State Representative Natalie Higgins released the following statement regarding Senator Jen Flanagan’s appointment to the Cannabis Control Commission and resignation on August 31, 2017:
“It has been the ultimate privilege and a pleasure to serve with Senator Jen Flanagan for these past eight months. In my short time here I have noticed the common identity and collaboration among the North Central Mass delegation, and this is due in large part thanks to the Senator’s leadership. While I am sad to see her leave the Legislature, she will be a phenomenal addition to the Cannabis Control Commission. I also want to thank all of my supporters who have reached out encouraging me to run for Senator Flanagan’s seat. When I decided to run for State Representative in Leominster, I understood the unique and serious responsibility of representing a community I care so deeply about. It would not be fair to the people of Leominster for me to run for Senate at this time. I am just getting started here in Leominster and transitioning to a district of 10 ½ cities and towns would mean I would have to divert my focus from Leominster before finishing what I have started. Senator Flanagan has set a high bar for representing the Worcester and Middlesex District, and I am confident the people of North Central Mass will select the best candidate to succeed her in this special election. I look forward to working with our new Senator to raise up every resident in Leominster and the rest of North Central Massachusetts.”
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Originally published in: http://www.leominsterchamp.com/articles/back-to-school-back-to-affordable-college/
The public higher education system in Massachusetts (and across the country) was designed to make college accessible to the working classes, with costs as close to zero as possible for students and their families. For more than a century, that remained true and was responsible for both America’s stunning economic growth and, especially after World War II, the growth of a broad middle class. But, that does not seem to be a priority anymore. In my lifetime, the state of Massachusetts has walked away from funding and affordable public higher education. As a result, the cost has risen dramatically to students and their families. Until 1987, a student could attend UMass Amherst and graduate completely debt-free by working a 10-hour minimum-wage job during the school year. Now that same student graduates with an average of over $30,000 in debt, hampering their ability to choose a career they are most suited for, start a family, buy a house, and live without a weight of debt over their head. We need to organize and fight to rebuild the promise of fully-funded public higher education to our citizens. At the same time, we must address the growing student debt crisis. There are a number of important bills before this Legislative Session, and I would like to bring some bills to your attention. H3000 creates a scholarship to cover the entire cost of tuition and fees for any year after the first leading to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at a Massachusetts public college or university for Massachusetts residents whose household income fall under twice the median household income. This is an important first step in restoring truly free and accessible public higher education in Massachusetts. H2173 establishes a bill of rights for student loan borrowers in Massachusetts, licenses student loan servicers that operate in Massachusetts, and with those fees creates an office of the student loan ombudsman, to better educate and support student loan borrowers across the Commonwealth. Given the uncertainty of protections at the federal level, Massachusetts must step up and provide more support for the nearly 1 million student loan borrowers that carry more than $24 billion in student loan debt. H116 establishes a loan repayment program for low-paid direct care staff that meet certain qualifications. Until we have universal assistance programs to support borrowers in making their payments like the Federal Income-Based Repayment Program, state-level programs that target loan repayment for areas of high need, like human service workers, can incentivize more individuals to enter the field and help them stay in areas like central and western Massachusetts. We already have similar programs in Massachusetts for certain health professionals, and the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. I am happy to announce that the Joint Committee on Higher Education will be hosting a public hearing in Leominster on Monday, Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Leominster High School Auditorium. For more information on the bills and programs mentioned, or the hearing, please contact me at Natalie.Higgins@mahouse.gov or at my office at (978) 227-5278. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772
August 18, 2017 Legislature Formally Condemns Neo-Nazi and White Supremacist Groups Joins the Baker Administration in pledging to promote equality, justice and tolerance (BOSTON) – Representative Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to support a resolution that unequivocally denounces white nationalism and neo-Nazism, and condemns the hatred, bigotry and violence these groups consistently espouse. The resolution will be transmitted to the Mayor of Charlottesville, Governor of Virginia and President of the United States. In highlighting Massachusetts’ historic role in promoting civil rights and justice, the resolution emphasized that the values of these groups stand in irreconcilable conflict with the founding principles of both the Commonwealth and the nation. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues in the Legislature and Governor Baker to enact this resolution to stand against the bigotry and racism on display earlier this month,” said Higgins. “We have made a lot of progress with and since civil rights movement of the 1960s, but events like Charlottesville show us how much more work there is to do. Our communities cannot be silent against hate, and we will not lose the progress we have made.” “I’m proud to sign this joint resolution on behalf of the House to clearly and unambiguously condemn neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups at work in Charlottesville,” said Speaker DeLeo. “I’m grateful to Leader Rushing, Chairwoman Benson and the members of the House for pushing for this important action. Massachusetts residents can be reassured that on matters like this, Governor Baker, Senate President Rosenberg and I, and our respective institutions, stand shoulder to shoulder in opposing violent hatred and intolerance.” “I am proud that the Commonwealth came together to denounce the violence in Charlottesville and condemn the hateful ideologies of white supremacists and neo-Nazis,” said Chairwoman Jennifer Benson (D-Lunenburg). “I was honored to propose this resolution, and I thank Speaker DeLeo, Senate President Rosenberg and Governor Baker for their leadership on this issue.” “It is so important that the citizens and residents of Massachusetts know that their government condemns the detestable messages of hate that are abroad in this our nation,” said Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing (D-Boston). “The tragic events that took place on August 11 and 12, 2017, in Charlottesville, remind us again that what we take for granted and what we work together to attain, is a threat to the narrow ideology of too many. We adopted these words today and heard them read by our leaders. Now, I hope, as many as possible will read them and find ways, where they live and work, to strongly denounce and oppose the totalitarian impulses, violence, xenophobic biases, and bigoted ideologies.” Following the signing of the resolution, legislators joined Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito in a moment of silence for the Charlottesville victims. The legislation, which was filed in the wake of the Charlottesville tragedy, states that “intolerance has led to senseless acts of violence that continue to terrorize members of ethnic and religious communities.” It urges law enforcement agencies and elected officials to condemn white nationalist and neo-Nazi ideology, vigorously pursue justice in response to hate-fueled violence and work to ensure the protection of marginalized and targeted communities. ### REPRESENTATIVE HIGGINS TO HOST COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS IN AUGUST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2017 Contact: Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772 LEOMINSTER - During the last two weeks of August, Representative Natalie Higgins will host her first ever series of Community Conversations. There will be four forums focused on the four most popular topics that constituents have reached out to her office about. Each night will have esteemed panelists to set the tone for a successful conversation with the community! All forums will be held at the Leominster Public Library from 7:00PM-8:30PM. The forums are free and open to the public, and will be streamed on Representative Higgins’ Facebook account (@StateRepNatalieHiggins). Below is a list of our esteemed guests and the topics of the forums they will be participating in: Tuesday August 22nd - Education Tracy Novick - Field Director: Social Media and Advocacy, MA Association of School Committees Barbara Madeloni - President, Massachusetts Teachers Association Natalia Berthet - Lead Organizer, Central Mass for the No On Question 2 campaign; Jobs with Justice Wednesday August 23rd - The Economy Noah Berger - President, MassBudget Lew Finfer - Co-Chair, Raise Up MA; Executive Director, Massachusetts Community Action Network Wednesday August 30th - The Environment Joe O’Brien - Political Director, Environmental League of MA Erica Wood - Community Engagement Coordinator, Growing Places State Representative Jennifer Benson (D-Lunenburg) Thursday August 31st - Healthcare Ture Turnball - Executive Director, MassCare Kurt Isaacson - President and CEO, Spectrum Health Systems Jackie Buckley - Chief Operating Officer, Community Health Connections Diane Lane Cormier - Registered Nurse, HealthAlliance Leominster Hospital The Massachusetts State House Comes to Leominster: Representative Natalie Higgins Hosts the Joint Committee on Higher Education at Leominster High School for a Public Hearing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 16, 2017 CONTACT: Rep. Natalie Higgins, Natalie.Higgins@mahouse.gov, 978-602-3772 BOSTON - On Monday, September 11, 2017, Representative Natalie Higgins (D - Leominster) will host the Joint Committee on Higher Education for a public hearing on college affordability and access in the Leominster High School Auditorium (122 Granite Street, Leominster, MA 01453) from 11:00AM-1:00PM. “It is an honor to serve on the Joint Committee on Higher Education, as a first generation college student, proud graduate of UMass Amherst, and former director of the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts (PHENOM),” said Higgins. “I am thankful for the Chairs’ interest in hosting a public hearing in my district. This is a great opportunity for Leominster residents to see the Legislature in action and share their own stories and struggles.” The Joint Committee on Higher Education has already heard more than 90 bills ranging from free college to campus safety, adjunct faculty rights, and more. The Committee is chaired by Representative John Scibak (D - South Hadley) and Senator Michael Moore (D - Millbury). The public hearing is open to all Massachusetts residents, on any of the bills before the Committee, which can be found at MALegislature.gov. If you cannot attend, but would like to submit written testimony, you can email it to Taylor.Landry@mahouse.gov. ### Originally published in: http://www.leominsterchamp.com/articles/on-healthy-incentives-the-snap-gap-and-new-trees/
Summer gardens and barbecues are in full swing, and I wanted to use this column to talk about new programs that are increasing food access and trees throughout the city. New healthy incentives The Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) kicked off in April and matches SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) recipients’ purchases of local fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm share programs. SNAP recipients receive an instant, dollar-for-dollar match credited to their EBT card on eligible purchases. Your monthly cap depends upon your household size. Households of one or two can earn up to $40 per month, three to five members $60, and households with six or more members can earn up to $80. Leominster residents can participate in HIP at the Leominster’s Farmers Market at Monument Square downtown on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Closing the SNAP Gap Did you know that an estimated 5,000 Leominster residents qualify for SNAP benefits, but aren’t currently receiving them? The SNAP Gap across Massachusetts is estimated at 680,000, and closing that gap could help bring over $800 million in federal SNAP nutrition dollars to our state each year and generate over $2 billion in economic stimulus to the state and local economy. There is legislation this session that would create a universal common application portal to let low-income families apply for MassHealth and SNAP at the same time. This would help more residents meet basic food expenses and reduce food insecurity, reduce health care costs, and enable more low-income children to be “directly certified” for free school meals through SNAP. The legislation is making progress this year, and in the budget we approved a study of the costs to fully implement the program. In the meantime, my office is ready to help eligible individuals and households enroll in SNAP and take advantage of the Healthy Incentives Program discussed above. Greening the Gateway Cities Finally, you may have noticed new trees popping up throughout Leominster. According to Growing Places, the organization administering the program in the city: Certain “neighborhoods of Leominster have been selected as part of a statewide program to increase tree canopy cover. With more canopy cover, our community will reduce home energy use for heating and cooling — that translates to cheaper heating and AC bills. As part of the Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP), experienced Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) foresters will visit Leominster homes and businesses to recommend the best trees for each property.” You can see if your home is eligible at www.growingplaces.org/trees, learn more about volunteer opportunities, and request your free tree at (617) 626-1514. Thank you for taking the time to read this column. If you have any questions, or need to get in touch with me and my office, email me at Natalie.Higgins@mahouse.gov or call (978) 227-5278. Hoping you have a fun and healthy summer! Diverse education stakeholders set aside differences to push for Foundation Budget reforms7/26/2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 26, 2017
CONTACT: Rep. Natalie Higgins, Natalie.Higgins@mahouse.gov, 978-602-3772 Diverse education stakeholders set aside differences to push for Foundation Budget reforms BOSTON – A wide array of education leaders from across Massachusetts gathered at the State House on Tuesday to testify in favor of Foundation Budget reforms before the Joint Committee on Education. The bill, An Act Modernizing the Foundation Budget for the 21st Century (S.223), introduced by Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz (D-Boston), would implement the recommendations of the bipartisan Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC) to update the state’s 24-year-old education funding formula. The hearing follows months of advocacy by educators, school officials, parents, and students from the heart of Boston to the hills of Western Massachusetts. More than 40 school committees across the state have passed resolutions supporting the reforms, and in April, diverse stakeholder groups met in a packed room together at the State House to push for the legislation. “The consensus shown today in support of fixing the FBRC is unprecedented,” said Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz, Education Committee Chair and sponsor of S.223. “It’s not every day you see the Boston Teachers’ Union, the Boston Superintendent’s office, and Boston School Committee on the same side of the table, let alone Democrats for Education Reform and the teachers unions.” Speaking to the members of the Joint Committee on Education, Pat Murphy, President of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, said: “We need to do this, and we need to do this now. As you’ve seen today, we have a broad political coalition ready to support you in getting this done. Our children cannot afford to wait.” “Municipalities across Massachusetts budget an average of 20% above Net School Spending, so we do not have many examples of how the Foundation Budget Formula is impact our school districts,” said Representative Natalie Higgins. “Unfortunately, we are seeing the inadequacies of the Foundation Budget play out in the Leominster School District right now. After three consecutive years of budgeting less than 1% over Net School Spending, at the end of the 2016/17 school year our district was facing nearly 200 staffing cuts, additional cuts to programming, and extracurriculars, if we maintained a Net School Spending Budget. Rising health insurance costs, special education needs, and transportation costs are devastating our school districts, and gateway cities like Leominster deserve a funding formula that works for our students.” Established by the 1993 Education Reform Act, the Foundation Budget was designed to ensure every Massachusetts student was provided a quality education. However, the formula has failed to keep up with rising fixed costs like health care and special education that have outpaced initial estimates. It also underrated what it actually takes to educate English Language Learners and students living in poverty. The FBRC found these combined costs have led the Commonwealth to underestimate the cost of education by $1-2 billion every year – reinforcing the achievement gap between wealthy and low-income districts, and forcing many districts to cut critical classroom services or to divert funding from other local investments like public safety, transportation, and affordable housing. Sen. Chang-Díaz added, “This hearing showed that if we are serious about providing quality education to all children, regardless of zip code, we can’t continue to wait as our schools lose more and more of what makes them successful. It’s long past time we right this wrong and pass these reforms.” #### For Immediate Release Contact: Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772
July 21, 2017 Natalie.Higgins@mahouse.gov Legislature Passes Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Establishes essential protections and prohibits discrimination against pregnant individuals (BOSTON) –Representative Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature recently to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act which guarantees reasonable accommodations and safety measures for pregnant workers. The legislation makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate against, refuse to employ, or terminate an individual due to pregnancy or a condition related to pregnancy, including lactation or the need to express breast milk for a nursing child. “This is a proud day for Massachusetts and reinforces our dedication to protecting our residents - especially as events in Washington threaten the safety and security of women,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “By bringing diverse stakeholders to the table we drafted a consensus-based bill that can be implemented smoothly and stand the test of time. I want to sincerely thank the advocates who courageously shared their stories; they are heroes who have made Massachusetts a more just and safe place.” “No expecting mother should have to choose between a healthy pregnancy and a paycheck,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “This legislation would ensure that women’s medical needs are addressed without imposing undue burden on employers throughout Massachusetts.” “I am a proud advocate for women’s health and the protections in this legislation build a safer and more inclusive workplace,” said Representative Paul Brodeur (D-Melrose), House Chair of Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.“This bill represents the best of the legislative process. Everyone had a seat at the table and collaborated to produce the strongest policy” “I believe it is imperative that we provide pregnant workers, 40% of whom are the primary breadwinner of their household, the certainty that they are able to keep their jobs without detriment to the health of their pregnancy,” said Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “This piece of legislation would ensure that employers are fair to pregnant workers so that they may continue to work while pregnant and provide the best life possible for themselves and their families.” “Once again, the Massachusetts Legislature has acted boldly to advance the cause of civil rights, women’s rights and equal opportunity,” said Representative David Rogers (D-Cambridge), House sponsor of the bill. “The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a bill I introduced, makes clear that women seeking a reasonable accommodation from their employers for certain conditions or needs related to their pregnancy must be treated fairly. I thank Speaker DeLeo for his strong leadership and the ninety-nine of my House colleagues who co-sponsored this legislation as – together – we send a powerful message about equal opportunity in our Commonwealth.” “A woman who is pregnant is no less equal and no less valued as a member of the workforce,” said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. “The protections included in this legislation are commonsense and simply prevent mistreatment of pregnant employees. I’m very pleased to see this bill earn support from workers and employers alike.” Reasonable accommodations may include time off to recover from childbirth; more frequent, longer paid or unpaid breaks; procuring or modifying equipment or seating; obtaining temporary transfer, job restructuring, or lighter duty; and private non-bathroom space for expressing breast milk, among others. The law prohibits employers from taking the following actions against an employee who is pregnant or has a condition related to the employee’s pregnancy:
The bill directs companies to engage in a collaborative, good faith process with employees and prospective employees to determine effective and reasonable accommodations. In specific instances, employers may require documentation pertaining to the need of accommodation from appropriate health care or rehabilitation professional. This does not apply to accommodations for more frequent restroom, food or water breaks, seating, and limits on lifting over 20 pounds. The bill has an effective date of April 1, 2018. It now goes to the Governor’s desk for his signature. ### For Immediate Release Contact: Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772 July 21, 2017 Natalie.Higgins@mahouse.gov Legislature Passes Comprehensive Marijuana Legislation Facilitates implementation of ballot question while safeguarding public health and consumer protection (BOSTON) – Representative Natalie Higgins joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature recently to pass a bill that fully implements consumer access to adult-use marijuana while creating a robust public health and safety framework. This legislation maintains the personal use provisions outlined in the 2016 ballot initiative. Adults 21 and older can use marijuana and possess up to one ounce in public and ten ounces at home. They may possess six plants per person but no more than 12 plants or ten ounces per residence. “This bill reflects a commitment to legalizing adult-use marijuana while upholding our duty to ensure safety and effective management,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “In addition to the rigorous product testing and security measures, I believe that the independence of the Cannabis Control Commission will allow this new industry to be implemented in a safe manner that works for all residents, not just the marijuana industry.” “This bill is a balanced approach to adult use of marijuana in Massachusetts. We have kept the tax rate low to abolish the illicit market while implementing rigorous safeguards to protect public health and safety,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “In addition, we have included meaningful provisions to ensure that communities who have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs will be able to participate in the cannabis industry and provided an easier path for local farmers and local small businesses to participate. I am hopeful that this bill will be model legislation for other states who are contemplating legalization.” “In November, nearly 1.8 million people voted to legalize adult use of marijuana, but every resident of the Commonwealth has a stake in its successful implementation,” said House Majority Leader Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “A total tax rate of up to 20 percent is necessary to help regulate this new industry and to address inevitable challenges, primarily the increased exposure of marijuana to young people. The black market will be searching for new customers and this bill calls for increased funding for early intervention services and public awareness campaigns, and provides significant barriers to prevent children of our communities from being indoctrinated into this market by advertising campaigns aimed to attract them.” “We have protected the right of adults to grow, possess and use marijuana. To give them access to a safe, legal supply, the bill removes barriers to the development of a legal market,” said Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville) Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Marijuana Policy. “It protects the rights of medical marijuana patients, and gives opportunity to farmers and to people who have been harmed by the War on Drugs. This bill increases public health and safety protections, and specifies ways to prevent products from appealing young people. The tax rate remains among the lowest in the country, and the same as in Oregon, often seen as successful.” “Last November, voters chose to have safe and regulated access to adult use marijuana”, said Representative Mark J. Cusack (D-Braintree), Chair of the Committee on Marijuana Policy. “Our task has been to ensure that we implemented and regulated this new marketplace with common sense consumer protections and public safety measures. This important, bipartisan legislation does just that. It gets it right for the consumers, right for the industry and above all, it gets it right for the people of Massachusetts." “As a supporter of marijuana legalization, I think this is a good bill. I also think that this is a bill that even opponents of marijuana can support. It will make the market safer and stronger,” said Senator Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont). “I am grateful to have worked with my fellow conferees to ensure that the necessary structure and safeguards are in place to safely and effectively regulate this new, legal marketplace,” said Representative Hannah Kane (R- Shrewsbury).“While our marijuana excise tax is the 2nd lowest in the nation, it still provides sufficient revenue to cover our direct and indirect regulatory costs, with additional funding available to cover substance abuse prevention and treatment, public safety and public health campaigns relative to legalization. Likewise, our first in the nation requirement to prohibit TV, radio, billboard, print or internet advertising and marketing for marijuana unless proven that at least 85% of the audience is over 21 years of age, based on reliable, up to date audience composition data, will make a real and substantive impact on what our youth see and hear in terms of marketing marijuana, and we know that less exposure for youth to marijuana messaging means less youth use.” “I am pleased to hear my colleagues in the legislature accepted the marijuana conference committee report. As a committee, we reached the best possible compromise for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, following the passage of Ballot Question 4. I am content with the work of the committee members and staff, as well as the final product,” said Senator Richard Ross (R-Wrentham). The compromise legislation sets a tax rate that balances local and state revenue while curbing the black market. The structure outlined below aims to ensure that the costs associated with this new industry are self-financed and to incentivize local adoption. Medical marijuana remains untaxed.
In an effort to support the Commonwealth’s municipalities and allow for the creation of local bylaws and ordinances, this legislation includes compromise language regarding local control.
To promote strong oversight and accountability for the regulation of adult-use marijuana, this legislation creates an independent five-member Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) which will be housed under the Office of the State Treasurer. The CCC will be charged with overseeing the application and licensing process, including a review of the integrity of licensees, their financial stability and qualifications both during the application process and on an ongoing basis. It will promulgate regulations for the implementation, administration and enforcement of adult-use marijuana, and will make regular inspections of licensees. The CCC will study participation and, if needed, adopt diversity licensing goals to provide meaningful participation of communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition and enforcement and development training programs to achieve impactful industry participation by minority individuals, women and veterans. This legislation removes the head start for businesses already licensed for medical marijuana so that all individuals and businesses have a fair shot at entering this industry. The CCC will be required to encourage participation by farmers and small businesses, including providing lower priced licenses and the ability to form cooperatives to small cultivators. The composition of the CCC reflects the broad expertise and autonomy necessary to regulate this new industry including appointees with expertise in public health, public safety and corporate management. These appointments will be made by the governor, attorney general, treasurer, respectively. This legislation prioritizes consumer safety and public health. As such, this bill includes the strongest testing standards in the nation and gives the CCC oversight of testing laboratories. It requires all labs to be independent from marijuana establishments and mandates alignment with pharmacy standards for purity. While the legislation maintains the personal use provisions, it also adds liquor license penalties for sales to people under 21 including social host language. Under this legislation, the CCC will consult with the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to establish standards for the cultivation, processing, manufacturing and distribution of marijuana, including guidelines for food products. The CCC will also establish standards for packaging, potency or dosing limitations, seed to sale-technology and security for cannabis licensees. Requirements include:
Given the difficulty of detecting if someone is driving under the influence of marijuana or other narcotics, this legislation establishes a special commission to conduct a comprehensive study and make recommendations regarding enforcement. Under this legislation, the medical marijuana program will be updated and brought under the auspices of the CCC. This consolidation will help ensure a timely launch by streamlining oversight and leveraging existing experience and resources. For the first time, industrial hemp will be statutorily recognized as an agricultural product that may be cultivated, possessed, processed, bought or sold, and researched. MDAR will oversee industrial hemp as an agricultural product. Any person growing industrial hemp must be licensed by MDAR. The bill will be sent to the Governor for his signature. ### For Immediate Release Contact: Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772
July 21, 2017 Natalie.Higgins@mahouse.gov State Representative Natalie Higgins and Senator Jen Flanagan Announce Passage of Home Rule Petition for Leominster to Pay Unpaid Bill Boston: State Representative Natalie Higgins and Senator Jen Flanagan, both of Leominster announced this week that a home rule petition filed for the City of Leominster for an unpaid bill has passed by both houses of the Legislature and sent to Governor Baker’s desk to be signed into law. Representative Higgins and Senator Flanagan filed SB1132 in order to allow the City of Leominster to pay D-E Corporation money owed from 2014. Leominster’s Office of Emergency Management hired D-E Corporation in November 2014 to repair the agency’s heating system, at a cost of $33,000. However, there was no bidding process, citing an emergency with the fast approaching winter. As a result, Leominster only paid the first $9,999, as state law stipulates that all municipal projects costing more than $10,000 must be sent out to bid. This left D-E Corporation with an unpaid bill of nearly $23,500. The bill was filed by Representative Dennis Rosa and Senator Flanagan in the 2015-2016 session, but expired in the House when the session ended. Additionally, in 2014, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a home rule petition to allow payment of an unpaid bill of $77,000 to S.J. Mullaney Engineering Inc. for work completed in 2013. “I am happy to get this legislation through the House of Representatives for D-E Corporation so that they can receive their full payment from the City of Leominster,” said Representative Higgins. “It is not D-E Corporation’s fault that the proper protocols were not followed. Small businesses like D-E Corp. and S.J. Mullaney Engineering Inc. should not have to wait nearly three years for their payment from a municipality. In the future, I hope the city of Leominster sends out these projects to bid when required by state law.” ### |
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