Northeast Legal Aid. He previously provided pro bono legal services through Lynn Neighborhood Legal Services from 1999 to 2004, and Merrimack Valley Legal Services from 1997 until 2000. In addition to his legal work, Attorney Geary is an active member of his community, serving on the Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals from 2006 until 2010, and as a Coach and Treasurer of the Lowell Junior High Football League from 2002 until 2016. Attorney Geary earned his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School, and his Bachelor's Degree from ​the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

About Susan H. McNeil

Susan H. McNeil began her legal career in 1993 as an Associate at Carrigan and Erickson in Boston, where she represented clients at preliminary immigration hearings and District Court pretrial and post-conviction motions. In 1994, she joined the Essex County District Attorney's Office in Salem as an Assistant District Attorney. There, her responsibilities included the administration and prosecution of all narcotics cases for the Lawrence District Court, as well as the prosecution of Youthful Offender cases as the Supervisor of the Lawrence Juvenile Division. She also served as a member of the Training Committee for new Assistant District Attorneys, and as a member of the Child Sexual Assault Team. In 1999, Attorney McNeil opened the Law Office of Attorney Susan H. McNeil, a general practice where she concentrates on Criminal Defense in both State and Federal courts. Since 2009, she has also volunteered for AbilityPLUS Adaptive Sports​, which provides access to athletic and recreational opportunities for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. Attorney McNeil earned her Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School, and her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.​​

Governor Baker Nominates Kimberly Moses Smith as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Kimberly Moses Smith as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court. Attorney Moses Smith has nearly 25 years of legal experience.

"The wide variety of cases that Attorney Moses Smith has tried over her decades practicing family law have prepared her well to serve as an Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court,​" said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am pleased to submit this qualified candidate to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

“Throughout her career, Attorney Moses Smith has demonstrated a commitment to her community and the families of the Commonwealth," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.​ "If confirmed by the Governor's Council, I am confident that she will continue to serve the Commonwealth as an Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court."

The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related and probate matters such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, adoption, termination of parental rights, abuse prevention and wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and changes of name. The Probate and Family Court has over 40 judges, including Chief Justice John D. Casey. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Moses Smith will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Peter Smola.

For more information on the Probate & Family Court, please visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

About Kimberly Moses Smith

Kimberly Moses Smith began her legal career ​in 1996, when she opened The Law Firm of Kimberly Moses Smith in New Bedford. In her solo practice, Attorney Moses Smith concentrated on domestic relations matters as well as civil litigation and criminal defense, arguing cases before the Probate and Family Court and the District Court. In 2001, she joined Moses Smith, Markey & Walsh, LLC in New Bedford as a Managing Partner. There, she has continued to argue cases before the District, Superior, and Probate and Family Courts, handling a wide range of matters including divorce and custody, guardianships and conservatorships, and estate related matters. Since 2012, Attorney Moses Smith has served as a Board Member and President of both the Bristol County Bar Association and the New Bedford Bar Association. She is an active member of her community, serving since 1999 on the Board of the Russell Mills Historic District Commission and from 2005 until 2008 as a member of the Dartmouth Zoning Board of Appeals. Attorney Moses Smith earned her Juris Doctorate from New England Law - Boston, and her Bachelor's Degree from Providence College.

Governor Baker Nominates Michelle D. Fentress and Robert W. Harnais as Associate Justices of the District Court and Patrick M. Haggan as Associate Justice of the Superior Court

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of Michelle D. Fentress and Robert W. Harnais as Associate Justices of the District Court, and Patrick M. Haggan as Associate Justice of the Superior Court. Attorneys Fentress, Harnais and Haggan have nearly seven decades of combined legal experience.

“The wide variety of cases tried by Attorneys Fentress, Harnais and Haggan in their decades of experience have prepared them well to serve as Associate Justices of the District and Superior Courts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am pleased to submit these candidates to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

“Throughout their careers, Attorneys Fentress, Harnais and Haggan have all demonstrated a deep commitment to the law, public service, and their communities,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If confirmed, I am confident that they will continue to serve the Commonwealth well as Associate Justices of the District and Superior Courts.”

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to 5 years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and bylaws. In civil matters, District Court judges conduct both jury and jury-waived trials, and make final determinations on any matter where the likelihood of recovery is no more than $50,000 (for cases commenced on or after January 1, 2020). The District Court also tries small claims involving up to $7,000 (initially tried to a magistrate, where the defense has a right of appeal either to a judge or a jury). If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Fentress will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Antoinette E. M. Leoney and Attorney Harnais will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Dominic J. Paratore.

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. The Court's 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought. It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town. The Superior Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Haggan will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Bruce R. Henry.

For more information about the Superior Court, visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

About Michelle D. Fentress

Michelle D. Fentress currently serves as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Suffolk Superior Court Criminal Division. Attorney Fentress began her legal career in 2006 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, where she served on the Central Division Team, Gun Prosecution Task Force and Major Felony Unit, before joining the Massachusetts Department of Correction in 2011 as Counsel II. In 2012, she entered private practice in Braintree, first as an Associate for Marcus, Errico, Emmer & Brooks, and then as a Senior Associate for Turk & Quijano. From 2014 until 2017, Attorney Fentress served as Prosecuting Counsel for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, investigating and prosecuting complaints against health profession licensees. In 2017, she was appointed Assistant Clerk Magistrate of the Suffolk Superior Court Criminal Division, where she conducts arraignments, bail hearings, initial probation surrender hearings and pre-trial conferences. Attorney Fentress is also an active member of her community, and serves as a Mentor for Youth Career Connect, a program that connects high school students interested in STEM careers to professionals in the field. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Northeastern University School of Law and her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut.

About Robert W. Harnais

Robert W. Harnais began his legal career in 1991 as an Associate for the Law Office of John Shorton in Roxbury, a general litigation firm where he represented clients in matters including personal injury, criminal, and care and protection cases in District and Juvenile Court. Previously, he served as a Probation Officer for the Quincy District Court from 1984 until 1988, and as an Investigator for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue from 1988 until 1990. In 1993, Attorney Harnais formed Mahoney & Harnais in Quincy, a general practice firm where he remains a Partner and handles matters ranging from criminal and civil litigation to real estate conveyance and municipal permitting. Since 1999, he has also served as General Counsel for the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, and was Acting Norfolk County Sheriff from October 2018 until December 2018. Attorney Harnais is a member and past president of numerous professional organizations, including the Massachusetts Bar Association (President 2015 – 2016), the Massachusetts Association of Hispanic Attorneys (President 2004 – 2006), and the New England Bar Association (President 2016 – 2017). He has also served as Chairman of the Braintree Planning Board since 2008, and as Vice Chair of the Governor’s Latino Advisory Board since 2017. Attorney Harnais earned his Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law and his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

About Patrick M. Haggan

Patrick M. Haggan began his legal career in 1996 as an Assistant District Attorney for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, where he served as a prosecutor for 23 years in a variety of roles. Attorney Haggan served on the Homicide Response Team from 1996 until 2001, and on the Major Felony Unit and Superior Court Trial Team from 1998 until 2001. From 2001 until 2005, he served as a member of the Homicide Unit, and as Supervisor of Motor Vehicle Homicide Prosecutions. In 2005, Attorney Haagan was named Chief Trial Counsel, reporting directly to the District Attorney and leading the prosecution of murder cases. From 2011 until 2019, he served as First Assistant District Attorney, overseeing all functions of the agency while continuing to lead murder prosecutions and representing the District Attorney on joint state and federal criminal investigations. In 2019, Attorney Haggan joined Lubin and Meyer in Boston as a Trial Attorney, leading all stages of investigation and litigation on medical malpractice and civil suits. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School and his Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College.
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Group Insurance Commission Deferring $190 Million in FY21 First Quarter Premium Payments for Municipal Members


BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced today that the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) will defer $190 million in premium payments during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) from local cities and towns, regional school districts, and other entities that became members of the GIC through the Municipal Partnership Act.

This measure will provide important cash-flow relief to GIC municipal members across Massachusetts without compromising the GIC’s ability to pay all member claims without any impact on total FY21 revenue.

“By deferring these monthly GIC premium payments, we are providing relief to local municipalities that are facing budget challenges and cash-flow constraints due to COVID-19,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are pleased to implement this payment deferral and will continue working to support municipal budgets and government services that are important to the people of Massachusetts.”

“Our Administration continues to seek ways to assist local cities and towns as we move forward with our phased reopening process and navigate the COVID-19 public health emergency,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Working closely with our partners at the state and local levels, we are providing municipalities with resources and tools to protect public health, navigate the unique challenges caused by COVID-19, and ensure responsible governance.”

All FY21 revenues will be billed and collected later during the fiscal year. The total cash-flow relief anticipated as a result of the FY21 first quarter deferral is approximately $63 million per month or approximately $190 million total.

“We are continuing to coordinate with our state and local partners, and the Massachusetts Legislature, in order to promote economic stability during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “This premium payment deferral will support local cities and towns and provide them with much-needed cash flow relief.”

“As municipal leaders confront the extraordinary challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the GIC is committed to delivering value and supporting our municipal members,” said GIC Executive Director Matthew Veno. “Measures such as this reflect the GIC’s strong belief in this partnership with cities and towns at a time when preserving essential services at the local level is critical.”

This announcement builds upon additional measures put in place by the Administration to provide cash flow relief and budgetary support to municipalities. This includes making up to $502 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund available to cities and towns for COVID-19 response efforts, as well as making up to $200 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund available for costs related to reopening public schools, $194 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund grants, and $25 million in matching funds for remote learning technology grants.

The Group Insurance Commission is a quasi-independent state agency governed by a seventeen-member Commission. It provides and administers health insurance and other benefits to 460,000 members including the Commonwealth's employees and retirees, and their dependents and survivors, as well as participating municipalities, Housing and Redevelopment Authorities' personnel, retired municipal employees, and teachers in certain governmental units.
Governor Baker Nominates Elizabeth Teixeira as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Elizabeth Teixeira as an Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court. Attorney Teixeira has more than 25 years of legal experience.

“The many cases that Attorney Teixeira has tried over her decades practicing family law have prepared her well to serve as an Associate Justice of the Probate and 
Family Court," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am pleased to submit this qualified candidate to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

“Throughout her career, Attorney Teixeira has demonstrated her commitment to the families of the Commonwealth," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.​ "If confirmed by the Governor's Council, I am confident that she will continue to serve the Commonwealth as an Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court."

The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related and probate matters such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, adoption, termination of parental rights, abuse prevention and wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and changes of name. The Probate and Family Court has over 40 judges, including Chief Justice John D. Casey. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Teixeira will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable George Phelan.

For more information on the Probate & Family Court, please visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

About Elizabeth Teixeira

Elizabeth Teixeira began her legal career in 1983 as a Law Clerk at Aleixo, Miles, Murray & Rounds, P.C, joining the firm full-time as an Associate Attorney in 1987 upon completing her legal education. There, she began her practice of family law, handling divorce, paternity, contempts, guardianships, modifications and probate of estates before the Massachusetts Probate Court. From 1994 until 1997, Attorney Teixeira continued this work as a sole practitioner, before founding Teixeira & Tedeschi, P.C. as a Partner in 1999, followed by Teixeira & Weddell in 2005. In 2008, she resumed her solo practice as Elizabeth Teixeira, Attorney at Law, where she continues to practice before the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. Attorney Teixeira is also an active member of her community, serving as a Mentor for the Massachusetts Bar Association, a member and former president of the Taunton Rotary Club, and lead teacher and volunteer organizer for St. Agnes Church in Reading. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School, and her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Governor Baker Nominates Joseph E. Kelleher, III and Alexander Mitchell-Munevar as Associate Justices of the Housing Court

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Joseph E. Kelleher, III and Alexander Mitchell-Munevar as Associate Justices of the Housing Court. Attorneys Kelleher and Mitchell-Munevar have more than 40 years of combined legal experience.

“The many cases pertaining to housing tried by Attorneys Kelleher and Mitchell-Munevar have prepared them well to serve as Associate Justices of the Housing Court,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to submit these qualified candidates to the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent.”

“Over their careers and in their communities, Attorneys Kelleher and Mitchell-Munevar have shown a deep commitment to public service,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, I am confident that both will continue to serve the Commonwealth as Associate Justices of the Housing Court.”

The Housing Court Department is a statewide court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal actions, including equitable relief, which involve the health, safety, or welfare of the occupants or owners of residential housing. The Court hears summary process (eviction) cases, small claims cases, and civil actions involving personal injury, property damage, breach of contract, discrimination, and other claims. The Housing Court also hears code enforcement actions and appeals of local zoning board decisions that affect residential housing. The Housing Court has 15 judges authorized to serve its 6 divisions – Central, Eastern, Northeast, Southeast, Western, and Metro South – and conducts sessions in over 20 locations every week. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Kelleher will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Ann Chaplin, and Attorney Mitchell-Munevar will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Fairlie Dalton.

For more information about the Housing Court, please visit their homepage.
  
Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

About Joseph E. Kelleher, III

Joseph E. Kelleher, III began his legal career in 1995 as an Associate Attorney for Lavien & Tveekrum, where he primarily focused on litigation with discovery related tasks and performed real estate title work and closings. He then joined Smith, Brink, Smith & Cullen as an Associate in February of 1997, representing creditors in all aspects of litigation including discovery and trials, before joining Kraus & Hummel as an Associate in August of 1997. There, Attorney Kelleher performed all aspects of litigation in general practice, including trials, and conducted numerous residential and commercial real estate closings. In 2001, he joined Williams & Mahone, where he managed nine attorneys and handled individual cases in matters pertaining to subrogation and insurance defense. In 2002, Attorney Kelleher returned to Kraus & Hummel as a Partner, where he continues to practice civil litigation with an emphasis on real estate and landlord-tenant matters. Outside of his legal work, Attorney Kelleher is an active member of his community, serving as Chairman of the Marshfield Board of Selectmen since 2017, and as a member of the Marshfield Zoning Board of Appeals from 2004 to 2017. He earned his Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law, and his Bachelor’s Degree from Providence College.

About Alexander Mitchell-Munevar

Alexander Mitchell-Munevar has spent almost his entire legal career with Greater Boston Legal Services. Beginning in 2002, he served in the Family Law Unit of Greater Boston Legal Services, where he represented custodial parents and families who were victims of domestic violence. Attorney Mitchell-Munevar then joined the Employment & Tax Law Unit, providing representation and advocacy to low-income clients in matters involving state wage and hour violations. From 2005 to 2008, he served in the Elder Unit, representing elders in matters including summary process evictions, termination and denial of public benefits, and bankruptcy. Since 2008, Attorney Mitchell-Munevar has served in the Housing Unit, where he provides representation to families facing eviction, represents individuals facing loss of tenant based vouchers, and assists families being denied access to state emergency shelter. Before joining Greater Boston Legal Services, Attorney Mitchell-Munevar briefly served as a Volunteer Clerk for the Honorable Angela M. Ordonez of the Probate and Family Court, and served as an Associate concentrating on Civil Litigation for the Law Office of Harvey Bazile. In addition to his legal work, Attorney Mitchell-Munevar is a co-founding member of the Salem Latino Leadership Coalition, and volunteers for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School, and his Bachelor’s Degree from College of the Holy Cross.​

Governor Baker Nominates the Honorable Edward J. McDonough, Jr. as Associate Justice of the Superior Court

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of the Honorable Edward J. McDonough of Longmeadow as Associate Justice of the Superior Court. Justice McDonough currently serves on the Appeals Court, and served previously as an Associate Justice of the Superior Court.

"Justice McDonough’s decades of experience and prior term as an Associate Justice of the Superior Court makes him qualified to return to this role,” said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am pleased to submit this candidate to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

“The many cases that Justice McDonough has tried as an attorney and presided over as a Justice have prepared him well to serve again on the Superior Court,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “If confirmed, I am confident that Justice McDonough will continue to serve the Commonwealth fairly.”
  
The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. The Court's 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought. It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town. The Superior Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes.

For more information about the Superior Court, visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

About Justice Edward J. McDonough, Jr.

Edward J. McDonough, Jr. currently serves as an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court. Justice McDonough began his career as a student law clerk, becoming an Associate Attorney in 1981 and later Managing Partner at the Springfield firm of Egan, Flanagan & Cohen, P.C. until his appointment to the Superior Court in 2013. His trial practice in the Superior and Federal Courts focused primarily on civil rights law, product liability and medical malpractice. During his time in private practice, Justice McDonough represented clients in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Massachusetts Appeals Court, First Circuit Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court of the United States. Beginning in 2013 until his appointment to the Appeals Court in 2017, he served as an Associate Justice of the Superior Court, presiding over serious criminal felony and major civil actions while serving as Regional Administrative Justice for Western Massachusetts and as a member of Committees on subjects including Implicit Racial Bias, Civil Rules and Technology. Justice McDonough has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Bay Path University and Elms College, as well as on the board of Interfaith Homes of Longmeadow and his parish council. He earned his Juris Doctorate, magna cum laude, from Western New England College School of Law and his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Justice McDonough was born in Worcester, raised in Springfield, and currently resides in Longmeadow with his family.
Governor Baker Nominates Kerrin Costello of Newburyport as Clerk Magistrate of the Newburyport District Court

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of Kerrin Costello as Clerk Magistrate of the Newburyport District Court. Costello has worked for the Trial Court for over twenty years, and is currently an Assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Haverhill District Court.

“Kerrin Costello has dedicated years of public service to her community and she is well suited for this role as Clerk Magistrate,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to submit her nomination to the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent.”
“Kerrin Costello’s extensive career working in different capacities in the courts has prepared her well to serve as a Clerk Magistrate,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I am confident that, if confirmed, she will serve fairly.”  
The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.
For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.
Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.
About Kerrin Costello

Kerrin Costello has worked in the Massachusetts Trial Court system since 1997, when she joined the Essex County Juvenile Court as a Probation Officer. There, in addition to supervising juvenile probationers on delinquency and child in need of services (CHINS) cases, Costello also developed and co-facilitated a program for pregnant, court-involved women. In 2008, Costello became the Probation Officer-in-Charge of the Salisbury Office of Community Corrections, where her accomplishments include the establishment of an Opiate Task Force to address the ongoing crisis. She then joined the Haverhill District Court as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate in 2016, where she presides over small claims motions and trials and conducts civil motor vehicle hearings, while assisting the Clerk Magistrate in managing personnel and court operations. She also served on the team that worked to develop and implement the Haverhill District Court’s Drug Court. Prior to serving as a Probation Officer and Assistant Clerk Magistrate, Costello worked for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Child Support Enforcement Division in a variety of roles from 1991 through 1997. She began as a Financial Assistance Technician, then worked as a paralegal, Child Support Enforcement Worker, and Coordinator for court scheduling and service of process. Costello holds a Master’s of Education from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Vermont.
Governor Baker Nominates Brian P. Frane and Maura J. Hardiman as Associate Justices of the Juvenile Court

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Brian P. Frane and Maura J. Hardiman for appointment to positions as Associate Justices of the Juvenile Court. Attorneys Frane and Hardiman bring more than 30 years of combined legal experience to the Juvenile Court.

“The Juvenile Court serves some of the most vulnerable members of the Commonwealth. The decades that Attorneys Frane and Hardiman have spent representing children and families have prepared both well to serve as Associate Justices of the Juvenile Court,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to submit these candidates to the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent, and, should they be confirmed, I look forward to seeing their combined experience strengthen the Juvenile Court’s mission of protecting our youth.”

“Attorneys Frane and Hardiman have demonstrated a deep dedication to both public service and to the children and families of the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, I am confident that they will continue to demonstrate that commitment and service as Associate Justices of the Juvenile Court.”

The Juvenile Court Department is a statewide court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters including delinquencies, care and protections, youthful offender cases and children requiring assistance. The Juvenile Court's mission is to protect children from abuse and neglect, to strengthen families, to rehabilitate juveniles and to protect the public from delinquent and criminal behavior. The Juvenile Court has over 40 judges, including Chief Justice Amy L. Nechtem, in over 40 locations. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Frane will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Jay D. Blitzman and Attorney Hardiman will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Terry M. Craven.

For more information about the Juvenile Court, please visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

About Brian P. Frane

Brian P. Frane began his legal career as a Law Clerk in the Juvenile Court Department of the Massachusetts Trial Court in 2000, before entering private practice in 2003 as a Staff Attorney for Children’s Legal Services, Inc. Later that year, he opened his own solo practice as Brian P. Frane, Attorney at Law, specializing in child welfare law and juvenile delinquency. While operating his practice, Frane represented children and parents in care and protection proceedings, termination of parental rights cases, Child in Need of Services (CHINS) petitions, and guardianship petitions. He also served as a guardian ad litem and a court-appointed investigator for a variety of juvenile matters. In 2011, Frane joined the Committee for Public Counsel Services, where he has since led a team of attorneys, social workers, interns and administrators to provide legal representation to children and parents appearing before the Juvenile and Probate Family Courts. From 2013 to 2019, Frane also taught a course in the Dedham Juvenile Court’s MPower Mothers Program, educating participants on the role of attorneys in the Juvenile Court. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School and his Bachelor’s Degree from Northeastern University.

About Maura J. Hardiman

After completing her legal education, Maura J. Hardiman began her career as an Associate Attorney in general practice for Riffner, Freeman & Scott in Schaumberg, Illinois, in 1993. In 1994, Hardiman joined the Office of the Cook County Public Defender in Chicago as a Staff Attorney, handling custody cases and delinquency matters in the Juvenile Court. After more than four years in this role, Hardiman returned to Massachusetts in 1998 to open her own private practice in Walpole, as Maura J. Hardiman, Attorney at Law. There, Hardiman represented children and parents before the Massachusetts Appeals Court in matters arising out of care and protection cases. She also provided legal representation in mental health proceedings and acted as a guardian ad litem before the Juvenile Court. After nearly 15 years operating her own practice, Hardiman joined the Committee for Public Counsel Services in 2012 as a Staff Attorney, where she represents parents and youths in care and protection cases, as well as youths in delinquency matters. She is an annual participant in the Pan Mass Challenge, I am Strong Walk and Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk to raise funds and awareness for cancer and mental health research. Hardiman earned her Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law and her Bachelor’s Degree from Stonehill College. 
Baker-Polito Administration Awards $3 Million in
Violence Against Women Act Grant Funds

LAWRENCE – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that it has awarded grants totaling more than $3 million to 37 community-based organizations, police departments and state agencies as part of the Violence Against Women Act, Services Training Officers Prosecutors (VAWA STOP) Grant Program. This program is administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research (OGR).

“Sexual assault, domestic violence and any form of violence against women have no place in our society,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These grants reflect our strong commitment to ending gender-based violence and supporting the organizations that work every day to help women and girls live in safety and peace.”

“Each one of these awardees has an essential role in protecting the lives and welfare of at-risk women and girls, and we are very pleased to be able to support the important work they do every day,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Chair of the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.

“The strong partnerships that exist between law enforcement agencies and these community organizations provide that key network of support that helps us to prevent, identify, and respond to violent crimes against women,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Thomas Turco.

“Vital funding received through a VAWA grant allows RESPOND to bring its resources to those in need,” said Victoria Helberg, Law Enforcement Parnership Coordinator of Respond Inc. “As part of our Law Enforcement Partnership program, a domestic violence advocate is able to be on-site at the Malden District Court one day, each week to provide support for survivors. We recently heard from a former client who said, ‘If it wasn't for you getting my attention that day at court and giving me your card, I would have never known this program existed. I felt so hopeless then.”

“Our Homelessness Response Program addresses the overwhelming challenges of homelessness, housing instability and poverty faced by survivors working to escape and recover from violence. Because of VAWA funding, we are able to provide services to address immediate and short-term needs, individual and group transitional follow-up, and long-term financial stability,” said Janis Broderick, Executive Director of the Elizabeth Freeman Center.

“The VAWA STOP Grant Award has had a profound impact on the amount of services that the Yarmouth Police Department has been able to offer through our full-time Victim Advocate, who has reached out to more 1,000 victims over the past two years,” said Annie Catalano, Victim Services Specialist/Advocate for the Yarmouth Police Department. “The funding has also allowed our Special Victims Unit to receive and host trauma informed training that would never been possible otherwise.”

“VAWA STOP Grant program funding has enabled the Boston Police Department to reach some of the most vulnerable victims of domestic violence in Boston by directly supporting a Spanish-speaking civilian advocate who serves the East Boston and Jamaica Plain districts– two neighborhoods with high concentrations of Spanish-speaking and immigrant populations,” said Jenna Savage, Deputy Director of the Boston Police Department’s Office of Research & Development. “In 2019 alone, that advocate provided safety planning and advocacy within the criminal justice system to nearly 300 DV survivors – nearly half of whom identified as Hispanic/Latino – regardless of their immigration status, sexual orientation, or willingness to prosecute their batterer.”

The Violence Against Women Act was passed by Congress in 1994 and marked a turning point in the federal recognition of the extent and seriousness of violence against women, and solidified a commitment by the government to address the problem by providing federal resources for the issue.

Over the last four years, nearly $10 million in VAWA funds have been granted statewide to support domestic and sexual assault victims and their families.

The VAWA STOP grant is a vital resource that supports a variety of specialized and innovative projects throughout the Commonwealth. Some initiatives supported by these grant funds include:

·       Services specifically devoted to preventing, identifying, and responding to violent crimes against women;
·       Training opportunities for judiciary, court, and probation personnel, in addition to law enforcement and victim service providers;
·       Partnerships between law enforcement and victim service providers, to provide compassionate outreach to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking; and
·       Supporting prosecutors working closely with victim witness advocates, probation, law enforcement, and state agencies, to target high-risk cases and increase offender accountability.

Attached below is the list of 2019–2020 VAWA STOP recipients. Each organization received an increase total award amount for year three:

Funding Category
Grantee
Recommended Award
Project Description
Courts
Administrative Office of the Trial Court
$146,455.27

Training for judges, clerks of court, probation officers, and all other appropriate court personnel
Courts
Category Total
$146,455.27





Discretionary
Adams PD
$28,380.16
Partnership between PD and Elizabeth Freeman Center advocate

Asian Task Force
$83,200.74
Legal and community-based advocacy services to LEP Pan-Asian immigrants and refugees

Bedford Police Department
$35,759.86
Partnership between PD and Domestic Violence Services Network advocate

Behavioral Health
$43,666.68
Civilian police advocate

DOVE, Inc.
$76,348.18
Civilian police advocates

Jewish Family & Children’s Services
$35 ,759.87
Advocacy for Russian-speaking victims while conducting trainings for community partners and law enforcement

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services
$30,488.65
Domestic violence victim response enhancement program

Northeast Legal Aid, Inc.
$48,410.76
Legal services

Our Deaf Survivors Center
$46,302.28
Direct advocacy services to Deaf survivors

The Network/La Red
$46,302.28
Outreach, education and training to improve systems and community responses to LGBQ/T survivors
Discretionary
Category Total
$474,619.45





Law Enforcement
Assumption College PD
$33,651.69
Partnership between PD and Pathways for Change sexual assault advocate

Boston PD
$125,370.40
Civilian police advocate

Cambridge PD
$46,302.29
Civilian police advocate

Fitchburg PD
$62,115.92
Civilian police advocate

Hampden County Sheriff
$46,302.29
Direct services for incarcerated victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking

MA Department of Corrections
$88,471.97
Direct services for incarcerated victims of sexual assault

MA Department of Public Health
$120,099.23
SANE forensic nursing services

Mashpee PD
$54,209.11
Civilian police advocate

Pittsfield PD
$56,317.59
Partnership between PD and Elizabeth Freeman Center advocate

Worcester PD
$62,115.92
Partnership between PD and YWCA

Yarmouth PD
$62,115.92
Partnership between PD and Independence House advocate
Law Enforcement
Category Total
$757,072.05





Prosecution
Bristol County DA
$109,556.81
Domestic violence victim witness advocates

MA District Attorney’s Association
$127,478.91
Statewide prosecutor training

Norfolk County DA
$232,903.10
Specialized domestic violence/sexual assault prosecutors

Northwestern DA
$131,695.88
Immediate law enforcement and advocacy response for victims

Worcester County DA
$130,641.65
Specialized domestic violence prosecutor and victim witness advocate team

Category Total
$732,276.35





Victim Services
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
$48,938.44
Increase survivors’ access to accurate forensic information: hotline/website

Boston Medical Center Domestic Violence Program
$122,207.71
Multi-lingual direct advocacy services

De Novo 
$68,441.36
Legal services

Elizabeth Freeman Center, Inc.
$67,387.13
Trauma informed services for homeless/battered victims

Independence House, Inc.
$125,370.44
Crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, group and individual counseling

Pathways for Change, Inc.
$130,641.65
Direct services to survivors of sexual violence who are deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened, and deaf/blind

RESPOND, Inc.
$48,410.77
High-risk team coordinator

RIA House, Inc.
$88,471.97
Services for sexually trafficked victims

Safe Passage, Inc. 
$141,184.09
Counseling, advocacy, and legal assistance for Latina/immigrant survivors

Womanshelter/Compañeras
$48,937.90
Direct services to survivors of domestic violence who traditionally face barriers to receiving services
Victim Services
Category Total
$889,991.46





All Categories
Total Amount to be Awarded
$3,000,414.57



Baker-Polito Administration Awards $500,000 in Community Compact Grants
56 municipalities, school district to receive assistance with efficiency and regionalization efforts

BOSTON - The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $500,000 in Efficiency and Regionalization Community Compact Cabinet grants to assist 56 communities across the Commonwealth and one school district in implementing efficiency and regionalization initiatives.

The Efficiency and Regionalization Grant Program was started in Fiscal Year 2017 by the Administration to assist municipalities and school districts interested in providing services to their constituents in a more efficient and cost-effective way. Since the program was launched, more than 220 municipalities and school districts have received $4 million in state support.

“Our administration is pleased to continue supporting communities as they partner with their neighbors to improve the delivery of services,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We all share the goal of providing services efficiently to the people of the Commonwealth, and this program reinforces our commitment to serving as a reliable partner for cities and towns.”

“We continue to be impressed with the initiatives that municipalities and school districts have developed to maximize local funding and achieve important efficiencies,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Chair of the Community Compact Cabinet. “These initiatives will deliver results for communities for many years to come.”

“With these Efficiency and Regionalization grants local officials are identifying the need in their communities and driving the implementation of important reforms, with an assist from the Commonwealth. In the end, local residents and taxpayers are the winners,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan.

The Community Compact Cabinet’s Efficiency and Regionalization grant program provides financial support for governmental entities interested in implementing regionalization and other efficiency initiatives that allow for long-term sustainability. The grants will provide funds for one-time or transition costs for municipalities, regional planning agencies, and councils of government interested in such projects.

Grant Recipients:

Regionalization/Shared Services

·        Regional Animal Control (Monson, Palmer, Ware, Warren) - $133,000
·        Regional Medical Direction (Canton, Foxborough, Mansfield, Medfield, Millis, Norfolk, Norwood, Sharon, Walpole, Westwood, Wrentham) - $85,896
·        Regional Transportation for Senior Citizens (Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport) - $84,557
·        Regional Accounting Services (Franklin Regional Council of Governments – Ashfield, Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Erving, Gill, Greenfield, Hawley, Heath, Leverett, Leyden, Monroe, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, Sunderland, Warwick, Wendell, Whately) - $44,100
·        Regional Emergency Responders Online Mapping Portal (Martha’s Vineyard Commission – Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Gosnold, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, West Tisbury) - $35,000
·        Shared Human Resources (Nahant, Swampscott) - $70,200

Town/School Consolidation

·        Millis Financial Management - $45,500

"I am pleased Western Mass. has received this funding for regional animal control and that the towns in and around my district are working together to take advantage of grant opportunities,” said Rep. Brian M. Ashe (D-Longmeadow). “This funding will allow these small towns to continue providing needed services without additional cost to the taxpayer. I would also like to thank the Baker-Polito Administration for doing a remarkable job working with municipalities on funding for a wide variety of projects.”

“The Franklin Regional Council of Governments has been a statewide leader in identifying ways for communities to explore and successfully implement the regionalization of services,” said Rep. Natalie Blais (D-Sunderland). “Our towns are stronger when we work together to maximize efficiencies. I am grateful to FRCOG for recognizing this need and to the Baker-Polito Administration for awarding these funds that will enhance the Regional Accounting Services program.

“This grant award is yet one more piece of evidence of the Franklin Regional Council of Government's strong work on behalf of our small towns, helping them to seek efficiencies where possible so that they can maintain their excellent stewardship of local resources,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “My thanks to the Baker-Polito Administration for its critical support of FRCOG's mission and work.”

“The Martha’s Vineyard Commission continually applies strategic, innovative and smart approaches when helping Dukes County’s seven towns with their shared regional needs,” said Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro).  “The Commonwealth’s Community Compact Cabinet grant for a regional emergency responders online mapping portal will allow the Martha’s Vineyard Commission to work with emergency responders to identify geographically located key assets throughout the county - such as buildings, shelters, fire hydrants, health services, at-risk citizens and schools.  Once the information is gathered, it will be placed online to be accessed electronically, so when an emergency occurs, the response time is shorter - which is a great benefit to public health and safety.”

"I am so happy to have helped work towards securing this key funding for my district. Grants like these Community Compacts grants truly make the biggest difference,” said Rep. Shawn Dooley (R-Norfolk). “This funding will allow the towns in my district to increase their efficiency, ultimately saving all taxpayers money and making our local governments more responsive to those they serve."

“Grants that encourage efficiencies free up scarce local funds for important needs such as roads, schools and public safety,” said Rep. Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead). “I am grateful for the administration’s continued support for towns like Swampscott in planning for and investing in the future.”

“The Vineyard is made up of six unique towns that mutually benefit from regional services, and this grant for a regional emergency responders online mapping portal will help the Martha's Vineyard Commission to explore long-term strategies to make regionalized services more efficient,” said Rep. Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth).
“We have found that supporting innovative models of efficiency helps maximize limited resources in rural areas,” said Sen. Adam G. Hinds (D-Pittsfield).  “The Franklin COG works hard every day on behalf of its communities and I know this award will propel their efforts further.”

“I am pleased that the Community Compact Cabinet Efficiency and Regionalization Grant will benefit the Town of Millis,” said Rep. David Linsky (D-Natick). “The funds awarded by this grant program will allow Millis to continue working toward improving the local community, which benefits the entire Commonwealth.”

“It is important to make these kinds of investments to streamline the services we provide to our constituents,” said Rep. Paul McMurtry  (D-Dedham). “I believe this program will go a long way in making medical care more efficient and potentially save lives.” 

“I am very happy that Palmer, Ware, and Warren are benefiting from this valuable program” said Rep. Todd M. Smola (R-Warren). “This is a great example of local communities working together with the Commonwealth to provide essential services.”

“This grant funding will extend new opportunities for seniors to access medical appointments, shop for groceries, visit government buildings like senior centers, and visit friends,” said Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Receiving this Community Compact Cabinet grant is proof positive that the communities of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport have worked collaboratively, and by acting regionally will give senior citizens the means to stay healthy and connected.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration thoughtfully formed the Community Compact Cabinet, to provide substantial efficiency and regionalization grants to municipalities within the Commonwealth, whom are interested in implementing regionalization and other efficiency initiatives,” said Sen. Walter F. Timilty (D-Milton). “A grant of $85,896 for Regional Medical Direction is generously being awarded to this district, encompassing two towns which I represent, Sharon and Canton. I am grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for providing these grants to work with cities, towns, and school districts, so that these municipalities can better serve their residents in a more efficient way.”


About the Community Compact Cabinet:

Formed in January 2015, the Community Compact Cabinet is chaired by Lt. Governor Polito and is composed of the secretaries of Housing & Economic Development, Education, Transportation, Energy & Environmental Affairs, and Technology Services and Security, and the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Local Services and the Assistant Secretary of Operational Services. The Community Compact Cabinet elevates the Administration’s partnerships with cities and towns, and allows the Governor’s Office to work more closely with leaders from all municipalities. The Cabinet champions municipal interests across all executive secretariats and agencies, and develops, in consultation with cities and towns, mutual standards and best practices for both the state and municipalities. The creation of Community Compacts creates clear standards, expectations, and accountability for both partners.


Baker-Polito Administration Awards $5 Million in Grants to Address Climate Change Impacts
MVP grants help 34 communities prepare for climate change and build resilience

PEABODY – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced over $5 million in grant funding to 34 cities and towns across the Commonwealth for projects to improve their resilience to climate change through Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program Action Grants. This is the second phase of the grant and designation program, which builds on Governor Baker’s Executive Order 569, as well as other administration-led state and local partnerships and is intended to build on outcomes from a state-funded and community-driven comprehensive assessment of municipal climate change hazards. The 34 Action Grant awardees, representing about 10 percent of municipalities across all regions of the Commonwealth, were announced by Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito as part of a tour of a project site in Peabody. 

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grants play a critical role in helping communities protect their residents, infrastructure and natural resources from the impacts of climate change,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We’re pleased to work with local officials and our partners in the Legislature on important grant programs like this and look forward to our continued collaboration on the administration’s Environmental Bond Bill, which includes over $300 million to help the Commonwealth prepare for and protect against the impacts of climate change.”

“These grants build on the planning stage of the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program by investing in on-the-ground, proactive projects to address the specific vulnerabilities to climate change identified by each municipality,” saidLieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.  “The funding and support provided through this program will build more resilient communities that are better prepared for extreme weather, drought, floods, sea level rise and other challenges.”

The administration has now committed over $7 million over two years to help communities prepare for climate change and build resilience through the MVP Program, including $2 million announced earlier this week for 82 communities to complete a climate change vulnerability planning process. Governor Baker’sEnvironmental Bond Bill would also authorize $15 million for future rounds of the MVP Program.

To participate in the MVP program, communities first apply for Planning Grants, which are used to complete a community-based workshop process to identify key climate-related hazards, vulnerabilities and strengths, and prioritize next steps to address climate change impacts. Upon successful completion of the planning process, municipalities are designated as a “Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program community.” Designated MVP communities can then apply for MVP Action Grants to implement key priorities and projects identified through the planning process. These projects include follow-up vulnerability assessments, design studies, local bylaws and ordinances, redesigns and retrofits, natural infrastructure and storm protection, and education and outreach.

“The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program was designed to allow the state to work together with municipalities to identify areas of weakness and then employ nature-based, cost-effective solutions to address those vulnerabilities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The funds awarded from the MVP Action Grant program will allow municipalities to implement crucial measures to prepare for the effects of climate change while strengthening community engagement and collaboration among town departments.”

The program is led by an experienced Project Coordinator from the town with a core team of town staff and volunteers representing town planning departments, emergency managers, conservation commissioners, economic councils, the business community and other key stakeholders. There are currently 156 MVP communities across the state, representing 43 percent of the state’s municipalities.

The MVP Action Grants were open to all municipal governments in Massachusetts in FY 2018 that have received MVP designation. Projects that proposed nature-based solutions or strategies that rely on green infrastructure or conservation and enhancement of natural systems to improve community resilience received higher scores.

The following communities will receive funding to complete the planning process:


Applicant
Project Title
Grant Amount
Cape and Islands
Sandwich
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment/Adaptation Planning for the Town of Sandwich
$88,025
Central
Charlton, Spencer
Integrated Water Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Resiliency Plan
$300,000
Holden
Water/Sewer Infrastructure Green Emergency Power Study
$24,588
Mendon
Integration of Low Impact Development Standards into Local Bylaws and Subdivision Regulations
$8,025
Metro-Boston
Arlington
Mill Brook Corridor Flood Management Demonstration Project: Pilot Study and Implementation
$399,260
Boston
​Climate Ready Zoning and Design Guidelines
$250,000
Brookline
Climate Resiliency Policy Audit/Amendments and LID and Design Guidelines
$56,188
Cambridge
Cambridge Climate Change Preparedness & Resilience Catalyst Project
$118,000
Medford
Medford Open Space Plan Update
$60,000
Medford
Drainage Model and Conceptual Strategies to Reduce Future Flooding in South Medford
$60,830
Somerville
Detailed Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, Green Infrastructure, Public Education & Communication
$350,000
Winthrop
Ingleside Park Feasibility Study and Permitting
$156,750
MetroWest
Natick
Tree Planting Plan to Mitigate Heat Islands and Reduce Runoff
$9,025
Natick
Water Conservation Campaign
$16,640
Natick
Low Impact Development Regulation Development and Zoning Bylaw Inclusion
$39,053
Northeast
Essex
Feasibility Study for an Essex Bay Living Shoreline
$15,000
Essex, Ipswich, Newbury
Documenting Effects of a Large-Scale, Natural Sediment Event on Salt Marsh Resiliency in the Great Marsh Estuary: Assessing Applicability for Potential Salt Marsh Management Strategies in Massachusetts
$60,000
Gloucester
Watershed and Water Supply Vulnerability, Risk Assessment and Management Strategy
$107,044
Manchester-by-the-Sea
Sawmill Brook Central Pond Restoration Design
$88,180
Newbury
Assessing storm energy reduction by the vegetated salt marsh platform in Newbury, MA: a background to enhancing natural protection by the living shoreline
$225,840
Newburyport
Wastewater Treatment Plant Climate Resilience
$122,695
Peabody
Peabody North River Canal Resilient Wall, Riverwalk and Park
$224,216
Peabody
Lawrence Brook Watershed Flood Mitigation and Water Quality Improvement
$243,400
Salem
Salem Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line Relocation Assessment
$345,000
Southeast
Carver
Climate Change Water Resource Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategy Assessment for Carver, MA
$196,979
New Bedford
Comprehensive Climate Adaptation and Resilience Action Plan and Interactive Community Dashboard
$165,120
Scituate
Comprehensive Wastewater Treatment Resilience Feasibility Study
$75,100
Swansea
Public Water Supply Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment
$28,495
Wareham
Climate Change Flood Vulnerability Assessment/Adaptation Planning
$62,735
Weymouth
Fort Point Road Coastal Infrastructure Resilience Project
$129,557
Western
Adams
Assessment and Design for Adaptation and Resilience
$56,250
Belchertown
Town-wide Road Stream Crossing Assessment and Climate Change Adaptation Plan
$151,437
Deerfield
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Plan Implementation
$47,325
Holyoke
Meeting an immediate need by learning from Hurricane Maria Survivors in Holyoke
$149,825
Montague
Montague City Road Flooding Protection Project: Design and Permitting
$33,750
Northampton
Northampton Designs with Nature to Reduce Storm Damage
$400,000
Pelham
Resilient Pelham
$137,250

TOTAL

$5,001,582

“We recognize that many public spaces - places that have helped shape our culture and communities - are being threatened by climate change. Massachusetts is a leader in supporting renewable energy, energy efficiency and supporting policies to reduce our emissions,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “While we are doing our part, we still see the impacts of climate change. Giving our municipalities the tools to pinpoint key risks, prioritize protection measures and implement necessary safeguards will help protect people and property for generations to come.”

“Dollars spent wisely today on research, planning and design can yield cost-beneficial actions in the future to adapt to changing environmental factors, and those actions will be critical for our communities and our state,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “There is a lot to do to address the need for resilience, but the partnership being supported here by the Baker Administration demonstrates an effective way to get it done.”

“The MVP Action Grant program provides municipalities across the Commonwealth with the resources necessary to be prepared and address impacts related to climate change,” said State Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “I am grateful for the Baker-Polito Administration’s strong partnership with the legislature and municipalities on climate change and resiliency efforts and for their leadership, commitment and action on these issues.”

“Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for awarding these funds and recognizing the importance of promoting sustainability by encouraging climate change preparedness in communities across Massachusetts,” said State Representative Kimberly Ferguson (R-Holden). “I am thrilled that Holden was chosen as a recipient and congratulations to all of the communities who received grants.”

“The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program is the perfect example of how state and local government can work together for the mutual benefit of environmental improvements and economic benefit,” said State Representative Thomas Walsh (D-Peabody). “The grants Peabody receives today from the Baker Polito Administration will augment Peabody’s efforts to mitigate downtown flooding during severe storms and will enhance the aesthetics along the banks of the river and at Veterans Memorial Park. We are grateful to be the recipients of these grants.”

“This grant greatly supports the City’s efforts to improve the flow of water while assisting in making a beautiful natural resource available for all of us to enjoy,” said State Representative Ted Speliotis (D-Danvers).

“The Nature Conservancy applauds the leadership of the Baker-Polito Administration on climate change resiliency and adaptation,” said Steve Long, Director of Government relations for the Nature Conservancy. “We are proud of our partnership with EEA to help communities to take action under the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program. The partnership has helped communities address the escalating impacts of climate change by enhancing safety, avoiding costs and using nature-based solutions. The Conservancy thinks the MVP Program can be a national model for other states and we are working to make that a reality.”

To further assist communities in planning for climate change impacts, the Baker-Polito Administration recently launched a new website, the resilient MA Climate Clearinghouseto provide communities access to the best science and data on expected climate change impacts, information on planning and actions communities can deploy to build resiliency and avoid loss, and links to important grant programs and technical assistance. The site, which was built with data developed through a partnership between EEA, the Northeast Climate Center at UMass-Amherst and the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, provides access to statewide climate change projections showing how temperature, precipitation and sea level rise will change through the end of the century, which any user can overlay with other data of interest, including information on emergency facilities, infrastructure and natural resources.

As part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to combat and prepare for climate change, Governor Baker recently filed legislation to authorize over $1.4 billion in capital allocations for investments in safeguarding residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, protecting environmental resources, and investing in communities. The legislation would put into law essential components of Governor Baker’s Executive Order 569, which established an integrated strategy for climate change adaptation across the Commonwealth, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program and the Statewide Hazard Mitigation and Adaptation Plan – a blueprint to protect residents, communities, and local economies. The funding available through these grant programs builds upon the Baker-Polito Administration’s ongoing efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. 

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Climate Vulnerability Preparedness Funding to 82 Communities
Grants Will Help Communities Prepare for Climate Change and Build Resilience

ORLEANS – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced over $2 million in grant funding has been awarded to 82 towns and cities across the Commonwealth to complete climate change vulnerability assessments and develop resiliency plans through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program. The grant and designation program, which builds on Governor Baker’s Executive Order 569 as well as other administration-led state and local partnerships, provides communities with technical support, climate change data and planning tools to identify hazards and develop strategies to improve resilience. The grant awardees, representing 43 percent of municipalities in the state, across all regions of the Commonwealth, were announced by Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton, as part of a tour of storm damage on the beaches of the outer Cape.

“The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program is the cornerstone of our administration’s efforts to work with communities on further reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Municipalities on the front lines of climate change, so we are proud to provide our communities the resources, data and planning tools they need to build resiliency to severe weather and other impacts.”

“These communities are stepping up to the challenge of climate change by working together to identify their vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience and help us build a stronger Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to partnering with now over 40 percent of all cities and towns to ensure the safety of residents and the health of critical environmental resources.”

Through the MVP Program, municipalities work through a community-based workshop process to identify key climate-related hazards, vulnerabilities and strengths, develop adaptation actions, and prioritize next steps.  Results of the workshops and planning efforts will be used to inform existing local plans, grant applications, and policies, such as local hazard mitigation plans. 

These awards are part of a larger $5 million investment in the MVP program in 2018 by the Baker-Polito Administration, which represents a ten-fold increase over 2017 funding levels. Of that funding, $3 million will be awarded through MVP Action Grants, which will help communities implement priorities identified through their MVP planning process.

“The severe damage caused by this winter’s Nor’easters illustrates how incredibly important it is that we plan and prepare now for the impacts of climate change,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “We applaud the leadership and initiative of these 82 communities that are partnering with the Commonwealth to take vital steps towards building climate resilience for their residents, infrastructure, businesses and environment.”

The MVP program is led in each town by an experienced Project Coordinator from the town with a core team of town staff and volunteers representing town planning departments, emergency managers, conservation commissioners, economic councils, the business community and other key stakeholders. Technical assistance is delivered by state-certified MVP providers using a standardized toolkit for assessing vulnerability and developing strategies, and newly developed climate projections and data from the Northeast Climate Science Center at UMass-Amherst. Upon successful completion of the program, municipalities are designated as a “Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program community,” which enables them to compete in EEA’s MVP Action Grant program. 

The following communities will receive funding to complete the planning process:

Municipality
Total Award
Municipality
Total Award
Boston-Metro
Northeast
Concord
$33,000
Amesbury
$38,000
Dedham
$28,000
Andover
$29,000
Everett
$49,500
Beverly
$32,500
Newton
$48,000
Boxford
$15,000
Quincy
$45,500
Chelmsford
$31,000
Revere
$33,500
Ipswich
$15,000
Waltham
$41,500
Lynn
$45,500
Woburn
$29,000
Methuen
$32,000
Total (8)
$308,000
Nahant
$15,000
Cape and Islands
Salisbury
$17,000
Barnstable
$35,500
Wenham
$20,000
Bourne
$18,000
Total (13)
$290,000
Brewster
$20,000
Southeast
Chatham
$15,000
Bridgewater
$26,000
Eastham
$25,000
Brockton
$47,000
Edgartown
$17,000
Canton
$24,500
Nantucket
$22,000
Easton
$24,500
Oak Bluffs
$20,000
Fall River
$49,000
Orleans
$25,000
Hingham
$19,500
Provincetown
$27,500
Hull
$15,000
Tisbury
$20,000
Kingston
$20,000
Wellfleet & Truro
$15,000
Lakeville & Rochester
$28,000
Yarmouth
$24,500
North Attleborough
$26,000
Total (14)
$284,500
Norton & Mansfield
$38,500
Central
Rockland
$28,000
Auburn
$18,000
Total (12)
$346,000
Brookfield
$28,000
Western
Clinton
$20,000
Amherst
$29,000
Harvard
$35,000
Chicopee
$50,000
Hudson
$18,000
Dalton
$22,000
Leicester
$20,000
Erving
$20,000
Sutton
$15,000
Easthampton
$28,000
Uxbridge
$15,000
Granby
$15,000
West Boylston
$15,000
Longmeadow
$18,000
Worcester
$100,000
Monson
$20,000
Total (10)
$284,000
North Adams
$30,000
MetroWest
Palmer
$25,000
Burlington
$26,000
Pittsfield
$35,500
Framingham
$44,500
Plainfield
$25,000
Lexington
$32,500
Sandisfield
$20,000
Lincoln
$20,000
Sheffield
$22,000
Marlborough
$31,000
Southwick
$15,000
Medfield
$20,000
Total (15)
$374,500
Millis
$21,000


Sudbury
$33,000


Wayland
$25,000


Walpole
$21,000


Total (9)
$274,000


TOTAL AWARDS
$2,161,000



“After the horrendous winter the Cape and Islands experienced, it only make sense to make sure that any new infrastructure improvements made here can stand the test of both time and the environment,” said State Representative William Crocker (R-Centerville). “The first step in that process will be planning those improvements and I am very happy to see the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded the Towns of Barnstable and Yarmouth funding to help make that possible.”

“It is important to achieve coordination between communities and the commonwealth’s administration with issues related to climate change and other coastal vulnerabilities,” said State Representative Randy Hunt (R-Sandwich). “Our communities appreciate the continued support and growing relationship to aid in developing plans that address local needs and preparedness.”

“After the battering that the Cape Cod coastline took this winter causing extensive erosion and property damage, these MVP grants are truly welcome, needed, and appreciated,” said State Representative Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown). “The Baker-Polito administration and Secretary Beaton are the real “MVPs,” helping our communities through this grant program to better prepare for climate change and future storm events.”
“I’m afraid that last winter’s coastal flooding and damage to our beaches was a stark reminder of how vulnerable Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are to climate change,” said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “Our residents know firsthand that action is needed to improve our resiliency to protect our towns and beautiful coastal environment, and I commend the Baker Administration for working directly with our municipalities to provide state funding support.”      

To further assist communities in planning for climate change impacts, the Baker-Polito Administration recently launched a new website, the resilient MA Climate Clearinghouseto provide communities access to the best science and data on expected climate change impacts, information on planning and actions communities can deploy to build resiliency and avoid loss, and links to important grant programs and technical assistance. The site, which was built with data developed through a partnership between EEA, the Northeast Climate Center at UMass-Amherst and the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, provides access to statewide climate change projections showing how temperature, precipitation and sea level rise will change through the end of the century, which any user can overlay with other data of interest, including information on emergency facilities, infrastructure and natural resources.

As part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to combat and prepare for climate change, Governor Baker recently filed legislation to authorize over $1.4 billion in capital allocations for investments in safeguarding residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, protecting environmental resources, and investing in communities. The legislation would put into law essential components of Governor Baker’s Executive Order 569, which established an integrated strategy for climate change adaptation across the Commonwealth, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program and the Statewide Hazard Mitigation and Adaptation Plan – a blueprint to protect residents, communities, and local economies. The funding available through these grant programs builds upon the Baker-Polito Administration’s ongoing efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. 

Governor Baker Creates Commission on the Future of Transportation in the Commonwealth
18 experts with diverse range of skills and backgrounds to guide future transportation decisions

BOSTON - Governor Charlie Baker today signed Executive Order No. 579 establishing the Commission on the Future of Transportation in the Commonwealth to advise the Baker-Polito Administration on future transportation needs and challenges.  The Governor named 18 appointees to the Commission, which will develop a range of scenarios anticipated between 2020 and 2040 and be used to inform the panel’s findings. The Commission will meet monthly and will provide a report on the analysis of members and make recommendations by December 1, 2018.

“This commission will advise our administration on the future of transportation in Massachusetts that sensibly accounts for impending disruptions due to changes in technology, climate, demographics and more,” said Governor Baker.  “Making informed transportation decisions and policy guided by the best analysis possible will be the foundation for success across the board in years to come to keep our innovation economy thriving and competitive.”

“Members of the Future of Transportation in the Commonwealth Commission have generously agreed to help us chart an important future of the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our appointees bring exceptional institutional knowledge of our transportation history and a keen understanding of the challenges Massachusetts will need to address over the next several years.”

“I look forward to working with members of the Commission, many of whom are professionally recognized as leaders in fields that will impact transportation, as we wrestle with a wide range of facts and trends to develop plausible scenarios and guidance to decision-makers and other stakeholders,” said Steven Kadish, who will chair the Commission.

Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) President Eileen McAnneny, who will serve on the Commission, said its creation reflects MTF’s recent report that stressed how transportation is undergoing disruptive change.  “This Commission positions the Commonwealth as a national leader in factoring the impacts of technological advances, climate change and changing transportation consumption habits into its capital investment and strategic planning processes,” McAnneny said.

The Governor named 18 members with a range of backgrounds and skill sets to serve as unpaid members of the Commission, which will be chaired by Governor Baker’s former Chief of Staff, Steven Kadish. The Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will serve as ex officio members.

Commission members will focus on at least five key areas anticipated to have a dramatic impact on transportation in the future: 

·       Climate and resiliency;
·       Transportation electrification;
·       Autonomous and connected vehicles, including ride-sharing services;
·       Transit and mobility services; and
·       Land use and demographic trends.
“This is going to be a serious effort, with a broad range of experts who will seek to better understand and evaluate how technology and other forces in society will affect transportation in the decades ahead,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack.  “We believe Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to convene a group like this which will play an important role in looking at disruptive changes in transportation, an exercise that is essential to laying the foundation for any future transportation blueprint.  Those same forces could affect the types of capital investments Massachusetts will need and should make as well as the sources of revenue to support such future infrastructure investments in the Commonwealth.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to utilize a collaborative approach to work across state government and with our cities and towns to reduce carbon emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton.  “As Massachusetts continues its efforts to meet our commitments under the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008, the Commission on the Future of Transportation in the Commonwealth will be crucial in identifying solutions to achieving substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions from the transportation sector.”

The Baker-Polito Administration began a series of statewide listening sessions in September 2017 to discuss possible solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Following the forums, state environmental and transportation leaders continue to develop the Commonwealth's strategy to reduce transportation sector emissions, develop a comprehensive regional strategy for the deployment of zero emission vehicles, and increase the resilience of transportation infrastructure as the climate changes.

The Commission will engage with a range of non-profit groups, academic thought leaders and other stakeholders.  As needed, Commonwealth of Massachusetts knowledge experts in various secretariats will be providing information to the Commission.

For additional information on Executive Order No. 579, please click here.

In addition to Secretaries Pollack and Beaton serving as ex-officio members, other members of the Commission include:

Steven Kadish, Chair
Steve Kadish is a Senior Research Fellow at the Taubman Center for State and Local Government at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, after serving as Governor Charlie Baker’s first Chief of Staff for nearly 3 years.  Prior positions include Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Northeastern University, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Dartmouth College, Director of Global Health Equity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts Undersecretary for Health & Human Services, Senior Vice President for Administration at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Associate Vice Chancellor of Operations at UMass Medical School, and Assistant Commissioner for Operations at Massachusetts Division of Medical Assistance (Medicaid).  Kadish earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University and a Master of City Planning degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Rebecca Davis
Rebecca Davis has worked as the Deputy Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council since 2008. There, she oversees the agency’s administration, finance and human resource operations, and works to keep their priorities in line with their visionary regional plan; MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region. Prior to becoming Deputy Director, Ms. Davis served as MAPC’s Director of Government Affairs, where she developed and led their legislative agenda, including zoning reform legislation, transportation funding, and energy and environmental issues. She also spent time as Director of their Clean Energy teams, where she focused on promoting the implementation of renewable energy and energy efficient projects. Ms. Davis previously worked in the Massachusetts State House as Legislative Director to State Senator Robert O’Leary, and worked to pass numerous environmental laws, including the Massachusetts Ocean Act, the nation’s first ocean management legislation.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and American Institutions from Brown University.

Daniel Dolan
Daniel Dolan is President of the New England Power Generators Association. He turned the company around to make it the successful, well-respected energy association it is today. He provides leadership of the association, and administers all aspects including overseeing staff, finances, membership recruitment and retention, policy development, and the implementation of Board actions. Mr. Dolan also oversees key relationships with the Congressional delegation, Federal regulators, Governors, state legislators, and ISO New England Executive Management and Board of Directors. He previously served as Vice President of both Policy Research and Communications, and Policy Research and Analysis for the Electric Power Supply Association. Mr. Dolan received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Goucher College. He is presently a member of the Development Committee of Family ACCESS Board of Directors, and was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of My Sisters Place.

Gretchen Effgen
Gretchen Effgen is Vice President of the Global Partnerships and Business Team at Nutonomy. She provides team leadership, and oversees partnerships, business development, external relations, and recruiting and human capital management. Ms. Effgen previously served as Executive Vice President of Mobility Services at CivicSmart, and was a member of their Board of Directors. She also spent four years working for Zipcar where she served as Strategic Advisor, Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development, Director of Business Development, and Senior Manager of Business Development.  Ms. Effgen received her Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University, and her Master of Business Administration from London Business School. She is a member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council, and a member of the ULI Urban Development Council. Ms. Effgen also received the Best Strategic Alliance Award for the Zipcar and Ford Motor Company partnership, as well as the Zipcar Innovator Award.

José Gómez-Ibáñez
José Gómez- Ibáñez is the Derek C. Bok Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy at Harvard University. He also holds a joint appointment at the Graduate School of Design, and John F. Kennedy School of Government. Mr. Gómez- Ibáñez is also the Chair of the Social and Urban Policy Area at Harvard Kennedy School.  He also does work as a consultant and public service aid to U.S. government agencies, foreign governments, and private for-profit and non-profit firms. He previously served as Senior Advisor to the Infrastructure Vice Presidency at the World Bank, and was a Senior Staff Economist in the Council of Economic Affairs at the Executive Office of the President in Washington, D.C. Mr. Gómez- Ibáñez has interests in infrastructure and urban economic development, and infrastructure privatization and regulation. He has published four books, numerous journal articles and papers, and has edited many other writings. He received his Bachelors of Arts in Government from Harvard College, and his Master of Public Policy and Ph.D. from Harvard Kennedy School.

Kenneth Kimmell
As president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, Kenneth Kimmell dedicates his time to using scientific knowledge to build a healthier and safer world. He is a leading advocate for UCS’s Power Ahead campaign, which is working to build an expansive group of clean energy leadership states. Mr. Kimmell previously served as Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, where he helped push nine states to lower carbon emissions. He also worked as general counsel in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs during Governor Deval Patrick’s administration, and spent 17 years as the director and senior attorney at a law firm specializing in environmental, energy, and land-use issues. Mr. Kimmell earned his Bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University, and his law degree from the University of California.

Carol Lee Rawn
Carol Lee Rawn is a Cambridge resident who currently serves as the Director of Transportation for CERES, a Boston based sustainability nonprofit organization. In her role, she works with influential investors and companies to promote sustainable transportation practices and policies. Prior to her work at CERES, she was General Counsel for the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, leading the Clean State Initiative, before moving onto the Conservation Law Foundation, where she worked as an environmental advocate. Ms. Rawn also served as Deputy Legal Counsel for Massachusetts Governor William Weld, and spent 3 years before that working as an environmental crime prosecutor with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literary Studies from Middlebury College, and then went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Eileen McAnneny
Eileen McAnneny has been President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation since 2015. She has more than 20 years of experience in government relations, public policy, and advocacy and managerial experience in both the public and private sectors in Massachusetts. Ms. McAnneny previously served as President and CEO of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs, as Director of Public Policy at Fidelity Investments, and as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Associate General Council at Associated Industries of Massachusetts. She spent time working in the public sector as a staff attorney for the Joint Committee on Revenue of the Massachusetts legislature, where she played a key role in various significant tax policy changes.  Ms. McAnneny received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Tufts University, and her Juris Doctorate in Law from Suffolk University Law School.  She is a commissioner of the Group Insurance Commission, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Cooperative Central Bank and the Massachusetts Health Quality Partnership.

Timothy McGourthy
Timothy McGourthy is a Worcester resident currently serving as Executive Director for the Worcester Regional Research Bureau where he directs the research agenda, oversees operations, coordinates forums and events, leads fundraising efforts, and provides support for a 90-member Board of Directors. He is also an adjunct professor at Clark University where he teaches a graduate course in Community Development Finance. Mr. McGourthy previously served as the Chief Development Officer for the City of Worcester, and the Chief Executive Officer for the Worcester Redevelopment Authority. He helped oversee nine city divisions, and was key in the development of Worcester’s Downtown, Lincoln Square, and Washington Square. He also served as Director of Public Policy for the Boston Redevelopment Authority where he drafted policies and legislation related to issues impacting the development of the city. Mr. McGourthy received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the College of William and Mary. He also holds a Master of Arts in Government from The Johns Hopkins University, and a Master in Public Policy and Urban Planning from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He was offered the Comparative Domestic Policy Fellowship in 2010/2011 from the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Mr. McGourthy was also a Chair on the Worcester Economic Development Coordinating Committee, as well as an Executive Committee Member of the Worcester Cultural Coalition.

Mark Melnik Ph.D
Mark Melnik is a Jamaica Plain resident who currently works as the Director of Economic and Public Policy Research at UMASS Amherst’s Donahue Institute. He focuses on demographic, socio-economic and labor market issues. Previously, he acted as Deputy Director for Research at the Boston Redevelopment Authority, where he led research teams on demographic and economic research. Dr. Melnik also worked as a research associate at the Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Youngstown State University, and his Master of Arts from Northeastern University, both in sociology. He also holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Sociology from Northeastern University.

Colleen Quinn
Colleen Quinn is the Senior Vice President of Global Public Policy for ChargePoint, the world’s largest network of electric vehicle charging stations. There, she leads regulatory and government market development activities. In addition, she oversaw ChargePoint’s expansion into Europe, and represented ChargePoint at COP 21 in Paris, where she accepted the United Nations Momentum for Change Award. Ms. Quinn is a seasoned executive leader and government strategist with 30 years of experience in government, business, and non-profit sectors. Her experience includes working for California Governor Jerry Brown, the Partnership for New York City, Insight Communications, Pacific Telesis, and the Revlon Foundation. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, and earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of California’s Hastings College of Law. The diverse organization and stakeholder group positions that Ms. Quinn serves in the EV industry include: Executive Committee and Board member Electric Drive Transportation Association; Executive Committee of the California Plug In Electric Vehicle Collaborative; Founder of the Electric Vehicle Charging Association; Gubernatorial appointee the Massachusetts ZEV Commission; Maryland Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council; Chair of the National Electric Manufacturers Association EV Charging Government Relations committee.

Karen Sawyer Conrad
Karen Sawyer Conrad is the Executive Director of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission. She leads the agency on coordinating the planning and development of 15 communities in Essex County. Ms. Sawyer Conrad has over 28 years of experience in public and private sectors, and an extensive knowledge of state and local government in Massachusetts. She has previously served as the Director of Community Development and Planning for the City of Peabody, the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Corporate Development at MassInnovation, and was the Director of the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council within the Department of Economic Development. Ms. Sawyer Conrad received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French from Duke University. She is a Director and Charitable Foundation Committee Member at the Savings Banks, a Director at First Financial Trust, and President of Housing Support, Inc. She was appointed by Governor Baker to the Gaming Policy Advisory Commission.

Sandra Sheehan
Sandra Sheehan is a Hampden resident who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority. There, she provides leadership, direction, support, and oversight for the Authority and its contractors. She previously served as the Director of Planning and Development, and the Director of Procurement and Transit at PVTA. Prior to her work there, Ms. Sheehan worked as Director of Grants and Contract Administration at the Greater Hartford Transit District in Hartford, CT. She played a key role in Hartford’s Intermodal Triangle Project, which included the design and construction of improved downtown intermodal connections. She received her Associate of Arts in Civil Engineering from Miami Dade Community College, and her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Ms. Sheehan also holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Western New England University. She is a member of the American Public Transportation Association as well as the Massachusetts Association of Regional Transit Authorities.

Stephen Silveira
Stephen Silveira is Senior Vice President at ML Strategies, where he assists clients in their interactions with both state and local governments.  He was appointed by both Governor Romney and Governor Patrick to chair the Commonwealth’s Transportation Finance Commission, where he helped make recommendations on how the Commonwealth can finance, maintain, and expand its transportation system.  He aided the commission in formulating 28 cost-cutting and revenue-enhancing recommendations. Mr. Silveira previously worked at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority as Deputy Director of Real Estate, where he oversaw the sale and development of the MBTA’s surplus real estate assets. He also led the successful effort to expand the Route 128 Station in collaboration with Amtrak. In addition, Mr. Silveira spent time working in the Massachusetts State Senate as a Legislative Aide. Mr. Silveira received his Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government from Ohio Wesleyan University. He was appointed by Governor Baker to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and was elected to serve on their Executive Committee.

Navjot Singh
Dr. Navjot Singh is a Weston resident who serves as the Managing Partner for the McKinsey Boston Office, and has been a leader in McKinsey’s Pharmaceuticals and Medicals Products and Public Sector Practice for over 15 years. He focuses on the intersection of science, medicine, business, investments, and government. He previously served as Program Manager at General Electric’s Global Research Center. Dr. Singh received a Bachelor of Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology, a Master of Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is a co-holder and inventor of over 15 patents, and has been published in In Vivo and Nature Drug Discovery. He is the Chair of the Board of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and the Chair of the External Advisory Board of Overseers of Museum of Science.

Kirk Sykes
Kirk Sykes is the head of the Urban Strategy America Fund, L.P, where they work to provide investors with the opportunity to transform urban and economic development areas. Mr. Sykes supervises partnership equity placement, the identification of investments, and day-to-day operations of the fund. His start came about in the early 1990s, when he worked on the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative to develop a 40-unit townhouse in Boston’s south end. Mr. Sykes also helped develop the Boston State Hospital site in 1998, which later became the first investment of the Urban Strategy America Fund. Mr. Sykes received his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Cornell University. He also studied at L’Ecole Polytechnique in Paris, and completed postgraduate programs at MIT’s Center for Real Estate Development, and Harvard University’s Business School. Mr. Sykes received the 21st Century Black Massachusetts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund’s 5th Annual Presidents Conference Award in 2004, and serves as a member of the Urban Land Institute’s Boston Executive Committee. He also founded the Robert Taylor Society of Black Architects in, and served as their president. He was appointed by Governor Baker to serve on the Black Advisory Commission.



Baker-Polito Administration Awards $2 Million in Community Compact Grants
Efficiency and Regionalization Grants will aid 92 communities and 8 School Districts

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded $2 million in Community Compact Cabinet grants that will assist 92 communities and 8 School Districts across the Commonwealth. The Efficiency and Regionalization Grant Program was started by the administration in 2016  to assist municipalities and school districts interested in providing services to their constituents in a more efficient and cost-effective way. In Fiscal Year 2017, the administration awarded $2 million to over 110 municipalities and 18 school districts.

“Our administration created the Community Compact Cabinet to enhance state government’s role as a reliable partner for municipalities under the leadership of Lt. Governor Polito who has logged countless miles travelling Massachusetts working with local officials and stakeholders,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud to announce this year’s round of grants to help cities, towns, and school districts from across the Commonwealth work together to share services that will better serve their constituents in a more cost-effective manner.”

“As former local officials, Governor Baker and I understand the importance of continuing to support our cities and towns through this effective grant program,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Chair of the Community Compact Cabinet. “We are committed to using these grants to work with cities, towns, and school districts to better serve their residents and make Massachusetts a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

"The Community Compact Cabinet grant program provides local leaders with the flexibility and support to pursue projects that best fit their communities," said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. "The administration is pleased to have provided over $17 million to cities and towns through this program to pursue important regionalization and efficiency efforts, best practices, and technology infrastructure upgrades."

The Community Compact Cabinet’s Efficiency & Regionalization grant program provides financial support for governmental entities interested in implementing regionalization and other efficiency initiatives that allow for long-term sustainability. The grants will provide funds for one-time or transition costs for municipalities, regional school districts, school districts considering  forming a regional school district or regionalizing services, regional planning agencies and councils of governments interested in such projects.

Grant Recipients:

Regionalization / Shared Services
·       Mosquito Control District (Deerfield, Bernardston, Conway, East Longmeadow, Hadley, Montague, Northampton, Palmer, Shelburne, Southampton, South Hadley) - $150,000
·       Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Regional IT (Blandford, Chester, Cummington, Huntington, Montgomery, and the Gateway RSD) - $150,000
·       Shared Fire/EMS (Halifax, Plympton) - $132,300
·       Regional IT (Danvers, Essex, Hamilton, Wenham) - $100,000
·       Regional Animal Control (Palmer, Monson, Ware, Warren) - $67,000
·       Regional Public Health Nurse (Avon, Holbrook, Randolph) - $46,000
·       Metropolitan Area Planning Council Regional Opioid Programming (Chelsea, Medford, Winthrop) - $36,500
·       Regional Treasury/Collections (Berkley, Cheshire, Chester, Conway, Egremont, Hawley, Heath, Middlefield, Oakham, Royalston, Tyringham, Washington, Windsor) - $22,109

Regional Economic Development
·       Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission Regional Economic Development Director (Barre, Hardwick, Hubbardston, New Braintree, Oakham) - $95,000
·       Regional Economic Development (Dedham, Norwood, Westwood) - $50,000
·       Merrimack Valley Planning Commission Regional Economic Development (Amesbury, Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Rowley, Salisbury, West Newbury) - $50,000
·       Rural Economic Development Planning (Chester, Blandford, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, and Russell) - $42,339

Regional Wastewater
·       Cohasset, Hull, Scituate - $200,000
·       Barnstable, Dennis, Harwich, Yarmouth - $150,000
·       Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Sandwich (with Joint Base Cape Cod) - $140,000

Regional Transportation
·       Metropolitan Area Planning Council (Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, Swampscott) - $125,300
·       Martha’s Vineyard Commission Regional Transportation Planner (Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury,  West Tisbury) - $100,000
·       Bedford, Burlington, Lexington - $85,000

Schools
·       Regional School District Consolidation / Collaboration (Gill-Montague RSD, Franklin Co. Tech, Pioneer Valley RSD) - $109,998
·       Add Member to Old Colony Regional VocTech (Freetown schools) - $30,000
·       Exploration of Regionalization (Amherst and Pelham schools) - $21,500

Efficiencies
·       Gardner Combined Dispatch - $82,952
·       Williamsburg Police Records/Reporting - $10,350


About the Community Compact Cabinet:

Formed in January 2015, the Community Compact Cabinet is chaired by Lt. Governor Polito and comprised of the secretaries of Housing & Economic Development, Education, Transportation, and Energy & Environmental Affairs, the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Local Services, the Assistant Secretary of Operational Services, and the Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth. The Community Compact Cabinet elevates the Administration’s partnerships with cities and towns, and allows the Governor’s Office to work more closely with leaders from all municipalities. The Cabinet champions municipal interests across all executive secretariats and agencies, and develops, in consultation with cities and towns, mutual standards and best practices for both the state and municipalities.  The creation of Community Compacts creates clear standards, expectations and accountability for both partners.

As of today, 323 compacts have been signed.


Baker-Polito Administration Announces Funding to Promote Agricultural Products

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the awarding of approximately $350,000 in Specialty Crop Block Grants to 15 organizations across the Commonwealth. The block grants, which are funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), seek to support and promote specialty agricultural products through different strategies, such as a new website dedicated to marketing locally grown produce. According to the USDA, specialty crops are “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).”  

“The Massachusetts agricultural industry remains a vital component to local, regional, and state economies, and contained within its core is the harvesting and producing of specialty crops that are bought and sold around the world,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton. “By providing nearly $350,000 in grants, farmers, non-profit organizations, and other entities will be assisted in their pursuit to develop or build upon existing programs as they further promote specialty crops harvested within the Commonwealth.”

Specialty crops and products represent an important segment of the state’s agricultural industry. These crops include cranberries, honey, maple, and herbs. This year’s grants, which total $342,330.36 for the 15 Massachusetts organizations, are authorized by the United States Farm Bill, and range from $10,000 to $64,000.

“We are so thankful for this partnership with the USDA to provide these grants to our Massachusetts farmers and commodity associations to continue to promote locally grown food,” said MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “I am so pleased that 15 applicants were awarded funds to continue to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in Massachusetts.”

The following are the grant recipients for 2017:

Recipient:       Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association – Carver, MA                                                                                             
Award:           $64,956
Project:          The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association proposes to increase awareness and consumption of Massachusetts Cranberries through a series of strategic components that will leverage the value of this native fruit while quantifying the value of this region’s heirloom cranberry varieties. Marketing and promotional techniques will target, engage, and educate cranberry consumers in Massachusetts on how to use fresh fruit and the marketing potential that exists for selling heirloom cranberry products in the northeast.

Recipient:       Ground Work Lawrence – Lawrence, MA
Award:           $19,669.87
Project:          Ground Work Lawrence shall increase the consumption of specialty crops by expanding efforts, harnessing new resources, and opportunities for specialty crop education and sales in Greater Lawrence. They will increase the consumption of specialty crops through new staff capacity to plant and harvest specialty crops at Costello Urban Farm which will then be sold at the Groundwork Lawrence farmers’ markets. These tasks will increase visibility, competiveness and consumption of specialty crops in Lawrence and encourage new farmers to join and benefit from increased sales.

Recipient:       Lettuce Be Local – Sterling, MA
Award:           $11,510
Project:           Lettuce Be Local will increase the safe and secure distribution of locally-grown specialty crops by expanding accessibility and knowledge of local food through education, aggregation, and transportation. This project will further develop the promotion of specialty crops by connecting existing farm production to new market opportunities.

Recipient:       Mass Agriculture in the Classroom – Marlborough, MA
Award:           $34,525
Project:           Mass Agriculture in the Classroom will create a model with the Auburn Public Schools that expands access to and consumption of specialty crops required in the National School Lunch Program. The project will address the needs of the whole child through Social and Emotional Learning by teaming up with educators and school nutrition professionals.

Recipient:       Mass Farm to School Project – Amherst, MA
Award:           $16,165
Project:           Massachusetts Farm to School will increase the competitiveness of locally grown specialty crops by supporting local specialty crop procurement, promotion, and education at early education and care sites throughout the Commonwealth. The project will encourage the preference for, and facilitate sales of, locally grown specialty crops by introducing and promoting these products within early education and care (EEC) settings. These settings include preschools, child care centers, family child care homes, Head Start/Early Head Start, and early education programs within K - 12 school districts.

Recipient:       Massachusetts Farm Wineries and Growers’ Association – Ludlow, MA
Award:           $10,000
Project:           Massachusetts Farm Wineries and Growers’ Association will focus on the optimization of Massachusetts wine production, and the optimization of the Tasting Room experience, where consumers interact directly with winery owners. Develop educational components to increase farm winery knowledge to entice consumers to "Fall in Love with Massachusetts Wine” and to experience a meaningful connection to local agriculture and community through the tasting and purchase of Massachusetts wines.

Recipient:       Massachusetts Flower Growers Association – Bedford, MA       
Award:           $9,854.01
Project:           Massachusetts Flower Growers Association will focus and grow the number of non- gardeners, beginners and young children populations to increase sales of specialty crops.

Recipient:       Northeast Organic Farming Association – Barre, MA                 
Award:           $33,536.91
Projects:         Northeast Organic Farming Association will build a reliable, thorough, affordable and ultimately self-funding consulting service for specialty crops farmers, gardeners, and urban growers of Massachusetts, enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crop production while also building soil health long-term throughout the state.

Recipient:       Nuestra Raices, Inc. – Holyoke, MA
Award:           $29,335.50
Project:           Nuestras Races will boost consumption of and access to healthy, locally-grown specialty crops for low-income Latino residents via a Mobile Market, offering produce at affordable prices in locations convenient to the residents, while benefitting farmers with increased sales and market access.

Recipient:       Regional Environmental Council – Worcester, MA
Award:           $27,805.07
Project:           The Regional Environmental Council will increase access to local foods through farmers markets (including a mobile market) in Worcester, MA and increase produce sales and number of customers by promoting the new Healthy Incentives Program (HIP).

Recipient:      Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts – Cambridge, MA                                                                  
Award:           $31,532
Project:           This program aims to overcome barriers to specialty crop integration by improving the viability, sustainability, and profitability of the Massachusetts and New England specialty crop food industry. The intention is to enhance the competitiveness of Massachusetts and New England specialty crop products by eliminating barriers faced by specialty crop producers, fostering an environment for the economic growth of the specialty crop industry.

Recipient:       Third Sector New England/New Entry Sustainable Farming – Lowell, MA     
Award:           $12,493
Project:           New Entry Sustainable Farming Project’s specialty crop education project aims to work with small and beginning farmers to encourage crop specialization and to scale production quantities of specialty crops for wholesale markets that require higher volumes, consistency, and food safety compliance.  We will research and focus on up to five unique specialty crops in demand by local farm-to-institution and wholesale buyers to develop a comprehensive crop production manual for these crops.

Recipient:       University of Massachusetts, Amherst – Amherst, MA
Award:           $10,000
Project:           Research the biological control of plant parasitic nematodes in golf greens with natural enemies. Positive results may also facilitate the expansion of the use of Pasteuria for nematode control in other crops where they are troublesome, particularly vegetables and small fruits.

Recipient:       MDAR Technical Resource – Boston, MA
Award:           $19,948
Project:           The project will increase specialty crops by providing technical assistance resources specific to product development including food safety training for value-added products. Massachusetts Department of Agriculture will work with a planning team of external specialty crop stakeholders to assess the Manual and update and expand as needed, including the integration of new regulations such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (“FSMA”).

Recipient:       MDAR GAP/GHP– Boston, MA
Award:           $11,000
Project:           Massachusetts Department of Agriculture will provide direct assistance to Massachusetts Specialty Crop Growers by reimbursing the costs associated with the Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP) or Harmonized audits.  The proposed initiative would lessen the financial burden of the grower and would allow these farms to continue to access those channels.

“This fall I was fortunate enough to get a firsthand look at the cranberry industry in the Commonwealth and was incredibly impressed by the work those farmers are doing. I have also been a longtime supporter of Mass Farm to School and the amazing work they do connecting schools with local farmers to increase access to healthy foods. I am incredibly happy to see the cranberry industry, Mass Farm to School, and all the other fantastic organizations receive this grant money,” said State Representative William Pignatelli (D-Lenox), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “These Specialty Crop Block Grants will go a long way in supporting the agricultural industry here in Massachusetts and I want to thank the USDA, MDAR and the Baker-Polito Administration for providing almost $350,000 in grant money to 15 recipients.”

“Congratulations to the Northeast Organic Farming Association in Barre and thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for their continued support for our local farmers,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “With over 7,500 farms in Massachusetts, there is no question that they are a critical part of the fabric of this state.”

“Fresh fruits and vegetables are critical for a healthy diet and Nuestra Raices has been a driving force for that message for over 25 years,” said State Senator Don Humason (R-Westfield). “This grant funding will assist Nuestra Raices in expanding access to their specialty crops and their continued effort to cultivate a growing community of people in and around Holyoke who value fresh, local produce and support the people who take the time to grow it.”

“I am thankful for the support from MDAR. It is exciting to see the State support for the great work Nuestra Raices is doing in the community to address access to healthy food,” said State Representative Aaron Vega (D-Holyoke). “It’s equally exciting to see the support for our local farmers. People don't often think of farming when they think of Holyoke yet we have a rich culture here with deep roots in freeing and we workmen to expand that.”

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Funding to Communities for Recreational Fishing Access Projects

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded $17,716 in grants to saltwater fishing access projects in Marblehead and Sandwich. The grants were awarded through the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) Public Access Small Grant Program, which uses revenue from the sale of recreational saltwater fishing permits to improve angler opportunity in Massachusetts’ marine waters.

“The Public Access Small Grant Program is crucial to supporting environmental and recreational opportunities while ensuring the continuation of a vibrant tourism economy in the Commonwealth,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Through the continued support of Massachusetts’ 160,000 licensed saltwater anglers, the Baker-Polito Administration is working with municipalities across the state to enhance access and infrastructure in Massachusetts’ coastal cities and towns.”

“The Public Access Small Grant Program is an excellent complement to the Baker-Polito Administration’s capital funding for sport fishing piers and boat access areas overseen by the Department’s Office of Fishing and Boating Access,” said DFG Commissioner Ron Amidon.

These grants are funded from revenues in the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund, and are the fifth round of grant funding since the state saltwater fishing permit was established in 2011. The saltwater fishing permit program provides funds for marine recreational fishing programs including fisheries research, management, and public access for anglers.

The projects receiving funding are:

Marblehead - $10,796 - The Town of Marblehead will use the funding to improve access to shoreline fishing areas at four locations - Village Street, Pattison Landing, Parkers Landing, and Tuckers Landing.  Improvements include safety ladders, fish cleaning/fillet station, and sign kiosks at each location.

Sandwich - $6,920 - The Town of Sandwich will use the funding to repair the heavily used boat ramp and to install lighting at the same boat ramp to improve safety at that location during low light conditions.

“These projects will improve fishing opportunities for shore-based anglers and boaters in Marblehead and Sandwich,” said DMF Director David Pierce. “We are excited to maintain this state-local partnership for the good of recreational anglers.”

“I am grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration and the Department of Marine Fisheries for supporting the maintenance of the boat ramp in the Town of Sandwich,”said State Senator Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth). “Boating is the lifeblood of coastal communities and residents rely on the Sandwich boat ramp for both economic and recreational activities. This grant will provide great assistance to those residents who depend on the ramp for those pursuits.”

“For many, the marina’s boat ramp is the gateway to the canal and Cape Cod Bay; they rely on it being in tip-top shape to access the marina for business and pleasure,”said State Representative Randy Hunt (R-Sandwich). “I’d like to thank the Division of Marine Fisheries for their continued assistance in maintaining and improving this important fixture of the Sandwich Marina.”

“I am proud to see investments in maritime safety and recreation being made across Marblehead,” said State Representative Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead). “Boating and fishing are deeply ingrained in the culture of our community, and it is great to see this grant supporting the people and businesses that rely on a well-supported waterfront.”

DMF administers the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund with the assistance of the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Panel, a group of private stakeholders that advises DMF on recreational fishing projects and initiatives. Under the state law that established the recreational saltwater fishing permit, one-third of all license fees are dedicated to recreational saltwater fishing infrastructure projects in Massachusetts, ensuring better access to coastal fishing.

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is responsible for promoting the conservation and enjoyment of the Commonwealth's natural resources. DFG carries out this mission through land protection and wildlife habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and wildlife species, and ecological restoration of fresh water, salt water, and terrestrial habitats. DFG promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment through outdoor skills workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs, and by enhancing access to the Commonwealth's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.


Governor Baker Visits Marlborough High School’s Early College Program
Governor and Lt. Governor visited programs to highlight efforts to expand early college throughout beginning of the school year

MARLBOROUGH – Governor Charlie Baker met with students and teachers at Marlborough High School today to hear about students’ experiences taking college-level classes to prepare for college, while earning college credits for free before graduating high school. Marlborough High School has nearly 100 students taking college-level courses.

“Increasing the number of students participating in early college courses will benefit cities and towns across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Baker. “Exposing high school students to college-level material will better prepare them for their careers after graduation and make higher education more affordable.”

“Early college programs are an important tool for combining traditional high school courses with an opportunity to earn college credit at a local community college,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, who toured Mt. Wachusett Community College’s Early College Program in late September. “We look forward to seeing more and more Massachusetts students participate in early college classes and take advantage of the opportunity to make college more affordable.”

During the past few weeks, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito visited a handful of early college programs in different parts of the state to highlight the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to expanding early college opportunities, as well as hear from students about the advantages of taking college classes before graduating from high school.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to significantly increasing the number of students enrolled in designated early college programs across the Commonwealth,” Education Secretary James Peyser said.

Early college programs combine traditional high school classes with an opportunity to take college-level courses at a local college, typically in a particular career pathway such as STEM. Successful early college programs make college more accessible to students by giving them an opportunity to earn college credits, at no cost to them, while still in high school. Early College programs have also been found to boost college completion rates for low-income students, minorities, and first-generation college-goers. Currently, there are 2,400 Massachusetts students in an early college program -  55 percent of whom are low-income -  at 27 programs throughout the Commonwealth.

“The Early College program at Marlborough High School is the launch that many of our students need to see themselves as successful in college,” Marlborough Superintendent Maureen Greulich said. “We are pleased to be able to offer these opportunities in conjunction with meaningful internship experiences and career pathway options. As always, we are grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for their support of our innovative programs.”

The Board of Higher Education and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education are currently reviewing applications from high schools and community colleges to become “designated” early college programs. The boards received 34 applications from high schools and community colleges around the state. In order to be designated, early college programs must meet certain criteria established by the two boards, including free to students.

Through the designation process, the Departments of Higher Education and Elementary and Secondary Education are asking K-12 schools, community colleges and state universities to jointly design models. During Fiscal Year 17, the Baker-Polito Administration committed nearly $1.2 million to support development of early college programs through grants from the Department of Higher Education.

The boards will announce designations to early college programs early next year, with the goal of enrolling students in designated programs in the 2018-2019 academic year.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Partnerships for Municipal LED Streetlight Conversion Program
Over $4.3 Million in Grants to 40 Municipalities

LOWELL – September 25, 2017 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced more than $4.3 million in grants for new partnerships with 40 cities and towns to help convert traditional streetlights to LED technology.

The partnerships between the municipalities, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), and Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) will be funded through DOER’s $11.4 million Rapid LED Streetlight Conversion Program launched in December 2016. DOER has partnered with MAPC, the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC), Energy New England (ENE), and four Municipal Light Plant (MLP) communities to administer the grant funding to municipalities that currently own their traditional streetlights and expedite streetlight conversions. This regionalized approach has led to an overall installation cost reduction of up to 35% in communities where streetlight conversions are already underway. The grants were awarded by Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton at an event in Lowell.

“Continuing to investing in LED streetlight conversions will lead to more reduced energy costs and better road safety for motorists and pedestrians across Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The strong partnership between the Commonwealth and our regional planning authorities and municipal light plants helps maximize the positive benefits of this grant funding.”

“Converting municipally owned streetlights into energy efficient LEDs helps cities and towns across the Commonwealth realize thousands of dollars in annual energy savings while reducing emissions,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “LED streetlights reduce energy usage during peak demand times, lessening the burden on our regional electric grid and reducing costs for all ratepayers.”

LED streetlights are more energy efficient and longer-lasting than other common street lighting technologies; converting saves cities and towns money both on their electric bills and in operations and maintenance. LEDs offer a number of other advantages as well, including improved visibility, reduced light pollution, and the ability to install advanced controls such as dimming, remote control, and Wi-Fi capability. DOER’s partner organizations, with guidance from the agency, will procure streetlights in bulk on behalf of participating cities and towns, reducing the up-front cost of conversion.

“Governor Baker’s Executive Order on climate change strategy emphasizes the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to reducing energy usage and emissions in order to prepare for the effects of climate change across Massachusetts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “By converting tens of thousands of streetlights from traditional bulbs to highly efficient LEDs, the Commonwealth and our municipal partners will take another important step towards meeting our Global Warming Solutions Act emissions reduction goals.”

“Traditional streetlights have a major impact on peak demand during the winter months, with the sun setting earlier and rising later, which increases the demand on our regional energy grid,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “Our municipal partners across the Commonwealth will once again lead the charge for greater energy efficiency that will result in reduced costs, usage, and emissions across Massachusetts.”

The following municipalities have entered into contracts with MAPC to fund streetlight replacements:
“MAPC is pleased that the program funding, in conjunction with our technical assistance, will support over 40 municipalities statewide to retrofit over 70,000 streetlights at lower prices,” said Rebecca Davis, Deputy Director, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). “Over the years, MAPC has helped numerous communities to reap clean energy benefits, and is eager to continue its collective purchasing efforts through the program to achieve significant reductions in cost, energy usage, and greenhouse gas emissions and to advance smart-city innovations.”

Massachusetts ratepayers will also see benefits from converting the Commonwealth’s streetlights to LED models, in addition to the direct benefits that cities and towns receive. Streetlights are operational during early morning and late afternoon during the winter months. These are hours of peak electric demand, and high demand for natural gas for both electric generation and home heating during these hours leads to higher energy prices. Converting streetlights to LED technology, which uses up to 60% less energy than standard streetlights, can decrease demand and lead to lower prices.

“I want to thank the Baker-Polito administration for their outstanding streetlight conversion grant program that will help municipalities transition from traditional streetlights to energy-efficient LEDs,” said State Representative Thomas A. Golden, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy.  “The City of Lowell stands to receive significant gains from the conversion, including municipal savings, improved visibility for drivers and pedestrians, and lower emissions.”

“With current and future amenities like the Gallagher Terminal, LeLacheur Park, Lowell National Historical Park, the Merrimack, and South Common, Lowell knows that greening a city makes it both more pleasant and attracts spending from outside our borders to boost our coffers,” said State Senator Eileen Donoghue (D-Lowell).  “The Rapid LED Streetlight Conversion Program represents a smart investment in our sustainable economic future.  I applaud the Commonwealth for taking small but significant steps, like converting lights to LED, and will continue to fight for making the bigger changes we need as well.”

“Lowell is enlightened by the Municipal LED Streetlight Conversion Program.  Our city has always been on the forefront of progressive planning to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said State Representative Rady Mom (D-Lowell). “With LED streetlights, our city will not only have long term savings on our electric bills, but our streets will be safer and our residence can look to a brighter future.”

“The new LED streetlights will not only make our streets safer, but will also save the city a substantial amount in electrical costs,” said State Representative David Nangle (D-Lowell). “I applaud Governor Baker and his energy team for partnering with our cities and towns in funding and promoting these innovative streetlight conversions.”

“The City of Lowell has been committed to energy efficiency since it became one of the first designated Green Communities in 2010,” said Lowell City Manager Kevin J. Murphy. “This project will help us to continue to build on our commitment to our community by reducing energy costs by $390,000 annually and greenhouse gas emissions by over 1700 metric tons.”

Last year, Governor Baker signed an Executive Order which lays out a comprehensive approach to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, and build a more resilient Commonwealth.

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Led by Commissioner Judith Judson, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) develops and implements policies and programs aimed at ensuring the adequacy, security, diversity, and cost-effectiveness of the Commonwealth's energy supply to create a clean, affordable and resilient energy future. To that end, DOER strives to ensure deployment of all cost-effective energy efficiency, maximize development of clean energy resources, create and implement energy strategies to assure reliable supplies and improve the cost of clean energy relative to fossil-fuel based generation and support Massachusetts' clean energy companies and spur Massachusetts' clean energy employment. DOER is an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA).

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $72 Million to Create, Rehabilitate and Preserve Nearly 2,000 Housing Units
Investments support individuals with disabilities, youth aging from foster care and 400 units for low-income families or those transitioning out of homelessness

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced $72 million in housing subsidy funds and additional state and federal tax credits to 25 projects in 17 communities for the creation, rehabilitation, and preservation of 1,970 housing units across the Commonwealth, including 402 units reserved for very low-income families and families making the transition out of homelessness, building on the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to increasing the production and preservation of affordable housing for all residents.

“Safe and affordable housing is a cornerstone to the success of our Commonwealth’s families, including access to job opportunities for many of our most vulnerable populations,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Through our combined efforts and investments to date, over 5,200 affordable housing units are being created, preserved or rehabilitated to support the growth of Massachusetts, our workforce, communities and families.”​

The administration is awarding over $72 million in housing subsidy funds, including federal HOME funds and state capital funds. Additionally, the Department of Housing and Community Development is awarding more than $28 million in state and federal low-income housing tax credits, which will generate more than $180 million in equity for these projects. The awards will create or preserve 1,978 rental units, including 1,698 affordable units, in 25 projects across the state. Three projects will reserve units for individuals with disabilities, two are transit-oriented developments and three projects will include Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) units, including a building dedicated to youth aging out of foster care.

“Massachusetts is strongest when all of our families and residents have access to opportunities to thrive,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Today’s awards will support affordable housing options for families in communities across the Commonwealth’s, regardless of income or zip code, including projects with housing for low-income or formerly homeless families, individuals with disabilities, veterans and the elderly.”

Governor Baker joined Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash, Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Chrystal Kornegay and MassHousing Executive Director Tim Sullivan to make the funding announcement at Olmsted Green in Mattapan. Olmsted Green is a 38-acre, existing mixed-income housing community on the former site of the Boston State Hospital.

“Today was a big day for housing here in Boston and across the Commonwealth. Not only did we break ground on mixed-income housing units today, we were given the support to continue our work in creating affordable homes for those in this thriving city and create more construction jobs in our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Walsh. “I want to thank the Governor for making these funds available and for supporting important projects like Olmsted Green in Boston.”

Lena New Boston’s efforts are one piece of the larger redevelopment of the former Boston State Hospital into a mix of housing, community and green space. The site includes the Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, which sits on 67 acres. While the site sat vacant after the hospital’s closure in 1979, the past decade has seen the complete transformation of the space, bringing significant affordable and mixed-income housing to the Mattapan neighborhood, with rental and home-ownership opportunities for residents.

The Lena Park Community Development Corporation and New Boston Fund, together known as Lena New Boston LLC, are currently completing a 41-unit affordable, home-ownership development, with previous support from MassHousing’s Workforce Housing Initiative, a joint initiative with DHCD. Lena New Boston will also build an additional 100 units of mixed-income rental housing in the next phase of the development with support from today’s awards.

“Today’s announcement of significant investments in affordable housing represents a key part of the administration’s inclusive strategy to support families and residents, and meet the needs of every community in Massachusetts,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Creating and preserving housing for families across the income spectrum will allow us to build and retain a skilled workforce across the state, and give our residents access to more opportunities.”

“Our administration is committed to supporting projects that support our most vulnerable communities, from very low-income families, to seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Chrystal Kornegay. “Affordable housing is a strong tool for community development, and our investments using the Low Income Housing Tax Credit reflect those priorities.”

The 2017 affordable rental housing award round reflects the Baker-Polito Administration’s ongoing commitment to substantially invest in housing across the Commonwealth. In April, Governor Baker filed a housing bond bill seeking $1.287 billion in additional capital authorization to advance the administration’s commitment to affordable housing. In May 2016, the administration unveiled a five-year capital budget plan that includes a $1.1 billion commitment to increasing housing production, an 18% funding increase over previous funding levels. The $1.1 billion capital commitment provides for significant expansions in state support for mixed-income housing production, public housing modernization, and affordable housing preservation.

Since 2015 the Baker-Polito Administration has provided direct funding to create and preserve over 5,200 units of affordable housing across Massachusetts.

In addition, the administration and MassHousing have previously committed $100 million to support the construction of 1,000 new workforce housing units. To date, the Workforce Housing Initiative has advanced the development of 1,317 housing units across a range of incomes, including 387 workforce housing units.

2017 Awardees

Mechanic Mill is a mixed-income historic rehabilitation project located in Attleboro. The project sponsor is WinnDevelopment. When completed, Mechanic Mill will offer 91 total units, with 56 affordable, including 10 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income (AMI). All 91 units will be reserved for persons who are at least 55 years old.

Burbank Gardens is a preservation project of an existing 52-unit development located in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. Fenway Community Development Corporation, with assistance from DHCD, MassHousing, and the City of Boston, will rehabilitate and preserve the existing property and restrict 39 of the 52 units for rental to low and moderate-income tenants.

Cote Village is a 76-unit new construction project in Dorchester sponsored by Caribbean Integration Community Development and the Planning Office for Urban Affairs of the Archdiocese of Boston. The City of Boston also will provide substantial support to the project. When completed, Cote Village will include 56 affordable units, including eight units reserved for formerly homeless individuals or families, and several units reserved for persons with disabilities.

General Heath Square Apartments is a 47-unit new construction project in Boston’sJamaica Plain neighborhood. The sponsor is the non-profit Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation. The city of Boston also will provide substantial support to the project. When completed, this transit-oriented project will include 40 affordable units, including 20 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Olmsted Green Mixed-Income is a 100‑unit mixed-income new construction project in Boston to be built on the site of the former Boston State Hospital. Previously, the state and the City of Boston have helped finance over 500 units on the former hospital site. Sponsored by the New Boston Fund, the completed project will offer 40 affordable rental units, including 16 units for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI and several units for persons with disabilities. Sixty units within the project will be made available as workforce and market-rate rental units. The City of Boston also will provide funding for this project.

Talbot Commons Phase 1 is a new construction/rehabilitation project located in Boston’s Codman Square neighborhood. The sponsor is the non-profit Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation. The City of Boston also will provide significant support to Talbot Commons. The completed project will offer 40 affordable family units, including nine units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

The Clarion is a new construction mixed-income family housing project to be built on Blue Hill Avenue in Boston. The sponsor is the non-profit The Community Builders (TCB).  The City of Boston also will provide significant support to The Clarion. The site is located near major transit and retail opportunities and will offer 39 total units. Twenty seven units will be affordable, including seven units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.  Several affordable units also will be reserved for persons with disabilities.

Washington Westminster House in Boston is a new construction project sponsored by the non-profit Elizabeth Stone House. The 32-unit project will provide affordable housing as well as support services for at-risk and homeless families. All 32 units will be reserved for households with incomes below 30 percent of AMI. The City of Boston also will provide funds to Washington Westminster House.

Wilshire Westminster in Boston is a scattered-site preservation project sponsored by the non-profit Urban Edge to rehabilitate existing properties consisting of 99 total units for families. Eighty-nine of the rehabilitated units will be affordable, including 10 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

JAS Consolidation is a scattered-site preservation and production project located inCambridge and sponsored by the non-profit Just-A-Start Inc. The 112-unit consolidation project includes multiple properties located between Kendall Square and East Cambridge. Several of the properties, including St. Patrick’s Church, were destroyed in a massive fire in December 2016. The fire-impacted properties will be demolished and replaced with new, affordable housing, including 12 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent AMI. Other properties included in the consolidation will be rehabilitated with support from DHCD and from the City of Cambridge.

MacArthur Terrace in Chicopee is a preservation project, an existing large-scale family development sponsored by Dimeo Properties. The City of Chicopee also will provide support to the project.  When completed, MacArthur Terrace will offer 222 total units, with 182 affordable units, including 44 units for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Brownstone Gardens in Easthampton is a preservation project sponsored by Carr Property Management. Originally financed through MassHousing’s Chapter 13A program, the property will be rehabilitated with subsidy funds from DHCD and assistance from MassHousing.  When completed, Brownstone Gardens will offer 132 total units, with 107 affordable units, including 33 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Bostwick Gardens in Great Barrington is a new construction/rehabilitation project for seniors sponsored by Berkshire Housing Development Corporation.  The completed project will offer 31 new affordable units for seniors as well as 29 rehabilitated units in an existing building. Eighteen of the total units will be reserved for individuals or couples earning less than 30 percent of AMI.  The non-profit Berkshire Housing Development Corporation will make certain services for seniors available on-site and also will help senior residents access off-site services.

98 Essex in Haverhill is a new construction family housing project sponsored by Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative, Inc. The City of Haverhill also will provide funds to 98 Essex.  When completed, the project will feature 62 total units, all of which are affordable, with seven units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

The Gerson Building in Haverhill is a new construction project sponsored by the non-profit Coalition for a Better Acre.  The City of Haverhill also will provide funds to the Gerson Building. The completed project will offer 44 units for families as well as a preference for households that include veterans.  All 44 units will be affordable, with eight units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Holyoke Farms Apartments is a large-scale family preservation project located inHolyoke. The sponsor is Maloney Properties, Inc. The City of Holyoke also will provide funds in support of the rehabilitation.  When completed, Holyoke Farms will offer 229 family housing units, with 191 affordable units, including eight units reserved for households earning below 30 percent of AMI and 12 new construction units.

Carter School in Leominster is a historic rehabilitation project sponsored by the non-profit NewVue Communities. The sponsor will rehabilitate a vacant and fire-damaged school building into 39 family housing units. All units will be affordable, including 16 units affordable to households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.  The City of Leominster also will provide funds to the project.

Willis Street Apartments in New Bedford is a new construction project sponsored by the non-profit Women’s Development Corporation. The project will consist of 30 affordable single-room occupancy (SRO) units, and the sponsor will offer a veteran’s preference for each unit.  All units will be affordable, including 23 units reserved for individuals earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Transitional and Supportive Housing is a scattered-site project located in North Adams and Adams and sponsored by the non-profit Louison House. The sponsor currently operates the only comprehensive shelter program for homeless families in northern Berkshire County. The Transitional and Supportive Housing project will consist of the rehabilitation of 22 family shelter units destroyed by fire as well as the construction of five new permanent housing units for homeless families. All units will be affordable to households earning less than 30 percent of AMI, and the sponsor will provide extensive services to resident families.

King Pine is a large-scale family preservation project located in Orange. The sponsor is The Schochet Companies. The sponsor will rehabilitate this project and extend restrictions on rental rates well into the future. The completed project will offer 234 affordable units, including 24 units affordable to households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Cape Cod Village is a new construction project in Orleans. The sponsor is the non-profit Cape Cod Village, Inc. When completed, the project will offer 15 affordable housing units and services to persons with disabilities, including autism. DHCD will support Cape Cod Village with subsidy funds, and seven communities on Cape Cod have committed Community Preservation Act or other local funds to the project.

Harbor and Lafayette Homes is a preservation project consisting of two properties, which are single-room occupancy (SRO) buildings, located in Salem. The project sponsor is the non-profit North Shore Community Development Coalition. The City of Salem also will provide funds to the project. When rehabilitation work has been completed, Harbor and Lafayette Homes will offer 27 SRO units. Twenty-six units will be affordable, including seven units reserved for individuals earning less than 30 percent of AMI.  The property located at Harbor Street will provide housing and services to youth aging out of foster care.

The Residences at Salisbury Square is a new construction and adaptive re-use project in Salisbury.  The sponsor is the non-profit YWCA of Greater Newburyport in partnership with L. D. Russo. When completed, the project will offer 42 total units, all of which will be affordable, with 16 units further restricted for rental to households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Chestnut Crossing is a 104-unit preservation project located in downtownSpringfield.  Formerly owned by the YMCA of Springfield, the project now is owned by the non-profit Home City Housing. Home City Housing will rehabilitate the project as single-room occupancy (SRO) units with kitchenettes and baths. The City of Springfield also will provide funds in support of Chestnut Crossing. Seventy-nine of the completed SROs will be affordable, including 26 SROs affordable to individuals earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Moseley Apartments in Westfield involves the historic rehabilitation of a vacant school building into affordable housing for families. The sponsor is the non-profit Domus; Moseley Apartments will be the sponsor’s second school re-use project in Westfield. When completed, Moseley Apartments will offer 23 affordable units, including six units affordable to households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Governor Baker Releases Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Proposal
$40.5 billion budget invests in local aid, education, workforce development, and key support services without raising taxes; proposes new method for making deposits to the Stabilization fund, including a $98 million deposit in FY18

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration filed its Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) budget proposal, a $40.508 billion spending plan which funds key priorities including local aid, education, workforce development, housing and homelessness services, and substance misuse prevention programs, while keeping spending in line with recurring revenues and does not raise taxes. 
“This budget reaffirms our commitment to the hardworking people of the Commonwealth to propose a balanced budget that significantly invests in education, workforce development and funds to fight the opioid epidemic—without raising taxes,” said Governor Baker.  “While practicing fiscal discipline and reining in spending, we are also pleased to introduce new initiatives like the ‘Learn to Earn’ program to shrink the unemployment and underemployment gap in our state and a $4,000 tax-credit for employers hiring an unemployed veteran.  I look forward to working with our colleagues in the legislature so that we can all make Massachusetts a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The FY18 proposal increases spending by 4.3%, or 2.7% net of MassHealth revenue, over Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) estimated spending, and relies on a consensus tax revenue estimate of $27.072 billion, which is 3.9% growth over the revised FY17 tax revenue projection. 
“Our administration has been pleased to deliver on our promise to give communities a voice and place at the table on Beacon Hill – and we remain committed to doing so going forward,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “Our budget proposal once again provides a promised increase in unrestricted local aid equal to consensus revenue growth, historic levels of Chapter 70 education aid, funding for the Community Compact program, and other grant programs to provide local government with the resources they need to be successful.”
 “Our Fiscal Year 2018 budget proposal makes significant progress for the Commonwealth’s fiscal outlook,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore. “We nearly eliminate the structural deficit from a few years ago, significantly reduce the use of non-recurring revenue, hold the line on taxes, responsibly deposit money into our reserves, and pay down important long-term obligations like our unfunded pension liability.”
House 1 funds the administration’s past commitments of staff increases at the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and substance misuse prevention efforts, and also increases funding for Chapter 70 education aid, unrestricted general government aid (UGGA) at 100% of consensus revenue growth, homelessness prevention services, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and recommends a new program to connect more job seekers with employment.
Stabilization Fund Reform and Deposit
House 1 also recommends a new method to increase the Stabilization Fund during periods of economic growth, providing for a $98 million deposit into the fund in FY18, with potential for an additional deposit based on year-end surplus. If enacted, the new law would provide for two phases of rainy day fund deposits: first, a budgeted transfer of 50% of the consensus revenue estimate’s projected excess capital gains, and second, a requirement that 50% of above-budget tax revenue at the end of a fiscal year be directed to the Stabilization Fund, prior to year-end closeout and the finalization of consolidated net surplus.
Chapter 70 Funding at an All-Time High
In the first two years of the Baker-Polito Administration, Chapter 70 aid to school districts has increased by $227 million to $4.628 billion, an all-time high, and Special Education Circuit Breaker funding has increased by nearly $20 million.
House 1 proposes a $91.4 million increase in Chapter 70 aid, providing at least a $20 per pupil increase to all 322 operating districts across the Commonwealth, supporting an 85% effort reduction to bring under-aided districts closer to their spending targets, and begins to address the rising cost of healthcare and retiree benefits in foundation budgets.
New “Learn to Earn” Program
House 1 recommends $4 million for a new Learn to Earn initiative, led by a broad cross-secretariat working group. This program will provide credentials and employment for unemployed and underemployed individuals in occupations in high demand fields through partnerships between public agencies, businesses, community-based organizations, and career centers. As part of the $4 million request, the administration proposes $1 million to be allocated to address barriers to employment commonly encountered by the underemployed and unemployed, including transportation and child care expenses.
Launch of Career Pathways Program to Train Future Workforce
The FY18 budget proposal includes nearly $200 million in funding across secretariats for workforce development programs, a $10.5 million increase from FY17. Part of that increase will go towards a coordinated strategy to expand and improve high quality career pathways, based on aligning and maximizing existing workforce training and career education capacity, and building stronger connections with employers. Five line items will be consolidated into the new “STEM Starter Academy and College and Career Pathways” account to allow for greater flexibility and coordination between college and career pathway investments and business sectors in need of trained employees. 
Increased Eligibility for Homelessness Voucher Program
House 1 continues the Baker-Polito Administration’s effort to fight homelessness by investing over $500 million for housing and homelessness prevention services. An $11 million increase in funding will be included for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), $3 million of which will increase supportive housing units by nearly 50% to a total of 620 units.
The proposal also includes language to allow families to keep their MRVP voucher eligibility as they work to grow their income, increasing qualifying standards from 50% of Area Median Income to 80%. This will ensure individuals do not lose housing supports before they are able to become self-sufficient.
Increased Support for Older Adults
The administration’s FY18 proposal includes a $10.7 million increase in funding for the state Home Care Program to provide seniors in need of a wide array of services. This increase will support coverage for over 1,200 new low-income seniors, ensuring that they are not placed on a waitlist to receive services.
House 1 will also continue to fund the Supportive Senior Housing program, which allows 6,000 elderly residents of state-aided housing to remain in their homes and receive assisted living level of care. We also provide $7.2 million in level funding for the Elder Nutrition Program, enabling the delivery of over 1.1 million meals.
The administration recommends $29.2 million, a $1.1 million increase over FY17, to investigate cases of elder abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect or exploitation, in addition to $14 million in funding for local Councils on Aging (COA).
Governor Baker also plans to sign an Executive Order in the coming weeks that will establish a Council on Older Adults, that will focus on policies and programs that make it possible for even more older adults and seniors to live vibrant, purposeful lives.
New Proposal for Civilly Committed Males
The Baker-Polito Administration proposes an increase of $1.75 million, for a total of $10 million, to refocus Section 35 treatment for males in the Commonwealth by repurposing the MCI-Plymouth facility into the Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center (MASAC) at Plymouth. This funding would increase available beds by 45, for a total of 255 beds. Men who have been civilly committed to the soon to be decommissioned MASAC center at Bridgewater will be transferred to the new facility in Plymouth.
Good Government Solutions
House 1 proposes capping sick time at 1,000 hours, or six months at work, for state employees in the Executive Branch, bringing Massachusetts in line with other states and to avoid excessive payouts for sick time to retiring employees
House 1 also includes an outside section authorizing the Pension Reserves Investment Management board to manage the assets for the MBTA retirees, which will benefit these retirees by increasing returns and lowering administrative costs.
THE BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION’S FY18 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS BY THE NUMBERS
Fiscal Overview
  • Nearly eliminates the inherited structural deficit by reducing the budgeted use of one-time revenues to under $100 million, down from $1.2 billion in FY15
  • Deposits $98 million into the Stabilization Fund
  • Fully annualizes previous tax cuts, including the increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit from 15% to 23% of the federal credit in FY16, and the reduction of the income tax rate from 5.15% to 5.10%
  • Holds the line on no new tax rate increases
Strengthening Our Communities
  • Once again increases UGGA by 100% of revenue growth (3.9%), or $40 million, to $1.062 billion total
  • Funds $6.8 million for Community Compact related programs
  • Increases funding for State Police anti-drug trafficking program by $1.2 million to expand the program from 9 to 20 communities
  • Supports $6 million for Shannon Grants for gang prevention initiatives
  • Funds a new State Police class for 130 recruits
Investing in Our Schools
  • Increases Chapter 70 education aid by $91.4 million, for a total of $4.719 billion in funding
  • Includes $7 million for rate increases for Early Education and Care for center-based child care providers
  • Supports teacher and leader development with a $2 million increase
  • Provides $31.1 million for the continued implementation of the next generation of the MCAS exam
  • Supports a $10.3 million increase for higher education campus budgets
Enhancing Workforce Skills, Job Training, and Economic Development
  • Funds a new “Learn to Earn” initiative for grants to partnerships to help unemployed and underemployed individuals gain credentials for occupations and employment in high demand fields
  • Increases funding for Connecting Activities by $500,000 that will double the number of STEM-related work-based learning experiences for high school participants
  • Provides $1.3 million in new funding for an Adult Basic Education Pay for Success program contract for vocational English for Speakers of Other Languages classes and skills training services
  • Increases funding by $1 million for Dual Enrollment, to allow under-served high school students to receive college credit while in high school
  • Provides $1.5 million for a new round of Urban Agenda Economic Development Grant Program
Mental Health Support at Bridgewater State Hospital
  • $37 million  increase for a new clinical contract to care for patients at Bridgewater State Hospital, and implementation of a new model to move Corrections Officers to the outside of the facility to provide security and expand the size and scale of the clinical program offered inside the hospital.
Fighting the Substance Misuse Epidemic
  • Repurposes MCI-Plymouth into the Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center (MASAC) at Plymouth allowing men who have been civilly committed to the soon to be decommissioned MASAC center at Bridgewater to be transferred to the new facility, and provides an increase of $1.75 million in funding for an additional 45 treatment beds
  • Sustains $145 million in funding for DPH programming for substance misuse prevention and treatment services
  • Provides $13 million for DMH to continue its funding commitment of 45 beds for women’s addiction treatment services at Taunton State Hospital
  • $37 million  increase for a new clinical contract to care for patients at Bridgewater State Hospital
Addressing Homelessness and Housing Insecurity
  • Provides over $500 million in funding for housing and homelessness prevention services
  • Includes $11 million increase for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, $3 million of which will support 200 additional supportive housing units
  • Increases funding for DMH’s Safe Haven Program for the chronically homeless with mental illness by over $900,000 to annualize FY17 addition of 33 beds
Supporting the Department of Children and Families
  • Provides a $26.9 million increase to DCF
  • Includes $9.8 million to fully annualize additional social worker and support staff positions created in FY17
  • Recommends $6.4 million for projected caseload increases and the annualization of FY17 investment in 193 additional beds for clients

Governor Baker Delivers Second State of the Commonwealth Address

Today, Governor Charlie Baker delivers his second State of the Commonwealth address from the House Chamber of the Massachusetts State House. Remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Members of the House and Senate. Distinguished elected officials and honored guests. And fellow Citizens.

“About 750 days ago, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and I stood right here and we pledged to work collaboratively with you and others to move this Commonwealth forward.   And we have done just that.

“We built a bipartisan team. Worked in partnership with the legislature. And looked for common ground.

“We worked to fix state government, passed groundbreaking legislation and focused on growing our economy. And it’s working.

“Our economy is among the strongest in the nation.

“Over the past two years we’ve added 120,000 jobs. Today more people are working than at any time in the past 20 years. And our welfare caseload has dropped 25 percent.

“The companies of the future are moving to Massachusetts, bringing millions in private investment. While new companies are born here every day.

“In fact, for the second year in a row, Bloomberg named Massachusetts the #1 state for innovation.

“GE’s decision to locate its world headquarters in Boston and North American Life Sciences headquarters in Marlborough was based on its belief in the talent and vision of our people.

“And believe me, any discussion of GE’s re-location won’t be complete without noting the extraordinary work and collaboration by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and his team. 

“Mr. Mayor, I look forward to working with you on the next Patriots’ Super Bowl parade.

“The job gains have benefitted every corner of our state.

“For example, New Bedford had the steepest unemployment decline in the entire country. With an unemployment rate that has fallen from 6.5 percent to 3.7 percent in just the past year.

“It’s not an accident that Massachusetts is such an attractive place to do business.  It’s a reflection of the quality of our people and the business climate we’ve created.

“The progress we made on energy is a perfect example.

“Together, we passed landmark legislation that will reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining a competitively priced and reliable supply of energy.

“And we’ve built on those efforts by issuing an Executive Order on Climate Change that directs state government to work with local governments, business, and non-profits to develop plans to further protect our environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Thanks to the hard work of state & local officials, teachers and parents our students are #1 in the nation in both math and reading for the sixth straight year.

“Our shared commitment to funding local schools has led to an all-time high in Chapter 70 education funding, representing an increase of $227 million over the last two years.

“We’ve also made attending a public college more affordable. Through the Commonwealth Commitment we’ve created a pathway for students to secure a bachelor’s degree from UMass or one of our state universities for half the price.

“Brockton’s own Jaclyn Bell is here tonight and she’s a great example of who this program is helping.

“She’s 26 years old, has a two-year old daughter, and is currently a straight A student at Massasoit Community College.  She said the Commonwealth Commitment ‘changed her family’s life.’

“Jaclyn – we all look forward to watching you build on your success.

“We’ve reviewed, updated and eliminated thousands of pages of outdated and obsolete state regulations. 

“Which has reduced red tape and made it easier for employers, non-profits and cities and towns to do their jobs.

“We all know that High-speed internet has become central to the ways we communicate, learn and do business. But too many communities in Western Mass still don’t have access to this essential service.

“That’s why this past May we completely overhauled the Last Mile program for our rural communities.

“We started with 53 towns lacking high speed internet access. 
   
“And while there’s still more work to be done, in just six months we’ve moved a dozen towns forward. 

“That’s more progress on local broadband access than in the last five years.

“And we’ve done all of that and more while closing a billion-dollar state budget gap without raising taxes.

“Fiscal responsibility is challenging work.  It’s not the stuff that wins popularity contests.

“By working together we’ve controlled the runaway growth in spending and nearly eliminated the structural deficit in just two years.  We’ve reduced the state’s bureaucracy, saving hundreds of millions of dollars.  And we’re working smarter and making state government more accountable to the people who pay the bills.

“We also ended the previous practice of using rainy day funds to bailout the state budget. Instead, we invested in this fund despite lower revenue growth. And have set the Commonwealth on solid financial footing going forward.

“We’ve proposed closing the tax loophole on Airbnb. But we will oppose any effort to pass a broad-based tax increase on the hardworking people of the Commonwealth.

“We’ve also made real progress in supporting those who need our help.

“Helping families fighting homelessness and ending the practice of putting homeless families into hotels and motels  has been a priority for us.

“To get there we’ve taken a different approach.  We’re working with housing authorities and other housing providers to help families avoid homelessness in the first place and relying more on permanent solutions.

“In two years, the population of homeless families in hotels and motels has been reduced from more than 1,500 to fewer than 100 families today.

“Two years ago the Department of Children and Families, which serves more than 50,000 at-risk kids was in crisis. Today, it’s a very different place.

“There are 270 more social workers on the job than there were just over one year ago.  Ninety-five percent are licensed, up from 50 percent when we took office.

“Caseloads are as low as they’ve been in decades. And long promised clinical and administrative supports are now in place.

“New policies concerning investigations, home based services, supervisory practices and missing children have been collaboratively implemented with the full support of DCF’s union workforce.

“But when it comes to at risk kids we can never rest easy.

“DCF still needs to recruit more foster homes and do a better job working with foster families.  

“And DCF will continue to work with the courts and legal community to reduce uncertainty for kids by shortening the time they have to wait for a permanent and loving home.

“DCF Commissioner Linda Spears is with us tonight.  Linda, you and your team are doing a great job.  And on behalf of the families and children you serve, thank you.

“As in other states, we continue dealing with the heinous crime of human trafficking.

“And through compassion for these young girls and boys my wife Lauren championed bringing back the State Police anti-human trafficking unit.

“For that, and so many other things she does every day I thank her tonight.

“We worked together to craft legislation for Uber, Lyft and other transportation networking companies.  

“This legislation respects the important role of the sharing economy while benefiting hundreds-of-thousands of passengers as well as drivers here in the Commonwealth.

“For example, people with disabilities often have trouble finding reliable transportation especially for unexpected trips. Making it difficult to complete their education or work full time. It’s a huge problem.

“The T’s RIDE took advantage of our new law, to set up a pilot with Uber and Lyft to serve about 400 people with disabilities. 

“So far, that pilot has delivered more than 7,000 rides.

“Manish Agrawal is blind and uses the RIDE.  He’s here with us tonight. He and his wife live in Arlington with their young daughter. 

“Recently, Manish had to take his daughter to the doctor unexpectedly. 

“He used the pilot program and called Uber instead of waiting for the RIDE. It was easy, prompt and cut his travel time in half. Thanks to this pilot program he was able to focus on the needs of his daughter instead of worrying about transportation.

“Manish thanks for being here with us and sharing your story.

“In fact, his story echoes those we've heard from many others. The overwhelming message from the participants couldn’t be more clear –“This program has changed my life”.

“We all know the opioid epidemic is ravaging individuals and families across the country.  And while this is going to be a prolonged battle, our efforts are making a difference.

“We know that four out of five heroin users first become addicted through prescription drugs.  And we’re seeing results from our efforts to close this front door to addiction.

“For the first time, medical, dental and nursing schools are requiring students to master opioid therapy and pain management. And continuing education on these issues is now a part of our state licensing programs.

“After years of increases, the number of opioids prescribed is now down by 15 percent.  

“Prescribers have made more than 2 million searches of the new Prescription Monitoring program.  

“This makes it harder for people to doctor shop for pain pills, or for pill mills to operate here in Massachusetts.

“Spending on addiction services has been increased by 50 percent. Hundreds of additional treatment beds and voluntary programs have come online. Family and peer support groups have doubled and been funded across the Commonwealth. And thousands of NARCAN kits have been distributed to first responders and family members.

“And our work has not gone unnoticed.  An unprecedented 46 Governors have signed on to a compact to fight opioid addiction—that’s based on our efforts here in Massachusetts. 

“Make no mistake, drug traffickers are part of the opioid epidemic. They prey on vulnerable people, selling them more and more deadly and addictive substances.

“We’ll also propose $2 million to expand law enforcement’s efforts to arrest and convict drug traffickers.

“With your help we also ended the decades old practice of sending women, who were civilly committed due to an addiction, to Framingham State Prison. 

“Instead, they now enter a treatment program including the new one at Taunton State Hospital. These programs have been a game changer for many of the women they serve.

“And based on this success, we’ll request an increase in state funding to support treatment for men who are committed due to an addiction as well. 

“The MBTA’s historic failure during the winter of 2015 laid bare the vital need for a complete overhaul.

“But never forget the T always had the money, but it lacked the capacity to turn its resources into an action plan – to deliver the safe and reliable transportation system that our people deserve.

“The Fiscal and Management Control Board, management team and staff at the T cut the MBTA’s operating deficit in half. These significant savings, along with existing funds, are being used to double the T’s investment in core infrastructure.

“While a lot of great work has been done in the past 18 months, anyone who rides the T will correctly tell you, we still have a long way to go.

“Everything that breaks is at least 50 years old.  Making the investments in tracks, signals, switches, power systems and vehicles will take years, not months. But we finally have the team on the ground and the plan in place to get the job done. 

“And after months of discussion the MBTA reached an agreement on a new contract with its largest union, the Carmen’s Union Local 589. 

“This is a win/win for all involved. Riders and taxpayers have a competitive contract that respects market standards. While union members have predictability and achievable ground rules for measuring performance.

“Both sides could have turned this into an epic brawl. Instead, they chose to be part of the answer.

“Jim O’Brien, the President of the Carmen’s Union, as well as Brian Shortsleeve and Joe Aiello of the T are here with us tonight.

“For their hard work, vision and leadership during these difficult and complicated times, they deserve our thanks.

“And remember those toll booths we used to have on the Turnpike?  Me neither.

“Going live with an All Electronic Tolling system and taking down the toll booths could’ve been a disaster. 

“In fact, many predicted it would be. 

“But a terrific engineering and planning effort across multiple agencies made sure work was done at night and on weekends. Assuring that commuters were not delayed going to and from work. 

“With a shared sense of purpose we’ve made real progress in job creation, fiscal discipline, education, child welfare, public health, transportation, public safety, environmental and energy policy and community building during the past two years. 

“And because of all that, I stand here tonight and say, the state of our Commonwealth is strong.

“We all know the world is becoming more and more dependent on technology.  Smart buildings. Smarter machines. Robotics. Autonomous vehicles. Digital health.  Precision manufacturing. And big data to name a few.

“These are the platforms of the next generation of great companies and new jobs.   And cyber security that moves as fast as the hackers, thieves and troublemakers is what makes this all possible.

“Success in protecting databases and smart machines will ensure that people benefit from the best ideas in science, engineering and technology for decades to come.

“We’re already one of the 3 most important players in cyber security in the world.  Businesses in Massachusetts protect proprietary information and secure smart machines and smart buildings from attack. But this industry is just taking off.

“Hundreds of billions of dollars will be spent over the next decade to protect information and assets. Massachusetts’ organizations should play a major role in driving these decisions.

“Over the next ten months we’ll bring together the best minds locally and globally to develop a blueprint for success here in Massachusetts.  And we will follow it.

“Our strength as a Commonwealth is based, in many ways, on our work with 351 cities and towns.

“The important reforms enacted last session give local leaders new tools to better serve their constituents.

“And you don’t have to take my word for it. The Massachusetts Municipal Association called those changes the most significant reform of municipal governance in more than 50 years.

“And thanks to the tireless work of Lieutenant Governor Polito more than 250 communities have joined with us to work on 600 best practices that will make local governments more successful. 

“Thank you Lieutenant Governor, for your extraordinary work on this initiative.

“Looking ahead, our budget will propose more than $130 million in new funding for cities and towns. Including increasing Chapter 70 support for K-12 education by more than $90 million, twice the amount required under state law.

“And for the first time we propose funding a down payment toward increasing state support for municipal health insurance.

“Our capital program will build on our previous efforts to invest in local communities. We’ll continue unprecedented levels of investment in roads, bridges, economic development and housing.

“These investments help our colleagues in local government build strong communities, leverage billions of dollars in private sector investment and create jobs.

“We should also be proud of our achievements in education. 

“But we must also recognize not every child in the Commonwealth gets to attend a first-class school. We have an obligation to every parent and child in Massachusetts. And in this effort, we must succeed.

“To assist struggling schools, we’ll work with Representative Peisch and Senator Lesser and their colleagues in the house and senate to create more “empowerment zones.”

“These zones create more flexibility in schools. And allow educators to make the changes necessary to provide a better learning environment for our kids. In Springfield, this model is already making a positive difference for teachers and students.

“In addition, the experience of struggling districts in Lawrence, Southbridge and Holyoke has demonstrated that state takeovers can offer significant benefits to students, parents and teachers in schools that need our support.

“We encourage the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to use this tool.

“For decades, mental health advocates have urged the Commonwealth to redesign the way it serves those who are committed to Bridgewater State Hospital.  Little has changed, and the results, in many cases, have been disastrous for all involved.

“We propose to do two things to address this longstanding and unacceptable situation.

“First, move Corrections Officers out of the hospital.  And instead deploy them outside the facility to provide security. 

“Second,  the size and scale of the clinical program offered inside the hospital will be significantly expanded. This reform will not come cheap, as spending on clinical services will increase by $37 million. It’s the right thing to do and we ask the legislature to support it.

“I would also like to extend our thanks to Jon Mograss and the Massachusetts Correctional Officers Federated Union for being a true partner in our efforts to make these reforms. This wouldn’t have happened without their support.

“We must also think differently about how we support and engage older adults.  The notion that people are fully retired at the age of 62 or 65 is inconsistent with what I see every day.

“And even if some have stepped back from what they spent most of their lives doing, most still have tons of time and talent available to do something else.

“Hey – I turned 60 in November. Sixty.
 
“I remember thinking that was ancient when my dad turned sixty.

“Now he’s 88 and still the smartest, most informed person I know.  And Dad –
nobody gives better advice than you do.

“There are thousands of citizens in Massachusetts who are still very much in the game in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s.  And there’ll be more as our population continues to age.

“I’ll be signing an Executive Order in the coming weeks that will establish a Council on Older Adults. It will focus on policies and programs that make it possible for even more older adults and seniors to live vibrant, purposeful lives.

“Finally, too many of our returning heroes struggle to find good jobs.

“Jesse Brown and Matt Mastroianni the founders of Heidrea Communications of Plymouth and Bellingham are with us tonight.  Heidrea constructs, maintains and repairs cell towers, a booming business in today’s wireless world.

“After serving our country as United States Marines they both joined a large firm in the cell tower space. In 2007, they left the comfort of a big company to start their own.

“The beginning was rocky, but today they employ 70 people.  Almost half of whom are veterans like them.  And their future is bright.

“Like many small businesses, they want to hire and employ our veterans.  We should make it easier for them to get it done.

“So we’ll be proposing a $4,000 tax credit for businesses hiring and retaining an unemployed veteran. 

“We all wish Jesse and Matt continued success and thank them and all veterans for their service to our country.

“In closing, on behalf of Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, our Cabinet, our team and the people of Massachusetts, I want to thank you, the legislature, for your goodwill.  This may seem like a small thing.  But it’s not.

“Too much of what passes for political dialogue these days isn’t dialogue at all.  It’s talking points. Character assassination. And deliberate misrepresentation.

“Wedge issues may be great for making headlines, but they do not move this Commonwealth forward.  Success is measured by what we accomplish together.

“Our obligation to the people we serve is too important to place politics and partisanship before progress and results.

“The changes in Washington don’t change this powerful obligation.  Our jobs remain the same.  That is to represent Massachusetts to Washington and not Washington to Massachusetts.

“We can and do disagree.

“But we listen, we learn  and we make the best decisions we can.

“On energy.  Public records.  Pay equity.  Addiction.  Economic development.  And a host of other issues. You’ve compromised with one another, and with us.

“Like other states, we have enormous challenges here in the Commonwealth.  Issues that are destined to create difficult discussions and opportunities for conflict.

“And we live in a time where what you oppose seems much more interesting than what you support.  Where compromising is often viewed as an act of weakness.   When, in fact, it’s a sign of strength.

“Our Founders worried a lot about the tyranny of the majority.

“They designed our form of government to provide a loud voice for minority points of view. They hated the idea of unilateral power. And wanted to force advocates and policy makers, through structure and process, to compromise.

“I’m with them.  As my mom always used to say – ‘You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.’

“It’s one thing to stand in a corner and shout insults at your opponents.  It’s quite another to climb into the arena and fight for common ground.

“I believe it’s this conversation that makes us strong. 

“Our economy is strong because we listen and we learn from the workers and employers who make it go.

“Our communities are strong because local leaders and active citizens listen and learn from the people they serve.

“And our Commonwealth is strong because we listen and we learn from one another. Knowing that our goodwill can make our disagreements a catalyst for better ideas and real results.

“Our team looks forward to working with you on the challenges and opportunities of the next two years.

“We will advocate.  We will engage.  We will learn from you and from others.  And we will all be better for it.

“God Bless This Commonwealth.

“God Bless the United States of America.”


###



Governor Baker, Delegation Return From Economic Development Mission to Israel
Two significant agreements signed solidifying mutually beneficial relationship between Massachusetts and Israel on cybersecurity and digital health

BOSTON-- Today, Governor Charlie Baker and a business delegation, including nearly 50 leaders and over 20 presidents and chief executive officers in digital health, cybersecurity, public policy, academia, and other industry sectors, returned from an Economic Development Mission to Israel. Over the course of four days, the delegation participated in various forums and site visits with Israeli partners to attract more business in the Commonwealth.

"Massachusetts has an opportunity to be a major player in both the digital health and cybersecurity spaces, and we are pleased to have formed new relationships and strengthened others in Israel over the course of this economic development mission,” said Governor Baker. "Digital health innovation, protected through cybersecurity breakthroughs, hold real potential to improve the delivery of care, and we were pleased to undertake this mission to show the global market that Massachusetts does not take a back seat to Silicon Valley when it comes to supporting and growing a high-tech economy."

Highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in digital health care and the protection of connected technologies, the Massachusetts Tech Collaborative and Israel's CyberSpark signed an agreement during a luncheon on the first day of the mission attended by executives from many of Israel's leading cybersecurity firms. The agreement focuses collaboration around applied research projects on healthcare related cyber issues and practical trainings for students in cybersecurity fields, among other key areas. This partnership builds on the work of the Baker-Polito Administration on the Massachusetts Digital Health Initiative. 

On Monday, the delegation joined over 400 Israeli business leaders in the fields of cybersecurity and digital health for the U.S – Israel Growth Summit hosted by the Commonwealth at Tel Aviv University. Moderating a discussion entitled "From Startup to Fortune 500 Digital Health Company in the USA," Governor Baker engaged with Athena Health CEO and President, Jonathan Bush, and Optum Inc. CEO, Larry Renfro, to highlight all that Massachusetts has to offer Israeli companies looking for a home away from home. 

During the Summit, Laurie Leshin, president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a member of the Mission delegation, announced a new project center in the "‘start-up nation’ of Israel," formalizing a growing collaboration focused on innovation in the STEM fields. Cybersecurity, water and energy are among the local problems the first WPI students to travel to Israel next year will work to solve. President Leshin said Israel was chosen as a project center because it is a place that "embrace[s] innovation as a means to positively impact people's lives."

Governor Baker, accompanied by First Lady Lauren Baker, Consul General Yehuda Yaakov and Brandeis President Ronald Liebowitz, met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the economic futures and relationships of the Commonwealth and Israel. During a productive meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu shared why Israel was an early entrant into the cybersecurity field and the field's importance to Israel’s national security. The two leaders, who both spend time in Cambridge as students, also spoke about the amazing growth of Massachusetts' technology sector.

Renewing a longstanding special relationship between the Commonwealth and the State of Israel, Governor Baker and Israeli Chief Scientist Avi Hasson, along with Israeli Economic Minister to North America Inon Elroy, committed each government to strengthening economic, industrial, technological, and commercial cooperation. The new bilateral cooperation agreement engages both Massachusetts and Israel to identify and advance joint research and development efforts that will lead to the commercialization of new products in the global marketplace. 

Employing 500 people in Israel and boasting a dozen active investments in Israel through GE Ventures,General Electric hosted an event attended by nearly 300 from the Israeli tech industry as of the Mission. Governor Baker expressed his excitement about what GE's commitment to Massachusetts means for innovation in the Commonwealth and its relationship with Israel. Michael Idelchik (Vice President of Advanced Technologies, GE Global Research), Mark Hutchinson (CEO of GE Europe) and Oded Meirav (Manager of Israel Technology Center, GE Global Research) discussed GE’s future in the Israeli tech ecosystem, and their reasoning for choosing the Commonwealth as the home for its new global headquarters.

While the delegation was still in Israel, Be'er Sheva, Israel-based cybersecurity company Morphisecannounced that it would headquarter its U.S. operations in Massachusetts. Garnering accolades for its forward-thinking technology that masks corporate memory systems rather than adding layers of digital defense, the startup called Boston “an innovation hub” and the ideal location for it to “put down U.S. roots and set the stage for further growth.”

Other highlights from the Mission:

·       Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a leader in project-based education, announced a new project center in Israel during the US-Israel Growth Summit, formalizing a growing collaboration focused on innovation in the STEM fields;

·       Governor Baker met with cutting-edge cybersecurity firm Team8 executives, touring their facility and learning about how Israel is leading in the field;

·       Governor Baker and members of Massachusetts’ digital health cluster met with Sheba Medical Center’s leadership team, learning about their training programs and touring the medical simulation center; and

·       Visiting MassChallenge Israel, the most recent expansion of the Boston-founded startup accelerator.

The delegation included nearly 40 private sector partners, and members of the Baker-Polito Administration, including Assistant Secretary of Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Katie Stebbins, Health Connector Executive Director Louis Gutierrez, MassIT Executive Director Mark Nunnelly and Senior Advisor for Anti-Terrorism and Cyber Security, Han Olsen. The administration partnered with the New England Israel Business Council (NEIBC), with the support of Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) to host the mission at no cost to taxpayers.


Governor Charlie Baker Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Pictured, left to right: Brandeis President Ronald Liebowitz, Governor Charlie Baker, First Lady Lauren Baker, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Consul General Yehuda Yaakov

Click here for more photos

JERUSALEM – Governor Charlie Baker met yesterday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Prime Minister’s Office. The Governor and Prime Minister, joined by First Lady Lauren Baker, Consul General Yehuda Yaakov and Brandeis President Ronald Liebowitz, discussed the economic futures and relationships of the Commonwealth and Israel, as well as the importance of face to face interactions between leaders when it comes to building relationships in business and politics. 

“I was thrilled to meet Prime Minister Netanyahu and discuss our ongoing commitment to strengthening the strong and unique relationship between Israel and Massachusetts,” said Governor Baker. “The existing economic, political and cultural relationships between the Commonwealth and Israel are important to the flow of ideas, innovation and industry, especially as our administration focuses on growth in the emerging digital health and cybersecurity sectors where Israel has excelled. It was an honor to discuss the amazing growth of Massachusetts' technology sector with the Prime Minister, an MIT graduate who has experienced and seen firsthand the Commonwealth’s success in these industries.”

During a productive meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu shared why Israel was an early entrant into the cyber security field and its importance to Israel’s national security. The Prime Minister spent time in Massachusetts while obtaining both his Bachelors and Masters degrees at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He and the Governor discussed the progress that has been made at MIT and in Kendall Square over the years.

At the end of the meeting, President Ronald Liebowitz presented the Prime Minister with a copy of new university research released this week and a replica of the 1892 version of the flag that was hung at Zion Hall in Boston, 57 years before the founding of the modern state of Israel.

To view and download additional photos, click here.

Governor Baker Addresses Israeli Tech Industry at GE Forum
GE executives share reasons for choosing Massachusetts as home for global headquarters

TEL AVIV – Governor Charlie Baker today addressed nearly 300 attendees from the Israeli tech industry at an event hosted by GE as part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s Economic Development Mission to Israel. GE employs 500 people in Israel and shared their reasoning for choosing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as home for its new global headquarters. Remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Thank you all for joining us here today and for welcoming us into your country.

“We are all immensely proud of the special economic and cultural relationship that exists between Massachusetts and the State of Israel.

“This trade mission advances that relationship by forging new connections between the Commonwealth's leading minds in digital health and cyber security, and our Israeli counterparts.

“Together, we will accelerate the pace of technological innovation, cement our leadership in these two critical emerging technology sectors, and connect our citizens to greater prosperity.

“I’m especially pleased to be joined here today by colleagues, based in Israel and the US, from GE.

“Over the past year, GE has opened a new headquarters for its Health Care Life Sciences division in Massachusetts; decided to headquarter its energy and lighting division, Current, in Massachusetts; and selected Massachusetts as the new home for its corporate headquarters. 

“GE’s decision to leave its suburban headquarters, and relocate 800 jobs to Boston’s Seaport, speaks volumes about where GE’s corporate future lies, and about Massachusetts’ economic competitiveness.

“Today, I’d like to address why we knew the Commonwealth would be such a great fit for GE; why we’re so excited about the work that’s going to happen around GE’s new headquarters; and what it means for innovation in Massachusetts, and our relationship with Israel. 

“From the beginning, we were pitching GE on everything that makes Massachusetts special.

“And thanks to the hard work and brains of the folks in our business community, many of whom have traveled to Israel as part of our delegation, we had a lot to pitch GE on.

“This year, Bloomberg and the Milken Institute both named Massachusetts the most innovative state in the US -- and the US Chamber of Commerce has ranked Boston as the region best positioned to lead entrepreneurial growth and innovation in the digital economy.

“We produce the greatest density of science and technology graduates in the U.S., we have the country’s best-educated workforce, and we attract more federal funding for research and development than nearly any other state in the US. 

“The companies and institutions that call Massachusetts home do things no one else in the U.S. can do, and make things no one else in the US can make -- we innovate, we incubate new ideas, and we grow them to scale. 

“Massachusetts boasts an unrivaled startup culture -- we attract more venture capital investment, as a share of GDP, than anywhere else in the US.

“And just as importantly, we’ve built systems for nurturing and accelerating the growth of young companies:

                 “in Greentown Labs, the country’s largest cleantech incubator;

                 “in the Cambridge Innovation Center, which has launched $4 billion in new public companies, and helped companies like Google and Facebook scale up in Massachusetts;

                 “and in MassChallenge, the world’s largest startup accelerator, and an institution we’re proud to say has successfully expanded to Jerusalem.

                 “Our administration has substantially increased Massachusetts’s investment in workforce development – including $45 million over the next three years in workforce training equipment.

“In close partnership with industry, this investment will prepare the next generation of Massachusetts workers to seize jobs in fields like computer science, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and engineering.

“Four in every ten Massachusetts workers, work in innovation -- and because we boast an innovation ecosystem of unparalleled density, there is no better place in the world for you to expand, and grow to scale, than Massachusetts. 

“We are home to many of the world’s most significant research and medical institutions, and some of the most innovative employers in the world.
We have a rich community of innovators, an unbeatable startup culture, and the incubators, accelerators, funders, and partners to help them grow to scale.

“We thought we had a compelling pitch about the power and diversity of our innovation ecosystem, the talent of our workforce, the vibrancy of our communities, and the promise of the new technologies our researchers unlock every day -- and we’re thrilled that GE agreed.

“When Jeff Immelt announced Boston as GE’s new headquarters, he said he wanted GE to be at the center of an ecosystem that shares GE’s aspirations.

“That’s as strong an endorsement as any government official could ever receive.

“GE’s new Boston headquarters is still under development.

“The full company operation, with 200 corporate staff, and 600 innovators working in the design and development of digital industrial products across Current, GE Digital, robotics, and Life Sciences, is still many months down the road. 

“But even though Jeff and his team have only been working from their temporary space in Boston for a little while now, we’ve already seen the promise of the work that will emanate from GE’s Massachusetts headquarters:

“In collaboration with GE and Massachusetts General Hospital, we have hosted a hackathon that explored new technological solutions to opioid addiction;

                 “For the first time, GE has launched a high-school-level internship in science, technology, engineering, and math, in coordination with our Administration’s STEM council;

                 “GE is engaging the Boston Public Schools in a $25 million effort to build career pipelines, in computer science and engineering;

                 “GE has partnered with Northeastern University to launch a pioneering new bachelor’s degree in Advanced Manufacturing, with the majority of learning happening on the job site;

                 “GE is collaborating with Boston Children’s Hospital, to deliver software solutions that will improve the diagnosis of pediatric brain disorders;

                 “GE is investing $7.5 million to advance MIT’s research into low-carbon energy solutions;

                 “GE has committed to opening a new innovation center, and has signed on as a diamond-level sponsor of MassChallenge;

“And GE is serving on a public-private advisory council that is helping me and my staff cement Massachusetts’s global leadership in digital health.

“GE’s presence in Boston is helping to grow jobs, improve our citizens’ health, and equip residents with the skills they need to secure jobs that unlock the future -- that’s a lot of impact in a few short months. 

“It shows what’s possible, when corporate citizenship and economic development align -- and demonstrates why we’re so excited to have a generation of GE leadership living and working in Massachusetts.

“Our administration is harnessing our innovation ecosystem to drive job growth in new technologies, investing in the development and commercialization of advanced materials and communications systems. 

“We welcomed GE, because GE is building its future in the same areas where Massachusetts is building our economic future: in life sciences and digital health; in cleantech; in advanced manufacturing; and in smart, connected machines and devices. 

“Our strengths, as a state, are GE’s strengths -- that’s why we’re so bullish on our collective futures.

“GE came to Massachusetts on the strengths of our innovation ecosystem, and GE’s work will make our innovation economy exponentially stronger.

“By working in the spaces GE works in, we expect Massachusetts, as a whole, will see greater inflows of talented workers, increased investment in research and development and venture capital, and expanded partnership opportunities for business. 

“And we expect that GE’s new headquarters will help strengthen the deep and enduring partnerships that exist between Massachusetts and Israel.

“The work happening here, at GE in Israel, is impressive -- delivering new advances in health care, cybersecurity, clean energy, and the industrial internet.

“GE Ventures, which will have a major Boston presence, has a dozen active investments in Israel.

“The connections that exist between GE and Israel -- in research, and in investment relationships -- are the same types of connections that we are here, in Israel, to advance.

“We are here to advance collaborative efforts on research and business development.

“We are here to increase the flow of investment between our two states, and to invite Israeli companies to grow in Massachusetts.
The deep, multi-layered ties between GE’s American and Israeli operations, and GE’s recent commitment to Massachusetts, make the bilateral innovation agenda we are advancing here even more significant. 

“GE makes those ties even more meaningful, forges stronger connection points, and expands the opportunities for collaboration that exist between our two states.”

Governor Baker and Israeli Chief Scientist Hasson Announce Bilateral Agreement to Spur Cooperation in Research and Development


TEL AVIV – Today, Governor Charlie Baker joined Israeli Chief Scientist Avi Hasson and Economic Minister to North America Inon Elroy to announce a bilateral cooperation agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of Israel on partnerships in research and business development.

"This bilateral agreement reaffirms Massachusetts's special relationship with the State of Israel by renewing our commitment to work with our Israeli partners on research and business development," said Governor Baker. "By providing a new foundation for cooperative research and development activities, this agreement will enhance the Commonwealth's economic competitiveness, spur new innovations in emerging technology fields, and advance our commitment to growing jobs across Massachusetts." 

"The Israel-Massachusetts ongoing partnership is an essential pillar in R&D collaboration,” said Avi Hasson, Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Economy of the State of Israel. “These strong links play an important role in promoting innovation and creating innovative solutions. I am assured both industries, from Israel and Massachusetts, will benefit from such relations and will generate high quality innovative projects leading to the creation of strong economic ties. "
The new cooperation agreement between the two governments commits Massachusetts and Israel to strengthening their economic, industrial, technological, and commercial cooperation, by identifying and advancing joint research and development efforts that will lead to the commercialization of new products, in the global marketplace. The agreement also facilitates bilateral business development efforts. 

The Governor, Chief Scientist and Economic Minister met today for a discussion on government’s role in fostering innovation economies through the development of commercial research and public private partnerships prior to announcing the agreement. The agreement comes as part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s Economic Development Mission to Israel to focus on leveraging the Commonwealth’s unique and innovative economic climate to welcome Israel’s global leadership in cybersecurity and digital health.

The mission builds on the Commonwealth’s unique and existing relationship with Israel. According to the NEIBC’s 3rd edition economic impact study, Israeli-founded companies in Massachusetts booked over $9 billion in revenue in 2015 – nearly 4 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – and employed 9,000 workers. The study also found that the growth rate of Israeli companies in Massachusetts is four times that of the Massachusetts economy as a whole.



Governor Baker Moderates Digital Health Discussion at U.S.- Israel Growth Summit

TEL AVIV – Governor Charlie Baker today moderated a discussion between Athena Health CEO and President, Jonathan Bush, and Optum Inc. CEO, Larry Renfro, entitled “From Startup to Fortune 500 Digital Health Company in the USA” at the U.S.-Israel Growth Summit held at Tel Aviv University. The U.S.-Israel Growth Summit brings an unprecedented number of CEOs, CIOs, government officials, and higher education officials together with Israeli digital health and cybersecurity businesses of all sizes for the first time ever. 

“Our administration is committed to investing in the revolutionary technologies that will underpin the next generation of digital health developments,” said Governor Baker. “Showcasing two very successful members of the Massachusetts digital health economy and highlighting our talent pool, innovative economy, investment opportunities, and collaborative environment before the Israeli business community was a tremendous opportunity.” 

“Together with Governor Baker and the members of the Massachusetts Digital Health Council, we are looking forward to exploring the enormous technological innovations taking place in Israel and across other geographic and market sectors,” said Jonathan Bush, CEO of athenahealth, “Massachusetts continues to be a breeding ground for healthcare talent and breakthroughs. Now, as we experience the effects of networks and the power of the cloud – we have the opportunity to blend our existing knowledge with global technology expertise and capabilities to drive new levels of clinical and financial performance across the healthcare industry."
“We know from experience that bringing Israeli and Bay State leaders together, face to face, is a critically important means of forging strong bonds and real, bilateral economic engagement over the long term,” said Dan Trajman, CEO of the New England Israel Business Council. “Our mission's particular focus on digital health is a testament to the many synergies and opportunities presented by innovators in Israel and Massachusetts that are making tremendous strides in this field."
The half-day conference showcased Massachusetts’ burgeoning digital health and cybersecurity industries. In January, the Governor announced a comprehensive public-private initiative aimed at making Massachusetts the national leader in digital health. Massachusetts’ existing strength in medical devices, information technology, health care delivery, the life sciences, and insurance, combined with the region’s research leadership in emerging fields like big data, advanced materials, and the internet of things, puts the Commonwealth Massachusetts in a unique position to capitalize on the technological convergence trends that are creating digital health. 

Earlier this year, Bloomberg and the Milken Institute named Massachusetts the most innovative state in the country and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranked Boston as the place best positioned to lead the digital economy.

A strong cybersecurity underpinning is also necessary for digital health to reach its potential. Home to thirty-five of the most innovative cybersecurity companies in the country and several advanced academic programs focused on the topic, Massachusetts is a natural partner and presents tremendous opportunity for Israeli companies seeking foreign customers or a location to grow to scale outside of their country. More than 200 Israeli-founded businesses already operate in greater Boston, generating $9.3 billion worth of revenue, which accounted for 4% of the state’s GDP in 2015.

Cybersecurity is a foundational piece for Massachusetts’ larger emerging technology economy. The Commonwealth’s researchers and employers are advancing a world where many daily functions, from using a medical device, to self-driving cars, to heavy industrial machinery, are wired to the internet and in need of electronic security.


The Summit was organized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Economic Mission to Israel, led by Governor Baker and the Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center, with an aim on connecting the Israeli digital health and cybersecurity businesses ecosystem with high-ranking members of the delegation. Several topics were discussed throughout the Summit in addition to cybersecurity and digital health, including: U.S. market access, emerging trends, industry challenges, the investment landscape, and opportunities for growth. 

Baker-Polito Administration Reaches Agreement with Transportation Network Companies to Begin Implementation of Nation's Most Comprehensive State Background Checks
Voluntary agreements with Uber and Lyft begins implementation of public safety requirements of new TNC law one year ahead of schedule

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that the two largest Transportation Network Companies (TNC) in Massachusetts have entered into agreements with the state, ensuring the immediate implementation of the most stringent ride-for-hire background check system of any state in the country. 

The agreements were executed individually between the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and Uber and Lyft. The agreements require the companies to begin background checks for all TNC drivers operating within the Commonwealth by January 6, 2017, and guarantees that every TNC driver in the Commonwealth will have passed the state background check no later than April 3, 2017.  

“The safety and security of the riding public is our top priority, and I am pleased this agreement will set a national standard for the most comprehensive state background checks for TNC drivers in the country,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With the signing of these agreements, consumers who take advantage of the innovative technology services provided by Transportation Network Companies can have confidence that the driver has undergone a thorough background check that includes both criminal and driving records.”

Background checks will begin a year ahead of schedule, highlighting the administration’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of consumers utilizing transportation network services in accordance with An Act Regulating Transportation Network Companies.

“It is incredibly important that drivers employed with Transportation Network Companies are fully vetted before transporting people, along with their families, to their destinations,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “By taking proactive steps with Uber and Lyft, our Administration is underscoring our dedication to safe travel options for all.”

Under the voluntary agreements, background checks will be conducted by the DPU’s newly created Transportation Network Company Division. Drivers employed by Uber and Lyft will undergo a full state Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check, including confirmation that the driver is not a registered sex offender. Additionally, drivers will be subjected to a bi-annual national commercial background check conducted by the TNC companies. Drivers who do not meet the suitability standards set forth in the agreements will not be permitted to operate in Massachusetts.
  
“Transportation network companies have driven a tremendous amount of change in this industry, and with that change comes a responsibility to make sure that passengers using these services are as safe as they can be,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Daniel Bennett. “I am pleased that the leading transportation network companies have agreed to have their drivers undergo a full state Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check.”

In August, Governor Charlie Baker signed bipartisan legislation that created a modern statewide regulatory framework for TNCs within Massachusetts. The legislation, H. 4570, includes several components for the protection of consumers including support for transparent pricing, properly marked and inspected vehicles, clear insurance standards, authorization of service at Boston Logan International Airport and the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC), and the strongest state background check requirements in the nation.

“Public safety is the highest priority of the Department of Public Utilities’ Transportation Network Company Division,” said Department of Public Utilities Chairman Angela O’Connor. “By entering into these agreements, the TNC Division can immediately implement a comprehensive background check system that will protect consumers and enhance public safety, while allowing cutting edge technology companies to succeed here in the Commonwealth.”

As public safety aspects are implemented under these agreements, the DPU will continue to prepare draft regulations for public review and comment in 2017, ensuring that all remaining aspects of the TNC law are implemented on schedule.  

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $250,000 in Conservation District Innovation Grants

BOSTON - November 28, 2016 - The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a total of $250,000 in grant funding for eight of Massachusetts’ 13 conservation districts located throughout the Commonwealth. Conservation districts are not for profit entities comprised of locally elected boards dedicated to the conservation of natural resources within a region or area, that work cooperatively with municipal, state and federal agencies to preserve and protect natural resources at the local level by promoting best management land practices.

“Conservation District Innovation Grants will not only give financial support to local conservation districts who work incredibly hard to promote good stewardship practices within the Commonwealth, but they also underscore our administration’s commitment to serving as a reliable partner to cities, towns and local entities like these districts,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

“The Baker-Polito Administration places a high priority on taking care of the soil, water and other natural resources in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “By providing these grants, we‘re supporting local grass roots organizations in communities throughout the Commonwealth and their important mission to conserve our natural resources for future generations to benefit from.”

The Conservation District Innovation Grant funds are provided by the 2014 Environmental Bond Bill, and distributed by the Division of Conservation Services’ (DCS) State Commission for Conservation of Soil, Water & Related Resources within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA).

“Protecting our state’s natural resources is an important part of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ mission, and I am proud that these grants will truly benefit worthwhile causes throughout our state,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton.“Importantly, these funds provide districts critical financial support as they prioritize vital land conservation projects across the Commonwealth.”

Historically, conservation districts formed not long after the 1930s’ “Dust Bowl” as a way to promote and implement good land stewardship practices. Today, almost 3,000 conservation districts are organized throughout the country and within every state. Work conducted by conservation districts includes conservation planning assistance on public and private property, soil survey reports, conservation tree seedling sales, training workshops, sediment and erosion control technical assistance, and conservation education programs.

The following districts are recipients of the Conservation District Innovation Grant Awards:

Conservation District
Grant Proposals
District
Project Description
Funding
Cape Cod
This project will continue work on the Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project Plan. Existing projects will be inspected and inventoried. Additionally, the implementation of remaining projects will be prioritized.
$42,000
Worcester
The CDI will promote healthy soils and conservation practices. Additionally, assistance to landowners will provided to help navigate nutrient management regulations by facilitating testing and interpretation of results. Conservation and nutrient management plans will be developed with a special focus on land within the Long Island Sound watershed.
$42,000
Franklin
A pilot erosion hazard mapping tool for use at a municipal scale will be developed. This tool will be based off of The Nature Conservancy's Active River Area system but on a much smaller scale, and fine-tuned for use within single river corridors.
$42,000
Hampden/Hampshire
The Healthy Watershed Initiative intends to provide outreach, education, and technical assistance to Hampden and Hampshire county landowners to address issues such as soil health within the Lake Warner/Mill River area.
$42,000
Plymouth
The CDI grant will facilitate the development of a pollinator habitat demonstration site located at the USDA/NRCS Service Center in West Wareham. The total area is approximately a half acre of native vegetation, and the project will provide educational and training opportunities for farmers throughout the region.
$42,000
Dukes
The CDI will focus on the 500 acre Tisbury Great Pond watershed and the agricultural impacts from nitrogen and other practices as previously prioritized in the Mass. Estuaries Project. Additionally, the funding will help develop conservation plans and explore opportunities for farmers to receive funding assistance.
$26,000
Berkshire
The CDI “Basic” level grant will be combined with District funds and used to hire a part-time administrator to develop work plans, budgets, and a five year strategic plan.
$7,000
Middlesex
The “Basic” level grant will used to work with Agricultural Commissions and urban agricultural groups to preserve agricultural land, support local food production, and increase access to land for beginning farmers.
$7,000

“As stewards of the environment we have a duty to protect our natural resources by supporting the work of local Conservation Districts,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “The grant funding for these organizations will help protect and conserve our natural environment for future generations.”

“These innovation grants are another example of the commitment that the Baker administration has made to environmental preservation,” said State Representative Todd Smola (R-Warren). “These funds will help promote conservation efforts at the local level and advance projects that promote our natural resources. I applaud Governor Baker and his team for their dedication to this effort.”

“As Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, I made it a priority to include funding for conservation districts in the 2014 Environmental Bond Bill,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer). “Conservation districts play an important role in preserving natural resources and I commend the Baker-Polito Administration for making the commitment to support them.”

“I thank the Baker-Polito Administration for its commitment to improving conservation practices across the Commonwealth,” said State Senate Majority Leader Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester). “I am pleased that Worcester is a recipient of a Conservation District Innovation Grant and look forward to seeing how assistance to landowners will be provided and how conservation and nutrient management plans will be developed.”

“I thank Secretary Beaton and the Baker-Polito Administration for supporting these innovative land stewardship initiatives through our region's Conservation Districts,” said State Representative Stephen Kulik (D-Worthington). “The protection and conservation of property, especially productive agricultural lands, through improved management of our rivers and waterways is a smart investment for both the environment and our region's economy.”

“These grant awards will help to support many important farming and conservation initiatives, not only in Middlesex County, but throughout the Commonwealth,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading).  “I commend Secretary Beaton and the Baker-Polito Administration for their continuing efforts to protect our natural resources for both current and future 

Governor Baker Releases Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Proposal
$39.6 billion budget invests in education, workforce development, and local aid without raising taxes; budgets for Stabilization Fund deposit and significantly reduces reliance on one-time solutions

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration filed its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17), known as “House 2,” which continues the multi-year effort of bringing state spending in line with revenues, significantly reducing the state’s reliance on one-time solutions, and budgeting for a sizable deposit into the stabilization fund. The administration’s plan recommends key investments in education, local aid, addressing substance misuse, workforce development, transportation, and the Department of Children and Families (DCF), all without raising taxes or fees.

“This year’s budget sets the table for fiscal responsibility and a strong economic environment, without raising taxes or fees on our hardworking families,” said Governor Baker.  “Our proposal makes targeted investments in transportation, education, the Department of Children and Families and fulfills our commitment to cities and towns to bolster local aid as we aim to make Massachusetts great in every community.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration understands we can only be as strong as the communities we serve and our budget plan increases local aid and education funding, including a new IT program for the Community Compact Cabinet,”said Lt. Governor Polito. “As chair of the Governor’s Council to address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, I am also pleased to announce new investments to support law enforcement training to strengthen resources and make our communities safer for families across the Commonwealth.”  

“This budget proposal continues the administration’s progress to getting the Commonwealth back on the path of fiscal sustainability,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore.  “The state’s long term fiscal health depends on the Commonwealth getting to structural balance and our ability to put money into the Stabilization Fund while the economy is growing.”


INVESTING IN MASSACHUSETTS

Investing in Great Communities:
·       Increases unrestricted local aid by 4.3%, equal to 100% of the consensus revenue growth rate for state tax revenue. 
·       Continues the Community Compact program to provide technical assistance to over 100 communities in financial planning, economic development, regionalization and a new program to create a domestic violence prevention training toolkit for communities.
·       Funds the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Fun and Safe Summer Program, to extend hours and offer safe, productive alternatives for families at certain pools and athletic complexes in the Commonwealth’s cities.
·       Funds over 20 million meals through the Department of Agricultural Resources’ Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program for members of the Commonwealth in need.
·       Provides $2 million in assistance to the Department of Veterans Services for housing programs. 
·       $3 million of Urban Agenda grants will fund grassroots economic development in urban communities and unlock community-driven responses to local economic opportunities through partnership building, problem solving, and shared accountability.
·       Provides $200,000 for an Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under the Governor’s Office and Executive Office for Administration and Finance to engage and assist community, faith-based, and not-for-profit organizations in identifying resources that advance their service offerings and promote volunteerism, civic engagement, and grassroots community development.
Making Massachusetts Schools Great:
·       Increases Chapter 70 education funding by $72.1 million.
·       Supports $18.6 million for a redesigned quality kindergarten grant program to assist communities in achieving tuition-free, full-day kindergarten.
·       Adds over $20 million for a revised charter school reimbursement formula to reimburse towns.
·       Supports the development of a next generation MCAS with $5.6 million.
·       Directs funds to support children and families who are most at risk in a number of ways, including:
o   $8.3 million for over 1,500 vouchers for the Department of Transitional Assistance’s (DTA) Stabilizing the Working Poor initiative;
o   $4.3 million to fund 600 childcare vouchers for children in DCF care;
o   $1 million for quality improvements at Early Education and Care for better assessments, accreditation assistance, and professional development.
Preparing Massachusetts Workers for Great Jobs:
·       More than $136 million in the proposal is dedicated to workforce training initiatives across several secretariats, including:
o   $5 million to support recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Persons Facing Chronically Higher Rates of Unemployment;
o   $17 million for career technical education and STEM programs;
o   $11.5 million for the Summer Jobs for At Risk Youth program;
o   $12 million for the Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Program.
Battling the Opioid and Heroin Epidemic:
·       Funds 150 adult residential treatment beds that will come online to help address the Commonwealth’s substance misuse epidemic.
·        Over $140 million to support investments in substance misuse prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services at the Department of Public Health (DPH).
·       $13 million in new funding for the Department of Mental Health (DMH) will support 45 substance use treatment beds (beyond the 150) at the Taunton State Hospital, in order to end the long standing practice of civilly committing women to MCI-Framingham. 
Investing in the Department of Children and Families:
·       The Department of Children and Families will receive $30.5 million in new funding under the Governor’s proposal.
·       The FY17 budget supports 281 new hires at DCF, which will mark 600 new employees at the agency since the beginning of the Baker-Polito Administration.
·       Another $5 million in new funding will go toward initiatives to decouple area offices, achieve a 4:1 ratio of supervisors to area program managers, and support additional domestic violence and substance abuse specialists.
Investing in Public Transportation:
·       As recommended by the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board, House 2 directs $187 million in additional contract assistance to the MBTA, sustaining the 50% ($64 million) increase made in FY16 – in addition to the $1.001B the T will receive from sales tax and other general revenue.
·       $500,000 increase for reforms at the Registry of Motor Vehicles to reduce wait times and update IT systems. 
Public Safety Support:
·       Funding for new positions at the State Police crime lab, the Sex Offender Registry Board, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. 
·       The FY17 budget proposal also provides $1.4 million to aid state and local police in their fight against drug traffickers, particularly in many Gateway Cities.  

FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE REFORMS

·       The budget plans for at least a $206 million deposit into the state’s Stabilization Fund. The deposit could increase to $282.5 million should the Mass Gaming Commission issue a license to the Region C (Southeastern, MA) Facility in FY17. 
·       The FY17 House 2 budget proposal makes significant progress towards eliminating the long-term structural imbalance identified last year by reducing the identified gap from $1.8 billion in FY16 to $635 million in FY17. 
·       The use of one-time budget solutions is down by nearly $1 billion over the past two years, from $1.2 billion in FY15 to $253 million in FY17.
·       Spending growth in this proposal is around 3.5% above the FY16 General Appropriations Act and continues progress in keeping MassHealth spending, which accounts for over one-third of the state budget, to 5% gross growth over the FY16 GAA.
·       Along with announcing today’s budget proposal, the Governor simultaneously filed a bill that would largely return the film tax to its original form by reinstituting a per-project cap and making them no longer refundable. The budget proposes reinvesting the savings from this bill into increasing the supply of affordable and workforce housing and improving the state’s economic competitiveness and job growth opportunities.


Baker-Polito Administration Announces Housing Vouchers For Homeless Veterans

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a program that will provide homeless veterans with housing services. Under the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, the administration is allocating 65 rental vouchers to chronically homeless veterans who were identified by the local veterans’ committees across the Commonwealth. These vouchers can be used to pay for rental units and will assist the Commonwealth in its goal of ending veteran’s homelessness.

“Veterans Day is not only a day to recognize the invaluable contribution our veterans have made to our state and our country, but to consider the services necessary to enable their success later in life,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “What better way to repay our veterans for their sacrifices than to ensure they have a place to call their own.”

To receive vouchers, individuals were identified by the local Continuum of Care’s (CoC)’s veterans’ committees. The CoC’s worked closely with the Department of Veterans Services to create accurate lists of individuals who would immediately benefit from this community-based response to veteran homelessness.

Governor Baker Signs Fiscal Year 2016 Budget; Enacts MBTA Reforms
Administration also files Fiscal Year 2015 year-end supplemental legislation which includes funding for local snow relief, homelessness, opioid prevention

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today signed the Fiscal Year 2016 budget into law, reflecting the administration’s priorities for responsible, smarter government and better communities, schools and jobs for Massachusetts.  The $38.117 billion spending plan, which holds growth to a responsible 3% over the previous fiscal year, solves a $1.8 billion structural deficit without new taxes, makes critical investments in local aid, education and transportation, and gives the administration many new tools to fix the troubled MBTA including the creation of the MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board and the three-year suspension of the Commonwealth’s anti-privatization law.

Additionally, a year-end supplemental budget was filed today to support the Commonwealth’s cities and towns for historic winter weather and snow removal costs, family homelessness prevention and combatting opioid abuse, while paying down debt in advance and increasing the balance of the Stabilization Fund for the first time in three years.

“I’m proud to have signed a fiscally responsible budget that prioritizes Massachusetts’ jobs, communities and schools, without raising taxes, by investing in transportation, local aid, education and providing tax relief for over 400,000 working individuals and families,” said Governor Baker. “As we implement our vision for a greater Massachusetts, we look forward to beginning the work of fixing the MBTA, investing in vital services for our most vulnerable, and curbing the opioid epidemic that has claimed far too many lives.  Putting the state back on solid fiscal footing will play a major role in making our Commonwealth a better place to live, work and raise our families.”

In addition to avoiding new taxes, the Fiscal Year 2016 budget protects the anticipated reduction in the state income tax to 5.1% on January 1, 2016 and boosts the Earned Income Tax Credit from 15% to 23%, helping over 400,000 low income individuals and working families.

“This budget delivers on our commitment to our cities and towns, increasing local aid in a way that reflects the Commonwealth’s growing economy and invests $2.6 million worth of Community Compact Cabinet grants we initiated early in our administration,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are proud to expand on our partnership with municipal officials statewide, promoting best practices and providing critical levels of local support, in order to drive economic growth and stronger communities throughout the Commonwealth.”

Other highlights of the signed budget include an increase in unrestricted local aid by 75% of tax revenue growth, support for an additional $111 million in Chapter 70 local education funding to its highest level ever, and funding for summer jobs up to an historic high of $11.5 million. Additionally, the budget invests $10 million in the I-Cubed public private partnership program for economic development, $2 million in development grants in urban communities as part of the administration’s Urban Agenda and $1 million for the Transformative Development Initiative’s support of Gateway Cities.

“I want to thank our colleagues in the Legislature for their collaboration on fixing a serious spending problem,” said Secretary for Administration and Finance, Kristen Lepore. “Our ability to keep spending responsibly below revenue projections and implement sound budgeting practices, like reducing our use of one-time solutions and not drawing down on the rainy day fund, will have a positive impact on the long-term fiscal health of the Commonwealth.”

Recognizing the growing opioid epidemic and the work of the Governor’s Opioid Working Group, the budget supports $111 million in substance abuse prevention and treatment efforts, with an additional $28 million included in the supplemental budget. The Fiscal Year 2016 budget includes more than $21 billion in support for Health and Human Services and increases support for the mission of the Department of Children and Families by 4.3%. The budget signed by the governor also supports increased funding for autism services and veterans.

While the administration is proud to achieve so many accomplishments in its first budget enactment, it also recognizes several revenue and spending items within the conference committee report which require corrective action.

The administration has identified $83 million in additional spending over its original House 1 proposal, and recognizes several underfunded accounts, such as the Committee for Public Counsel Services and the Emergency Assistance program, which need to be funded at higher levels later in the fiscal year. It also anticipates that non-tax, departmental revenue will come in lower than initially projected for Fiscal Year 2016. 

Accordingly, this budget reflects $162 million in line-item and outside sections vetoes, including $38 million in earmarks, and proposes to use surplus money from Fiscal Year 2015 to make advance payments and retire debt early to achieve upfront savings.



The budget will be updated at the following link after the Governor signs it:http://www.mass.gov/bb/h1/fy16h1/

Baker-Polito Administration Pledges Funding to Allow for Full Redevelopment of Union Station
$12 million commitment fills remaining gap to realize vision of modern intermodal transportation center
SPRINGFIELD – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito committed the remaining funds necessary to reach the total goal required to complete the redevelopment of Union Station in Springfield.  Lt. Governor Polito joined Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Congressman Richard E. Neal and Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack for today’s announcement.
The $12 million commitment is a combined sum from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation that brings the total amount of federal, state and local funding to $88.5 million, the amount needed to achieve the complete station redevelopment project.
 “With access to the east-west and north-south interstate highways, and corresponding rail corridors, the city of Springfield is strategically situated at the transportation crossroads of New England,” said Governor Baker.  “The funding we are pledging today will allow for the redevelopment of Union Station to capitalize on those connections, and rebuild the station into a regional transit hub that provides more options in a modernized building with space for new economic activity and growth.”
When complete, the revitalized Union Station will have 66,000 square feet of leasable commercial space, a 26-bay open-air bus terminal, a new six-level parking garage, a completely renovated terminal building, a reactivated passenger tunnel and a new ADA-compliant rail boarding platform.  The redeveloped Union Station is expected to support approximately 200 permanent jobs. 
“Springfield plays a key role in the regional economy, and by providing this funding support, we are sending a strong signal that we value this city’s importance to the region, and can see its future potential,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.  “In addition to serving as a transit hub, Union Station also holds the promise of sparking a revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood.” 
The Springfield Redevelopment Authority is the owner and designated developer of Union Station, and has been leading efforts to advocate for resources to advance this project since 2010.  Initial construction efforts began in early 2014, and this $12 million commitment will ensure that an economically viable infrastructure project, that has the potential to fuel economic development, will be fully operational in 2016.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “I would like to thank Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito for this significant grant that will allow for the full redevelopment of Springfield Union Station. With substantial money secured by Congressman Richard E. Neal this grant will allow for a full build of the planned two phase redevelopment. When completed the region will have a modern Intermodal transportation center and Springfield will have long time vacant building completely redeveloped.”  
“Nearly 38 years ago to the day, I stood in the grand concourse of Union Station and talked about its place in our city’s history, but how it could also become a significant part of Springfield’s future. Roughly four decades later, after a considerable amount of time and effort, that vision has become a reality. With today’s final funding announcement, we are one step closer to the completion of a new $90 million intermodal transportation center that has the potential of transforming the city’s north blocks. I look forward to the historic re-opening of this iconic structure in the fall of next year,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal.
“I’m excited that we can help push this project over the last funding hurdle so that Union Station can begin a new era as a transit hub for Springfield and the region, and that can also lead to new partnerships that will result in the development of transit-oriented development, new economic activity, and more transportation choices for region,” said MassDOT Secretary Stephanie Pollack.
“The redevelopment of Union Station transforms a once dormant, blighted property into a vibrant mixed-use multimodal regional transit hub, creating new opportunities and supporting existing development efforts in the city. The $2.4 million in MassWorks funds leverage MassDOT’s available federal funding, and will ensure the completion of this regionally significant project,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. 
Of the $12 million, $9.6 million has been allocated by MassDOT from Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality federal funding, the remaining $2.4 million, which represents a required match to leverage the federal funds, has been allocated by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development through the MassWorks Infrastructure Program. Construction is expected to reach full build out and be complete by the fall of 2016.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces FY 16 Budget To Include Tax Amnesty Program
First non-filer program in over ten years to run in FY 16, generate $100M

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced that the 2016 fiscal year budget proposal will include a tax amnesty program to generate $100M.  The program is for taxpayers of all tax types who have not previously filed in Massachusetts (non-registrants), plus taxpayers known to DOR who have not filed and have not yet been assessed by the Department of Revenue (DOR) for failing to file.  The amnesty program would run for all of fiscal year 2016.

“Creating incentives for businesses to follow through and pay what they owe will help generate much needed revenue as our administration fixes the budget problems we inherited and brings filers into the system for future payments,” said Governor Baker. “This amnesty program will help craft a fiscally responsible budget that protects taxpayers, delivers much needed services to those who need it the most while protecting local aid for our cities and towns.”

The last non-filer tax amnesty program ran in 2002, and generated $176 million.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Health Connector, MassHealth Appointments

New executive director to assume role at the Connector as MassHealth Director position elevated to Assistant Secretary role

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today announced two key healthcare appointments who will be tasked with ensuring that Massachusetts’ Medicaid population are receiving proper coverage and that healthcare consumers have the tools necessary and readily available to seek out insurance on the private market and Connector website. 

Governor Baker announced the position of Director of MassHealth will be elevated to Assistant Secretary for MassHealth under Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders and appointed Daniel Tsai to that post. This change in designation will allow for enhanced coordination between MassHealth and other state agencies and empower policy, payment and service reforms needed to benefit members and the Commonwealth.

Louis Gutierrez, a longtime information technology and planning specialist in the private sector and state government, was announced as the Executive Director for the Massachusetts Health Connector. Mr. Gutierrez will be officially appointed to the post by Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore under her office’s statutory authority as Chair of the Health Connector Board of Directors.

“Massachusetts has long been a leader in healthcare reform, but we must always look for ways to improve on how we serve those in need and ensure our residents have the information needed to find affordable coverage,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am confident in Daniel’s ability to fill this new and expanded role as Assistant Secretary to facilitate further cooperation among agencies who assist and care for our Medicaid population, and Louis’ talent will be a welcome voice and mind for those families and individuals searching for quality and affordable healthcare.”

"I believe deeply in the mission of MassHealth and the important services it provides for our most vulnerable populations," said Daniel Tsai. "I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity to work with Governor Baker and Secretary Sudders to enhance the voice of these individuals in state government."

“Rapidly evolving technology presents us every day with new opportunities and unique challenges to improve operations and services to our consumers -- in this case, healthcare for the people of Massachusetts,” said Louis Gutierrez. “I am looking forward to serving with Governor Baker as we work to streamline access to healthcare for those needing coverage for themselves and their families.”

MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program, provides access to critical, affordable and quality health care to the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable populations in the communities where they live. MassHealth serves 1.7 million low-and moderate-income individuals and individuals with disabilities, or approximately one in four Massachusetts residents. Through grants and demonstrations, MassHealth seeks to enhance the ability of hospitals and community health centers to more efficiently and effectively deliver integrated health care services to the MassHealth members they serve.

The Health Connector is Massachusetts’ own health insurance marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses to shop for health and dental coverage, helping Massachusetts to achieve the highest rate of health insurance coverage in the nation. Problems developing with the site last year cost hundreds of millions of dollars in recent technology fixes and temporary Medicaid coverage plans for over 300,000 residents, contributing to Massachusetts’ recently announced, $765 million budget deficit. 

About Daniel Tsai:

Daniel Tsai currently serves as a Partner in McKinsey & Company’s Healthcare Systems and Services practice, co-leading the firm’s Medicaid service line.  He has significant experience designing and implementing innovative, state-wide payment systems for Medicaid, Medicare and Commercial populations, and has worked closely with multiple Medicaid programs, private payers, and Fortune 50 health services companies. Tsai regularly leads workshops and conference sessions on health care payment and care delivery strategies and holds an A.B. in Applied Mathematics and Economics from Harvard.

About Louis Gutierrez: 

Louis Gutierrez has spent the last seven years as a principal in the Massachusetts-based IT consulting firm Exeter Group. Until this appointment, he served on the boards of directors of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and the New England Health Exchange Network. He is returning after previous roles in Massachusetts state government and information technology, including Chief Information Officer for the Commonwealth in the Romney, Weld and Celluci administrations where he was also an Assistant Secretary for Administration and Finance. Gutierrez also served as a Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Officer (CIO/CTO) at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care during its 1999-2002 corporate turnaround, and was a 2002 recipient of Computerworld’s Premier 100 award for distinguished CIOs.

Nam Pham, Assistant Secretary for Business Development

Nam Pham is currently the Executive Director for VietAID, the first community development corporation tasked with assisting the Vietnamese American population in the U.S. Pham has spent more than 20 years in non-profit, government and commercial banking, and coauthoring Lending Tool Kits for the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank. He served in the Weld and Celluci administrations' as Commissioner for the Office of Refugees and Immigrants. 

John Chapman, Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations

John Chapman's career includes professional experience as an attorney in the public, private and non-profit sectors, seven years of which were spent as a lawyer in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Enforcement Division. As a member of the Romney administration's reform team, Chapman served as the Commissioner for the Department of Industrial Accidents and Undersecretary for the Executive Office of Economic Development. He was most recently a candidate for U.S. Congress in Massachusetts' 9th District.


麻州候任州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)和候任副州長白莉朵(Karyn Polito)的交接小組,昨(十)日宣佈為麻州第72任州長的政府轉移,推出“偉大麻州(www.BeGreatMA.com.)”的數位樞紐。
            該網站將為民眾提供聯絡表,上載履歷表的工具。未來數週將繼續增加其他功能。
查理貝克的通訊主任白克雷(Tim Buckley)表示,打造一個強而有力,富經驗,不分黨派的團隊,是候任州長查理貝克目前的最優先要務。他們的目標是要撒出寬廣大網,迎進更多的符合資格申請者。他們希望任何有興趣加入查理貝克政府的人,都能利用這網站資源和他們聯絡。
查理貝克昨日一早和麻州下一任參議會議長羅森伯(Stanley C. Rosenberg),麻州中議會議長狄樂歐(Robert A. DeLeo),以及即將卸任的參議會議長泰瑞莎穆瑞(Therese Murray)等麻州議會領袖晤面,為新政府和議會打好關係下功夫。
坊間預測,查理貝克上任後,頭一百天的行程,將仿照,參考共和黨前州長威廉威爾德,以及瑟祿奇當年的安排。

查理貝克展開感謝選民之旅
November 10, 2014
 麻州候任州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker和妻子
蘿仁(Lauren)到南波士頓感謝選民。(周菊子攝)
(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 候任州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker ) 展開“感謝選民之旅“,昨(九)日一早先到”所有國家的感恩教堂(Grace Church of All Nations)“,再到南波士頓,北端(North End)與選民親切晤談。
 麻州候任州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker和妻子
蘿仁(Lauren)向南波士頓選民表示,也得感謝
波士頓市議員米高法拉提的幫助。(周菊子攝)
即將於十一月十三日慶祝五十八歲生日的查理貝克從當選以來,面對外界探問,都只強調他要挑選適任者,組織一個不分黨派的政府。他在當選以後陸續與媒體晤談時透露,有意推動修改競選獻金法,讓在位者無法得到太多的募款優勢;打算修訂政府聘用條例,要求政府單位在人事聘用上更為透明,公佈每一名申請者持有的證件,以及有沒任何政府官員,議員推薦等。
 米高法拉提(中)曾和尹常賢搭擋競選波士頓市長,
去年捲土重來得回到政壇,當選波市不分區市議員。
(周菊子攝)
由於查理貝克的兒子在他競選期間參加學校球賽,摔斷了手,送醫後,醫生開的藥竟是能讓人上癮的Percocet當談及上任後將推動哪些政策時,查理貝克因此激動表示,有意邀波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh),工會AFL-CIO董事長Steven Tolman等人組織一個聯盟,討論制定上癮政策(addiction policy)。
查理貝克在面對未來州政府的人事問題時,坦言自己有被來自四面八方的推薦“轟炸”之感,但感恩的表示,那都是人們出於好心,想要幫他忙。目前他還沒有做任何決定。
            昨日,感恩教堂牧師開玩笑的說,查理貝克從參選以來,到過該教堂那麼多次,已通過被接受為會員的出席次數條件了。
            查理貝克在致詞時表示,這次參選,他拜訪了很多別人認為他根本拿不到票的地方,但那又怎麼樣,他是為了競選成功,希望接觸到百分之百的所有選民,到底這場選舉的最終目的是要為麻州所有居民服務。
            感恩教堂牧師表示,他認為查理貝克是真正想要做好事的人。
            曾任波士頓市市長的雷夫連(Mayor Raymond Flynn),波士頓市議員查理楊西(Charles Yancey)昨日都到教堂去了。
            查理貝克昨日下午先到南波士頓L街客棧去感謝選民。他鑽到吧台後面,向廿,三十名選民說謝謝,應民眾要求拿起“我投票給查理(I voted for Charlie)“的標語牌,和選民一起合照,親切的和出席民眾閒談。他還特地點名感謝曾競選波士頓市長,現為波士頓不分區市議員的米高法拉提(Michael Flaherty)給他的支持。
            米高法拉提表示,當年查理貝克在州政府工作時,他們在州市合作的活動中有過接觸,建立起了友誼。
            一名出席感謝會的年輕南波士頓居民表示,南波士頓是個很特別的地方,保守派佔多數,儘管大多數居民登記為民主黨,投票時,尤其是選州長這一票,卻一向是投給共和黨,藉以支持州內的黨派平衡。
        他指出,不過,這次選舉,查理貝克在南波士頓的得票率高達60%,比許多人預料的54%左右高許多,查理貝克的感謝是很可以理解的。
            昨日下午,查理貝克還去了北端(North End)的勝利餐廳(Café Vittoria)去感謝選民。
查理貝克今(十)日將和麻州參議員羅森伯(Stanley Rosenberg ),以及麻州眾議會議長狄樂歐(Robert DeLeo)晤談,為政府交接做準備。

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