An Update from Representative Dykema
With the good news of melting snow, there is also some promising news on the economic front. A healthy stock market, decreasing Massachusetts unemployment, and some positive news from business owners are all promising signs. Sustaining and building on these improving trends will be an important goals in the next two years. Controlling healthcare costs and responding to small business concerns are two key areas where the legislature can make a difference and are areas I will continue to focus on in the upcoming session.
Supporting our towns through increasingly tight budgets will also be an important challenge during the budget season which starts next month.
While we face greater challenges than we have in decades, I continue to admire the strength of our communities and feel great pride in the work of so many who are stepping up to help neighbors in need.
As always, please stay in touch.
Warmly,
Rep. Dykema 2011-2012 Legislation
After listening to ideas from constituents and town officials over the past months, I have filed the following bills for the upcoming session, with two more in process. The bills won't be available online for several weeks, but please call the office if you'd like more information.
HD 02321 Act to Promote Economic Stimulus in Natural Resource Based Small Businesses
Expands tax credits to small agricultural businesses and commercial fishing operations that currently apply only to larger, incorporated operations. Also encourages renewable energy production on agricultural properties.
HD 02300 Act Relative to Support for Veterans
Ensures that veterans with PTSD receive appropriate treatment and support when they enter the criminal justice system.
HD 03473 Act Relative to Municipal Health Care
Gives municipalities more control over healthcare decisions impacting municipal employees and also provides a means for towns to mitigate cost increases to employees as a result of the changes.
Gives municipalities more control over healthcare decisions impacting municipal employees and also provides a means for towns to mitigate cost increases to employees as a result of the changes.
HD 03446 Act Relative to School Transportation
Eliminates the state mandate requiring school districts to assess transportation fees based on the distance of the child's residence from the school.
Eliminates the state mandate requiring school districts to assess transportation fees based on the distance of the child's residence from the school.
HD 02309 Act Relative to the Protection of Open Space
Gives towns the option to purchase property owned by a non-profit organization before it's sold for development.
HD 03036 Act Relative to Improving Public Access to Statements of Financial Interest
Requires financial statements filed with the state by candidates and elected officials to be available to the public online.
HD 02410 Act to Enhance Sustainability of Agricultural Businesses
Protects local nurseries, landscapers and other agricultural small businesses from proposed legislation that would restrict their business activities.
HD 02916 Act Relative to Medical Sharps
Creates a state-wide program for ensuring that sharps/syringes used for in-home medical treatments are disposed of safely.
Gives towns the option to purchase property owned by a non-profit organization before it's sold for development.
HD 03036 Act Relative to Improving Public Access to Statements of Financial Interest
Requires financial statements filed with the state by candidates and elected officials to be available to the public online.
HD 02410 Act to Enhance Sustainability of Agricultural Businesses
Protects local nurseries, landscapers and other agricultural small businesses from proposed legislation that would restrict their business activities.
HD 02916 Act Relative to Medical Sharps
Creates a state-wide program for ensuring that sharps/syringes used for in-home medical treatments are disposed of safely.
HD 03364 Act to Implement Evidence-Based Practices in the Massachusetts Justice System
Requires that the courts and probation institute measurement practices that ensure state resources are spent as effectively as possible.
Requires that the courts and probation institute measurement practices that ensure state resources are spent as effectively as possible.
HD 02939, HD 02943 and HD 2924 Acts related to ensuring justice for victims of domestic violence
These three bills, filed with District Attorney Gerry Leone, give law enforcement officials more legal tools to address domestic violence.
HD 02896 Act Relative to Prevention and Control of Lyme Disease
Expands the responsibilities of the state Mosquito Control Board to provide assistance to towns in addressing Lyme disesase.
These three bills, filed with District Attorney Gerry Leone, give law enforcement officials more legal tools to address domestic violence.
HD 02896 Act Relative to Prevention and Control of Lyme Disease
Expands the responsibilities of the state Mosquito Control Board to provide assistance to towns in addressing Lyme disesase.
Tax Support for Seniors
Did you know that Massachusetts has several tax exemptions and credits just for seniors? For more information about the Senior Circuit breaker and tax exemptions and to see if you qualify, contact Massachusetts Department of Revenue Service Bureau at 617-887-DOER or 800-392-6089.Need some help with filing your taxes? In partnership with the IRS, AARP's Tax Aide program is able to assist with you with federal, state and local tax returns. To find the nearest site, you can contact 888-227-7669 or visit www.aarp.org. Their website has lots of great information on tax filing if you want to get started on your own.
Winter Heating Help
Heating expenses are high this winter with the snow and extreme cold. To recognize the need this season, the federal government has authorized $8.5m in additional funding of the LIHEAP heating assistance program for income eligible residents. Visit www.massresources.org for more information.