Governor Baker Signs Economic Development Legislation

Governor Baker Signs Economic Development Legislation

$1 billion initiative will advance community development, workforce training, and innovation 

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today signed comprehensive economic development legislation into law, providing up to $1 billion in new investments in communities, workforce training, and innovation across Massachusetts, and deepening the state’s economic competitiveness.

The new economic development law, An Act Relative to Job Creation and Workforce Development (H. 4569), advances job creation by expanding the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to building a skilled workforce and connecting residents to economic opportunities, strengthening community and housing development efforts, and investing in the emerging technologies that will underpin the Commonwealth’s economic future.

“This legislation unleashes valuable opportunities for investments in the development of revolutionary new technologies and community-based innovation, connecting every region of the Commonwealth to the innovation economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By pairing those investments with a growing commitment to workforce development in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, computer science, and robotics, we will deepen our efforts to build the nation’s most competitive workforce. I am proud this bipartisan legislation will support the growth of our state’s nationally-leading innovation economy, and help develop the jobs of tomorrow.”

“Strong communities are the cornerstone of our Commonwealth, and this economic development legislation provides a robust set of tools that will allow state government to partner with communities, and advance our common goals,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “By providing critical funds for public infrastructure, site cleanup, and Gateway City redevelopment, this legislation will unlock local and regional economic development priorities, and connect citizens across Massachusetts to economic opportunity.”

“This bill will help our communities and businesses work together to build our economy,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg. “More and better jobs are on the way.”

“The 2016 economic development law will help Massachusetts remain a national leader and position us for growth,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “The programs in this bill complement one another and, in doing so, support residents from all backgrounds, encourage growth in every region of the Commonwealth, and provide opportunities for businesses in diverse industries. Additionally, I believe the college savings plan will provide vital support to our students and families as they prepare for a bright future.”

An Act Relative to Job Creation and Workforce Development provides new capital funding for local infrastructure, Brownfields site cleanup, Gateway Cities development, site assembly and site readiness, workforce development, emerging technologies, and community-based innovation. The legislation also reforms the state’s smart growth housing toolbox, streamlines the state’s Economic Development Incentive Program, and allows for the expansion of Boston’s Conley cargo terminal. And it updates obsolete liquor laws, ensuring that Massachusetts farmer-wineries will continue to be able to sell their products on their own premises.

“This legislation reflects the collaborative spirit that drives our economic development efforts,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “It is the result of more than a year of conversations with scores of legislators and administration officials, as well as thousands of conversations with business leaders, municipal officials, educators, community advocates and other stakeholders. And it reflects our shared vision of creating economic opportunities, economic prosperity, and economic mobility throughout the Commonwealth.”

“The Workforce Skills Capital grants established in this legislation will make a vital difference to many of our educational institutions across the state, which are training and educating tomorrow’s workforce,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II. “These grants will enable vocational schools, career and technical schools, community colleges and other organizations focused on skill-building to purchase the most up-to-date equipment. These investments will lead to more skilled workers who are able to get good-paying jobs, and help businesses meet their increasing needs for a pipeline of trained workers.” 

“This new Workforce Skills Capital Grant program will help give schools and community colleges the equipment and infrastructure they need to train students and current workers in high need occupations on the latest technology,” said Education Secretary Jim Peyser. “We’ve already seen the impact this year’s capital investments have had on our ability to increase institutional collaboration and industry partnerships and we are thrilled to be able to expand this critical program thanks to this important piece of legislation.” 

“Smart growth housing helps build stronger communities, and stronger families,” said Undersecretary for Housing and Community Development Chrystal Kornegay. “This legislation contains several powerful new levers for supporting the creation of workforce housing in all types of communities, from Gateway Cities, to town centers and urban neighborhoods, to suburban communities. I’m proud that this legislation will help working families across Massachusetts access more moderately-priced housing.”

An Act Relative to Job Creation and Workforce Development is organized around four main themes: community development, workforce development, innovation, and economic competitiveness. Highlights of the legislation include:

Community Development

·             MassWorks ($500 million capital authorization): Reauthorizes a capital grant program that provides municipalities and other public entities with public infrastructure grants to support economic development and job creation.

·             Transformative Development Initiative ($45 million capital authorization): Supports the revitalization of Gateway Cities, by enabling MassDevelopment to make long-term patient equity investments in key properties in Transformative Development Initiative districts, with the goal of accelerating the maturation of private real estate markets.

·             Brownfields Redevelopment Fund ($45 million capital authorization): Moves funding for the state’s Brownfields Redevelopment Fund to the capital program, providing a reliable long-term funding stream for a fund that is the Commonwealth’s primary tool for facilitating the redevelopment of contaminated properties.

·             Site Readiness Fund ($15 million capital authorization):Advances regional job creation by creating a new fund for site assembly and pre-development activities that support regionally significant commercial or industrial development opportunities.

·             Massachusetts Food Trust Program ($6.4 million capital authorization): Capitalizes a financing program to support rural agriculture and increase food security in low- and moderate-income communities.

·             Smart Growth Housing Trust Fund ($15 million capital authorization): Moves funding for the state’s Smart Growth Housing Trust Fund to the capital program, providing a reliable long-term funding stream for a fund that is the Commonwealth’s primary tool for facilitating smart growth housing development.

·             Starter Home Zoning: Incentivizes the creation of smaller, denser, and more affordable single-family homes by creating a new starter home option under the Chapter 40R smart growth housing program.

·             Housing-Related Tax Increment Financing: Supports housing production in town centers and urban neighborhoods by reforming a seldom-used local-only smart growth tax incentive program, removing onerous regulations, and allowing communities to set their own affordability requirements.

·             Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) Reform:Supports the development of market-rate housing in Gateway Cities by allowing credits to support new construction, and by raising the formula that sets housing development incentives.

Workforce Development

·             Workforce Skills Capital Grants ($45 million capital authorization): Establishes a new grant program for workforce development training equipment, to strengthen workforce skills, and create strong employment pipelines.

The Massachusetts Innovation Initiative

·             Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) ($71 million capital authorization): Provides matching grants to establish public-private applied research institutes around emerging manufacturing technologies. The state’s capital funds will be matched with federal and private industry funds.

·             Scientific and Technology Research and Development Matching Grant Fund ($15 million capital authorization):Reauthorizes a capital grant program that funds nonprofit, university-led research collaboratives working to commercialize emerging technologies, thereby supporting the development of emerging industry clusters.

·             Community Innovation Infrastructure Fund ($15 million capital authorization): Creates a new fund for making capital grants that support community-based innovation efforts, including co-working spaces, venture centers, maker spaces and artist spaces.

·             Digital Health Care Cluster Development: Broadens the statutory charge of the Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI) to include digital health cluster development.

·             Angel Investor Tax Credit: Promotes startup activity and job creation in the Gateway Cities, by incentivizing investment in early-stage life sciences and digital health firms.

Economic Competitiveness

·             Conley Terminal Rehabilitation ($109.5 million capital authorization): Permits the Massachusetts Port Authority to pursue the reconstruction of South Boston’s Conley Terminal, including berth construction and crane procurement, to accommodate new, larger cargo ships.

·             College Savings Tax Deduction: Provides Massachusetts residents with tax deductions for making deposits into prepaid tuition or college savings accounts.

·             Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) Reforms:Builds accountability in the state’s primary job-creation incentive program by strengthening the link between the issuance of tax credits, and job creation that would not otherwise occur; adds flexibility to the incentive program by eliminating obsolete, formula-driven incentive categories.

·             Liquor Law Reforms: Protects the ability of farmer-wineries, farmer-breweries, and farmer-distilleries to serve their products on their own premises; supports consumer choice and access to markets by allowing retailers who sell alcohol to also serve alcohol in in-house cafés; liberalizes restrictions on the sale of alcohol around certain holidays.

·             Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) Modifications: Shifts the focus of nonprofit regional economic development nonprofits toward systems-based efforts to stimulate economic growth, including strengthening the regional skills pipeline, and executing regional industry cluster development strategies.

·             Fantasy Sports: Legalizes daily fantasy sports contests operated in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Attorney General.

麻大波士頓孔子學院漢語橋美國高中生夏令營圓滿結束

麻州大学波士顿孔子学院“汉语桥”美国高中生赴华夏令营圆满结束

        7月19日，由中国国家汉办/孔子学院总部、美国麻州大学波士顿孔子学院和中国人民大学共同主办的2016年“汉语桥”美国高中生赴华夏令营圆满结束。

        在为期近两周的北京和上海行程中，营员们以沉浸式汉语学习方式为主，进行了集中的语言学习和应用交际实践练习。在京期间，营员们不仅在中国人民大学举行了别开生面的开营仪式,而且在国家汉办波士顿地区项目负责老师的带领下，参观了孔子学院总部， 更有机会与北京广渠门中学的学生们互动交流。除此之外，营员们还游览了故宫、长城、天坛等具有中国历史传承的名胜古迹，以及国家博物馆、798艺术区、宋庄画家村等富有人文特色的文化艺术场所， 体验并学习了书法、剪纸等中国传统文化艺术。在沪期间，营员们惊喜体会到江南水乡与大都市的完美结合，除了游览豫园、田子坊等极具江南风情的历史人文经典，也参观了代表中国现代标志性建筑的东方明珠塔，一览尽收浦东繁华。

        此次“汉语桥”夏令营营员主要来自美国麻州大学波士顿孔子学院主办的第11届美国中学生“汉语桥”中文演讲比赛获奖者。他们来中国前，在美国不同州的高中学习汉语，已经具备一定的中文基础 。经过此次夏令营沉浸式强化训练，不单营员们的汉语水平普遍得到提高，而且他们对于中国的认知也从书本上的介绍转变为亲眼所见、亲耳所闻的中国。传统中国的博大精深和现代中国的日新月异，都进一步激发了营员们学习汉语和了解中国的热情。

        作为美国麻州大学波士顿孔子学院首次发起的“汉语桥”中文演讲比赛的拓展项目，本届夏令营起到了推动促进美国当地中小学汉语学习的积极作用，获得了参营学生和家长们的一致好评，取得了很好的成果。（麻大波士頓分校孔子學院提供）

Governor Baker Signs Comprehensive Energy Diversity Legislation

Governor Baker Signs Comprehensive Energy Diversity Legislation

Reduces Ratepayer Costs, Embraces Advanced Technologies and Diversifies Energy Portfolio to Include Hydropower and Other Renewables

BOSTON – Yesterday, in a continued effort to stabilize electric rates, ensure a diversified energy portfolio for the Commonwealth, and embrace advanced technologies, Governor Charlie Baker signed comprehensive energy diversity legislation into law at the State House with Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton, legislative leaders, and members of the Legislature. An Act Relative to Energy Diversity (H. 4568) garnered bi-partisan support and promotes the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to reducing energy costs while strengthening the state’s clean energy economy and progressing towards Massachusetts’ greenhouse gas reduction requirements. 

Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, Secretary Beaton and members of the Legislature

State House – Kennedy Statue Lawn

Press: Open

August 8, 2016

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Transcription:

GOVERNOR BAKER: Over the course of the past eighteen months, we’ve worked collaboratively making targeted decisions and investments regarding that regional energy and electricity infrastructure, and this legislation is a testament to the collective spirit the so many people brought to this conversation and takes the Commonwealth one step

closer to that energy future.

We believe that through the solicitation and procurement of long-term contracts for both hydropower and offshore wind power, Massachusetts and New England can remain national leaders in clean and renewable energy production.

I am also proud to say that with the passage of this legislation, and the combined 1200MW of hydropower and 1600MW of offshore wind authorized under this act, the Commonwealth moves closer to meeting our aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Hydroelectric generation will also play a crucial role in the Commonwealth’s new balanced and diverse energy portfolio by offering clean, reliable, and cost-effective base load 24/7, 365 energy to assist in replacing the estimated 10,000MW the region stands to lose by 2020. 

In addition, the bill spurs the development of an emerging offshore wind industry, creates jobs and represents the largest commitment by any state in the nation to offshore wind.

In addition to reducing and stabilizing the cost of energy for residents and businesses throughout the region, this legislation assists Massachusetts in meeting our environmental requirements under the Global Warming Solutions Act.

To build upon this commitment, in the coming weeks our administration will begin to take strong, coordinated action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,  safeguard our residents from the impacts of climate change, and build a more resilient Commonwealth. 

It’s a testament and a tribute to the leadership of both the House and Senate that through it all we managed to come up with a piece of legislation that I believe will set Massachusetts course for the future in a proper and appropriate way to ensure that we continue to reduce our carbon footprint and at the same time deliver reliable and competitively priced energy for the people of this region.

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Enhancing Partnerships Between State and Municipal Governments

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Enhancing Partnerships

Between State and Municipal Governments

New law is the product of extensive outreach and input from municipal officials

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation improving critical components of the partnership between state and municipal governments by eliminating or updating obsolete laws, promoting local independence, streamlining state oversight and providing municipalities with greater flexibility. The legislation, An Act modernizing municipal finance and government (H. 4565), reflects operational modernization and technological advancement at the local level, allowing municipalities to better address local issues.

“This municipal modernization legislation is a great example of some true weed whacking of outdated, clunky laws that will empower our municipalities and support good-governing at the local level across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “As two former local officials ourselves, the Lieutenant Governor and I have a true appreciation for the independence and flexibility created by this commonsense bill, allowing municipal officials to better serve all of our constituents and create stronger communities in all of our 351 cities and towns.”

“City and town officials across the Commonwealth know they have a reliable partner in the Baker-Polito Administration,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Whether through the working group we established shortly after taking office that generated over 1,300 suggestions from over 235 municipalities and school districts on how to deliver services more efficiently, or the more than 231 Communities that have signed a Community Compact, the ongoing dialogue we have had with local officials and our partners in the legislature is what made this effort possible.”

The Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to support and partner with local municipal governments remains a strong priority. As a part of the Building Stronger Communities tour, Lt. Governor Polito has met with officials from over 130 municipalities and professional associations. Since the establishment of the Community Compact Cabinet, Lt. Governor Polito has signed over 230 compacts to strengthen partnerships between cities and towns and the Commonwealth. These initiatives facilitate better communication and collaboration with local officials to further implement best practices in municipal governance.

"When we introduced these reforms in December we did so with four key themes aimed to help our municipal partners improve the way they conduct their day-to-day business," said Administration and Finance Secretary, Kristen Lepore. "These reforms eliminate and update obsolete laws, promote local independence, streamline state oversight and provide municipalities with greater flexibility to modernize ways in which our communities conduct their business."

“Like clearing out the cobwebs in an old barn, modernizing the way our municipalities are allowed to operate and streamlining state oversight by eliminating outdated requirements will make a difference at the ground level for people,” said Dan Rivera, Mayor of Lawrence. “I want to thank Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Speaker DeLeo , Senate President Rosenberg and the Legislature for dedicating such a tremendous amount of time and effort  on what may seem like small, mundane items, but that will have an incredible impact on citizens lives throughout the commonwealth.”

 "As former local officials the Governor and Lieutenant Governor recognize the challenges faced by municipal leaders as we strive to deliver the highest level of service to our residents and business owners,” said Andrew Maylor, North Andover Town Manager. “Governor Baker’s sponsorship of the Municipal Modernization Act as well the administration’s comprehensive review of Executive Branch regulations, demonstrates support for our efforts and his commitment to cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth."

“Outdated bureaucracy and impediments to operational efficiencies negatively impact government services and our residents,” said Ed Augustus, Worcester City Manager. “This legislation will allow the City of Worcester to be more nimble and better meet the expectations of our community and the fast paced and dynamic environment in which we live.”

The municipal modernization legislation signed today addresses a number of seemingly small issues that can often weigh on a local city and town, particularly those with limited resources,” said Lisa Blackmer, President of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). “ The MMA wants to thank Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Secretary Lepore, Speaker Deleo, and President Rosenberg for their attentiveness to those issues and we look forward to more efficient and flexible local governments as a result of this key legislation.”

The foundations of the Municipal Modernization bill are: eliminating or updating obsolete laws; promoting local independence; streamlining state oversight; and providing municipalities with greater flexibility.

Eliminate or Update Obsolete Laws

·       Eliminates required reports on county government matters – Repeals provisions of the county finance statute that require DLS to review various aspects of county government finance.

·       Electronic issuance of Civil Motor Vehicle Infraction (CMVI) – Adopts the necessary changes to the civil motor vehicle infraction law to allow cities and towns to issue citations electronically

·       Updates OPEB Trust Fund Statue GASB compliant – This change clarifies current language to makes it easier for governmental units to create an OPEB trust fund that complies with the legal requirements for trusts with GASB.

·       Creates a uniform and consistent deadline for taxpayers seeking personal exemptions – Sets April 1 as the deadline for personal exemption applications in all communities.

Promote Local Independence

·       Eliminates Statutory Caps on Stabilization funds, reserve funds, revolving funds—Amends current law by permitting appropriations into the fund by majority vote and permits the municipality, without appropriation, to dedicate all or a portion of particular revenue streams to the fund.

·       Expands a municipality’s ability to make year-end budget adjustments.

·       Liberalizes use of stabilization funds, reserve funds, revolving funds – Broadens the revolving funds statutes to permit more flexibility in the use of such funds and to eliminate all caps.

·       Increases threshold for payment of court judgments without appropriation and eliminate DLS approval – Amends current law to reflect the current operating environment where obligations to make immediate payments based on various legal claims now are just as likely to result from decisions of administrative agencies rather than just court judgments.

·       Eliminates certain reporting requirements to DLS.

Streamline State Oversight

·       Extends the certification review of local assessing practices from three to five years.

·       Eliminates the four year state valuation and replaces it with a formula for the distribution of PILOT’s (state-owned land).

·       Updates statutes that dictate DLS duties to reflect changes in Division’s mission over past 30 years.

·       Eliminates DLS approval for things such as abatement of taxes on low-valued land and abatement of taxes on properties being made available for affordable housing.

·       Eliminates requirements to print and distribute certain forms and approve use of electronic forms.

Provide Municipalities with Greater Flexibility

·       Simplifies, clarifies and increases state and municipal procurement thresholds – Various reforms designed to give municipalities more flexibility in how they procure construction contracts.

·       Simplifies and updates debt statutes – Increases short-term borrowing max from 5 to 10 years, allows borrowing for a reimbursable state grant, and increases the de minimis surplus bond balance that may be used to pay debt service.

·       Raises the ceiling on the residential exemption from 20 to 35%.—This change will greatly benefit cities and towns with large seasonal populations.

·       Allows municipal committees to designate one of its own members, or a town manager/administrator, to review and approve bills and warrants.

Commonwealth, Charter Finalize Agreement to Deliver Broadband to Hinsdale, Lanesborough, West Stockbridge

Commonwealth, Charter Finalize Agreement to Deliver Broadband to Hinsdale, Lanesborough, West Stockbridge

Charter Launches High-Speed Internet Service to Existing Customers on August 9; Agreement Will Extend Coverage to All Households & Businesses within 18 Months

WESTBOROUGH – The Baker-Polito Administration announced today a $1.6 million grant to Charter Communications to upgrade and extend broadband access in the unserved communities of Hinsdale, Lanesborough, and West Stockbridge.

As of today, Charter launches Spectrum Internet service to existing customers in these three communities.  The Commonwealth grant supports this upgrade of Charter’s existing TV-only cable network to an all-digital network capable of delivering digital television and broadband to roughly 80-90 percent of existing households and businesses in the three communities.

The Commonwealth grant will also support the extension of broadband and digital television service to an estimated 440 households in Hinsdale, Lanesborough, and West Stockbridge that are currently without any broadband or cable television service. The grant from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech (or MBI) is being made under the agency’s Last Mile Initiative, which has a goal of bringing broadband access to unserved residents and communities in Western Massachusetts.

“Our administration is committed to engaging communities unserved by broadband, and working collaboratively to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable broadband solutions to the residents and businesses of Central and Western Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This partnership with Charter Communications shows our commitment to meeting Last Mile challenges with solutions most relevant to the communities themselves.”

“We are tackling the Last Mile project with a spirit of openness, engagement, and collaboration,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Since June, our new approach to the Last Mile has jump-started progress in Middlefield, Mt. Washington, and now Hinsdale, Lanesborough, and West Stockbridge.  We are carrying this momentum forward to meet the needs of unserved towns in Central and Western Massachusetts.”

  

Charter’s full expansion in Hinsdale, Lanesborough, and West Stockbridge is expected to be completedwithin 18 months, and once completed, will deliver broadband access to approximately 3,400 residential and commercial premises. Charter expects to offer subscribers a service of 60/4 Mbps and 100/5 Mbps broadband service and triple play bundled packages with voice, video, and data service. The total project cost is estimated to be approximately $3,900,000.

“Charter Communications looks forward to working with Governor Baker and MBI to address their goal of bringing sustainable, high-speed broadband service to the un-served areas of western Massachusetts. This partnership will result in 3,400 homes and businesses gaining access for the first time to high-speed broadband service. Charter’s standard broadband speed of 60 Mbps is one of the fastest in the industry and it will provide a critical boost to the Baker Administration’s economic development efforts,” said Catherine Bohigian, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, Charter Communications.

  

“This grant is a win-win, as it will deliver broadband connectivity to over three thousand residences and businesses, and in a shorter timeframe than any of the alternatives,” stated Peter Larkin, Board Chair of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute and Special Advisor to the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development for the Last Mile project.

In May, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a new strategic pathway for the Last Mile program, emphasizing a flexible, community-driven decision making process, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

The grant was approved by the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (“MassTech”) in June 2016.  The funding for the Last Mile broadband program was enacted under Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2014, the 2014 Information Technology Bond Bill, which provided the MBI with access to state bond authorization for ‘Last Mile’ projects. The MBI has previously approved investments into Last Mile projects in the towns of Mount Washington, Middlefield, Royalston, and Leverett.