OFFICE HOURS IN HAVERHILL

State Representative Barbara L’Italien announces that she will be holding constituent office hours in Haverhill in Room 301 of City Hall.  Office hours will be held on Tuesday, October 13^th from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.  L’Italien represents the 18^th Essex District which includes Ward 2, Precincts 1 & 2; Ward 5, Precinct 2; and Ward 7, Precinct 2 in Haverhill.  All are welcome to attend.

House Unanimously Passes Environmental Bond Bill – Haverhill

Legislation will invest in park infrastructure, recreational facilities, DCR roads & bridges, land conservation and farmland

Boston – The House of Representatives unanimously approved a $1.6 billion environmental bond bill to preserve and improve the Commonwealth’s “green infrastructure” through targeted investments in open spaces, parks, beaches, and recreation facilities across Massachusetts.

“Investing in our environment today will have a positive impact on our Commonwealth for generations to come. The House has taken action to ensure communities across the state have the resources needed to maintain public parks, protect open spaces and keep their overall green infrastructure thriving,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover)

“With the passage of comprehensive energy and alternative fuels legislation this session, the House has made great strides to curb greenhouse gases and decrease waste in the Commonwealth. Our efforts to promote the use of green technology and alternative energy will have long-term benefits for our environment,” said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston).”With this bond bill, the House has taken another meaningful step to preserve Massachusetts’s natural resources by investing in state beaches, parks and open spaces.”

“This document, our first full bond in six years, sets the stage for our environmental work over the next half-decade. The bond is comprehensive, is generous in its bottom line, and puts us back on track after years of neglect,” said Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), Chairman of the Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “I’m particularly pleased to include authorization for subjects like climate change adaptation, land preservation, dam removal, and water supply protection.”

The bill provides over $600 million in borrowing authority for infrastructure and park assets, $250 million for design and construction of DCR-maintained bridges, and over $350 million for land conservation.

In addition to general authorizations, the bond bill includes funding for cities and towns to repair water infrastructure, acquire more open space, and maintain existing park properties.

Under the environmental bond bill adopted by the House, Haverhill will receive:

• $300,000 for the purchase of rail corridor east of the Basiliere Bridge and the redevelopment of a boat park on the Merrimack River by the public boat ramps
• $500,000 for improvements to the Winnekenni Castle Park

REPRESENTATIVE ANNOUNCES FUNDS FOR TRANSPORTATION – HAVERHILL

Boston, MA – State Representative Barbara A. L’Italien (D-Andover) announced today that the Transportation Bond Bill will include $2,500,000 in funding for projects in the City of Haverhill.

The transportation bond bill provides capital funding for the design, construction, and repair of roadway projects in the Commonwealth that do not receive federal funding. The legislation, engrossed by the House today, provides $500,000 for the purchase of railroad land, $500,000 for the design and construction of signage and intersection improvements at Route 97 and Lake Street and $1,500,000 for the design and construction of signage and intersection improvements at Lower Main Street and Farrwood Drive.

“The approval of these projects will mean a great deal to the people of Haverhill,” said Representative L’Italien. “Each of these undertakings will improve transportation and address the concerns voiced by residents.”

In addition to these crucial initiatives, the House version of the transportation bond bill also includes funding for regional transit authorities, Chapter 90 highway projects, and assistance for the protection of rail freight properties across the state. The bond bill now moves to the Senate and upon approval will go to the Governor’s desk for signature.

APPROPRIATION INCREASE FOR DIVISION ON AUTISM AND SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION

BOSTON, MA – Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover) today announced that a $2,400,000 increase was appropriated to the Division on Autism and a $2,000,000 appropriation was allocated to Special Education Out of District Transportation. Both were voted on favorably by the House.

The Division on Autism funding, now totaling $5,321,753, includes:

• $4M for the Autism Medicaid Waiver in order to support children with autism at risk of institutionalization in their home and communities ($2M of this will be reimbursed by Medicaid);
• $921,753 in funding to enable the division to provide much-needed services to autistic children;
• $200,000 for Melmark New England to provide training and support to families, educational collaboratives and public school districts on methods for coping with behavioral challenges associated with children who have autism
• $100,000 for New England Center for Children, Inc. to provide training and support to public school districts and families for the establishment of in district partner classrooms to serve children with autism
• $100,000 for Asperger’s Association of New England to provide support services to individuals with high functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome.

The $2,000,000 for Special Education Out of District Transportation is a first time spending initiative in the state budget and will help alleviate some of the burden on cities and towns who are struggling to make ends meet.

“This additional funding for special education transportation and autism will be extremely helpful for both the communities and the autism community,” said Representative L’Italien. “Special education transportation is a very costly but needed service and I am glad we were able to assist in covering some of the costs. Autism is a growing epidemic effecting 1 in 122 births in Massachusetts and we need to continue to provide essential services for families in need.”

The budget will now proceed to the Senate for further consideration. Any differences between the House and Senate budgets will be resolved in a Conference Committee before being sent to the Governor for his signature.

HOUSE PASSES EARLY LOCAL AID RESOLUTION (HAVERHILL)

$5.26 Billion Budgeted; Cities and Towns Held Harmless Despite Revenue Shortfall

BOSTON—State Representative Barbara L’Italien joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass an early local aid resolution that will increase state aid to cities and towns in the FY09 budget by $223 million. The resolution was agreed to by House and Senate budget writers and is expected to be debated in the Senate soon.

The resolution provides an increase in local aid representing a 4.43 percent hike over last year and includes the three major categories of local aid – Chapter 70 funding for public schools, lottery aid and additional assistance. Passage of a local aid resolution nearly four months before the start of the fiscal year will help Haverhill craft its municipal budget with greater confidence and accuracy. It guarantees that Haverhill will receive $36,078,018 in Chapter 70 educational aid, $2,503,145 in Additional Assistance funding and $9,729,028 in Lottery Distribution for a total of $48,310,191 in Fiscal Year 2009.

“Passage of this resolution nearly two months before we even debate the budget is a clear sign that the House has put addressing the needs of cities and towns high on the agenda,” stated Rep. L’Italien. “Despite a tough fiscal climate our support for local aid remains and we have provided a sustainable increase at a time when many other parts of the budget may see reductions.”

“Cities and towns need our help and, once again, the Legislature is increasing the two most critical needs of municipalities – schools and local aid,” Speaker DiMasi said. “While this difficult budget year demands cuts, efficiencies and wise spending throughout state government, I am pleased that this agreement ensures every community in the Commonwealth will see an increase in local aid based on dependable forms of revenue.”

“Rep. L’Italien has joined with us today in ensuring the Bay State’s cities and towns are protected even in these times of fiscal difficulty and uncertainty. Our resolve to help cities and towns has never been stronger and we demonstrate that local aid is a top priority year after year by giving municipalities billions of state dollars to help pay for basic local services,” said Representative Robert A. DeLeo, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means.

The resolution guarantees cities and towns will receive $935 million in unrestricted local aid, $811 million of which is generated by the Massachusetts Lottery and $124 million of which is allocated from the Commonwealth’s General Fund. Since the Lottery was “uncapped” by the Legislature in Fiscal Year 2007, all revenue other than prize money and a small amount for administration goes to municipalities.

In FY09, however, only $811 million is projected to be generated—$124 million less than was allocated last year. The Legislature’s budget will ensure the additional $124 million is distributed and that cities and towns are held harmless to last year’s allotment.

The local aid resolution also maintains a commitment made by the Legislature three years ago by increasing Chapter 70 allocations by $223 million to $3.95 billion. The increase comes as part of a five year plan to move individual school districts toward their target-aid contribution level. Under the Legislature’s plan, each school district would see an increase in Chapter 70 funding over last year.

Patrick Administration Grant to Fund Rail Trail in Haverhill

State Provides $400,000 to Convert Section of Rail Corridor for Recreation

HAVERHILL – Secretary Ian Bowles today announced that he had approved a grant of $400,000 to help the City of Haverhill acquire a soon-to-be abandoned section of railway for recreational trail and greenway. The City intends to use approximately 1.1 miles of rail corridor from the long-dormant “Georgetown Branch” owned by the Boston & Maine and Springfield Terminal railways to create a rail trail running along the south bank of the Merrimack River from the Comeau Bridge to Haverhill Paperboard.

The Bradford Rail Trail Project fits into other regional and state-supported trail efforts under way, linking two MBTA commuter rail stations, in Haverhill and Bradford, and leveraging $2 million in state and federal funds already allocated to the Haverhill Boardwalk on the north side of the Merrimack River in downtown Haverhill. The result will be a 2.5 mile walking loop that provides benefits to Haverhill’s downtown, local merchants, new residents filling Haverhill’s old mills, and tourists.

“Governor Patrick and I are glad to be able to provide state support for this worthy and timely project,” said Secretary Bowles. “The City of Haverhill is working hard to leverage its proud history and the natural beauty of the Merrimack River for a new era. The Bradford Rail Trail will become the latest amenity the City provides residents and visitors.”

“This rails to trails project provides the citizens of Haverhill a scenic and safe way to enjoy the outdoors and is an essential component to the continuing renaissance of the City of Haverhill” said Senator Steven Baddour. “I’d like to thank Secretary Bowles and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for their support and help in moving this project forward and I look forward to continue working with state and local officials to ensure a successful outcome.”

“I am thrilled the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has chosen to award Haverhill these funds,” said Representative Brian Dempsey. “Acquiring this parcel of land is an important step toward utilizing the Merrimack River for the ongoing development of downtown.”

“I am extremely pleased that the City of Haverhill is receiving these funds from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien. “These funds will assist the City in creating a new recreational area for the citizens to enjoy.”

“These are tough budget times, so it’s always good to see a little extra come Haverhill’s way,” said Representative Harriett Stanley.

DEP Water Pollution Abatement Trust Loan

Senator Steven A. Baddour and Representatives Brian S. Dempsey, Harriett L. Stanley and Barbara A. L’Italien have announced that the city of Haverhill will receive a low interest loan funded through the Water Pollution Abatement Trust from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The city will receive a 2% low interest loan in the amount of $600,000. This loan will be used for the planning phase associated with the Landfill Closure. MassDEP financed this project because it was deemed significant in terms of public health and environmental benefit.

“Capping landfill in Haverhill is an important project, and is expected to be very expensive” said Senator Steven A. Baddour. “I am very happy that DEP has chosen to prioritize the landfill closure by providing a low-interest loan to the City of Haverhill to help jump start this project.”

“During this economic climate, it’s advantageous to secure, from the state, such a low interest rate loan that will benefit the city in their plans for this land in the future,” said Representative Dempsey.

Rep. Stanley echoed Rep. Dempsey’s comments, adding “the loan brings Haverhill closer to its goal of putting this land back into use. And with the completion of drum removal at the site just over a year ago, this loan couldn’t come at a better time in the process of accomplishing that goal.”

“This loan from MassDEP will assist the City of Haverhill in moving forward and executing the planning for the Landfill Closure,” said Representative L’Italien.

The Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust was established in 1989 pursuant to Title VI of the Federal Clean Water Act. It was later amended in 1998 to encompass the provisions of Title XIV of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The Trust’s mission is to fund the implementation of water pollution control and drinking water projects in the Commonwealth through a revolving fund loan program. The Trust administers loan programs that provide funding to cities, towns, other governmental units, and private entities for the purpose of financing improvements to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

Representative Holds November Office Hours

State Representative Barbara L’Italien announces that she will be holding constituent office hours on the following dates:

Andover – Friday, November 2nd from 10:00-11:00 at the Senior Center.
Boxford – Monday, November 5th from 10:00-11:00 at Town Hall in the Glass Room.
Georgetown – Monday, November 5th from 11:30-12:30 at Town Hall in the 2nd Floor Conference Room.
Haverhill – Friday, November 9th from 10:00-11:00 at City Hall in Room 4.
Methuen – Friday, November 9th from 11:30-12:30 at Nevins Library in the Trustees Room.
North Andover – Friday, November 2nd from 11:30-12:30 at the Senior Center.

Office hours may also be made by appointment by calling (617) 722-2080. L’Italien represents the 18th Essex District which includes precincts 1, 7 & 8 in Andover, precinct 2 in Boxford, precinct 2 in Georgetown, ward 2, precincts 1 & 2; ward 5, precinct 2; and ward 7 precinct 2 in Haverhill, precinct 7 in Methuen and precincts 7 & 8 in North Andover. All are welcome to attend.

Haverhill-Methuen Anti-Gang Program Grant

State Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen), Representative Harriet Stanley (D-West Newbury), Representative Barbara L’Italien, (D-Andover) and Representative Linda Dean Campbell (D-Methuen) announced that Haverhill and Methuen received a $220,000 Shannon Community Safety Initiative grant to combat gang activity in the area. The Haverhill-Methuen Gang Violence Education and Prevention Project is a partnership between the two communities that implements proven gang prevention strategies in order to mount an effective response to gang activity concerns. The recent “Peace in the Park” forum that was held in Methuen is an example of programs that the grant provides for. This forum featured youth mentoring and presentations by local law enforcement on how to deal with or avoid the pressures of gang involvement.

The Shannon Community Safety Initiative grants are awarded to communities based on factors that include the crime rate of a city or a town, the percentage of population between the ages of 15 and 19, and the number of young homicide victims. The grants are administered through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety with funding allocated by the Massachusetts Legislature for this purpose. Thirty-nine Massachusetts communities will receive nearly $11 million in grants to combat gang violence and crime problems.

“This grant will allow for the continuation and expansion of these innovative programs,” said Representative Dempsey. “It shows what can be accomplished when communities work together towards a common goal. I would like to commend all those that developed this program and wrote the grant application which brought these funds to the area.”

“Combating gang related activities require intensive strategies and programs that effectively target the roots of youth violence. This grant will allow Haverhill and Methuen to continue their efforts in reducing this type of crime,” said Senator Baddour.

“I am very pleased that both Haverhill and Methuen have been chosen as recipients of this grant,” said Representative L’Italien. “These funds will help assist our communities in fighting gang related violence and provide a safer environment for our youth.”

HOUSE AND SENATE REACH BUDGET ACCORD

BOSTON – Members of the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives appointed to resolve differences between the branch’s blueprints for the $26.8 billion Fiscal Year 2008 general operating budget have reached an agreement. The accord, known as a Conference Committee Report, was signed by all Democratic and Republican committee members and will travel to the Governor’s desk for his consideration after being accepted in both the House and Senate. The plan calls for an overall increase in appropriations of 4.2% over last year.

“This budget directs resources to proven initiatives that improve quality of life, stimulate and protect regional economic growth and ensure that the most vulnerable citizens receive the care they deserve. The Legislature has continued its commitment to supporting municipalities and strengthening the partnership between state and local government by focusing on core services such as education and public safety. Finally, the course this budget sets for the Commonwealth places it on solid fiscal ground by calling for appropriate savings and judicious spending on the most effective programs,” said Representative Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) and Senator Steven C. Panagiotakos (D-Lowell), who chair the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means, respectively, and who were their branch’s chief budget negotiators.

In addition to Chairman DeLeo and Chairman Panagiotakos, the conference committee appointed by House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston) and Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) also included House Ways and Means Vice-Chair Marie P. St. Fleur (D-Boston); Senate Ways and Means Vice-Chair Steven A. Tolman (D-Brighton); ranking Republican House Ways and Means member Viriato M. deMacedo (R-Plymouth); and ranking Republican Senate Ways and Means member Michael R. Knapik (R-Westfield).

Selected highlights of the budget agreement include:

Local Aid

Provided $935 million, a $15 million increase, in Lottery aid to cities and towns which is due to the Legislature’s recent “uncapping” of Lottery Distribution funds allowing for the return of 100% of Lottery revenue to cities and towns;

Provided over $3.72 billion for Chapter 70 education funding, which is a $220 million increase over last year’s allocation. This amount is $93.4 million above the amount required under current statute to keep each school district at “foundation” levels and provides all 351 cities and towns with an increase in funding;

Provided $23 million for the Sewer Rate Relief fund to help control the water and sewer bills of ratepayers throughout the Commonwealth;

Provided $21.35 million in community policing grants to cities and towns;

Level funded the Additional Assistance line item;

Increased to $28.3 million Payment in Lieu of Taxes (“PILOT”) payments which represents a $3 million increase over last year; and,

Provided an increase of $2.8 million for regional school transportation reimbursements.

Education

With respect to Early Education and Care: Provided $166.9 million for child care vouchers for those being served by the Department of Transitional Assistance; $209.8 million for low income child care vouchers; and an additional $12.6 million for supportive child care to ensure that no children with active abuse or neglect cases will be without child care services;

With respect to the Department of Education: Provided $33.8 million for kindergarten expansion grants which represents a $6.8 million increase over Fiscal Year 2007; $58.3 million for regional school transportation; an increase for the special education ‘circuit breaker’ program of $12.3 million which represents a 9.49% increase over last year; and provide $13 million, up from $6.5 million last year, for Expanded Learning Time Grants; and,

With respect to Higher Education: Provided an increase for the scholarships of $4 million to allow a greater number of students to receive additional aid as the cost of higher education continues to rise; established the Commonwealth Covenant Fund, a new $3.75 million loan repayment program to encourage students to pursue degrees in math, science, engineering, technology and health care and to work in Massachusetts; provided an increase of $23.5 million for state and community colleges; and provided an increase of $25.2 million for the University of Massachusetts system.

Public Safety

Provided $4 million in funding for municipal police training grants;

Provided $500,000 for the witness protection board to protect those testifying in criminal prosecutions;

Provided over $160 million for services at the Department of Youth Services (DYS);

Provided $3.3 million for teachers’ salaries to improve teacher retention at DYS;

Provided $15.2 million for the State Police Crime Lab;

Provided $1.2 million to reduce recidivism rates at the Department of Corrections;

Provided $2 million for the youth anti-violence initiative, a multi-faceted approach to confronting teen violence; and

Provided $250,000 for an emergency text messaging notification system to be set up on all public college and university campuses.

Health and Human Services

Provided the Department of Mental Retardation with $1.3 billion representing a $51 million increase over the last fiscal year;

Provided the Department of Mental Health $667 million representing an increase of $19 million over last year;

Provided $799 million for the Department of Social Services;

Provided $3.3 million for expansion of single occupancy units for homeless individuals with mental illnesses;

Provided $9 million for adult mental health services;

Provided $23 million for salary adjustments for human service providers;

Provided an increase of $12 million for the Universal Immunization program to target Rotavirus, Meningococcal conjugate 4 (MCV4) and other existing immunizations;

Provided an increase of $8.5 million for tobacco control; and,

Doubled the appropriation to $1.2 million, from $600,000, for the Housing First pilot project.

Economic Development

Continued funding for the Commonwealth’s One-Stop Career Centers and increased funding for the Youth-at-Risk program by $2 million;

Increased the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment by $500,000 over last year; and,

Provided $1.5 million for the Office of Business Development.

Housing and Homelessness

Provided $15 million in additional funding for Local Housing Subsidies to provide safe and affordable housing for low income and homeless families;

Provided $2.5 million in additional funding for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher program (MRVP) to continue to pay for existing vouchers to eligible families and individuals; and,

Provided an additional $100,000 for the funding for the Individual Development Account (IDA) program which pools state, federal and private funds to match earned income deposited into the savings accounts of qualified participants.

Veterans

Provided $18.1 million for annuity payments to certain veterans and their families; and

Provided $15.1 million for veterans benefits payments to indigent veterans.