In this session, we backed our commitment to our cities and towns by increasing local-aid funding from fiscal 2012. A total of $46.3 million in local aid was allocated to the towns in the 4th Middlesex district for fiscal 2013.
Education funding for children from kindergarten to 12th grade throughout the district was also increased along with state reimbursements for special education costs. Major reforms to municipal healthcare were passed, including the bill I filed that allows municipalities who save money by joining the state health- insurance system to provide health reimbursement accounts to protect those who depend most on health services.
Last February’s supplemental budget provided relief to small businesses by freezing the unemployment insurance rates. This budget increased funding for adult day health services to low-income seniors and disabled persons and increased funding for the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program to help offset heating costs for those in need.
This year, I worked diligently for the passage of the updated Community Preservation Act (CPA). The CPA is a state law that provides a mechanism, along with matching funds, for cities and towns in Massachusetts to acquire and protect parks and open space, create and support affordable housing, and preserve historic buildings.
After leading the nation in implementing comprehensive healthcare for all, our focus shifted to healthcare finance reform. We passed a bill that will save up to $200 billion over the next 15 years in healthcare costs. The bill, signed into law Aug. 6, establishes a statewide healthcare-cost growth goal that will be proportional to the growth in the state’s overall economy. It will also increase access to essential care services, require more transparency and accountability, encourage new payment models, and makes key investments in prevention and wellness efforts.
Other notable pieces of legislation I supported this year include the VALOR Act, which further strengthens Massachusetts’ commitment to veterans and their families, alimony reform, strengthening laws against human trafficking, a $1.4 billion transportation bond bill focused on fixing our roads and bridges, and an energy bill that aims to reduce the price of electricity and support renewable energy efforts.
This is just a snapshot of the legislative work done this session. It remains an enormous privilege and honor to serve the constituents of the 4th Middlesex district and represent you on Beacon Hill. It has been a productive 3 years in the Legislature and I am looking forward to another two years to come.
This opinion column was published Friday, Sept. 7, 2012.
