House Minority Leader Brad Jones Offers Solution to Avoid Cuts to Unrestricted Local Aid

In an effort to avoid devastating cuts to unrestricted local aid to cities and towns across the Commonwealth, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) today announced that he will file legislation to offer a tax amnesty program for corporations. If approved by the Legislature, a corporate tax amnesty program will yield an estimated $15 to $20 million in overdue tax liabilities.

“Cities and towns should be the last place state government looks to cut costs,” said Representative Jones. “If approved by the Legislature, a corporate tax amnesty program will not only yield funds that may otherwise have been forgone, but also ensure that municipalities around the Commonwealth will not be forced to unfairly bear the burden of Governor Patrick’s poor budgeting practices.”

The effort to recoup otherwise forgone tax revenue from Massachusetts corporations comes on the heels of Governor Patrick’s announcement that he will seek to reduce unrestricted local aid to cities and towns by $25.5 million.

The tax amnesty program will be made available to businesses organized as corporations. Limited Liability Corporations, S-Corporations, Financial Institutions, and others will be able to settle long-outstanding tax liabilities without being assessed penalties. Corporations will have a designated two-month window to take advantage of the program.

Under a similar proposal offered by House Minority Leader Brad Jones during debate on the Fiscal Year 2015 state budget, the Department of Revenue has since collected $39 million in outstanding tax liabilities owed by taxpayers across the Commonwealth, with a final figure expected in the coming days.

House Minority Leader Brad Jones’ Statement on Charlie Baker Being Elected Governor of Massachusetts

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) issued the following statement today in response to Charlie Baker being elected Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

“I congratulate Charlie Baker on being elected the 72nd Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. His vision for Massachusetts is one of optimism and promise, and the voters of this great state embraced both him and his plan to create jobs and deliver a world-class education to children across the Bay State. 

“In the same breath I acknowledge the campaign of Attorney General Martha Coakley. Her steadfast commitment to Massachusetts, and its people, is to be commended. 

“I look forward to working with Charlie in the House of Representatives to advance an agenda that residents and small-businesses from the Berkshires to the outer Cape and Islands and points in between, regardless of party affiliation, can all agree upon – making Massachusetts great.”

House Minority Leader’s Statement on the Passing of Mayor Tom Menino

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing Mayor Tom Menino, and I send my thoughts and prayers to his wife, children, grandchildren, and countless friends.

In a day and age when personal interactions with high-ranking public officials can be few and far between, Mayor Menino was a man of the people, and never forgot from where he came. From community gatherings to ribbon-cuttings, Mayor Menino truly embodied the spirit of Boston.

While 18 miles separated the communities in which we served, Mayor Menino had an uncanny way of always making Boston feel like home to me, and thousands of other visitors.

The legacy Mayor Menino has left behind is unparalleled, and the impact of his time in office will be endless. Thanks to his dedication and resolve, this city will forever be Boston Strong.”

We Remember...

Today, we gather as families, communities, and more importantly as Americans to remember those individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Let us never forget.

MEDIA ADVISORY - House Minority Leader to Convene Summit Regarding Influx of Immigration Detainees

In response to continued reports surrounding the Commonwealth’s involvement with immigration detainees being housed at facilities within Massachusetts, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) will convene a summit at the State House with members of law enforcement, local, state, and federal officials as well as state lawmakers to discuss this ongoing practice.

WHAT: Summit Regarding Influx of Immigration Detainees in Massachusetts (closed press)

WHERE: Office of House Minority Leader Brad Jones – State House Room 124

WHEN: July 24, 2014 at 10:00am - media availability directly following

WHO: Confirmed attendees include:

The Honorable Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), House Minority Leader
The Honorable Bradford Hill (R-Ipswich)
The Honorable Elizabeth Poirier (R-North Attleboro)
The Honorable Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth)
The Honorable Randy Hunt (R-Sandwich)
The Honorable David Vieira (R-Falmouth)
The Honorable Donald Wong (R-Saugus)
The Honorable Judith Flanagan Kennedy, Mayor, City of Lynn
The Honorable Thomas M. Hodgson, Bristol County Sheriff
The Honorable Joseph McDonald, Plymouth County Sheriff
John Polanowicz, Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
James E. Brown, Acting Deputy Field Office Director DHS/ICE/ERO Boston Field Office
Todd Thurlow, Assistant Field Office Director DHS/ICE/ERO Boston Field Office
Peter Meier, Chairman, Bourne Board of Selectmen

House Minority Leader to Convene Summit Regarding Influx of Immigration Detainees

In response to continued reports surrounding the Commonwealth’s involvement with immigration detainees being housed at facilities within Massachusetts, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) will convene a summit at the State House with members of law enforcement, local officials, and state lawmakers to discuss this ongoing practice.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing the effects of this national immigration crisis unfold here in the Commonwealth,” said State Representative Brad Jones. “Now more than ever, it is imperative that we as public officials determine the full ramifications that the lack of responsible federal action will mean for taxpayers, public safety, public health, and any other state resources.”

The debate surrounding the housing of immigration detainees in Massachusetts was sparked yet again this week as the Obama Administration made a formal request of Governor Patrick that the Commonwealth look into the feasibility of housing unaccompanied minors, who have entered the United States illegally, at facilities within the Bay State. The request, which comes on the heels of numerous reports of the federal government’s transportation of illegal immigrants to two aviation facilities within Massachusetts, further exacerbates the need for the gathering of officials.

The meeting, to be held at the State House, will bring together local and public safety officials who are directly impacted by this ongoing surge of immigration detainees, with federal officials overseeing the movement of those individuals who have entered the United States without proper permission or paperwork. With numerous red flags having been raised over the past few weeks, lawmakers and local officials alike find it imperative that basic questions regarding these ongoing practices be answered.

“I’m glad that Representative Jones is calling an Immigration Detainee Summit to make clear the need to deal with the surge in immigration issues that require our attention,” said Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson.

The meeting, to be held on Thursday, July 24, 2014, will include Bristol County Sherriff Thomas Hodgson and Lynn Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy. Lawmakers have contacted United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement about sending a representative to the roundtable discussion.

Letter to Governor Patrick Regarding Flights with Immigration Detainees Arriving at Massachusetts Airports

His Excellency Deval L. Patrick, Governor
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State House, Room 105
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Governor Patrick:

On behalf of the Republican Caucus, I write you today as the result of numerous media reports surrounding the Commonwealth’s involvement with the federal government in the transportation of illegal immigrants to two aviation facilities within Massachusetts – Hanscom Air Force Base and Logan International Airport.

As reported over the past few weeks, and confirmed by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, flights with immigration detainees are arriving at airports within Massachusetts and the individuals aboard are then being transferred to Department of Homeland Security facilities. This raises numerous red flags, and it is imperative that basic questions regarding this ongoing practice be answered. When we are able to provide the residents and taxpayers of the Commonwealth with responses to the following questions, we as lawmakers will be better suited to determine how best to proceed.

• To what extent, if any, did your administration have prior knowledge of the practice of immigration detainees being flown to Massachusetts and then transferred to Department of Homeland Security facilities?

• For how long has the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement been arranging the transfer of detainees to Massachusetts?

• What information, if any, does your administration have on the parameters of the program and the potential impacts it may have on the cost and delivery of services through the myriad of programs that comprise the Commonwealth’s safety net?

• Does the Commonwealth have any oversight of this ongoing practice?

• What, if any, state resources are being utilized to support this program, and if any, at what cost to the taxpayers of the Commonwealth?

• After being transferred to Department of Homeland Security facilities, are the immigration detainees remanded to the custody of the federal government, or are they released pending their deportation hearing?

I would be happy to meet with you to discuss this issue in greater detail, and I look forward to your timely attention to this extremely pressing issue.

Sincerely,

Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
House Minority Leader

House Minority Leader Brad Jones’ Statement on Ruling of Supreme Judicial Court Regarding Parole Supervision for Sex Offenders

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) issued the following statement today in response to the ruling by the Supreme Judicial Court pertaining to community parole supervision for life for sex offenders:

“With today’s ruling, the Supreme Judicial Court has found the current structure of community parole supervision for life for sex offenders to be unconstitutional. While holding the current method to be unconstitutional, the Court left the door open for a legislative solution. 

The decision presents a real public safety concern that needs to be addressed through swift and decisive action by the Legislature. It is my intention to file legislation to effectively carry-out the purpose of the original statute within the framework of the Constitution.”

70th Anniversary of D-Day

On this, the 70th anniversary of the Allied forces storming the beaches of Normandy, we wish to remember all of the brave soldiers who lost their lives fighting to ensure the freedoms of others.

June 6, 1944 is a day that will not soon be forgotten. The military engagement that occurred on this day has long been considered the turning point of World War II in the European theater. Soon after the landing in Normandy, troops left France and continued on through Europe and into Germany. The United States military liberated millions while toppling the Nazi regime. Currently, there are more veterans of the historic D-Day invasion than any other engagement in WWII.

Today, and every other day, we wish to remember the sacrifices and the commitment of the men and women who have served, and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces.

House Minority Leader Brad Jones’ Statement on Child Welfare League of America’s Recommendations

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) issued the following statement today in response to recommendations made by the Child Welfare League of America for the Department of Children and Families:

“I thank the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) for its work in making recommendations for repairing and improving the embattled Department of Children and Families (DCF). With the release of this report, I look forward to the opportunity to review the CWLA’s observations and  join with my colleagues in the House to determine how best to proceed with the implementation of the recommendations. 

Contained in today’s report are a number of targeted measures and solutions needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the Commonwealth’s youngest and most vulnerable individuals and families. While the suggestions of the CWLA are an excellent starting point, I strongly believe the conversation surrounding how best to reform DCF must continue to evolve. 

In the coming days and weeks, the House of Representatives will undoubtedly address the systemic issues plaguing DCF. The debate will be passionate, and at certain times, along party lines. However, it is imperative that the Legislature be united in our resolve to protect the children and families of Massachusetts.”

Memorial Day 2014

George Orwell once said, “we sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.”

As Massachusetts and the nation observe Memorial Day, we pause to honor the many brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Throughout our nation's proud history, many have answered the call to serve, and many more continue to place themselves in harm's way in nations and regions all around the world.

Today, we honor all of our veterans for their service to our country, and for the sacrifices they have made to preserve the many freedoms we all too often take for granted.

House Minority Leader Brad Jones’ Statement on Adoption of House Fiscal Year 2015 Budget

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) issued the following statement today in response to the adoption of the House Fiscal Year 2015 budget:

“While if left to the devices of House Republicans, the budget passed by the House of Representatives would certainly have some different priorities, the fiscal plan advanced by the Legislature, and free from tax increases, represents an increased level of commitment to Massachusetts taxpayers and communities. 

Both the Fiscal Year 2015 budget that passed the House and the debate surrounding it affirms the Republican Caucus’ unwavering dedication to the Commonwealth’s cities and towns. Through thoughtful, targeted, and aggressive amendments, the spending plan reflects the necessity of providing municipalities with the appropriate amount of funding and legislative support. 

Paramount in this year’s budget debate was the taxpayer. By embracing a Republican-led amendment to offer tax amnesty to individuals and businesses that are delinquent in their payments to the Department of Revenue, not only will taxpayers have an opportunity to avoid burdensome penalties, but Massachusetts is now in a position to collect overdue tax liabilities which might otherwise have been forgone. 

Also given due attention in this year’s fiscal proposal was the ongoing and widespread drug epidemic facing the state. Initiatives offered by Republican legislators, and adopted by the House, aimed at substance abuse prevention and treatment, as well as funding for opioid overdose prevention and education demonstrate the Legislature’s eagerness to combat in smart and effective ways drug abuse and addiction within the Commonwealth. 

 I look forward to the Senate’s consideration of the Fiscal Year 2015 budget, and remain optimistic in their ability to build upon the recommendations of the House of Representatives.”

Fiscal Year 2015 Budget – Health and Human Services

In case you missed it, today marks the second day of debate on the House Ways & Means Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

As you may have heard, the House of Representatives recently unveiled their $36.2 billion state budget proposal. While the Democratic-majority set an unfortunate tone to this year’s budget debate by refusing to consider amendments relative to local aid, education spending, and welfare reform, the House Republican Caucus will not be deterred.

During this year’s budget debate, the House Republican’s firmly believe that the Legislature must make considerable strides in delivering a budget that is mindful of the economic times, while producing a spending plan that delivers an accountable and transparent state government which reflects the taxpayers’ priorities, and seeks to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.

This evening’s debate will now transition to amendments relative to health and human services. Below, you will find the amendments offered by House Republicans, along with a brief description of the amendment.

Amendment 2 - Connector Cost Study (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section directing the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to review the financial impact of the failed Connector website. The review is to include a cost analysis of state funds expended for temporary coverage, including those funds that would have been reimbursed by the federal government. This language also directs the EOHHS to investigate ways to recoup such funds under the state’s contract with CGI Group, Inc. The EOHHS is required to provide the Legislature with a report of its findings by July 31, 2014.

Amendment 18 - Study of ER Co-payments (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section establishing a special commission to investigate the use of co-payments for MassHealth members, including the potential savings that would result from charging a co-payment for the use of emergency care in nonemergency situations. Directs the commission to submit its report to the legislature within 90 days of passage.

Amendment 25 - Study of Expanding Medicaid Express Lane (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section directing the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to conduct an investigation of all federal and state assistance programs to determine which have eligibility requirements within the requirements of MassHealth and which could feasibly share data with the MassHealth program for purposes of renewing eligible children and parents in MassHealth through the express-lane program, created under the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009. Requires the EOHHS to submit a report to the Legislature of its findings by April 1, 2015.

Amendment 39 - Study to Enroll Inmates in MassHealth (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section directing the Director of MassHealth, in collaboration with the Department of Corrections, to study the feasibility of enrolling incarcerated persons, who are eligible for medical assistance, into MassHealth. The study will look at the potential cost savings to the state of enrolling eligible inmates into MassHealth, which allows medical services provided outside of the prison to be reimbursed by the federal government. Currently, the state is paying for all medical care provided to inmates.

Amendment 128 - An Amendment to Create Benefit Eligibility Verification Integrity (Fattman, Ryan) ADDS an outside section requiring applicants and recipients of MassHealth to have their assets, income, and identity verified by a computerized integrated eligibility system.

Amendment 458 - ACA Waiver Request (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section directing the Governor to formally request the Massachusetts' congressional delegation to file legislation to grant the state a waiver from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Also, requires the Governor to report monthly to the legislature on the status of the negotiations and any proposed legislation.

Amendment 565 - An Amendment Relative to Proof of Residency (Lyons, James) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting self-declaration of residency from being accepted as a valid form of residency verification for individuals applying for a public welfare program. Exempts Senior Centers from this requirement.

Amendment 589 - An Amendment Relative to Public Benefits Requirements (Lyons, James) ADDS a new outside section stating that all state and federal public benefits shall only be received by residents of the commonwealth with verifiable documents or identification.

Amendment 599 - An Amendment Relative to Proof of Residency (Lombardo, Marc) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting self-declaration of residency from being accepted as a valid form of residency verification for individuals applying for a public welfare program. Exempts Councils on Aging from this requirement.

Amendment 604 - An Amendment to Account for Budget Expenditures (Lyons, James) ADDS a new outside section directing the Executive Office of Administration and Finance to prepare a report of budget expenditures made on behalf of different citizenship statuses, including those whose residence cannot be established. The report must be filed by October 15, 2014.

Amendment 613 - An Amendment to Account for Health Safety Net Expenditures (Lyons, James) ADDS a new outside section requiring a ANF to prepare a report detailing expenditures from the Health Safety Net program, and for whom those expenditures are rendered.

Amendment 667 - An Amendment to Establish a Commission to Study State Spending (Lyons, James) ADDS a new outside section establishing a commission to investigate state spending on American citizens, Green Card holders, and those whose immigration status cannot be identified.

Amendment 816 - Relative to lawful permanent resident status (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section requiring the verification of immigration status of all SNAP, TAEDC and EAEDC applicants for lawful permanent resident status. Benefits may not be granted to lawful permanent residents who have resided in Massachusetts for less than 5 years. Waivers may be granted, and the Department of Transitional Assistance shall verify the assets of the sponsor in cases other than self-petition under a federally protected status.

Amendment 989 - Mass Health Benefits for Inmates (Vieira, David) ADDS a new outside section directing that MassHealth members have their benefits suspended rather than terminated while incarcerated. MassHealth benefits would be immediately reactivated upon release from a penal institution or upon becoming inpatient in a medical facility or if they are living outside of the penal institution, are on parole, probation or home release.

Fiscal Year 2015 Budget – Judiciary/Public Safety

In case you missed it, today marks the first day of debate on the House Ways & Means Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

As you may have heard, the House of Representatives recently unveiled their $36.2 billion state budget proposal. While the Democratic-majority set an unfortunate tone to this year’s budget debate by refusing to consider amendments relative to local aid, education spending, and welfare reform, the House Republican Caucus will not be deterred.

During this year’s budget debate, House Republican’s firmly believe that the Legislature must make considerable strides in delivering a budget that is mindful of the economic times, while producing a spending plan that delivers an accountable and transparent state government which reflects the taxpayers’ priorities, and seeks to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.

Tonight’s debate will now focus on amendments relative to judiciary/public safety. Below, you will find the amendments offered by House Republicans, along with a brief description of the amendment.

Judiciary 

Amendment 11 - Controlled Substance Analogue (Jones, Bradley) ADDS new outside sections establishing a controlled substance analogue law. This would require that substances substantially similar in the chemical structure of a controlled substance be treated the same as the controlled substance counterpart.

Amendment 28 - Indigent Counsel Fee Collection (Harrington, Sheila) ADDS a new outside section requiring that indigent counsel fees be paid by bank check or money order. Also requires that the payments be time stamped, copied and initialed as collected.

Amendment 45 - Juvenile First Degree Murder (Jones, Bradley) ADDS new outside sections establishing parole procedures for juveniles convicted of first degree murder. No such juvenile will be eligible for parole until the expiration of 35 years. In order to be granted parole, the parole board must vote unanimously in favor of parole.

Amendment 54 - Prohibit Paid Counsel for Sex Offender Classification Hearings (Jones, Bradley) ADDS new outside sections prohibiting the use of state paid counsel for sex offender classification hearings.

Amendment 602 - An Amendment relative to the collection of outstanding delinquent legal fees (Lyons, James) ADDS a new outside section adding language to indigent counsel fee collection requiring that if a counsel fee has not been made in 90 days, the Registry of Motor Vehicles must suspend a person's drivers license.

Amendment 754 - Relative to the protection of persons with disabilities (Poirier, Elizabeth) ADDS a new outside section requires that an individual who has forced or unnatural sexual intercourse with a person with a disability be punished by imprisonment.

Public Safety 

Amendment 37 - Inmate Fee - Social Innovation (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section allowing for the collection of inmate fees. The language ensures that inmates would not be denied access to care for inability to pay any fees. Fifty percent of fees collected would be transferred to the Social Innovation Financing Trust Fund; CHANGES the language for the Social Innovation Financing Trust Fund (1599-3557) to require that 100% be paid through inmate fee collection.

Amendment 87 - Elevator Inspections (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section that reduces the requirement for elevator inspections for churches and religious organizations from every year to every three years.

Amendment 255 - Full Public Safety Grant for Hamilton (Hill, Bradford) EARMARKS $200K from the Executive Office of Public Safety account (8000- 0600) for a public safety grant to the municipality of Hamilton. Increases the overall appropriation by $200K.

Amendment 256 - Partial Public Safety Grant for Hamilton (Hill, Bradford) EARMARKS $100K from the Executive Office of Public Safety account (8000- 0600) for a public safety grant to the municipality of Hamilton. Increases the overall appropriation by $100K.

Amendment 295 - Barnstable County Sheriff's Office (Vieira, David) INCREASES the total appropriation for the Barnstable Sheriff account (8910- 8200) by $1.8M.

Amendment 475 - Prison Mitigation (Dooley, Shawn) ADDS a new outside section establishing the Prison Mitigation Fund. Directs at least $2.8M to be annually distributed to host cities and towns according to the following formula: the aggregate amount in the fund divided by the average daily prisoner population at all facilities, multiplied by the average daily prisoner population located within the respective host city or town.

Amendment 707 - Commission to study implementation of national criminal background checks (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section establishing a commission to research and develop procedures to implement a system permitting criminal offender record information requestors to conduct fingerprint-based background checks with the national criminal history databases. A report is required by December 30, 2014.

Amendment 738 - An Amendment for Department of Fire Services (Kuros, Kevin) INCREASES the total appropriation to the Department of Fire Services (8324- 0000) by over $3M.

Amendment 740 - Bristol Sheriff's Office (Poirier, Elizabeth) INCREASES the total appropriation to the Bristol County Sheriff's office (8910- 8300) by nearly $2.8M.

Amendment 760 - Prison Mitigation Fund (D'Emilia, Angelo) ADDS a new outside section establishing a Prison Mitigation Fund. Directs that not less than $2M shall be distributed according to the following formula: the aggregate amount in the fund divided by the average daily prisoner population at all facilities, multiplied by the average daily prison population within the city or town.

Amendment 763 - Prison Mitigation Fund Allowing Host Communities $800,000 (D'Emilia, Angelo) ADDS a new outside section establishing a Prison Mitigation Fund. Directs that not less than $2.M be distributed each fiscal year according to the following formula: the aggregate amount in the fund divided by the average daily prisoner population at all facilities, multiplied by the average daily prison population within the city or town. No city or town may receive more than $800K in a fiscal year.

Amendment 1041 - Funding the Worcester County Sheriff's Department's 'After Incarceration Support Systems Program' (Durant, Peter) ADDS $150K by creating a new line item (xxxx-xxxx) in the Worcester County Sheriff's Office to operate the After Incarceration Support Systems Program in Worcester County.

Amendment 1052 - Peace Officer Standards and Training (Vieira, David) ADDS new outside sections establishing the Special Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Directs the commission to focus on proposing how to implement a POST system in Massachusetts, does not require the commission to develop specific standards or training, with a report due by July 1, 2015.

Amendment 1071 - MA Sheriffs' 'After Incarceration Support Systems Programs' (Durant, Peter) ADDS $1.5M by creating a new line item (xxxx-xxxx) for the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Offices to operate After Incarceration Support Systems Programs.

Amendment 1106 - The Yellow Dot Program (Durant, Peter) ADDS $1M by creating a new unspecified line item for the operation of an Emergency Responder Yellow Dot Program. The Yellow Dot Program is a voluntary program of the RMV to assist drivers and passengers who choose to participate and emergency medical personnel in reporting critical medical information in the event of an accident or medical emergency.

Fiscal Year 2015 Budget – Public Health

In case you missed it, today marks the first day of debate on the House Ways & Means Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

As you may have heard, the House of Representatives recently unveiled their $36.2 billion state budget proposal. While the Democratic-majority set an unfortunate tone to this year’s budget debate by refusing to consider amendments relative to local aid, education spending, and welfare reform, the House Republican Caucus will not be deterred.

During this year’s budget debate, House Republican’s firmly believe that the Legislature must make considerable strides in delivering a budget that is mindful of the economic times, while producing a spending plan that delivers an accountable and transparent state government which reflects the taxpayers’ priorities, and seeks to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.

This afternoon’s debate will now focus on amendments relative to public health. Below, you will find the amendments offered by House Republicans, along with a brief description of the amendment.

Amendment 14 - Pharmacist Scope of Practice (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section directing the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health to promulgate regulations to allow licensed pharmacists to administer certain vaccines to children over nine years old, who have a valid prescription from a doctor.

Amendment 32 - Study of Naloxone Universal Purchasing (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section directing the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health to study the feasibility of establishing a trust fund to support a universal purchase system for intra-nasal naloxone. This would allow the state to purchase naloxone from the federal government in bulk, and at a discounted rate. Municipalities would then be able to purchase the naloxone for first responders at a lower cost. If feasible, this language requires the Commissioner to establish said trust fund.

Amendment 51 - Codify the Substance Abuse and Prevention Task Force (Hunt, Randy) ADDS a new outside section codifying the current Substance Abuse and Prevention Taskforce, created under the Governor’s Executive Order in 2008.

Amendment 579 - Drug Story Theater of the South Shore Pilot Program (deMacedo, Viriato) EARMARKS $50K from the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services account (4512- 0200) for the Drug Story Theater of the South Shore pilot program. Does not increase the overall appropriation.

Amendment 618 - An Amendment to reform outside agencies doing business with the Department of Public Health (Lyons, James) ADDS a new outside section establishing an independent commission to study compensation paid to employees and officers of non-profit corporations that receive grants from the Department of Public Health, with a report due by October 15, 2014. Includes minority appointments.

Amendment 688 - Establishing provisions for the return of expired pharmaceuticals (Diehl, Geoff) ADDS a new outside section requiring pharmaceutical manufacturers to fully refund expired medications returned to the manufacturer.

Amendment 714 - State Trauma Registry (deMacedo,Viriato) INCREASES the total appropriation for the Division of Health Care Quality Licensing Fee account (4510-0712) by $150K; CHANGES the inside language to allow $150K to be expended for the hiring of a full time Data Registrar and a part-time Data Analyst in the Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Amendment 787 - Addiction/Sobriety Solutions through Increased Substance Treatment (ASSIST) (Hunt, Randy) ADDS $200K by creating two new line items for the establishment of a court addiction commission and the addiction services commission. Inserted after line item (0330-3337) and (4512-0225), respectively.

Fiscal Year 2015 Budget – Housing/Mental Health and Disability Services

In case you missed it, today marks the third day of debate on the House Ways & Means Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

As you may have heard, the House of Representatives recently unveiled their $36.2 billion state budget proposal. While the Democratic-majority set an unfortunate tone to this year’s budget debate by refusing to consider amendments relative to local aid, education spending, and welfare reform, the House Republican Caucus will not be deterred.

During this year’s budget debate, House Republican’s firmly believe that the Legislature must make considerable strides in delivering a budget that is mindful of the economic times, while producing a spending plan that delivers an accountable and transparent state government which reflects the taxpayers’ priorities, and seeks to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.

The House of Representatives will now consider amendments relative to housing/mental health and disability services. Below, you will find the amendments offered by House Republicans, along with a brief description of the amendment.

Housing 

Amendment 9 - Banning Level 2 and 3 Sex Offenders from Public Housing Hotels and Motels (Beaton, Matthew) ADDS a new outside section banning Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders from qualifying for public housing as part of the Emergency Assistance Overflow Hotel & Motel program.

Amendment 94 - Wareham Turning Point Day Resource Center (Gifford, Susan) EARMARKS $15K from the Department of Housing and Community Development account (7004-0099) for the Turning Point Day Resource Center for the Homeless in Wareham. Does not increase the overall appropriation.

Amendment 315 - An Act Relative to the Yankee Doodle Bike Path (Lombardo, Marc) ADDS $1M by creating a new line item (7004-0932) in the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development for a Billerica bike path.

Amendment 1050 - Handicapped Access Grants at Housing Authorities (Durant, Peter) ADDS $500K be creating a new line item (7004-xxxx) in the Department of Housing and Community Development for grants to local and regional housing authorities to renovate housing units for handicapped accessibility.

Mental Health and Disability Services 

Amendment 365 - For Independent Living Assistance Services (Ferguson, Kimberly) INCREASES the total appropriation for the independent assisted living services account (4120-4000) by $500K. Earmarks $1.4M for assistive technology devices for individuals with severe disabilities.

Amendment 478 - Wrentham Mitigation (Dooley, Shawn) EARMARKS $500K from the Department of Developmental Services Facilities Operations account (5930-1000) for municipalities hosting such facilities. Increases the overall appropriation by $600K.

Amendment 982 - Autism Support Department of Developmental Services (Durant, Peter) INCREASES the total appropriation for the State-Operated Residential Supports and Related Programs (5920-2010) by $3M.

Amendment 1010 - DSS Host Community Mitigation (Dooley, Shawn) CHANGES the language for the State Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled account (5930-1000) by establishing a mitigation fund for the distribution of funds for municipalities hosting facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Earmarks no less than $500K to be distributed to each host community each fiscal year. Increases the overall appropriation by $600K.

Amendment 1067 - Relative to Taunton State Hospital (O'Connell, Shaunna) CHANGES the language for the State Psychiatric Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers (5095-0015) to maintain 80 beds, rather than the proposed 45, at Taunton State Hospital. It also authorizes the Department of Mental Health to create specialized inpatient units at Taunton State Hospital.

Fiscal Year 2015 Budget – Labor and Economic Development

In case you missed it, today marks the third day of debate on the House Ways & Means Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

As you may have heard, the House of Representatives recently unveiled their $36.2 billion state budget proposal. While the Democratic-majority set an unfortunate tone to this year’s budget debate by refusing to consider amendments relative to local aid, education spending, and welfare reform, the House Republican Caucus will not be deterred.

During this year’s budget debate, House Republican’s firmly believe that the Legislature must make considerable strides in delivering a budget that is mindful of the economic times, while producing a spending plan that delivers an accountable and transparent state government which reflects the taxpayers’ priorities, and seeks to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.

Today’s debate will begin with amendments relative to labor and economic development. Below, you will find the amendments offered by House Republicans, along with a brief description of the amendment.

Amendment 23 - Fairness in Workers Compensation (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting an employee from receiving workers' compensation benefits if an injury is caused by serious willful misconduct, including the use of drugs and alcohol on the job.

Amendment 34 - Student Entrepreneurial Development and Economic Investment Fund (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section creating a channel for students to receive funding at a prototype level before they have reached the point of presenting a business plan to a private venture capital company. The intent is to foster an economic environment that will keep students in the Commonwealth after graduation from college by promoting the business opportunities available to them in Massachusetts.

Amendment 53 - Treble Damages (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section reversing the 2008 law mandating treble damages for employees who prove that their employers did not properly compensate them - this includes willful violations and accidental violations, like accounting errors.

Amendment 258 - Full Renovation of Topsfield Town Hall (Hill, Bradford) EARMARKS $150K from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism account (7008-0900) for renovations to Topsfield Town Hall. Increases the overall appropriation by $150K.

Amendment 259 - Partial Renovation of Topsfield Town Hall (Hill, Bradford) EARMARKS $100K from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism account (7008-0900) for partial renovations to Topsfield Town Hall. Increases the overall appropriation by $100K.

Amendment 260 - Teen Training Wage (Boldyga, Nicholas) ADDS a new outside section establishing a training wage no lower than $8 per hour, or 20% less than the prevailing minimum wage for individuals under the age of 18 for the first 90 days of consecutive employment.

Amendment 333 - Broadband Planning (Vieira, David) EARMARKS $80K from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development account (7002-0010) for a Last Mile Broadband grant in Falmouth. Increases the overall appropriation by $80K.

Amendment 472 - Norfolk County Simulcasting (Dooley, Shawn) ADDS a new outside section shortening the horseracing season at Plainridge Casino (at their request) for this current season only, provided they may perform the same number of races over less days to allow for construction.

Amendment 573 - Local and Regional Cultural Councils (Beaton, Matthew) ADDS a new outside section extending the term limitation on members of local and regional cultural councils from two terms to four terms.

Amendment 592 - Plymouth 400th Anniversary (deMacedo, Viriato) EARMARKS $310K for the Town of Plymouth 400th Anniversary Committee and $60K for the Town of Provincetown Tourism Fund from the Massachusetts Tourism Fund account (7008-0900).

Amendment 752 - Relative to exempting non-profit and municipality operated camps from the new minimum wage (Poirier, Elizabeth) ADDS a new outside section exempting municipal and non-profit run camps from following the prevailing minimum wage policies, so long as their wage is not less than $8.00 per hour.

Amendment - 768 Racing Extension (D'Emilia, Angelo) CHANGES the language in SECTION 69 by further extending greyhound racing licensees eligibility to 2018.

Amendment 793 - Treble damages (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section updating the treble damages for employees who prove that their employers did not properly compensate them, to provide that only willful or knowing violations be awarded treble damages. Provided that non-willful violations may be awarded lost wages and attorney's fees.

Amendment 1003 - Drury Square in Auburn (Frost, Paul) ADDS $100K by creating a new line item (7004-xxxx) in the Department of Housing and Community Development account for beautification, signage, and wayfinding in Drury Square in the Town of Auburn.

Amendment 1013 - Route 12 Corridor in Auburn (Frost, Paul) ADDS $150K by creating a new line item (7004-xxxx) in the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop a study of the Route 12 Corridor in the Town of Auburn.

Amendment1029 - Brierly and Ramshord Pond Dam Repairs (Frost, Paul) EARMARKS $500K from the Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism account (7008- 0900) for two dam repair projects in Millbury. Does not increase the overall appropriation.

Amendment 1036 - Asbestos removal in Millbury (Frost, Paul) EARMARKS $100K from the Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism account (7008- 0900) for the abatement of asbestos and demolition of an abandoned house located in Millbury. Does not increase the total appropriation.

Amendment 1048 - Auburn Youth and Family Services (Frost, Paul) EARMARKS $4.5K from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism account (1107-2400) for Auburn Youth and Family Services summer programming. Does not increase the overall appropriation.

Amendment 1057 - Auburn Youth and Family Services Directly (Frost, Paul) EARMARKS $4.5K from the Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism account (7008- 0900) for summer programming through Auburn Youth Family Services. Does not increase the overall appropriation.

Amendment 1064 - Equity for Restaurants (Orrall, Keiko) ADDS a new outside section giving licensing authorities the right to impose a fine for restaurants that are suspected of failing to follow the previsions of the license, rather than the current practice of revoking the license immediately.

Amendment 1169 - We the People Program (Frost, Paul) ADDS $20K by creating a new line item (xxxx-xxxx) for professional development and costs to administer the "We the People" program within the Massachusetts Center of Civic Engagement.

Amendment 1170 - We the People Competition (Frost, Paul) ADDS $20K by creating a new line item for travel and lodging costs for students and faculty participating in the "We the People" competition administered by the Massachusetts Center for Civic Engagement.

Fiscal Year 2015 Budget – Social Services/Veterans and Soldiers Homes

In case you missed it, today marks the second day of debate on the House Ways & Means Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

As you may have heard, the House of Representatives recently unveiled their $36.2 billion state budget proposal. While the Democratic-majority set an unfortunate tone to this year’s budget debate by refusing to consider amendments relative to local aid, education spending, and welfare reform, the House Republican Caucus will not be deterred.

During this year’s budget debate, the House Republican’s firmly believe that the Legislature must make considerable strides in delivering a budget that is mindful of the economic times, while producing a spending plan that delivers an accountable and transparent state government which reflects the taxpayers’ priorities, and seeks to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.

This evening’s debate will now transition to amendments relative to social services/veterans and soldiers homes. Below, you will find the amendments offered by House Republicans, along with a brief description of the amendment.

Veterans and Soldiers Homes

Amendment 57 - Veterans Training and Employment Program (Jones, Bradley) EARMARKS $50K from the Veterans' Outreach Centers account (1410-0012) for a Veterans Training and Employment Program to subsidize the cost of employment while training veterans for jobs at Massachusetts-based businesses. Veterans must have been honorably discharged after at least 90 days of deployment. To participate in this program, businesses must first apply and be accepted by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Amendment 58 - Establishing a Homeless Veteran Housing Priority Commission (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section establishing a commission to study the feasibility and effects of designating 10% of public housing in the Commonwealth with preference given to combat veterans.

Amendment 330 - An Act Relative to the VFW Solomon Post 8819 (Lombardo, Marc) EARMARKS $125K from the Agawam and Winchendon Cemeteries account (1410-0018) for the Solomon Post in Billerica.

Amendment 340 - Veteran Pilot Program (Vieira, David) EARMARKS $150K from the Veterans' Outreach Centers (1410-0012) for the Complimentary Alternative Medicine (CAM) paradigm pilot program for veterans suffering from the effects of PTSD and/or TBI. Increases the overall appropriation by $150K.

Amendment 676 - An Amendment to Increase Veterans' Services Administration Funding (Kuros, Kevin) INCREASES the total appropriation for Veterans Services Administration (1410- 0010) by $895K.

Amendment 765 - For the operation of the department of veterans' services (Ferguson, Kimberly) EARMARKS $85K from the Veteran's Services Administrations and Operations account (1410-0010) to be used annually to train 3 assistance dogs for male or female veterans. Does not increase overall appropriation.

Social Services 

Amendment 3 - Online Identity Authentication System (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section directing the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to establish a three year pilot program to develop and maintain a computerized integrated eligibility system to verify income, assets, and identity when determining an applicant’s eligibility for public assistance benefits. Provides that the EOHHS may enter into a contract with a third-party vendor for the purposes of developing and maintaining the integrated eligibility system.

Amendment 4 - Background Check Requirements Department of Children and Families (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section mimicking the language of the Department of Early Education and Care and adds it to the policy of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to ensure that DCF is taking the appropriate precautions in its hiring and placement process. Requires CORI, SORI, and fingerprint-based background checks.

Amendment 7 - Best Interests of the Child (Harrington, Sheila) ADDS a new outside section ensuring that "the best interest of the child" will be the standard for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the court, in cases involving the care and protection of children.

Amendment 15 - DCF Hiring of a Physician Medical Director (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section directing the Department of Children and Families to hire a Physician Medical Director to provide the Department with medical expertise and oversee medical case evaluations made by social workers.

Amendment 19 - DCF Report on the Integrated Casework Practice Model (Jones, Bradley) ADDS an outside section directing the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to report on and evaluate the Integrated Case Practice Management (ICPM), including the effect this model has had on the Department since its implementation. The report should include data on the impact of reducing child maltreatment, efficient utilization of department resources, and the feasibility of expanding ICPM throughout the Department.

Amendment 35 - Out-Of-State Client Department of Children and Families (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section directing the Department of Children and Families to utilize appropriate resources to return a child under the care of the Department back to their home state in the circumstance that said child is not a resident of the Commonwealth.

Amendment 42 - Survey Commission for Department of Children and Families (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section establishing a 15-member commission to prepare an anonymous survey to be distributed by June 1, 2014 to all clients of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), including involuntary and voluntary clients, and employees of DCF (social workers and supervisors). The commission shall study, review and report on the outcome of the surveys and assess the needs and resources of the Department.

Amendment 160 - Children's Vitamin Rebate (Jones, Bradley) EARMARKS $500K from the Department of Transitional Assistance account (4403-2000) for a Children's Vitamin Rebate Program. Does not increase the overall appropriation.

Amendment 173 - DCF Licensing Requirements (Jones, Bradley) STRIKES the Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing social worker requirements, established in SECTION 15, requiring all social workers employed by DCF to obtain a license as a certified social worker within 6 months, instead of 3 years. Requires social workers to have a bachelor's degree at the time of appointment and requires a supervisory social worker to be a licensed certified social worker (LCSW) or a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) and have a master's degree in social work or a related field at the time of appointment. Directs the Commissioner to issue a report on the salaries and educational background of all social workers and supervisors, and provide a cost estimate of requiring that at least 50 percent of social workers employed by DCF are LISCW or LCSW.

Amendment 495 - Finding Missing DCF Children (Lombardo, Marc) ADDS $200K by creating a new line item (4800-xxxx) in the Department of Children and Families for the establishment of the Missing Children Investigation Trust Fund to compensate private investigators to aid in the search of any child who went missing while under the custody of the department.

Amendment 609 - An Amendment to Account for DCF Spending on the Justina Pelletier Case (Lyons, James) CHANGES the language for the DCF account (4800-0015) to direct DCF to immediately submit a report detailing a complete account of all funds spent on the Justina Pelletier case since DCF first removed Justina from the custody of her family, and prohibits DCF from expending any additional funds on the case until said report has been filed. While the report is being prepared, Justina is to be returned to the custody of her parents.

Amendment 727 - Conducting background checks on household members of foster care home (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section requiring the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to conduct CORI checks on all household members of a foster home over the age of 14.

Amendment 737 - Protecting children in DCF care (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section requiring DCF to administer random drug testing once a month to the parents or guardians of children in DCF custody due to drug/alcohol related incidences. Requires parents/guardians with one or more convictions shall submit to treatment. Stipulates that no child shall be placed with a parent/guardian who has failed a drug test.

Amendment 744 - Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County (Poirier, Elizabeth) EARMARKS $500K in the guardianship and foster care programs of the Department of Children and Families (4800-0038) for the Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County. Does not increase the overall appropriation.

Amendment 751 - Protecting infants born addicted to drugs (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section requiring infants who are born addicted to drugs as a result of their mother's drug use, be placed under the care and custody of the Department of Children and Families.

Amendment 764 - Safe placement of newborns (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section expanding the places considered to be a "baby safe haven," allowing placement of newborns with emergency responders.

Amendment 809 - Out of state spending of taxpayer funded programs (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting the use of cash assistance administered by DTA outside of the Commonwealth.

Amendment 819 - Relative to repayment of public assistance (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section directing DTA and DOR to garnish the wages and/or state tax returns of any recipient or former recipient who has fraudulently collected benefits until all monies owed to DTA have been collected.

Amendment 823 - Yearly audit of taxpayer funded programs (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section mandating the State Auditor to preform and audit of the Department of Transitional Assistance on a yearly basis.

Amendment 856 - An Act Relative to Parent Rights (Lombardo, Marc) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting parents and legal guardians from being charged with medical child abuse if the parents seeks medical care; the medical provider has made a diagnosis and provided a course of treatment; and the parent is willing to follow the course of treatment. Prohibits the decision of parents to follow a treatment plan from being overridden, even in cases of life-threatening conditions.

Amendment 1023 - Limiting Department of Children and Families custody in cases of disputed diagnosis (Durant, Peter) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting DCF from having custody of a child for more than 30 days if said child is the subject of conflicting medical diagnoses.

Fiscal Year 2015 Budget – Energy and Environmental Affairs

In case you missed it, today marks the second day of debate on the House Ways & Means Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

 As you may have heard, the House of Representatives recently unveiled their $36.2 billion state budget proposal. While the Democratic-majority set an unfortunate tone to this year’s budget debate by refusing to consider amendments relative to local aid, education spending, and welfare reform, the House Republican Caucus will not be deterred.

During this year’s budget debate, the House Republican’s firmly believe that the Legislature must make considerable strides in delivering a budget that is mindful of the economic times, while producing a spending plan that delivers an accountable and transparent state government which reflects the taxpayers’ priorities, and seeks to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.

This evening’s debate will continue with amendments relative to energy and environmental affairs. Below, you will find the amendments offered by House Republicans, along with a brief description of the amendment.

Amendment 20 - Encouraging Competitiveness in MassSave Program (Beaton, Matthew) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting independent contractors from fixed prices for the installation of electric and gas energy efficiency program approved measures, and instead allows contractors to establish mutually agreed-fair market prices.

Amendment 24 - Establishment of the Alternative Fuels Revolving Fund (Beaton, Matthew) ADDS a new outside section establishing a revolving fund to distribute loans and grants to state and local government agencies to support Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) infrastructure, pay for AFV maintenance, operation and vehicle conversions.

Amendment 30 - Limiting Administrative Costs and Encouraging Significant Investments in Energy Efficiency (Beaton, Matthew) ADDS a new outside section to limit administrative costs for programs established in the Green Communities Act and encourages significant investments in energy efficiency by closing a loophole that allows ratepayers to annually qualify for a $2K rebate for home energy efficiency investments and instead implement a tiered pay-for-performance incentive system.

Amendment 33 - Net Metering Reform to Reduce the Cost of Electricity (Beaton, Matthew) ADDS a new outside section to reduce the cost of electricity by linking the credits granted to net-energy producers to the basic service rate, instead of the full service rate.

Amendment 38 - Relative to Capturing deep energy efficiency investments (Beaton, Matthew) ADDS a new outside section to open up low-interest home heat loans to homeowners who work with Non-MassSave contractors. Currently, non- MassSave contractors may leverage low-interest door/window upgrade loans via MassSave; however, home heat loans are only available to consumers who use a MassSave contractor and who choose to invest in other weatherization measures.

Amendment 70 - Transparency in Water Management (Peterson, George) ADDS a new outside section postponing the implementation of the Sustainable Water Management Initiative framework. Final regulations to implement the framework will not be adopted until the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture holds a public hearing on the details of the process.

Amendment 132 - An Amendment for Webster Lake (Fattman, Ryan) EARMARKS $11K from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Administration account (2310-0200) for a matching grant for the maintenance and enhancement of Webster Lake. Does not increase the overall appropriation.

Amendment 222 - Princeton Study of Superintendent's House (Ferguson, Kimberly) EARMARKS $50K from the Department of Conservation and Recreation Retained Revenue account (2810-2042) for the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission to conduct a study on the feasibility to repair and reuse the abandoned property in Princeton known as the Superintendent’s House. Does not increase the overall appropriation.

Amendment 276 - Great Marsh Green Crab Trapping Program (Hill, Bradford) EARMARKS $83K from the Department of Fish and Game account (2300-0100) for the Great Marsh Green Crab Trapping Program. Increases the overall appropriation by $83K.

Amendment 354 - Otis Fish and Game Study (Vieira, David) EARMARKS $7.5K from the Department of Fish and Game account (2300-0100) for the environmental baseline study on Otis Fish & Game Club ($5K) and for the application usage fee to the US Army Corps of Engineers on behalf of the of the Otis Fish & Game Club ($2.5K). Increases the overall appropriation by $7.5K.

Amendment 503 - An Amendment for Wallum Lake (Fattman, Ryan) EARMARKS $12K from the Department of Environmental Protection account (2200-0100) for a seasonal police officer at Wallum Lake in Douglas. Does not increase the overall appropriation.

Amendment 570 - Wild Striped Bass Special Commission (Beaton, Matthew) ADDS a new outside section establishing the Wild Striped Bass Special Commission to examine and report on the status and impact that commercial harvesting and sale has on the wild striped bass population in the Commonwealth.

Amendment 666 - Blackstone River Watershed Association (Peterson, George) EARMARKS $50K from the Watershed Management Program account (2800- 0101) for projects made through the Blackstone River Watershed Association.

Amendment 711 - Bristol & Plymouth County Mosquito Control Projects (D'Emilia, Angelo) CHANGES the inside language for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs account (2000-0100) to allow funds to be used for a reserve to meet the costs associated with the eradication of the arbovirus and costs associated with measures taken to prevent the spreading of EEE and West Nile Virus in Bristol and Plymouth Counties. Increases the total appropriation by $400K.

Amendment 720 - Establishment of a Regional Buy Local Program in Central Massachusetts (Beaton, Matthew) EARMARKS $100K from the Department of Agricultural Resources account (2511-0100) for the creation of a regional Buy Local program in Central Massachusetts. Increases the total appropriation by $100K.

Amendment 723 - Bristol County Mosquito Control Project (D'Emilia, Angelo) INCREASES the total appropriation for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (2000-0100) by $200K; CHANGES the inside language to allow funds to be used for a reserve for the eradication and control of mosquito populations in Bristol County.

Amendment 731 - Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project (D'Emilia, Angelo) CHANGES the inside language for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs account (2000-0100), allowing funds to be expended for a reserve for costs associated with the eradication of the arbovirus in order to prevent the spread of EEE and the West Nile Virus in Plymouth County. Increases the overall appropriation by $200K.

Amendment 739 - National Heritage Areas within the Commonwealth (Peterson, George) INCREASES the total appropriation for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (2810-2042) by $500K to be distributed to each of the heritage areas for operational purposes.

Amendment 778 - Cost/benefit analysis of new energy projects (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section removing the requirement for the energy facilities siting board to review and evaluate environmental and cost impacts of generating facilities rather than just environmental impacts. Also directs the board to require generating facility applicants to submit data to help the board review the impacts on land use, health, water resources and financial costs. A petition to construct a generating facility shall only be approved by the board if the benefits outweigh the financial cost of the proposed facility.

Amendment 961 - Mansfield/Foxboro/Norton Wastewater District Design (Barrows, Jay) ADDS $1M by creating a new line item (xxxx-xxxx) for the design process of a wastewater treatment plant for the Mansfield-Foxboro-Norton Wastewater District. Inserted after item (2260-8870).

Amendment 994 - Assistance in Coordination Services for the Town of Charlton (Frost, Paul) ADDS $75K by creating a new line item (2100-xxxx) for a one-time assistance to design a plan for an independent water system in Charlton. Inserted after line item (2100-0016).

Amendment 1159 - Playground for Auburn (Frost, Paul) ADDS $100K by creating a new line item (2810-xxxx) for a playground at the recreation complex in Auburn. Inserted after item (2820-2000).

Fiscal Year 2015 Budget – Constitutional Officers and State Administration

In case you missed it, today marks the second day of debate on the House Ways & Means Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

As you may have heard, the House of Representatives recently unveiled their $36.2 billion state budget proposal. While the Democratic-majority set an unfortunate tone to this year’s budget debate by refusing to consider amendments relative to local aid, education spending, and welfare reform, the House Republican Caucus will not be deterred.

During this year’s budget debate, the House Republican’s firmly believe that the Legislature must make considerable strides in delivering a budget that is mindful of the economic times, while producing a spending plan that delivers an accountable and transparent state government which reflects the taxpayers’ priorities, and seeks to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.

This evenings debate will continue with amendments relative to constitutional officers and state administration. Below, you will find the amendments offered by House Republicans, along with a brief description of the amendment.

Amendment 1 - Commission to Study Retiree Health Care Reform (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section establishing a commission similar to the OPEB Commission, to look at the feasibility of moving toward a defined contribution system and away from defined benefit delivery. Current law requires municipalities to provide health insurance that offers a defined set of benefits. This study, however, would look at the potential savings that could be achieved by allowing payers to offer comparable individual policies funded by Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). The payer would thus convert the amount used for premium allowance (about $300 per person per month) and put it towards an HRA. The retiree would then be able to purchase comparable coverage using the HRA funds.

Amendment 5 - Allowable Earning Increase for Disability Retirees (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section increasing the earned income cap for disability retirees from $5K to $10K.

Amendment 8 - Agency Credit Card Audit (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section requiring the State Auditor to conduct an annual audit of credit cards issued on behalf of any state agency. The audit will include: the number of credit cards issued by each agency; an accounting of credit cards issued to agency employees, be they actively employed or formerly employed by the agency; and the aggregate monetary amount of credit card transactions per agency.

Amendment 12 - Electronic Paperwork (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section to increase government transparency and reduce costs of printing by eliminating paperwork which is able to be submitted electronically. It also creates a commission to study the feasibility of increasing electronic filings, records management and transactions within the Judiciary Branch.

Amendment 29 - Reforming the Regulatory Process (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section reforming the regulatory process by requiring a review process for all agency rules by the appropriate committee. When an agency creates a regulation, it is filed with the Secretary of State and the appropriate committee. The committee exams the rule to see if it is a valid exercise of designated legislative authority, necessary, reasonable and if it complies with regulatory analysis. The rule must be voted on by committee within 30 days and an agency may withdraw the rule from committee. The review also will include a small business impact statement. Furthermore any agency that approves a state grant to a person or public or private entity over $500K must submit a detailed cost benefit analysis to the Legislature.

Amendment 46 - Highly Paid State Employee Compensation Study (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section creating a commission to conduct a comprehensive review and evaluation of public employment and compensation, including: a comparison of public employees with salaries above $100K in the current fiscal year and the change in the number of such employees for each of the previous 10 fiscal years across all branches, offices, departments, agencies and authorities.

Amendment 59 - Public Service Announcements (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section requiring after any advertising, whether print, broadcast, or online, to include a disclosure stating, “Brought to you by the Massachusetts Taxpayers.”

Amendment 131 - An Amendment to reform and modernize legislative transportation reimbursement (Fattman, Ryan) ADDS a new outside section eliminating the per diem and allowance for each day after prorogation for new members elected after January 1, 2015.

Amendment 167 - Government Efficiencies Commission (Vieira, David) ADDS a new outside section creating a Government Efficiency Commission. The commission will consist of 17 members: three appointed by the Speaker, two by the House Minority Leader, three by the Senate President, two by the Senate Minority Leader, one by the Auditor, one by the Treasurer, and five by the Governor. The commission is tasked with identifying ways to eliminate redundancies among state agencies and make recommendations to do so in a report to the Legislature by January 2, 2015.

Amendment 175 - Chapter 90 Youth Jobs Funding (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting the expenditure of funds from the Youthat- Risk Summer Jobs Program account (7002-0012) until all of the $300M appropriated for Chapter 90 road funding has been released by the Governor.

Amendment 460 - Gaming Payments to Plainville (Dooley, Shawn) ADDS a new outside section including the town of Plainville in the payments to cities and towns from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Amendment 526 - An Amendment to Benefit the Right Lots School House (Fattman, Ryan) EARMARKS $5K from the Massachusetts Historical Commission account (0526- 0100) for a matching grant for the maintenance and enhancement of the Historical Eight Lots Sutton School House. Does not increase the overall appropriation.

Amendment 554 - Minimum Wage Regulations Review (Mirra, Leonard) ADDS a new outside section instructing the state to review the economic impact of the minimum wage and other economic regulations every 5 years, rather than every 12.

Amendment 626 - An Act Relative to the Funding of the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth (Lombardo, Marc) SUBTRACTS $200K from the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth (0950-0050). Eliminates funding entirely.

Amendment 684 - Conforming to Federal ID Standards (Diehl, Geoff) ADDS a new outside section requiring a voter to show an ID to vote. Valid forms of identification include a valid driver’s license, a Massachusetts identification card, a passport, US military ID, Massachusetts voter ID card. If a voter qualifies for MassHealth, they are entitled to obtain a Massachusetts Voter ID card at no cost from the RMV. Furthermore this section requires driver’s licenses to comply with all federal Real Identification Act standards.

Amendment 686 - Consolidating the Various Registrars (Diehl, Geoff) ADDS a new outside section creating a commission to study the feasibility of consolidating the resources, facilities and man power of the RMV, registries of probate and registries of deeds. The commission will consist of the Secretary of State, who will chair the commission; the director of DCAMM; a member appointed by the House Minority Leader; a member appointed by the Senate Minority Leader; and two members appointed by the Governor. The commission will submit a report to the legislature by December 31, 2015.

Amendment 693 - An Amendment for Tax Abatements for Veterans, Widows, Blind Person (Kuros, Kevin) INCREASES the total appropriation for the Tax Abatements for Vets, Widows, Blind, Elders account (1233-2000) by $1.2M.

Amendment 756 - Sunshine Policy Disclosure (Poirier, Elizabeth) ADDS a new outside section requiring that sunshine disclosures, which require applicants for state employment to list all family members currently employed in state government, be filed on a separate page at the end of each application in order to facilitate public access.

Amendment 786 - One-year adjustment period for new regulations (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section forbidding any regulation, except for emergencies, from taking effect until one year after publication.

Amendment 827 - Transparency in state spending (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section mandating the Treasurer to post on Open Checkbook all payouts of severance and settlement agreements involving employee disputes including the amount of the settlement and to whom it was paid.

Amendment 831 - Transparency in pension funds (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section authorizing the State Auditor to audit the accounts, programs, activities and functions directly related any person, corporation, or legal entity that receives public funds for the payment of pensions.

Amendment 834 - Hearings for the potential impact of statewide taxes (Cole, Leah) ADDS a new outside section requiring the Joint Committee on Revenue to hold at least five public hearings throughout the Commonwealth prior to enacting any proposed tax increases.

Amendment 837 - Ensuring vendor compliance in pension plans (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section adding any person, corporation, or other entity which receives public funds for pensions to the retirement boards to the section on debarment or suspension of contractors or vendors.

Amendment 839 - Procurement standards for pension plans (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section adding any person, corporation, or legal entity which receives or expends public funds for its pensions to the definition of the retirement boards to the section on the requirements applicable to retirement board contracts for the procurement of investment, actuarial, legal or accounting services.

Amendment 845 - Relative to auditing state issued credit cards (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section mandating the State Auditor to conduct an audit of all credit cards, procurement cards, and travel cards issued by all state colleges, universities, state agencies, and quasi-agencies from January 2013 through April 2014. The results will be submitted to the Legislature by December 30, 2014.

Amendment 849 - Relative to reporting standards for retirement systems (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section relative to reporting standards for state funded retirement system. Creates an extraordinary status retirement system (ESRS) which includes any entity which receives or expends public funds for its' pensions. Each ESRS will prepare financial statements annually, conduct an investigation every five years with the standards established by the Public Employees Retirement Administration Commission, and file a report with every governmental unit it receives funds from. Said report must include financial transactions, statistical information in regards to system membership, and a summary of any audits. Establishes penalties are included for failure to comply.

Amendment 996 - DCAM contract negotiations with Human Service Organizations (Durant, Peter) ADDS a new outside section requiring if the conditions and use of a lease between DCAMM as tenant and any Human Service Organization remain unchanged, the rates paid by DCAMM for said lease cannot change by more than 5%.

Amendment 1081 - Municipalities Regarding the Pacheco Law (Howitt, Steven) ADDS a new outside section exempting municipalities from the regulations regarding privatization contracts (i.e., the Pacheco Law) when using local money for a city or town project.

Amendment 1120 - Retirement Benefits of Certain Widows and Surviving Spouses (Howitt, Steven) ADDS a new outside section allowing spouses of police and fire fighters who died in the line of duty and remarried after January 1, 1990 to collected survivor benefits. This amendment is prospective from the passage of the bill.

Fiscal Year 2015 Budget – Transportation

In case you missed it, today marks the second day of debate on the House Ways & Means Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

As you may have heard, the House of Representatives recently unveiled their $36.2 billion state budget proposal. While the Democratic-majority set an unfortunate tone to this year’s budget debate by refusing to consider amendments relative to local aid, education spending, and welfare reform, the House Republican Caucus will not be deterred.

During this year’s budget debate, House Republican’s firmly believe that the Legislature must make considerable strides in delivering a budget that is mindful of the economic times, while producing a spending plan that delivers an accountable and transparent state government which reflects the taxpayers’ priorities, and seeks to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.

This afternoon’s debate will now shift its focus to amendments relative to transportation. Below, you will find the amendments offered by House Republicans, along with a brief description of the amendment.

Amendment 22 - Electric Vehicle Plug-In Registration (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section instituting a supplemental registration fee for fully electric vehicles. Funds from said fee are to be deposited into the Commonwealth Transportation Fund for infrastructure costs in the state.

Amendment 252 - An Act Relative to Motor Vehicles turning their lights on in bad weather (Hill, Bradford) ADDS a new outside section requiring motor vehicles operating in weather requiring the use of windshield wipers to turn on their headlights. Violations of this law will be a $35 fine.

Amendment 279 - Transportation Safety (Howitt, Steven) EARMARKS $125K from the Massachusetts Transportation Trust Fund (1595-6368) for traffic lights at the intersection of Route 44 and Arcade Ave in Seekonk. Does not increase overall appropriation.

Amendment 504 - Prohibit Open Road Tolling (Cole, Leah) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting electronic tolling.

Amendment 518 - New Open Road Tolling (Cole, Leah) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting the implementation of new electronic tolling in the Commonwealth in which vehicles access tolls at speeds in excess of 15 miles per hour.

Amendment 544 - Culvert Repair in Groveland (Mirra, Leonard) EARMARKS $2.3K from the Mass Transportation Trust Fund (1595-6368) for the repair and maintenance of a culvert in Groveland.

Amendment 687 - Decreasing Vehicle Registration Frequency (Diehl, Geoff) ADDS a new outside section decreasing the frequency of car registration and the $40 fee associated with it from every two years to three years.

Amendment 704 - MBTA Revolving Door Prevention (Diehl, Geoff) ADDS a new outside section requiring a board member of the MBTA pension board who acts as a lobbyist for anyone other than the Commonwealth, MBTA, or a state agency may not do so until five years after leaving state service.

Amendment 728 - Ensuring the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other motorists (Diehl, Geoff) ADDS a new outside section raising the fine from $35 to $200 for failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk in an intersection. This section also inserts a new paragraph instituting a $500 fine for a violation that results in bodily injury and suspension of a driver’s or commercial license for no less than 90 days. If the accident results in a death, the person faces a $1K fine and license suspension for no less than 180 days.

Amendment 997 - Snow and Ice Removal (Vieira, David) ADDS a new outside section authorizing the Commonwealth to incur an unspecified level of liabilities in excess of appropriation for snow and ice removal.

Amendment 1118 - The Department of Transportation Yellow Dot Program (Durant, Peter) ADDS new outside sections establishing the Department of Transportation Yellow Dot Program. The Yellow Dot Program is a voluntary program of the RMV to assist drivers and passengers who choose to participate and emergency medical personnel in reporting critical medical information in the event of an accident or medical emergency.

Amendment1122 - EZ-ID License Plate Task Force (Smola, Todd) ADDS a new outside section that creates an EZ-ID License Plate Task Force. The task force will consist of 16 members, including minority appointments, and will study the feasibility of a registration plate system utilizing enhanced recognition and identification registration plates. The task force will submit a report to the Legislature by December 31, 2014, including the cost both short term and long term to the Commonwealth, time frame of implementation, and the impact on federal, state and local law enforcement and between the states.

Amendment 1128 - Ensuring Turnpike Tolls Come Down (Frost, Paul) ADDS a new outside section ensuring the Turnpike tolls are removed, when either all bonds relating to the Turnpike have been paid off or by January 1, 2017, whichever comes first.

Fiscal Year 2015 Budget – Education and Local Aid

In case you missed it, today marks the first day of debate on the House Ways & Means Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

As you may have heard, the House of Representatives recently unveiled their $36.2 billion state budget proposal. While the Democratic-majority set an unfortunate tone to this year’s budget debate by refusing to consider amendments relative to local aid, education spending, and welfare reform, the House Republican Caucus will not be deterred.

During this year’s budget debate, the House Republican’s firmly believe that the Legislature must make considerable strides in delivering a budget that is mindful of the economic times, while producing a spending plan that delivers an accountable and transparent state government which reflects the taxpayers’ priorities, and seeks to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.

This afternoon’s debate will now focus on amendments relative to education and local aid. Below, you will find the amendments offered by House Republicans, along with a brief description of the amendment.

Amendment 16 - Cost-Benefit Analysis for PARCC (Orrall, Keiko) ADDS a new outside section directing the Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to complete a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the state's adoption of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), with a full report due by June 30, 2015.

Amendment 36 - Limiting Scope of Curriculum Control (Orrall, Keiko) ADDS a new outside section requiring the express approval of the Joint Committee on Education and the General Court prior to the implementation of significant changes to the curriculum frameworks to be taught in the state’s public schools.

Amendment 52 - Pause PARCC (Orrall, Keiko) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education from expending funds for the development or implementation of the Common Core State Standards until a full assessment of the cost of the change in standards has been completed, with a report due by December 31, 2014.

Amendment 55 - Personal Financial Literacy (Durant, Peter) ADDS a new outside section instituting educational standards by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for personal financial literacy, including understanding loans, borrowing money, interest, credit card debt, balancing a checkbook, etc.

Amendment 60 - Special Education Services Delivery (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section directing Salem State University, in consultation with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, to analyze the existing and potential models for special education service delivery and possible improvements in delivery of said services in the Commonwealth.

Amendment 61 - Reimbursement for PARCC IT Upgrades (Orrall, Keiko) ADDS a new outside section directing the Treasurer to annually reimburse cities and towns for all funds expended for informational technology costs for compliance with the online assessments of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career.

Amendment 67 - An Amendment in Defense of Local Education (Lyons, James) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education from expending funds for the development or implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) or the exams on the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC).

Amendment 95 - District-Wide Robotics Program (Wong, Donald) ADDS $30K by creating a new line item (7035-XXXX) in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for a district wide robotics program in the Town of Saugus. Inserted after line item (7035-0035).

Amendment 96 - Full Day Kindergarten (Wong, Donald) ADDS $200K by creating a new line item (7030-XXXX) in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide staff and materials for free full day kindergarten in the Saugus Public School system. Inserted after line item (7030-1002).

Amendment 164 - Public School Military Mitigation (Vieira, David) ADDS $1.3M by creating a new line item (7061-0033) for aid to cities and towns negatively impacted by shortfalls in federal aid for the education of students in military families housed on military reservations within the towns. (Included in the FY14 GAA)

Amendment 192 - An Act relative to sanctuary cities and towns (Lombardo, Marc) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting any city or town which fails to enforce federal immigration laws from receiving unrestricted general government aid. The declaration of a city or town as a "sanctuary city" by its chief executive or legislative branch shall constitute failure to comply with federal immigration laws.

Amendment 193 - An Act relative to tuition for U.S. Veterans (Lombardo, Marc) ADDS a new outside section establishing that any veteran of the United States Armed Services be considered a Massachusetts resident for the purpose of admission and tuition expenses for any Massachusetts state or community college, or state university provided that the veteran completed one year of active service, designated Massachusetts as his or her intended domicile and successfully establishes residency within 1 year of enrolling in a Massachusetts public institution of higher learning.

Amendment 197 - An act relative to instate tuition (Lombardo, Marc) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting the Department of Higher Education from offering in-state tuition at public institutions of higher education to individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Amendment 296 - Smart Growth Educational Reimbursement (Orrall, Keiko) ADDS $500K by creating a new line item (1233-xxxx) for reimbursements to cities and towns for additional education costs expended as a result of smart growth zoning changes.

Amendment 374 - Amendment to meet extraordinary increases in the minimum required local contribution of a municipality under the requirements (Ferguson, Kimberly) INCREASES the total appropriation for the Foundation Reserve One Time Assistance "Pothole" account (7061-0011) by $2M.

Amendment 461 - Innovation Schools (Dooley, Shawn) ADDS $4.6M by creating a new line item (7061-9011) for Innovation Schools, which was included in the FY14 GAA but omitted by the HWM FY15 budget.

Amendment 468 - Strike PARCC Funding (Dooley, Shawn) CHANGES the language for the MCAS account (7061-9400) by striking the $5M earmark for the development and implementation of the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness in College and Careers) exam. Does not decrease the overall appropriation.

Amendment 501 - Supplemental Municipal Aid (Jones, Bradley) INCREASES aid to cities and towns in section 3 by distributing an additional $50M as separate “supplemental municipal aid” using the same distribution calculation as that used for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA).

Amendment 535 - Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University (Peterson, George) INCREASES the total appropriation for Tufts Veterinary School (7077-0023) by $1.5M.

Amendment 538- Excess Revenue for FY16 Local Aid (Beaton, Matthew) ADDS a new outside section requiring all excess tax revenues receipts for FY16, up to $100M, will be distributed as unrestricted aid to cities and towns.

Amendment 542 - Excess Revenue for Local Aid (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section requiring excess tax revenues receipts, up to $100M, will be distributed as unrestricted aid to cities and towns.

Amendment 543 - Transportation of Students Attending An Out-Of-District Vocation School (Lombardo, Marc) INCREASES the total appropriation for Transportation of Students to Out-of- District Vocational Schools account (7035-0007) by $2.3M.

Amendment 545 - Simplifying and Enhancing FY16 Local Aid (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section establishing a floor for lottery-funded local aid beginning in FY16. Any net profits over the floor are proportionately distributed to municipalities. Any amounts below the floor will be made up for from the General Fund.

Amendment 546 – Simplifying and Enhancing FY16 Local Aid (Settle) (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section establishing a floor for lottery-funded local aid beginning in FY16. Any net profits over the floor are proportionately distributed to municipalities. Any amounts below the floor will be supplemented by one-time settlements that would otherwise be deposited into the Stabilization Fund.

Amendment 550 - Simplifying and Enhancing FY16 Local Aid (X3) (Wong, Donald) ADDS a new outside section establishing a floor for lottery-funded local aid beginning in FY16. Any net profits over the floor are proportionately distributed to municipalities. Any amounts below the floor will be supplemented by one-time settlements that would otherwise be deposited into the Stabilization Fund, withdrawal from reserves, and the General Fund.

Amendment 551 – Simplifying and Enhancing Local Aid (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section establishing a floor for lottery-funded local aid. Any net profits over the floor are proportionately distributed to municipalities. Any amounts below the floor will be made up for from the General Fund.

Amendment 552 – Simplifying and Enhancing Local Aid (Settle) (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section establishing a floor for lottery-funded local aid. Any net profits over the floor are proportionately distributed to municipalities. Any amounts below the floor will be supplemented by one-time settlements that would otherwise be deposited into the Stabilization Fund.

Amendment 555 - Simplifying and Enhancing Local Aid (X3) (Jones, Bradley) ADDS a new outside section establishing a floor for lottery-funded local aid. Any net profits over the floor are proportionately distributed to municipalities. Any amounts below the floor will be supplemented by one-time settlements that would otherwise be deposited into the Stabilization Fund, withdrawal from reserves, and the General Fund.

Amendment 563 - An Amendment Relative to In-State Tuition Fairness (Lyons, James) ADDS a new outside section prohibiting the offering of in-state tuition at public institutions of higher education unless the student is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

Amendment 615 - An Amendment to Provide Municipal Property Tax Relief (Lyons, James) ADDS a new outside section appropriating $250M for municipal property tax relief according to a specific distribution.

Amendment 619 - An Amendment to Increase Regional School Transportation Funding (Kuros, Kevin) INCREASES the total appropriation for the Regional School Transportation account (7035-0006) by $576K.

Amendment 628 - An Amendment to Increase Smart Growth Reimbursement (Kuros, Kevin) ADDS $525K by creating a new line item (1233-2401) for Chapter 40S Education Smart Growth Reimbursement Payments.

Amendment 649 - An Amendment to Increase School Lunch Match Program Funding (Kuros, Kevin) INCREASES the total appropriation for the School Lunch Program account (7053- 1909) by $271K.

Amendment 661 - An Amendment to Increase State Aid for Regional Public Libraries (Kuros, Kevin) INCREASES the total appropriation to the Massachusetts Public Libraries account (7000-9401) by $334K.

Amendment 681 - Adequately Supporting MMSI (Diehl, Geoff) INCREASES the total appropriation for a competitive bid program to increase participation and performance in Advanced Placement courses (7035-0035) by $2M.

Amendment 697 - Law Degree Incentives for ADAs (Diehl, Geoff) ADDS a new outside section establishing a tuition waiver program at the University of Massachusetts School of Law Dartmouth for in-state tuition applicants who commit to a minimum of 5 years in the office of a Massachusetts State District Attorney's office after obtaining a degree and passing the bar exam.

Amendment 698 - Mandate Waivers for Performing School Districts (Diehl, Geoff) ADDS a new outside section directing the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to offer waivers for educational mandates to school districts that can prove proficiency in the areas relevant to the mandate.

Amendment 716 - An Amendment for Circuit Breaker Funding (Kuros, Kevin) INCREASES the total appropriation to the reimbursements for special education costs (Special Education Circuit Breaker) account (7061-0012) by $7.6M.

Amendment 747 - McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act (Poirier, Elizabeth) INCREASES the total appropriation for the Homeless Student Transportation account (7035-0008) by $7.55M, to meet the estimated claims of $14.9M for FY15.

Amendment 753 - PILOT Funding (D'Emilia, Angelo) INCREASES the total appropriation for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program account (1233-2400) by $3.53M.

Amendment 767 - An Amendment for Kindergarten Expansion Grants (Kuros, Kevin) INCREASES the total appropriation for kindergarten expansion grants (7030- 1002) by nearly $1.2M.

Amendment 771 - Foundation Budget Review Commission (O'Connell, Shaunna) ADDS a new outside section reviving the foundation budget review commission; decreasing the frequency of the report from every other year to every four years, with the initial report due on December 31, 2014.

Amendment 924 - STEM to STEAM (Vieira, David) CHANGES the STEM Advisory Council established in SECTION 5 to the STEAM Advisory Council to include "arts" within the Council's purview; adds the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Advisory Council.

Amendment 987 - Commission to Study School funding (Durant, Peter) ADDS a new outside section establishing a special commission to study local contributions to public school districts, including the feasibility of limiting funding contribution increases to 2.5% above the previous year's funding level, with a report due six months after the commission's first meeting. Minority appointments included.

Amendment 1076 - Independent Common Core Curriculum Review (Orrall, Keiko) ADDS a new outside section establishing a special task force to conduct an independent review of the rigor of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) relative to the current Massachusetts curriculum standards, with a report due to the Legislature by January 1, 2015.

Amendment 1115 - Silent Spring Institute Research in Central Massachusetts and on Cape Cod (Frost, Paul) EARMARKS $1.1M from the University of Massachusetts account (7100-0200) for the Silent Spring Institute at UMass Lowell to conduct a two year study of environmental contaminants. Does not increase the overall appropriation.

Amendment 1148 - Equipment and Technology Grant for Schools (Frost, Paul) ADDS $20M by creating a new line item (xxxx-xxxx) in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for a $20 per student grant to be used for educational materials, text books, and other learning materials. Inserted after line item (7009-9600).