MA House SPEAKER NAMES ADVISORY GROUP TO DEAL WITH HEALTH COSTS

SPEAKER NAMES ADVISORY GROUP TO DEAL WITH HEALTH COSTS

Group Will Study How Managed Care Organizations Pay for Rare Disease Treatment

(BOSTON) – House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) announced the creation of an advisory group to study managed care organizations (MCOs), which have been suffering significant losses in recent years, and their impact on MassHealth costs.

The advisory group will consider all cost-drivers and potential savings for MCOs. It will also look at the costs of rare disease treatment medications and examine barriers to increasing adoption of alternative payment methods. Thirty-seven percent of MassHealth members receive services via Medicaid MCOs; the finances of such groups are often challenged by expensive new treatments.

“I’m concerned about the pressure MassHealth and their partner Medicaid MCOs face in today’s healthcare market,” said Speaker DeLeo. “I believe the MCO advisory group will bring together members of the hospital, healthcare, insurer and bio-innovation communities to find creative solutions that balance our need to address costs while maintaining Massachusetts’s standing in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.”

“As I visit hospitals around the state and meet providers and insurers, I am hearing much about the cost pressure MassHealth stakeholders face,” said Representative Jeffrey Sanchez, the House Chair of the Joint Committee of Healthcare Financing. “The cost of rare disease treatment is often cited by Medicaid MCOs, and we need to devise comprehensive solutions in keeping with the bold vision of our universal access to healthcare and wisdom of our efforts at cost containment in recent years.”

“It’s important that we get everyone to the table to address this issue,” said Representative Garrett Bradley, the House’s Second Assistant Majority Leader. “As costs continue to rise, it has become very clear that we need to be creative in finding alternative solutions that benefit consumers and patients.”

The13-member panel will include seven House members as well as six industry representatives: one representative of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, one member from a health plan serving a disproportionate share population, one member of the Massachusetts Hospital Association, a member from a hospital system that operates four disproportionate share hospitals, a member of the Massachusetts Council of Community Hospitals and a member from the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council. The commission will begin meeting later this month and plans to issue legislative recommendations to the House by October 1.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES WINNING PROJECTS OF YOUTH-FOCUSED PARTICIPATORY BUDGET VOTE

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES WINNING PROJECTS OF YOUTH-FOCUSED PARTICIPATORY BUDGET VOTE

Second year of youth participation serves as a national model

BOSTON—Wednesday, June 10, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh on Tuesday announced the winning projects of the Youth Participatory Budgeting Vote. This year’s vote, in which young Bostonians ages 12-25 decided how to allocate $1 million of the City of Boston Capital Budget, is the second time the City has engaged young residents in the budgetary process, and is the first initiative of its kind in the nation.

“We’re involving our youngest and brightest residents in local government, and empowering them to make positive changes in their neighborhoods,” said Mayor Walsh. “I am proud we were able to continue the process, building on last year’s achievements and enable young people to critically think about how to spend taxpayer dollars in a way that better serves the people. This fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability. They walk away knowing their voices matter.”

Voters were able to select up to four projects on the ballot. Projects were divided into the following categories:

• Public Safety
• Parks
• Health and Wellness
• Community
• Culture
• Education
• Technology

The projected selected for funding were: expanding the Hubway bicycle system; expanding the City’s Wicked Free Wi-Fi system; installing water bottle refill systems at City parks; and renovations to Boston Latin Academy’s gymnasium.

Young people from across the City were instructed by the Mayor’s Youth Council and other supportive partners on how to create guidelines from the voting process and develop a ballot, which included 10 projects.

"This is a process designed by and for young people,” said Shari Davis, Director of the City’s Department of Youth Engagement and Employment. “One big piece of Youth Lead the Change’s success is creating real opportunities for youth participation. We were able to do that by meeting young people where they are, building relationships, and allowing them to be the experts that we know they are in spaces where they are safe and comfortable."

Voting polls were stationed at local train stations, youth centers and school buildings slated for the city-wide vote. Over 2,500 eligible votes came in from Boston’s youngest populations.

Last year, young people voted to fund seven winning projects that enhanced community parks, installed security cameras, granted Boston Public Schools Chromebooks and funded a skateboard feasibility study.

"I've learned a lot! I used to take some of these amenities for granted - like WiFi at school, or different features at parks - but now I know how much thought and work goes into making these things happen,” said Adonis Pitts, a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council. “Spending a million dollars is a lot of fun, but it's a lot of work, too."

Youth Lead the Change (YLC) is carried out by the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment, in close collaboration with a steering committee comprised of 26 community and youth serving organizations. The Participatory Budgeting Project facilitates the implementation of participatory budgeting nationwide, and works closely with Youth Lead the Change.

"Youth Lead the Change is the nation's best example of true collaboration between young people and city administration," said Pam Jennings of the Participatory Budgeting Project, a nonprofit leading the development of Participatory Budgeting in North America. "Participatory Budgeting empowers our young leaders to understand how government works while giving them the tools to make informed decisions. We are excited to spread the innovations introduced by Youth Lead the Change, to make democracy better for communities around the world."

"Our mission is to scale up collaboration and decision-making. We envision an era in which large communities can deliberate and brainstorm with one another on important issues with the aid of intelligently designed algorithms and digital communication platforms,” said Ashish Goel, Professor at Stanford University, who leads the Stanford Crowdsourced Democracy Team, which developed the digital voting tool used for voting. “We are fortunate to partner with the Boston School District. The forward thinking, the willingness to innovate, and the commitment to inclusive democracy that we see from the city and the district has been a great motivator for our team."  

The winning projects are as follows:

Hubway Extensions

Cost Estimation: $101,600

Hubway, a bicycle sharing transportation system in Boston, helps to provide additional commuting options to local residents. The additional funding will:

• Expand the Hubway system into more neighborhoods;
• Increase access to this unique transportation system to thousands of residents who are currently underserved by other means of public transportation; and
• Provide alternative transit options to those who do not have a driver’s license and/or access to a personal vehicle.

Wicked Free Wifi 2.0

Cost Estimation: $119,000

Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston’s Department of Innovation Technology (DoIT) launched the City’s free Public Wi-Fi in April of 2014. Wicked Free Wi-Fi is available at more than 170 access points within the public wireless network, and this investment aims to increase the number of users across Boston’s neighborhoods. This project will:

• Provide young people internet in areas that do not have inexpensive or free Wi-Fi options; and
• Increase internet access in target locations, such as at schools and community centers.

Water Bottle Refill Stations at Parks

Cost Estimation: $260,000

Designated refill stations will help encourage the use of reusable water bottles and reduce negative environmental impacts on Boston’s parks system. This project will:

• Install water stations in Joe Moakley Park in South Boston, Hynes Field in West Roxbury, Healey Playground in Roslindale, Robert E. Ryan Playground in Dorchester and on the Boston Commons; and
• Serve those who need to stay hydrated while enjoying Boston parks and partaking in sporting activities.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating fuel needed to package and transport bottled water

Boston Latin Academy Gym Renovations

Cost Estimation: $475,000

The Boston Latin Academy (BLA) gymnasium is intended to serve thousands of BLA students and members of the local community. The gym serves as a safe space for students, and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle within the community. This funding will:

• Support cosmetic and safety improvements within the gym, such as painting, addressing flooring issues and bleacher repair.

Youth Lead the Change will launch its third year in September with a call for steering committee members. To learn more about Youth Lead the Change, visit www.bostonyouthzone.com or contact the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment at 617-635-4202. To see a full listing of all the proposed projects, visit youthleadboston.org.

MassDOT Announces FY2016 Capital Investment Plans; Public Hearing Schedule

MassDOT Announces FY2016 Capital Investment Plans; Public Hearing Schedule

Capital plans represent $3 billion in strategic investments statewide, addresses core system needs

BOSTON – Tuesday, June 9, 2015 – Today, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack announced the release of the draft Capital Investment Plans for MassDOT and the MBTA for fiscal year 2016, which begins July 1, 2015. 

Both plans continue funding for ongoing capital projects, including major undertakings such as the procurement for new Red and Orange Line vehicles and the Green Line Extension project.  The plans also include a significant investment in the T’s Winter Resiliency Plan, which seeks to enhance the T’s winter preparedness with new equipment and planning. 

“The combined draft Capital Investment Plans form the basis for a statewide investment strategy, focus on maintenance and system preservation, and are designed to be achievable,” said Secretary Pollack.  “Past practices have resulted in capital spending falling short of initial projections, and were based on lists of projects that were not necessarily formed around a clear objective.  While we reevaluate our priorities and advance new project selection criteria, our plan for fiscal 2016 will create a bridge that will allow us to develop a new five-year plan that is realistic, meets each regions’ needs, and spends money wisely. In addition to the investments proposed here, fixing the T and delivering the world-class transportation system the people deserve will require the systemic changes the Governor is seeking in our legislation to reform the T.”

The draft Capital Investments Plans can be found HERE.

Highlights of the $3 billion program:

·         Covers MassDOT highway and municipal projects, regional airports, rail, and transit, including the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities

·         Addresses the region’s needs and changing demographics, and future demands for transit services and expanded capacity

·         Devotes 64 percent of the MBTA plan to state of good repair – including replacing aging Red and Orange line cars, buses, as well as various track and signal upgrades

·         Funds the $83.7 million MBTA Winter Resiliency Plan – much needed investment in system upgrades to handle another winter storm season

Following the release of the MassDOT and MBTA Capital Investment Plans, a series of public meetings will be held to solicit public feedback. 

Public meetings are scheduled as followed:

• Monday, June 15, 6:00-8:00pm Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst

• Monday, June 15, 6:00-8:00pm North Quincy High School, Auditorium, 316 Hancock Street, Quincy

• Tuesday, June, 16, 6:30-8:30pm Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, 60 Congress Street, Springfield, MA (Public Hearing)

• Tuesday, June 16, 4:00-6:00pm State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston (Public Hearing)

• Wednesday, June 17, 6:30-8:30pm Framingham Town Hall, Nevins Hall, 150 Concord Street, Framingham

• Thursday, June 18, 6:00-8:00pm Taunton City Hall, Council Chambers, 141 Oak Street, Taunton

• Monday, June 22, 6:30-8:30pm Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, 2 Washington Square, Union Station, 2nd Floor, Worcester

• Monday, June 22, 6:00-8:00pm Gloucester City Hall, Council Chambers, 9 Dale Avenue, Gloucester

• Tuesday, June 23, 6:00-8:00pm Roxbury Community College, Student Center, Room 200, 1234 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury

• Tuesday, June 23, 6:00-8:00pm Arlington Town Hall Auditorium, 730 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington

These meeting locations are accessible to people with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency. If you need a reasonable accommodation (such as American Sign Language Interpreters, assistive listening devices, handouts in alternate formats, etc.) and/or language assistance (such as translated documents or an interpreter) to fully participate, please contact Stephanie Boundy at stephanie.boundy@state.ma.us, or (857) 368-8904. Such services are provided free of charge.

Baker-Polito Administration Declares June as “Great Outdoors Month”

Baker-Polito Administration Declares June as “Great Outdoors Month”

Governor Signs Proclamation at “Capital Campout” Event on Castle Island

CASTLE ISLAND- Friday, June 5, 2015- Today, at an event located at historic Fort Independence on Castle Island, Governor Charlie Baker joined with Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Carol Sanchez, and fourth grade students from the Condon Elementary School in South Boston and their families, to announce June as “Great Outdoors Month.” Governor Baker signed a proclamation officially declaring the month as “Great Outdoors Month” to encourage citizens from across the Commonwealth to enjoy outdoor recreational activities in the state’s diverse landscapes and natural environments.

“I am pleased to announce June as ‘Great Outdoors Month’ in the Commonwealth. Massachusetts has 450,000 acres of public land that includes parks, forests, and beaches for our citizens to enjoy every day,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “It is my hope that families across the Commonwealth will take full advantage of the wonderful opportunity to explore the countless outdoor activities throughout our state.”

Governor Baker signed the proclamation at Fort Independence located on Castle Island during DCR’s Capital Campout event, where students and their families learned alongside Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Secretary Beaton, and Commissioner Sanchez valuable camping skills like how to pitch a tent, safely starting and maintaining a campfire, and how to cook outdoors.

“Today’s Capital Campout serves as a perfect example of how families in every part of the state can enjoy our state parks and beaches, regardless of where they live,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to working with our local communities to protect and preserve our state’s precious natural resources, like Castle Island, for future generations to enjoy.”

“As an avid outdoorsman, I am proud to stand with Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, and Commissioner Sanchez to kick off “Great Outdoors Month” at historic Fort Independence,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Commonwealth’s parks give children and families from every corner of Massachusetts the opportunity to enjoy wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities and I hope that everyone will take advantage of what our state parks and beaches have to offer during this summer.”

“My children grew up hiking, swimming, and fishing in our local state parks and I’m so pleased that Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, and Secretary Beaton want to preserve those opportunities for generations to come,” said DCR Commissioner Carol Sanchez. “The Department of Conservation and Recreation is proud to offer families across the state hundreds of opportunities, just like the Capital Campout event, to get outdoors and enjoy the summer in our state parks, forests, and beaches.”

From the summit of Mt. Greylock to historic Plymouth Rock, there is something for everybody with more than 250 state parks, 87 ocean and inland beaches, 18 islands, 37 swimming pools, 29 campgrounds, 2,000 miles of greenways and trails, and 145 miles of paved biking trails to incorporate into an active and healthy lifestyle.

The “Capital Campout” event was made possible by the generosity of Coleman Company, Inc., who donated tents and camping supplies; Whole Foods, who provided food and nutritional programming; Sullivan’s, who provided food, Fishing Finatics, who provided fishing equipment and lessons; and The American Recreation Coalition who assists in organizing the “Great Outdoors Month” and “Capital Campout” campaigns across the nation each year.