Today, Governor Baker announced details for the initial implementation of federal unemployment benefits in the CARES Act, the federal based COVID-19 relief package. This federal program, enacted on March 27, 2020, will be administered by states. Today’s announcement reflects the first set of partial guidance that Massachusetts will immediately implement to support unemployed workers. The…
Congress passed COVID-19 relief legislation last week, which has now been signed by the president. The newsletter we sent out last week contained an overview of the legislation. Three specific parts of that legislation will be particularly relevant to our small businesses and workers: Direct rebates: The CARES Act provides a $1,200 rebate to individuals and heads of households and $2,400…
This week, the House of Representatives advanced and finalized several pieces of important legislation, covering the topics of education, nutrition, public safety, and children’s health before breaking for the holidays. As formal sessions end for the remainder of the year, I’m pleased we advanced these critical pieces of legislation, sending several to the Governor’s desk…
State Rep. Ann Margaret-Ferrante, D-Gloucester, a cosponsor of the legislation, told Statehouse reporter Christian Wade: “We’re living in a time where I think most people would agree that there’s more of a chance of a fetus being exposed to opioids than alcohol. We really need to have a discussion about what is happening to these…
Last month, Governor Baker brought his cabinet to Cape Ann, giving our communities the opportunity to showcase local initiatives, highlight areas of concern, and discuss state investments. Senator Bruce Tarr and I started off the day by joining Secretary of Education James Peyser and Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta at Gloucester High School to have…
Last week, the House of Representatives passed its FY2020 budget, including substantial investments in education, economic development, and local aid, as well as other areas. Here are a few highlights on issues that are especially important to our district because they will have a positive impact on Cape Ann. This year, the House Budget makes a down…
The state House of Representatives, which is debating a nearly $41 billion budget for fiscal 2019, is proposing at least five new recovery centers at a cost of $3.5 million. The move is backed by House Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop, and dozens of other lawmakers. Read more on the Gloucester Daily Times website→
Romeo Theken and Ferrante — accompanied by her mother Frances, who is blind and battles other health issues — both cited a trickle-down effect that could come from a reduction or loss in coverage for addiction. Both noted that, if denied coverage for treatment, those caught in the grips of addiction would not enter treatment…
The expansion comes as the center has grown from essentially no staff to a corps of eight part-timers and a small army of volunteers. It also comes as the center has been bolstered by a $75,000 state earmark secured, board President Mary Jane McGlennon noted, by state Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante and state Senate Minority Leader…
Special kiosks set up at some police stations collect unwanted and unused prescription medication, and some departments accept unwanted guns and ammunition on dedicated takeback days. Massachusetts police departments could next become a point for addicts seeking recovery to turn in unwanted heroin and other drugs, without the threat of prosecution, under legislation recently filed by…
