Author: john_velis

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Sweeping Economic Development Bill Authorizing $627 Million for COVID-19 Recovery Signed into Law

BOSTON (1/15/2021) – On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, the Massachusetts Legislature passed $627 million in funding for a sweeping economic recovery and development bill which will provide much-needed support to businesses, investments in infrastructure, and creation of new jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was signed into law on January 14, 2021.

An Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth provides the residents of Massachusetts a COVID-19 relief and recovery package that will provide support to the restaurant and tourism sectors, small businesses, and those who have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, while also creating a Future of Work Commission, establishing protections for student loan borrowers, and ushering in zoning reforms that will encourage housing development in our communities.

“This new law will help stabilize our economy and lead us to a strong economic recovery from this pandemic,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation provides immediate relief to those sectors of the economy hit hardest by the pandemic, while making key policy changes, particularly in housing, that will fuel future economic growth. I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz for his stewardship of this bill and for Chairwoman Ferrante and Representative Wong for their work on the conference committee.”

“I am thrilled this legislation is now law so that we can begin to provide a necessary boost to our economy as it recovers from the dire effects of COVID-19,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Legislature recognizes the need to be bold when addressing the challenges facing restaurant and small business owners, cultural attractions and other key sectors that will keep our economy strong. I am particularly pleased this bill includes the long sought-after housing production reforms that the Senate has supported for years. I want to thank Senators Lesser, Rodrigues and my colleagues for their attention to this critical bill and for acting with urgency to move it forward in the legislative process.”

“Tonight, our economic relief package was signed into law by Governor Baker. In a time of crisis for our Commonwealth, the Legislature completed one of the most important economic recovery and investment packages in recent history. With the inclusion of urgently needed small business and restaurant relief, new protections for over 1 million student loan borrowers, and the most progressive and far-reaching housing reform in decades, this legislation will bring needed relief to families, small businesses, and communities hit hardest by COVID-19,” stated Senator Eric P. Lesser, Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies (D-Longmeadow).

“This bill provides critical relief to those who have been the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. So many businesses and individuals have struggled during these difficult times, and this is really the State Government responding,” said Senator Velis, Assistant-Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (D-Westfield).

The bill includes the following bonding authorizations and policy changes.

COVID-19 pandemic relief and recovery

Bonding Authorizations

● $30 million for the state’s COVID-19 Payroll Protection Program

● $20 million for restaurant COVID-19 recovery grants

Policy Changes

● Limits fees charged by third-party delivery services for restaurants to 15% during the COVID-19 state of emergency; prohibits third-party delivery service companies from reducing rates for delivery drivers or garnishing gratuities as result of the limitation

● Creates a commission to examine and make recommendations on addressing the recovery of the cultural and creative sector, including the arts, humanities and sciences, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

Housing

Bonding Authorizations

● $40 million for a program to redevelop blighted buildings

● $50 million for transit-oriented housing developments

● $10 million for climate-resilient affordable housing developments

● $5 million for a Gateway Cities housing program

Policy Changes

● Implements zoning reform to help cities and towns approve smart growth zoning and affordable housing by lowering the required vote threshold for a range of housing-related zoning changes and special permits at the local level from a two-thirds supermajority to a simple majority

● Requires designated MBTA communities to be zoned for at least one district of reasonable size, in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and requires such housing to be suitable for families with children

● Increases the state low-income housing tax credit program cap from $20,000,000 to $40,000,000

Employee protections, business growth, and equity

Bonding Authorizations

● $35 million for a Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation matching grant program to community development financial institutions for small business loans and grants

● $27.7 million for a new Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program

● $20 million for a Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation small business grant program

● $14M million for travel and tourism grants

● $10 million for regional and community assistance planning grants

Policy Changes

● Enables, via local option, the creation of tourism destination marketing districts (“TDMDs”), made up of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, for the purpose of generating local revenue dedicated solely for the promotion and marketing of specific regions of the Commonwealth

● Amends the statutory definition of wait staff employee to include a person in a quick service restaurant who prepares or serves food or beverages as part of a team of counter staff

● Provides that the taking of family or medical leave shall not affect an employee’s right to accrue vacation time, sick leave, bonuses, advancement, seniority, length-of-service credit or other employment benefits, plans or programs

● Exempts natural hair braiding from the definition of hairdressing, and exempts natural hair braiding from rules and regulations pertaining to aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing and manicuring

● Encourages the PRIM Board to use minority investment managers to manage PRIT Fund assets, where appropriate, and to increase the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of Fund investments

● Establishes a commission of experts, industry members, academics, and elected officials to research and propose policy solutions that ensure the future and sustainability of local journalism in Massachusetts

Student protections

● Establishes a Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights regulating the licensing and operation of student loan servicers by the Commissioner of Banks

● Creates a Student Loan Ombudsman within the Office of the Attorney General for the purpose of receiving, reviewing and assisting in the resolution of complaints from student loan borrowers; authorizes the Ombudsman to assist with repayment options, applying for federal loan forgiveness programs, ending wage and tax refund garnishments, resolving billing disputes, and obtaining loan details

Agriculture and rural support

Bonding Authorizations

● $20 million for rural community development and infrastructure grants

● $2 million for an urban agriculture grant program

Policy Changes

● Expands the Food Policy Council to include an expert in healthy soil practices; codifies the definition of ‘healthy soils;’ gives the Commission for Conservation of Soil and Water the ability to establish a Massachusetts Healthy Soils Program and Fund

Technology and innovation

Bonding Authorizations

● $52 million for the Technology Research and Development and Innovation Fund

● $15 million for lottery IT infrastructure

● $10 million for the expansion of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2)

● $5 million for the Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund

Policy Changes

● Creates a special commission on the future of work to conduct a comprehensive study relative to the impact of automation, artificial intelligence, global trade, access to new forms of data and the internet of things on the workforce, businesses and economy.

● Clarifies that carsharing platforms may obtain insurance coverage from non-admitted carrier and that carsharing platforms do not need their own insurance-producer or broker licenses to offer or maintain insurance policies for carsharing vehicles or drivers.

Other bonding authorizations include

● $102,304,000 for local economic development projects;

● $12.5 million for the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation;

● $15 million for trial court virtual mediation services;

● $6 million for Massachusetts Cultural Council grants;

● $5 million for Mass Cultural Council public school grants;

● $20 million for Mass Cultural Council cultural facilities grants;

● $15 million for vocational technical school expansion grants; and

● $15 million for higher education workforce grants

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January 18, 2021 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday season—even though it may not have felt as festive as usual. I’m already looking forward to the next one and hopefully in 2021 we will be able to celebrate with our loved ones.

I know that many of you have reached out to my office about the COVID-19 vaccine. As of right now, the Commonwealth is still in Phase I of the vaccination schedule. This includes almost all healthcare workers, our first responders, and congregate living residents. If you have any questions about the vaccination schedule, please do not hesitate to call my office.

This new year also marks the beginning of the 192nd General Court and I’m looking forward to my first two-year session as your state Senator. With the new session comes the start of filing new bills. My staff and I are busy researching what legislation we can introduce to best serve the district and the Commonwealth as whole. I’ve been taking meetings all month with advocacy groups, constituents, and other legislators to discuss possible legislative ideas. This week included discussions with animal rights advocates, Holyoke community members, and Lisa Sheehan of Agawam High School on several different topics.

On Thursday I had a chance to sit down and talk to Westfield’s new State Representative, Kelly Pease. We had a great conversation about Westfield and some of the challenges our City is facing. I was glad to share some advice from my time as State Rep, and am looking forward to working alongside Representative Pease to advocate for Westfield.

In this new legislative session, I will also be putting together quarterly newsletters from my office that can be sent right to your email inbox. If you would like to sign up for the newsletter, head to www.senatorjohnvelis.com/quarterly-newsletter/

As always if there is anything I can do to assist you, please never hesitate to reach out to my office. I can be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920 and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Sincerely,

John C. Velis

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Velis, Boldyga Pass Legislation for Local Veterans Committee

Main St. in Agawam to also be named the George Washington Memorial Highway

AGAWAM (1/13/2020) – In the remaining days of the 2019-2020 legislative session State Representative Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick) and State Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) ushered through the Massachusetts Legislature a bill filed on behalf of the Agawam Veterans Council to commemorate a historic route traveled by George Washington. 

H2974 An Act Establishing the George Washington Memorial Highway was enacted by the legislature on January 4th and signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker. It designates a portion of Main St. in Agawam from the Connecticut border to the intersections of Route 75 and 147 to also bear the name of the nation’s first president. 

Representative Boldyga said he was fascinated to learn about the historic route when the Veteran’s Council first approached him about it.  “It is one of those little known parts of history that you’re not going to read about in school textbooks” said Boldyga. “I am honored to have worked with the Agawam Veteran’s Council and Senator Velis to pass the legislation and preserve a piece of local history that we can share with future generations” he continued. 

George Washington traveled the route twice. The first time in 1775 on his way to Cambridge to take command of the continental army and the second in 1789 as he toured New England on his way to Boston as President. In 1932 a private organization placed markers along the route to celebrate the bicentennial of Washington’s birth. 

Aldo Mancini of the Agawam Veterans council said that with the bill’s passage, the portion of the route that runs through Agawam now has an official state designation and will include proper signage. “ We’ve been working on this for several years and are very grateful to Representative Boldyga and Senator Velis for their commitment to work with us and get this done. Sadly, before the bill passed a fellow council member who helped lead the effort passed away, so in some ways this was also to honor him.” said Mr. Mancini. 

“It is always rewarding to work alongside constituents to get a bill that is important to the community across the finish line,” said Senator Velis. “The historical relevance of this route is truly fascinating, and I am grateful to have learned from and worked alongside Representative Boldyga and the Agawam Veteran’s Council.”

Representative Boldyga and Senator Velis said they plan to host a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Agawam Veteran’s Council sometime this Spring. 

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Sen. John Velis Maintains Perfect Voting Attendance in Senate

BOSTON (1/12/2020) – As the 191st legislative session ended last week, Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) completed 2020 without missing a vote in the Massachusetts State Senate.  

“My job is to represent the people of the Second Hampden and Hampshire district on every single legislative matter that comes before us in the Massachusetts State Senate,” said Senator Velis. “At the end of the day, whether you agree with my votes or don’t agree with my votes, I was elected to participate in the process and take these difficult votes. One thing I can guarantee is that nobody will ever accuse me of ducking or running from a tough vote.”  

Prior to his election to the Senate in May, Senator Velis was the State Representative for Westfield in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He did not miss a vote in the House during 2020 as well. 

In the seven months Senator Velis has been in the Senate, the legislature has worked on a number of important bills, with a strong focus on COVID-19 and economic recovery. The Senator noted that he considers every bill on its merits, not by what political party put it forward, and stressed the importance of listening to different perspectives when considering a bill. 

“The Second Hampden and Hampshire district is politically diverse like no other, and it has been critical for me to listen to the different perspectives in our communities,” said Senator Velis. “I am focused on the needs of my constituents and our district, and that will always be my priority.” 

With the 191st session ending last Tuesday, the 192nd legislative session began Wednesday morning. Senator Velis was sworn in remotely for a full two-year term to the State Senate on Wednesday before the new legislative session began.  

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Local officials react to FBI warning of possible armed protests

January 11th, 2020 – 22 News WWLP – Lindsey Kane, Amanda Callahan

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) — The FBI is warning of plans for armed protests across the nation beginning this week and leading up to the presidential inauguration.

The FBI said armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitol buildings. Local state leaders said no violent protesters will be tolerated.

The FBI released a statement, saying they are aware of plans for armed protests in all 50 state capitol sites on, before, or after the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Western Mass News reached out to the FBI Boston division. They said they are “not in possession of any intelligence indicating any planned, armed protests at the four state capitols in their area of responsibility (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island) from January 17-20, 2021.”

Massachusetts State Police said in part, “MSP are aware of many general statements that have been made online regarding potential protest activity, including one posting calling for ‘peaceful armed protest’ in all 50 state capitols that was the basis for an FBI bulletin. Today we are aware of no specific threat to government venues or to public safety generally in Massachusetts.”

State Senator Eric lesser said while people have the right to peacefully protest there are limits.

“Frankly, I think any open display of weapons is far beyond what a civilized conversation about politics should be about, in this country, and frankly in our state, in Massachusetts that will not be tolerated,” Lesser said.

State Senator John Velis said the whole world is now watching after the events on Capitol Hill last Wednesday.

“The ones that are laughing harder than everybody are our adversaries out there in the world; there couldn’t be a worse showcase to the world than what happened,” Velis said.

He said the First Amendment will not protect people who are anything but peaceful.

“Anybody who goes beyond that and enters the realm of a violent protest should be arrested and should be prosecuted,” Velis said. “There’s absolutely no place for that.”

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January 10, 2021 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,  

I hope you all are doing well and staying safe. Many of our communities are still in the high-risk category for COVID-19 cases, so it is critical that we continue to curb the spread while vaccinations roll out. First responders across the state will begin to receive their first doses of the vaccine this coming Monday. 

Wednesday marked the start of the new 192nd legislative session. Although the senate swearing-in session was remote, it was a great experience to be sworn in while being at my district office in Westfield. I’m so honored to continue working on behalf of the Second Hampden and Hampshire district. The night before, the Senate held its last session of the 191st legislative session, which went until just before 5AM. Two of the major pieces passed were the Economic Development bill and the Transportation Bond bill. 

The Economic Development bill will provide much needed relief to businesses that have suffered due to COVID-19. Among other things, the bill includes $20 million in grants to restaurants,  $30 million for payroll protection, and over $100 million for local economic development projects. The bill also prioritizes workforce development initiatives and includes $15 million for vocational technical schools and $15 million to support career-oriented programs at community colleges. There are also a number of strong policy initiatives in the bill to protect consumers, including establishing a Student Loan Ombudsman’s office within the Attorney General’s office to assist students with loan servicer issues. I was proud to vote for such a multifaceted bill that is much needed during these dire times.  

The $16.5 billion dollar Transportation Bond bill passed by the legislature is an authorization of funds for transportation projects and maintenance all over the Commonwealth, including in our district. It was critical that the authorization was made before the end of session so that projects can continue during the spring and summer construction seasons. I am glad to report that the gas tax that many were contemplating was not included in the final transportation bill. As many of you know, I strongly opposed an increase to the gas tax during my time in the House as I believe it disproportionately affects our communities in Western Mass. I have continued to advocate against such a tax in the Senate and am glad that it was not included in this final piece of legislation. 

As the new legislative session begins, I am feverously researching, drafting, and filing bills. Part of that work includes meeting with organizations and constituents in our communities and across our state. On Friday I met with Jeff Hayden, Vice-President of Business and Community Services at Holyoke Community College, to talk about ways we can develop our workforce and increase vocational training in our communities. Preparing our next generation with the workforce skills they need is a strong focus of my legislative agenda. Other focuses of my legislative research include substance use programs, education requirements, animal rights protections, and veterans affairs issues. As the bill filing process moves along, I encourage you to reach out to my office if you have ideas on potential legislation. 

In this new legislative session, I will also be putting together quarterly newsletters from my office that can be sent right to your email inbox. You can sign up here.

As always if there is anything I can do to assist you, please never hesitate to reach out to my office. I can be reached at my email:  john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920 and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com. 

Best wishes for a happy new year, 

John C. Velis 

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State legislators condemn violence in Washington calling acts ‘disgraceful’

January 7th, 2020 – 22 News WWLP – Jodi Reed

BOSTON (WWLP) – Reaction continues to pour in from state lawmakers after that breach in Capitol building by rioters.

Several local legislators told 22News that they are disgusted by the events that unfolded Wednesday and they’re hoping that a peaceful transition of power is still possible.

As state lawmakers took the oath of office for a new legislative session, violence was erupting in our nation’s Capitol. This caused legislators to begin questioning the political motives of the president’s supporters and anyone who threatened the security of our democracy.

“And that’s what we saw yesterday, we saw anarchy where there was just a complete lack of respect for anything and everybody that is now who we are, and it’s not a place we want to go to,” Sen. John Velis of Westfield said.

Senator Velis, who’s been deployed to Afghanistan twice, reflected on the time he spent overseas saying he and many others fought for the rule of law and for election security.

He told 22News that it’s devastating to have to also fight for that here in America.

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U.S. Capitol attack reminds Velis of Afghanistan deployment

State Sen. John C. Velis, a U.S. Army Reserve major, is pictured in the Zabul courthouse for the first prosecution of an insurgent in Afghanistan during a deployment where he helped establish rule of law. The faces of Afghanistan officials have been blurred.

January 7th, 2020 – The Westfield News – Hope E. Tremblay

WESTFIELD – As state Sen. John C. Velis, watched the attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, he was taken back to his deployments to Afghanistan.

Thousands of people descended on the Capitol lawn and extremist supporters of President Donald J. Trump interrupted the confirmation of President-elect Joe Biden Wednesday afternoon, breaching the Capitol building and the Senate chambers. On Thursday morning, four people were reported dead from the violence, including a woman who was shot inside the Capitol building.

The events unfolded live on television and social media. Velis, a U.S. Army Reserve major, said he thought of the mantra of his first deployment to Afghanistan in 2012: “Yow mumlakat, bey la qanoon tsacka de dzangal haysiat laree,” which Velis said is an old Pashtun proverb that means “a country without law is a jungle.”

Velis, an attorney, was deployed to Afghanistan to help establish rule of law. He said what he saw in Washington Wednesday was similar to what he saw in Afghanistan – people who no longer believed in their government resorting to violently taking matters into their own hands.

“I was on a rule of law task force because people in Afghanistan had lost faith in the rule of law,” he said. “They lost faith in their government.”

With a lack of leadership, the Taliban rose to power in Afghanistan. Citizens had nowhere else to turn.

“The Taliban, in a way, filled that void. This is what happens when people take matters into their own hands,” Velis said.

While establishing rule of law there, Velis said the Taliban took action against anyone it thought was supporting a new government and they worked to counteract any communication to citizens. Velis said he and the task force set up a radio program and invited the attorney general and other officials to encourage people to vote for a new president.

To prevent voter fraud, Velis said everyone who made it to the polls had a finger marked with ink to show they had voted. Unfortunately, many had that finger cut off by the Taliban.

“For those who voted, it was extremely important, and they risked their lives,” Velis said, noting that many citizens were kidnapped while on their way to the polls.

Following the election of President Ashraf Ghani, his opponent Abdulah Abdulah cited fraud, votes cast by the dead and other complaints that mirror the 2020 U.S. election.

“He would not accept the results,” Velis said of Abdulah, who was eventually named prime minister to keep the peace and continue the momentum of the rule of law.

Velis said he was present at the first court case in Zabul Province where the first prosecution for insurgence took place. He said the Capitol attack was a step backward for America.

“The very heartbeat of democracy was attacked,” he said. “There is a lack of faith in the rule of law, and that’s one of the first signs that a nation is imploding.”

Velis said while watching the live coverage, he wanted to see what other countries, such as China and Russia, had to say about what was happening.

“They were laughing at us,” he said. “When we get laughed at as a nation, it’s a bad, bad thing.”

Velis said the country now has a “real opportunity to conduct introspection and think long and hard” about the future.

“If you go back and look at the greatest empires, states and countries of the world, one thing they have in common is they were not defeated from abroad, they collapsed from within.”

Velis said he was proud that those elected officials who spent much of Wednesday hidden in offices, under desks and chairs but ready to fight back if necessary, came back together at the end of the day to finish the work they had started.

“The most important thing was for them to get back to do the job they’re supposed to do,” he said. “Hats off to them.”

Congress officially certified Biden as the new president just before 4 a.m. Thursday.

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Legislature Passes Economic Development Bill

BOSTON (1/6/2020) – On Wednesday, shortly before 4AM, the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives passed HB5250 – An Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth.

The final bill provides the residents of Massachusetts a COVID-19
relief and recovery package that will provide desperately needed support to our restaurant and tourism sectors, small businesses, as well as those who have been significantly impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, while also creating a Future of Work Commission, establishing protections for student loan borrowers, and ushering in zoning reforms that will encourage housing development and access in our communities. The House and Senate collaborated to produce a comprehensive economic development bill allocating $627,181,000 in capital authorizations across housing, community development, small business recovery, broadband expansion, neighborhood revitalization, climate resilience, vocational and career training, and higher education.

FUNDING ITEMS

In total, the economic development bill includes $627,181,000 in authorizations for housing, economic, and community development coupled with mandates of social, racial, economic, and geographic equity where appropriate.


Regional & Community Assistance Planning Grants (7002-8032)
Authorizes $10,000,000 for planning initiatives undertaken by individual municipalities, joint cities or towns, or entire regions working together to address shared goals related to community development, housing production or other issues of local and regional concern.


Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program (7002-8033)
Authorizes $27,700,000 for the establishment of an Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program to be administered by EOHED.


Restaurant COVID-19 Grants (7002-8034)
Authorizes $20,000,000 for a program administered by EOHED to provide financial and capital assistance to restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.


Site Readiness Program (7002-8000)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for the Site Readiness Program administered by MassDevelopment to continue making sites ready for development through site assembly and assessment, permitting, and other predevelopment activities.


Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation – CDFIs (7002-8001)
Authorizes $35,000,000 for the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation to provide matching grants to community development financial institutions certified by the U.S. Treasury or community development corporations certified under M.G.L c. 40H.


Vocational School Expansion Grants (7035-2020)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for capital grants to vocational technical schools to expand operating capacities and reduce wait lists.


Higher Education Workforce Grants (7066-2020)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for a grant program administered by the Department of Higher Education to support career-oriented programs and initiatives at community colleges.


COVID-19 State Payroll Protection Program (7002-8035)
Authorizes $30,000,000 for the Massachusetts Growth Corporation to provide small business loans to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to pay employee payroll, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and interest on other debt obligations.


Local Economic Development Projects (7002-8036)
Authorizes $102,304,000 for local economic development projects throughout Massachusetts.


Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund (7002-8002)
Authorizes $5,000,000 to fund the Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund for maintenance of broadband infrastructure owned by the Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation in Central and Western Massachusetts.


Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (7002-8003)
Authorizes $10,000,000 in matching grants to support collaboration among manufacturers located in the Commonwealth and institutions of higher education, nonprofits and other public or quasi-public entities.


Technology Research & Development & Innovation Fund (7002-8004)
Authorizes $52,000,000 for the Scientific and Technology Research and Development Matching Grant Fund to foster additional scientific and technology research and development in the Commonwealth.


Rural Community Development & Infrastructure Grants (7002-8027)
Authorizes $20,000,000 for a competitive grant program fund dedicated to supporting community development, infrastructure projects, and climate resilience initiatives in rural communities and small towns.


Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation – Microbusiness Grants (7002-8028)
Authorizes $25,000,000 for the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, in consultation with the microbusiness development center, to administer a grant program to provide capital for micro-businesses and low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a new business.


Travel & Tourism Matching Grants (7002-8029)
Authorizes $14,000,000 for a competitive grant program to improve facilities and destinations visited by travelers in order to increase visitation, entice repeat visitation through marketing and other means, and increase the direct and indirect economic impacts of the tourism industry in all regions of the Commonwealth.


Blighted Buildings Redevelopment Program (7002-8031)
Authorizes $40,000,000 for a program to support the redevelopment of underutilized, blighted, or abandoned buildings.


Commonwealth Zoological Corporation (7002-8034)
Authorizes $12,500,000 for the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation for capital
improvements necessary for the operation of the Zoo New England, Franklin Park Zoo, and the Walter D. Stone Memorial Zoo.


Urban Agriculture Grant Program (7002-8037)
Authorizes $2,000,000 for capital grants for urban farms as defined in this act.


Lottery Commission IT (0640-0100)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for IT related projects at the state lottery commission.


Massachusetts Cultural Council Grants (0640-0303)
Authorizes $6,000,000 for a competitive grant program administered by the MCC to promote artists in creating new mediums to showcase their art, and to promote local museums to showcase their exhibits remotely.


Massachusetts Cultural Council Public School Grants (0640-0304)
Authorizes $5,000,000 for a competitive grant program to be administered by the MCC, in consultation with DESE, to help public schools provide access to cultural experiences in the community through remote means in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Cultural Facilities Grants (0640-0305)

Authorizes $20,000,000 for a non-profit infrastructure and equipment competitive grant program administered by the MCC to provide means to safely and sustainably reopen to the public while upholding necessary public health and social distancing protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.


TRC Virtual Mediation Services (1102-5702)
Authorizes $15,000,000 to make improvements at the trial courts to support virtual mediation services.


Transit-Oriented Housing Developments (7004-0059)
Authorizes $50,000,000 in the form of grants and loans for transit-oriented housing and the production of high-density mixed-income affordable housing near transit modes.


Climate-Resilient Affordable Housing Developments (7004-0064)
Authorizes $10,000,000 for sustainable and climate-resilient construction in affordable, multifamily housing developments to better respond to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


Neighborhood Stabilization (7004-0065)
Authorizes $50,000,000 for neighborhood stabilization to help return blighted or vacant housing back to productive use.


Gateway Cities Housing Program (7004-0066)
Authorizes $5,000,000 in a Gateway City housing pilot program to support the construction of shovel-ready market-rate housing opportunities.

POLICY ITEMS


HOUSING


Housing Choice
Implements zoning reform to help cities and towns approve smart growth zoning and affordable housing by lowering the required vote threshold for a range of housing-related zoning changes and special permits at the local level from a two-thirds supermajority to a simple majority. Housing production is an integral part of economic development and recovery. Therefore, these provisions will cut the red tape that stands in the way of housing production and provide municipalities with the tools necessary to spur housing production in the Commonwealth.


MBTA Communities
Requires designated MBTA communities to be zoned for at least one district of reasonable size, as defined in the Act, in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right. Requires such housing to be suitable for families with children.


Zoning Appeals
Allows judges to require non-municipal parties who appeal special permits, site plan review, and variances to post a bond up to $50,000 to secure statutory costs. Provides judges with discretion to consider the merits of the appeal and the relative financial ability of the parties.


HDIP Programmatic changes
Requires at least 10% of units to be affordable (i) rental units for people whose income is not more than 60% of the area median income, or (ii) owner-occupied units for people whose income is not more than 80% of the area median income; amends the HDIP program to increase transparency and equity.


40R Smart Growth
Permits DHCD to establish smart growth design standards; clarifies that mixed use development is allowed; place limitations on density bonus payments for housing in districts limited to age-restricted, disabled, or assisted living populations; enhance DHCD’s ability to claw back incentive payments if a community repeals 40R zoning.

Tenant’s Right to Purchase
Creates a local option establishing a tenant’s right of first refusal and outlines a process by which tenants occupying a residential property may purchase said property prior to its sale or foreclosure.


Eviction Record Sealing
Seals all no-fault eviction records.


Minors & Eviction Records
Prohibits minors from being named in a summary process summons; requires expungement of the names of any minors from any court record or electronic docket.


Local Housing Authority Board Member Elections
Amends provisions related to the election of local housing board members and modifies the definition of the tenant member on such boards by expanding seat eligibility to tenants with signed leases for public housing operated by the local housing authority, tenants in public housing operated on behalf of the housing authority, participants in rental housing assistance programs operated by a housing authority, or a resident of any such housing units over the age of 18.


Low-income Housing Tax Credit
Increases the state low-income housing tax credit program cap from $20,000,000 to $40,000,000.


CONSUMER PROTECTIONS


Student Loan Bill of Rights
Establishes a new G.L. c. 93L regulating the licensing and operation of student loan servicers by the Commissioner of Banks; establishes a Student Loan Ombudsman within the Office of the Attorney General for the purpose of receiving, reviewing and assisting in the resolution of complaints from student loan borrowers; authorizes the Ombudsman to assist with repayment options, applying for federal loan forgiveness programs, ending wage and tax refund garnishments, resolving billing disputes, and obtaining loan details.


Motor Vehicle Insurance and Registration
Requires insurers, licensed insurance producers, or third- party representatives to verify an applicant’s Massachusetts driving history before processing a payment or issuing a policy when they utilize driving history as a rating or an underwriting factor for motor vehicle insurance; requires the insurer or insurance producer to provide a disclosure regarding the verification of the applicant’s driving history when issuing a quote, allowing consumers to understand that an initial quote for a policy may differ from the final cost of the policy, after driving history is checked.


COVID-19 PANDEMIC RELIEF AND RECOVERY


Third-Party Delivery Fee Caps
Limits fees charged by third-party delivery services for restaurants to 15% during the COVID-19 state of emergency; prohibits third-party delivery service companies from reducing rates for delivery drivers or garnishing gratuities as result of this Act.


Commission on Cultural and Creative Sector
Creates a commission to examine and make recommendations on addressing the recovery of the cultural and creative sector, including the arts, humanities and sciences, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.


EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS, BUSINESS GROWTH, AND EQUITY


Tourism Destination Marketing Districts
Enables, via local option, the creation of tourism destination marketing districts (“TDMDs”), made up of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, for purpose of generating local revenue dedicated solely for the promotion and marketing of specific regions of the Commonwealth.


Waitstaff Employees
Amends the statutory definition of wait staff employee to include a person in a quick service restaurant who prepares or serves food or beverages as part of a team of counter staff; further amends that definition to clarify that such an employee has no managerial responsibility during a day in which the person serves beverages or prepared food or clears patrons’ tables.


Paid Family Medical Leave
Provides that the taking of family or medical leave shall not affect an employee’s right to accrue vacation time, sick leave, bonuses, advancement, seniority, length-of-service credit or other employment benefits, plans or programs.


Grand Bargain Premium Holiday Fix
Requires retail employers to pay employees time and a half holiday pay for working on New Years Day, Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day, and Veterans Day.


Natural Hair Braiding & Licensing
Exempts natural hair braiding from the definition of hairdressing, and exempts natural hair braiding from rules and regulations pertaining to aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing and manicuring.


PRIM Investment Board
Encourages the PRIM Board to use minority investment managers to manage PRIT Fund assets, where appropriate, and to increase the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of Fund investments.


Mass Maritime Piers Repair and Rehabilitation Program
Establishes a Maritime Piers Repair and Rehabilitation Program within the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency to make grants and loans for the reconstruction, repair, renovation or rehabilitation of existing commercial and marine industrial infrastructure and public or private maritime transportation infrastructure.

Transient Vendor License Extension
Expands the transient vendors license from one to three years.


Minority and Women Enterprise Study
Creates a special commission to identify ways to grow minority and women business enterprises in public construction.


Commission on Journalism
Establishes a commission of experts, industry members, academics, and elected officials to research and propose policy solutions related to the decline of local journalism in Massachusetts and the future sustainability of the industry.


AGRICULTURE AND RURAL SUPPORT


Rural Growth Fund
Establishes the Rural Jobs Tax Credit for businesses that make a capital contribution to a rural growth fund, established within the Office of Business Development.


Healthy Soils Program and Fund
Expands the Food Policy Council to include an expert in healthy soil practices; codifies the definition of “healthy soils;”; gives the Commission for Conservation of Soil and Water the ability to establish a Massachusetts Healthy Soils Program and Fund.


Cranberry Renovation Tax Credit
Establishes a tax credit equal to 25 per cent of the total qualified renovation expenditures for a cranberry bog, not to exceed $100,000 and capped at $2,000,000 per year.


TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION


Personal Vehicle Sharing Insurance
Clarifies that carsharing platforms may obtain insurance coverage from non-admitted carriers and that carsharing platforms do not need their own insurance-producer or broker licenses to offer or maintain insurance policies for carsharing vehicles or drivers.


Future of Work Commission
Creates a special commission to conduct a comprehensive study relative to the impact of automation, artificial intelligence, global trade, access to new forms of data and the internet of things on the workforce, businesses and economy.

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Legislature Passes Landmark Climate Change Bill

BOSTON (01/04/2021) – The Massachusetts Legislature today passed breakthrough climate legislation that overhauls the state’s climate laws, drives down greenhouse gas emissions, creates clean energy jobs, and protects environmental justice communities.

The bill, An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy (S.2995), sets a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions limit, as well as statewide limits every five years; increases the requirements for offshore wind energy procurement bringing the statewide total to 5,600 megawatts; requires emission reduction goals for MassSave, the state’s energy efficiency program; and, for the first time, establishes the criteria in statute that define environmental justice populations. The legislation also increases support for clean energy workforce development programs including those targeting low-income communities and improves gas pipeline safety.


“This legislation takes a historic step in the fight against climate change, putting Massachusetts on the path to creating a cleaner, greener and healthier future for the next generation,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I am thrilled to see this legislation codifies our shared goal of reducing harmful carbon emissions to zero by 2050, and creates new energy initiatives and standards to help us reach that target. I want to thank Senator Barrett, Representative Golden and their fellow conferees for their advocacy and hard work, as well as Speaker Mariano and former Speaker DeLeo for their partnership in seeing this bill through to fruition. I’d also like to note how much the Senate has been inspired to action by the energy and determination demonstrated by the young people of this Commonwealth. Your commitment to protecting our planet is inspiring and I welcome your continued collaboration as we move forward together in addressing our climate crisis.”

“This legislation represents a major piece of climate legislation that will set the course of the Commonwealth for the next three decades,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy).  “Today we send a message loud and clear that Massachusetts will empower our environmental justice communities, achieve net zero emissions by 2050, continue to lead on offshore wind, increase equitable access to our clean energy programs, and create pathways to clean energy jobs for underserved and low-income communities.”

“This bill steps up the pace of our collective drive to contain climate change,” said Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy.  “It’s the strongest effort of its kind in the country.  With the tools the Legislature assembles here, we’re constructing the response we need and providing a blueprint to other states.”

“This is an historic day for Massachusetts. We have long been one of the clean energy leaders in our country, but today, we’ve strengthened the foundation that we have built upon and chart a course that has been long discussed but never codified or fully implemented,” said Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “Climate policy can’t wait – that’s why this bipartisan legislation sets aggressive and practical goals in the areas of emissions reduction, green energy, environmental justice, and grid modernization. I am proud to have served on this conference committee and thank my colleagues for their hard work and collaborative spirit in crafting this legislation.”

“This historic climate change bill puts forth comprehensive policies to address the urgent climate concerns that our Commonwealth is facing,” said Senator John Velis (D-Westfield). “This legislation takes the general goals we have talked about for so long and implements them through specific and tangible action items. I am grateful to all the constituents and advocates who have reached out to me throughout this entire process.”

The legislation includes, among other items, the following provisions.

  • Sets a statewide net zero limit on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and mandates emissions limits every five years, as well as limits for specific sectors of the economy, including transportation and buildings.
  • Codifies environmental justice provisions into Massachusetts law, defining environmental justice populations and providing new tools and protections for affected neighborhoods.
  • Requires an additional 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind, building on previous legislation action and increases the total to 5,600 megawatts in the Commonwealth.
  • Directs the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), regulator of the state’s electric and natural gas utilities, to balance priorities going forward: system safety, system security, reliability, affordability, equity, and, significantly,reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Sets appliance energy efficiency standards for a variety of common appliance including plumbing, faucets, computers, and commercial appliances.
  • Adopts several measures aimed at improves gas pipeline safety, including increased fines for safety violations and regulations related to training and certifying utility contractors.
  • Increases the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 3 percent each year from 2025 – 2029, resulting in 40 percent renewable energy by 2030.
  • Establishes an opt-in municipal net zero energy stretch code, including a definition of “net zero building.”
  • Prioritizes equitable access to the state’s solar programs by low-income communities
  • Establishes $12 million in annual funding for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center in order to create a pathway to the clean energy industry for environmental justice populations and minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
  • Provides solar incentives for businesses by exempting them from the net metering cap to allow them to install solar systems on their premises to help offset their electricity use and save money.
  • Requires utilities to include an explicit value for greenhouse gas reductions when they calculate the cost-effectiveness of an offering of MassSave.
  • Creates a first-time greenhouse gas emissions standard for municipal lighting plants that requires them to purchase 50 percent non-emitting electricity by 2030 and “net zero” by 2050.  
  • Sets benchmarks for the adoption of clean energy technologies including electric vehicles, charging stations, solar technology, energy storage, heat pumps and anaerobic digestors.

The bill is now with the governor.

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