Gov. Baker files FY23 state budget
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Vol. 49, No. 2 A Publication of the Massachusetts Municipal Association | www.mma.org February 2022
Gov. Baker files FY23 state budget
By Jackie Lavender Bird ting revenue the state has
The $48.5 billion state budget plan collected during the past year
that Gov. Charlie Baker filed on Jan. 26 — a method of benchmarking
would increase unrestricted local aid by growth that “works to the
just 2.7% ($31.5 million) in fiscal 2023, disadvantage of cities and
despite record-setting state tax collec- towns, and minimizes revenue
tions, and the MMA will be advocating sharing amounts,” Beckwith
for greater revenue sharing during the said.
Legislature’s budget process. Fiscal 2023 state tax collec-
“The MMA will be working with local tions are forecasted to be $2.5
leaders and lawmakers to advocate billion higher (7.3%) than the
for an increase that reflects the actual tax base that was used to pass
growth in revenues that the state is the fiscal 2022 budget last
July, and $6.8 billion higher Gov. Charlie Baker discusses his fiscal 2023 budget
receiving,” said MMA Executive Director proposal during a State House press conference on
and CEO Geoff Beckwith. “With capped (22%) than the original fiscal
2022 projection from a year Jan. 26. Listening is Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. (Photo
property taxes and inflation running courtesy Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office)
much higher than 2.7%, cities and towns ago. House 2 uses a recently
need a much higher level of Unrestricted upgraded revenue estimate for
General Government Aid to maintain fiscal 2022, rather than the one in the
budget as enacted, “leading to an artifi- House 2, is the first step in a months-
essential services.” long budget process. The House and
cially low growth projection,” Beckwith
The administration is calculating reve- said. Senate Ways and Means committees
nue growth using a methodology that are expected to host a budget hearing
omits a large portion of the record-set- The governor’s proposal, known as
n BUDGET continued on 25
Inside Mayor Fuller is new MMA president;
Jill Hai is vice president
Treasury increases flexibility By Jennifer Kavanaugh
for using ARPA funds...............3 With a new year of challenges and oppor-
tunities ahead, the MMA’s new president
MMA launches 4-week and vice president for 2022 are seeking
online workshop series........... 4 to maximize the organization’s advocacy
work on behalf of cities and towns, as
well as the MMA’s spirit of collaboration
COVID bill includes public and learning among its members.
meeting provisions...................5
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, who
served as the MMA’s vice president in Ruthanne Fuller Jill Hai
Gov. Baker speaks at 2021, became president on Jan. 31, suc-
MMA Annual Meeting...............7 ceeding Arlington Town Manager Adam during this uncertain time for municipal-
Chapdelaine. ities.
Mass Innovations.............................. 20
Lexington Select Board Member Jill Hai, “The MMA brings together the people on
Around the Commonwealth............22 who has been serving as the second vice the front lines in our cities and towns —
People.................................................28 president of the Massachusetts Select mayors, town managers, city councillors
Board Association, succeeds Fuller as vice and select board members — to share
Classifieds......................................... 30 president. best practices and advocate for their
Calendar.............................................37 As president, Fuller said she wants to
make the most of the MMA’s strengths n PRESIDENT, VP continued on 24
2022 MMA
Board of Directors Executive Director’s Report
The MMA Board of Directors holds regular
meetings in Boston, followed by a meeting of Local aid and Chapter 90 are top priorities
the Local Government Advisory Commission
with the administration. For information on for early action in 2022
the board’s activities, call the office of MMA
Executive Director Geoff Beckwith at As the Legislature sets priorities borhoods, and maintain vital
617-426-7272. for early action during the next infrastructure. These services
two months, two critical municipal are fundamental to our state’s
Executive Committee needs deserve to rise to the top of economic recovery, success and
Ruthanne Fuller, MMA President the agenda: a full and fair increase competitiveness.
Mayor, Newton for local aid in the fiscal 2023
Jill Hai, MMA Vice President Unrestricted General Govern-
state budget, and enactment of a ment Aid is the revenue sharing
Select Board, Lexington
$300 million Chapter 90 bond bill program that cities and towns
Adam Chapdelaine, MMA Immediate Past By Geoffrey
President
for the repair and upkeep of local receive to fund these essential
roads. Beckwith
Town Manager, Arlington municipal services. The target
Brian Arrigo, MMaA First Vice President A fair increase for is for UGGA to increase by the
Mayor, Revere same percentage as the growth in state tax
Unrestricted General
Steve Bartha, MMMA First Vice President revenues, so that communities receive a
Town Manager, Danvers Government Aid is essential
With property taxes tightly capped by fair increase each year.
Lisa Blackmer, MMCA President
Councillor, North Adams Proposition 2½, cities and towns rely on As you can see from the accompanying
George “Bud” Dunham, MMMA President predictable and adequate state revenue chart, before the pandemic this policy
Town Manager, Sandwich sharing to provide municipal and school worked well. Overall, state revenues and
Andrew Hogeland, MSA First Vice President services, ensure safe streets and neigh- UGGA each grew by 19% in the five-year
Select Board, Williamstown stretch from fiscal
Samantha Squailia, MMCA First Vice 2015 to 2020, with
President State Revenue Growth vs. UGGA Funding Growth a small variation
Councillor, Fitchburg 60%
Melinda Tarsi, ATFC First Vice President from year to year.
Industrial and Development Committee, Mansfield 50%
The past two years,
John Trickey, ATFC President however, have seen
Finance Committee, Pelham 40% an unprecedented
Linda Tyer, MMaA President divergence between
Mayor, Pittsfield 30%
state revenues and
Michael Walsh, MSA President local aid funding.
20%
Select Board Member, Westwood In fiscal 2021 and
Geoff Beckwith (non-voting) 10% 2022, state tax
MMA Executive Director
collections have
0%
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
increased by $6.32
Ted Bettencourt, Mayor, Peabody State Revenue Growth UGGA Funding billion, 21.3%
Lisa Braccio, Selectman, Southborough over the amount
Denise Casey, Deputy Town Manager, North
n DIRECTOR’S REPORT continued on 26
Andover
Ralph Figy, Councillor, Westfield
TheBeacon
Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager, Andover
Claire Freda, Councillor, Leominster Periodicals Postage Paid at Boston, MA, and
additional mailing offices.
Scott Galvin, Mayor, Woburn
Afroz Khan, Councillor, Newburyport February 2022 | Volume 49, Number 2 TheBeacon (ISSN 0199-235X) is published monthly,
Nicole LaChapelle, Mayor, Easthampton Copyright © 2022, Massachusetts Municipal Association except for a combined July-August issue, by the
Andrea Llamas, Town Administrator, Northfield Manager of Communications & Massachusetts Municipal Association, 3 Center
John McLaughlin, Councillor, Waltham Publications & Digital Membership Director Plaza, Suite 610, Boston, MA 02108. The MMA
Communications Candace Pierce is composed of the Massachusetts Selectmen’s
John Mangiaratti, Town Manager, Acton
John Ouellette Publisher Association, the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association,
Dan Matthews, Select Board, Needham the Massachusetts Municipal Management
Associate Editor Geoffrey Beckwith
Moises Rodrigues, Councillor, Brockton Jennifer Kavanaugh Association, the Massachusetts Municipal
Alan Slavin, Selectman, Wareham Design
Digital Communications Full Circle Design Councillors’ Association, and the Association of
Peter Spellios, Select Board, Swampscott Specialist Town Finance Committees. Subscription rate for
Kevin Sweet, Town Administrator, Wrentham Meredith Gabrilska TheBeacon is $36 per year. An $18 subscription
Arthur Vigeant, Mayor, Marlborough fee is included in dues payments for members.
Kristi Williams, Town Manager, Westborough Massachusetts Municipal Association POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TheBeacon,
Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association 3 Center Plaza, Suite 610, Boston, MA 02108.
Michelle Wu, Mayor, Boston
3 Center Plaza, Suite 610, Boston, MA 02108
We encourage readers to send comments, story ideas, news
617-426-7272 • www.mma.org items, and events notices to editor@mma.org.
Twitter and Facebook: @massmunicipal
2 • The Beacon • February 2022
Treasury increases flexibility for municipal ARPA use
By Jackie Lavender Bird For municipal
On Jan. 6, the U.S. Department of the government
Treasury significantly increased flexibil- operations, the
ity for municipalities with its Final Rule Final Rule in-
governing the use of Coronavirus State cludes expanded
and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the support for
American Rescue Plan Act, particularly in building public
the way cities and towns calculate local tax sector capacity,
revenue loss attributable to the pandemic. potentially be-
yond pre-pan-
A new provision in the Final Rule allows demic levels,
municipalities to use a standard allowance and streamlines
of up to $10 million for the revenue loss the process for
category, as an alternative to the previous issuing premi-
revenue loss calculation formula. This will um pay for es- U.S. Sen. Ed Markey speaks about the American Rescue Plan Act and
simplify the process for many municipal- sential workers. other federal programs during a Feb. 1 MMA webinar on the U.S.
ities, and allow many cities and towns to Treasury Department’s Final Rule for ARPA. Other speakers
claim the entirety of their State and Local Under the were Heath Fahle, special director for federal funds at the Executive
Fiscal Recovery Fund grant award under infrastructure Office for Administration and Finance, and Sean Cronin, senior
revenue loss. category, which deputy commissioner at the Division of Local Services.
still focuses on
Because the amount claimed under reve- water, sewer
nue loss can be used for “general govern- and broadband, the Final Rule acknowl-
ment services,” this single change provides edges that local governments have unique led by Sen. Ed Markey and Congressman
significant flexibility for municipalities. challenges when addressing clean water Jake Auchincloss, joined the effort to get
“General government services” includes services and high-speed broadband. the Treasury to consider changes.
any service traditionally provided by a The 437-page Final Rule, as well as a sum-
government, other than a few exceptions The Final Rule includes a new provision,
advocated by the MMA, around private mary of changes from the Interim Final
explicitly identified by the Treasury. Rule to the Final Rule, are available on the
wells and septic systems. The guidance
The Final Rule lists some common exam- clarifies that municipalities can test and Treasury website.
ples of “general government services,” treat residential wells to provide access to The Final Rule does not go into effect
including construction of schools and hos- clean drinking water. until April 22, but municipalities may
pitals, road building and maintenance and take advantage of the greater flexibility
other infrastructure, health services, gen- and streamlined processes immediately.
eral government administration, staff and
administrative facilities, environmental
A new provision in The Treasury announced it will not take
action to enforce the Interim Final Rule so
remediation, and provision of police, fire the Final Rule allows long as a use of funds is consistent with
and other public safety services (including municipalities to use a the terms of the Final Rule, regardless of
purchase of fire and police vehicles). when the SLFRF funds were used.
standard allowance of
Allowable uses For more information, grant recipients
In cases where a municipality chooses to up to $10 million for the may consult the Statement Regarding
use the original revenue loss calculation, revenue loss category. Compliance with the Coronavirus State
any of its ARPA grant funds beyond the and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Interim
revenue loss amount would be subject to Final Rule and Final Rule.
the requirements for the remaining three Interim vs. final rules
expense categories, which are retained The Treasury published its Interim Final Under the SLFRF program, funds must be
in the Final Rule: response to the public Rule in May 2021, describing eligible and used for costs incurred on or after March
health emergency or its negative econom- ineligible uses of ARPA funds (as well as 3, 2021, and funds must be obligated by
ic consequences; provision of premium other program provisions). The Treasury Dec. 31, 2024, and expended by Dec. 31,
pay to eligible workers; and investments sought feedback from the public on the in- 2026. ●
in water, sewer and broadband infrastruc- terim rules and began to distribute funds.
ture. The interim rules went into effect immedi-
For eligible expenses related to respond- ately. Since then, municipalities have used
ing to the public health emergency or SLFRF funds to meet their immediate
its negative economic impacts, the Final needs while adhering to the interim rules.
Rule expands the non-exhaustive list of Meanwhile, the MMA solicited feedback
municipal uses, including increased clarity from local leaders and advocated for
for capital expenditures as they relate to broader flexibility for municipalities. The
the pandemic. Massachusetts congressional delegation,
February 2022 • The Beacon • 3
MMA kicks off 4-week workshop series
By Meredith Gabrilska Coming up next week, members can
When the current COVID surge forced register for Municipal Law Update on
the MMA to transition its Annual Jan. 31, Overview of Draft Zoning Rules
Meeting to a virtual format, MMA staff for MBTA Communities on Feb. 2, and
quickly turned the timely and informa- Creative Placemaking in Your Communi-
tive workshops that are a mainstay of ty on Feb. 3.
the event into a series of free, hour-long Here’s the lineup for the rest of the
Zoom webinars. series:
This change has a silver lining, mak- • Feb. 7: Recruitment and Retention
A Jan. 27 workshop on the future of
ing it possible for members to attend, work featured (clockwise from top left) Strategies for Public Works and Other
or watch, all of the Annual Meeting Rachel Lipson, director of the Project Municipal Departments
workshops, instead of having to pick on Workforce at Harvard University, • Feb. 9: Labor Law Update: New Laws,
just a few from concurrent sessions. The Housing and Economic Development Recent Cases and Agency Decisions
Muni Workshop Webinar Series began Secretary Mike Kennealy, Transportation
on Jan. 24 and will run through Feb. 17. Undersecretary Scott Bosworth, and • Feb. 10: Municipal Vulnerability
Members may register for the webinars Labor and Workforce Development Preparedness: Tools and Tales
at any time, even the morning of. Secretary Rosalin Acosta.
• Feb. 14: Building a Culture of
On Jan. 24, just two days before Gov. Cybersecurity: Minimum Baseline for
Charlie Baker filed his fiscal 2023 state Thus far, webinar attendees have heard Municipalities
budget proposal, members joined a from members of the administration, • Feb. 16: The State of Waste and
webinar that discussed the fiscal outlook including Administration and Finance Recycling
for the state and cities and towns. Secretary Michael Heffernan, Labor and
Workforce Development Secretary Ro- • Feb. 17: Advancing Diversity in Public
Other webinars during the first week Safety
salin Acosta and Housing and Economic
covered approaches their colleagues are
Development Secretary Mike Ken- The Annual Meeting workshops page
taking to enhance public engagement
nealy, Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey has complete information and the Zoom
opportunities digitally and in-person,
Snyder, and Sean Cronin, senior deputy session registration links, as well as
and the challenges facing workforce de-
commissioner of local services for the the links to recordings of each webinar,
velopment coming out of the pandemic
Division of Local Services, as well as which are being posted within 24 hours.
and strategies to ensure the Common-
their colleagues in municipal govern- ●
wealth stays competitive.
ment.
Gov. Baker files $200M Chapter 90 bill, no increase for FY23
By Ariela Lovett the Municipal Small Bridge Program, the
As announced during the MMA’s Annual Municipal Pavement Program, and the
Business Meeting, Gov. Charlie Baker Local Bottleneck Reduction program.
filed legislation on Jan. 26 seeking $200 In a statement announcing the Chapter
million for the Chapter 90 local road 90 bill, Transportation Secretary Jamey
maintenance program for fiscal 2023. Tesler said the grant programs have “not
only provided a generational investment
His bill (H. 4358) has been assigned to directly to communities, but helped re-
the Joint Committee on Transportation, pair and modernize the transportation
where it awaits an initial hearing. network of the Commonwealth.”
On Jan. 26, Gov. Charlie Baker filed a
Base Chapter 90 funding has remained $200 million bond bill for the Chapter 90 According to the MMA’s analysis,
flat at $200 million since 2012, and local road maintenance program. Chapter 90 dollars have lost 40% of
the MMA and local officials have been their purchasing power since 2012 as
calling for an increase to at least $300 a result of construction cost inflation.
million per year, indexed to inflation, for Chapter 90 program,” which is “the only That’s an effective loss of $80 million in
the past several years. non-competitive program that main- purchasing power over the past decade.
tains local control over how to spend the The MMA’s most recent biennial survey
In recent years, the state has added sev- dollars on local road projects” and the of local road funding needs found that
eral targeted, competitive grant fund- only one that benefits all 351 cities and municipalities would need at least $600
ing opportunities for municipalities, towns. million to maintain local roads and
distributed through the Department of
Transportation. But the MMA has ar- In defending its Chapter 90 proposal, bridges in a state of good repair. ●
gued in testimony before the Legislature the administration highlights supple-
and to the Baker-Polito administration mental grant programs such as Com-
that “there is no substitute for the core plete Streets, Shared Streets and Spaces,
4 • The Beacon • February 2022
Senate’s COVID bill has pandemic-related extensions
By Jackie Lavender Bird spring. The Senate bill would extend these
On Jan. 26, the Senate passed a $75 measures through Dec. 15, 2022.
million bill that would supplement certain Both the House and Senate bills include
fiscal 2022 appropriations in response to the following pandemic-related provisions
the current phase of the COVID-19 public and authorizations related to public board
health emergency and extend certain au- and town meetings, all of which are MMA
thorizations related to public meetings. priorities for early this year:
In many ways, the Senate bill (S.2622) • Remote option for public bodies:
Groveland residents attend their Town
mirrors a House version passed last week, The bills would extend through July 15
Meeting in spring 2020. A COVID bill
though it adds $20 million to the bottom previous authorization for remote public passed by the Senate on Jan. 26 would
line. meetings, first enacted at the beginning extend pandemic-related provisions
Similar to the House bill, the Senate would of the pandemic in April 2020 and that include lowering quorum require-
provide $30 million to fund the expansion currently set to expire on April 1. ments for open town meetings and
of COVID-19 testing and $25 million • Open town meeting quorums: allowing representative town meetings
to meet remotely.
for the procurement and distribution of The bills would allow select boards, in
high-quality face masks for students and consultation with their town moderator,
faculty in elementary and secondary pub- to lower quorum requirements for
lic school districts. The Senate bill would open town meetings to not less than moderator, as well as the town meeting
expand the procurement and distribution 10% of the existing quorum level. The when it meets.
of face masks to include early childhood quorum provision includes a seven-day The provisions related to open and
centers, congregate care facilities and notification requirement before any representative town meetings would be
home health care workers, accounting for select board vote. available through July 15, 2022.
the additional cost. • Remote representative town Both bills would also set the state primary
The Senate adopted amendments to ex- meetings: The bills would allow date for Sept. 6, 2022.
tend popular authorizations for expanded representative town meetings to once
outdoor dining and to-go alcoholic bever- again have the option to meet remotely, A conference committee is expected to
ages that are currently set to expire this if approved by the select board and town work out the differences between the
House and Senate bills. ●
DHCD reviews multifamily zoning guidelines for MBTA communities
By Dave Koffman • No age restrictions
The Department of Housing and Com- • Suitable for families with children
munity Development hosted a webinar
The DHCD is charged with promulgating
on Jan. 12 for municipal leaders in 175
guidelines to determine if an MBTA com-
“MBTA communities” related to draft
munity is in compliance with Section 3A.
guidelines for a new multifamily zoning
MBTA communities that fail to create a
requirement.
zoning district that complies with Section
Housing and Economic Development Sec- 3A would be ineligible for funds from the
retary Mike Kennealy and DHCD officials Jennifer Maddox, undersecretary for MassWorks Program, the Housing Choice
stressed that the guidelines are focused on the Department of Housing and Com- Initiative, and the state’s Local Capital
zoning and protecting local flexibility, and munity Development, discusses draft Projects Fund.
are not a mandate for housing production zoning guidelines for MBTA communi-
The Executive Office of Housing and
in MBTA communities. ties during a Jan. 12 DHCD webinar.
Economic Development is coordinating
For the 2022 cycle, an MBTA community a process to provide technical assistance
will be deemed to achieve interim compli- to municipalities to support local imple-
ance and remain eligible for the grant pro- which multifamily housing is permitted as mentation. The DHCD website includes
grams offered through Community One of right. the draft compliance criteria, information
Stop for Growth as long as it completes Such districts must meet the following about technical assistance, and other
an online MBTA Community Information criteria: supplemental information. The guidelines
Form by May 2. are available online, and public comment
• Minimum gross density of 15 units per is being accepted through March 31.
Enacted as part of the 2021 economic acre
development bill, a new section (3A) of • View the slides from the DHCD
the Zoning Act (Ch. 40A) requires the • Not more than one-half mile from a webinar
175 MBTA communities to have a zoning commuter rail station, subway station,
ferry terminal or bus station, if • View the webinar ●
ordinance or bylaw that provides for at
least one district of reasonable size in applicable
February 2022 • The Beacon • 5
Community One Stop opens application period
By John Ouellette and $21.7 million Interest, which opened on Dec. 15, 2021,
At the MMA Annual Meeting on Jan. to rural and small through One Stop. The Expressions of In-
21, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced the towns. terest process provides an opportunity to
opening of the full application for fiscal The One Stop pro- receive guidance on potential economic
2023 for numerous state grant programs cess helps to make development projects prior to submitting
under Community One Stop for Growth, grants programs a full application, helping prospective ap-
a centralized portal and streamlined more accessible to plicants connect to the most appropriate
application process for communities and all communities, grant programs in the One Stop portfolio
other entities. and ensures the and providing referrals to dozens of the
equitable distribu- Commonwealth’s grant programs outside
Full applications must be submitted Mike Kennealy of One Stop.
between May 2 and June 3. tion of resources
across all regions of The Expression of Interest period will
Twelve programs will be administered the Commonwealth, according to the Ex- remain open through March 18, and is
through the Community One Stop ecutive Office of Housing and Economic available to municipalities, public enti-
for Growth for fiscal 2023, including Development. In its first year, two-thirds ties, community nonprofits, and private
MassWorks, Urban Agenda, Housing of projects supported an increase in eq- companies. While each organization is
Choice Community Grants, Massachu- uitable opportunities, nearly 60% led to limited to one Expression of Interest, the
setts Downtown Initiative, Community environmental benefits and/or built on a form allows applicants to seek feedback
Planning Grants, Rural Development community’s climate resiliency, and 62% on up to two project ideas (or up to five
Fund, MassDevelopment, Brownfields, will result in new housing or the pres- project ideas, if submitted by Feb. 4).
Site Readiness, and Underutilized Prop- ervation of existing affordable housing.
erties. New this year are the Collaborative The Executive Office of Housing and
Of the 196 projects awarded, 31% were Economic Development is hosting the
Workspace Program, Real Estate Services, located in a community identified as a ru-
and Commonwealth Places. following webinars about Community
ral town, small town, or both; 45% were One Stop for Growth:
Polito announced the launch of Com- located in a Housing Choice Community;
munity One Stop for Growth a year ago and 31% were located in a Gateway City. • One Stop Overview Webinar: Tuesday,
at the 2021 MMA Annual Meeting. In Feb. 1, 10 a.m.
Housing and Economic Development
its first year, 360 project proposals were Secretary Mike Kennealy said One Stop • One Stop Application Guidance
submitted from 177 communities, and supports projects “that will leverage pri- Webinar: Thursday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.
196 grants were awarded to projects vate investment, create needed housing, • Technology Webinar – Recording to be
in 122 communities. More than $88.6 and help revitalize our downtowns and posted on Tuesday, Feb. 8
million in community and economic main streets across the Commonwealth.”
development grant funds were awarded, For more information, visit www.mass.
including $28.8 million to Gateway Cities Kennealy recommends that prospec- gov/onestop. ●
tive applications submit Expressions of
New Shared Streets grant round focuses on speed management
The Massachusetts Department of 415 fatalities in 2021 due to 386 “crash
Transportation has opened the fourth incidents” in Massachusetts. “Higher
grant round of the Shared Streets and speed increases the risk of a fatal or
Spaces Program, with applications due serious crash and reduces the likelihood
by March 1. of survival,” the Safe Speeds website
While multiple project types are eligible states. “Every mph matters: each 1 mph
for funding, this year MassDOT will be increase that a person drives can be
placing particular emphasis on roadway attributed to a 3% increase in potential
projects designed to manage vehicle loss of life.”
speeds through design interventions. Winchester is among the communities A MassDOT speed management infor-
“Speed management” involves mak- that have used Shared Streets grants mation page states that “physical chang-
to expand outdoor activities in recent
ing targeted changes to streets, using es and engineering-related roadway
years. Applications are due March 1
identified safety measures, in order to for a fourth round of Shared Streets treatments are critical to realizing safer
reduce crashes and the severity of crash- funding. (Photo courtesy Department of speeds, ” adding that effective physical
es through safer and more consistent Transportation/Jonathan Berk) roadway treatments can make safe travel
vehicle speeds. speeds “self-enforcing.”
MassDOT recently launched a Safe Shared Streets and Spaces provides
Speeds website to provide municipalities to implement speed control measures. funding to municipalities and public
with information on speed management transit authorities to quickly implement
and opportunities to seek grant funding MassDOT reported that there were
n SHARED continued on 18
6 • The Beacon • February 2022
Gov. Baker discusses collaboration, the work ahead
By John Ouellette delaine expressed appreciation to the gov-
Speaking to hundreds of local officials from ernor for his long-standing commitment
across the state during the MMA’s virtual to making the state-local relationship a
Annual Business Meeting on Jan. 22, Gov. positive one, even when policy differences
Charlie Baker discussed his local aid and emerge.
Chapter 90 proposals for fiscal 2023 and As former local officials themselves, Baker
the spirit of partnership his administration and Polito have made it a practice to meet
has developed with municipalities. with local officials at the MMA Annual
The governor echoed an announcement Meeting, even when the pandemic has
made by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito the day meant the meeting can’t be held in person,
before that the administration’s state such as last year and this year.
budget bill would propose a 2.7% increase “Thank you to the MMA and all the local
in unrestricted local aid. officials across the state, for all of your hard
During a question and answer period, work, your partnership, your honesty, your Gov. Charlie Baker discusses Chapter
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, the creativity, and your imagination over the 90 funding, local aid and his hopes for a
course of the past seven years,” Baker said. productive final year in office during his
incoming president of the MMA, said local Jan. 22 MMA Annual Meeting appear-
officials were expecting a bigger increase, “Our close relationship with municipalities
… made a big difference when things got ance.
one that better reflects the record-breaking
state tax collections of the past two years. really rough during the COVID pandemic.
With local budgets constrained by higher “There was a certain amount of earned
inflation and a tight cap on property taxes, trust there running in both directions. With federal recovery aid pouring into
she said, “the 2.7% feels really tight for us.” That provided a foundation for us to play the state, supplemented by a state COVID
through all the complexities that came recovery appropriation, as well as ongo-
“We made a commitment to you and we
with the pandemic.” ing challenges that date to pre-pandemic
honored it,” Baker replied, referring to
times, the governor said he looks forward
the administration’s pledge to increase While the pandemic continues, the gov- to working alongside local leaders on an
the Unrestricted General Government ernor said the state “is in a much better ambitious agenda in the time remaining in
Aid account each year at the same rate as position today when it comes to COVID” his second and final term.
the consensus forecast for state revenue than it was a year ago, with 6.5 million
growth. “If this number turns out to be too Massachusetts residents having received at “We have a lot of resources to support
high, we’re not going to change it.” least one dose of a COVID vaccine, 80% of housing initiatives, economic develop-
the eligible population being fully vacci- ment, downtown reimagination, job train-
The governor said he’d be open to conver-
nated, and 2.5 million residents having ing, environmental infrastructure, health
sations later in the fiscal year, if revenues
received vaccine boosters — or roughly care operations, local boards of health,” he
remain strong, about supplemental
half of those who are fully vaccinated. The said. “There’s a lot of opportunity there,
funding “to address things you have fixed
governor stressed the concerted efforts at and I hope we do all we can to take full
costs on.” The MMA, meanwhile, will make
the state and local levels to keep schools advantage of it.
its UGGA case with the Legislature as the
budget process moves forward. open, which “are not just the safest place “Let’s get a lot done in the next 10 or 11
for kids,” but also “definitely the healthiest months. A lot!” ●
Fuller and MMA President Adam Chap- place for kids.”
Baker’s $5B bond bill includes funding for some some local items
By Jackie Lavender Bird required to secure federal dollars for • $30 million for the Community Compact
On Jan. 14, Gov. Charlie Baker filed a the fund, which helps cities and towns IT competitive grant program for
$4.99 billion general government bond bill improve water supply infrastructure and innovative technology initiatives at the
that includes major investments in state drinking water safety local level
infrastructure and workforce development • $60 million for the Housing Stabilization • $25 million for Housing Choice
programs, as well as several large invest- Fund, which provides funding for grants to municipalities that receive a
ments of interest to municipalities. municipalities, nonprofits, for-profit Housing Choice designation through
developers and local housing authorities high housing production and/or
Here are some key items in the bill (H. in support of affordable rental housing demonstration of best practices
4336): production and rehabilitation The bill has been referred to the Joint
• $100 million for municipal grants to • $50 million for the Cultural Facilities Committee on Bonding, Capital Expendi-
support a range of local infrastructure Fund to provide grants for planning, tures and State Assets. ●
improvements and projects acquisition, rehabilitation and
• $64 million to support the construction of cultural facilities
Massachusetts State Revolving Fund — administered through Massachusetts
specifically for the state’s matching funds Cultural Council and MassDevelopment
February 2022 • The Beacon • 7
Lt. Gov. Polito reflects on 7 years of partnership
By John Ouellette form of executive orders that temporarily
Speaking to 500 local leaders from across expanded rules related to open meetings,
the state during the virtual MMA Annual elections and outdoor dining.
Meeting on Jan. 21, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito Polito has addressed local leaders at every
previewed the administration’s state bud- MMA Annual Meeting since she and Gov.
get bill and reflected on the accomplish- Charlie Baker took office in January 2015.
ments of the past seven years. Since Polito and Baker have announced
She said the strengthened partnership that they will not be on the ballot this fall,
between state and local government under Polito was speaking to the gathering for
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito reflects on her her last time as lieutenant governor.
the Baker-Polito administration paid huge years of working with local leaders
dividends as the two levels of government during the MMA Annual Meeting on She gave a “shout out” to Sean Cronin,
worked closely together to battle and Jan. 21. the senior deputy commissioner at the
recover from the COVID pandemic over Division of Local Services, a former local
the past two years. official who is highly regarded by munici-
Polito highlighted a range of successes Complete Streets and the Municipal Small pal officials across the state.
during her tenure, beginning with the Bridge Program. And she announced the “He has redefined what the Division of
1,000-plus municipal best practices im- opening of the application period for the Local Services is all about,” she said. “He
plemented as a result of the Community year-old Community One Stop for Growth has a wealth of knowledge and experience
Compact Cabinet that she championed. program. on municipal affairs, and he has literally
These local efforts include a new regional Polito issued “a call to service” to bring taken it to heart to help you succeed in
economic development planner in the ru- new people into the ranks of local govern- your communities.”
ral Hill Towns in western Massachusetts, ment, and praised local officials for the As she travels the state, Polito said she
a regional stormwater management effort work they do. can feel the pride that local officials have
in the Cape and Islands region, a bond
“You have chosen to do these jobs in your for their communities, as she does for her
rating upgrade resulting from financial
city halls and your town halls,” she said. home town of Shrewsbury.
management best practices in Topsfield, a
regional information technology initiative “Municipal government service is import- “I just want to say on behalf of the gov-
led by Danvers, a climate action plan in ant, it is meaningful, it is satisfying, and it ernor and our entire administration how
Acton, and a municipal succession plan in is critical to the success of this Common- proud we are here in the Commonwealth
Marlborough. wealth.” that we have such dedicated, incredibly
Polito serves as the administration’s talented and committed local officials,”
“These are incredible stories, but they’re
liaison to municipalities and has visited she said.
your stories,” she said. “You’ve embraced
these best practices. … You continue to all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts “It has been an incredible opportunity to
innovate and evolve.” at least once. During the pandemic, she be your partner,” she said, getting choked
held 40 regular conference calls with local up near the end of her 25-minute address.
Polito noted a range of targeted grant ini- officials — often on a weekly basis — so- “I want to thank you for your friendship.
tiatives created by the administration — liciting their feedback about the challenges
for information technology, broadband, at the local level, and then seeking to “Keep up your great work,” she said. “I
brownfields, and coastal communities, as address those concerns, sometimes in the look forward to seeing you over the course
well as infrastructure programs such as of this next year and finishing strong.” ●
Auditor Suzanne Bump to speak at WEMO spring symposium
Women Elected Municipal Officials will start at 9 a.m. and exemptions are allowed with a negative
hold a spring symposium on Saturday, conclude at 12:30 PCR test taken within 72 hours.) These
April 2, in Marlborough. p.m. Boxed lunches safety protocols are subject to change
The full-day conference — “Reimagining will be provided. based on the latest public health data and
Equitable Leadership During Recovery” The conference guidance.
— will open with a fireside chat with will be held at the Additional information, including the
State Auditor Suzanne Bump. Courtyard Marriott complete agenda and speakers, will be
The conference will also feature edu- Hotel at 75 Felton available in the coming weeks. Registra-
cational panels focused on equitable St. in Marlborough. tion will be available at www.mma.org in
leadership and communications strate- The cost is $40. late February.
Suzanne Bump
gies, as well as plenty of opportunities for Due to COVID, this Contact: MMA Senior Member Services
networking with peers. in-person meeting Coordinator Isabelle Nichols at inichols@
Registration and a networking breakfast has a mask requirement (except when mma.org
will begin at 8:30 a.m. The program will eating or drinking) and requires proof
of vaccination. (Religious or medical
8 • The Beacon • February 2022
Sens. Warren, Markey address MMA Annual Meeting
By Meredith Gabrilska
U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed
Markey, frequent guests at MMA Annual
Meetings over the years, spoke live during
the MMA Annual Business Meeting on
Jan. 22.
The senators reflected on pandemic
response and recovery, discussed the many
opportunities contained in new federal U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (left) and Ed Markey discuss federal funding streams for
funding streams for municipalities, and municipalities and legislative priorities during the virtual MMA Annual Business Meeting
looked ahead to work still to be done. on Jan. 22.
Warren acknowledged the “steadfast lead-
ership” of local governments during the
pandemic, a sentiment echoed by Markey “A quarter of buses and public transit the Build Back Better package that remains
as well. vehicles in the state are beyond their useful stalled, and shared their priorities in
lives,” Warren said, adding that low-emis- bringing more federal support to small
“You are on the ground in your communi-
sion vehicles can combat climate change as businesses still being impacted by the pan-
ties,” Warren said. “You’re fighting tooth
well as its related public health problems, demic and pushing for federal assistance to
and nail to help people get through the
which disproportionately affect black and address the substance use crisis across the
public health crisis and economic crisis.”
brown communities. “We have an oppor- state and country.
Markey and Warren, along with the rest of tunity to not only improve transportation, “We can’t let it fall off the radar screen,”
the Massachusetts congressional delega- but also tackle environmental justice head Warren said, adding that her reintroduced
tion, used their strong partnership to get on.” CARE Act would allocate $125 billion over
the U.S. Department of the Treasury to
In the area of water infrastructure, the 10 years, with Massachusetts receiving
make changes in the final rules for using
state is set to receive $188 million this $130 million annually.
American Rescue Plan Act funds, signifi-
year, with $65 million set aside for lead “For way too long, local leaders like you
cantly increasing flexibility in how the
service line replacement projects, a con- have been forced to shoulder the burden of
funds can be used.
cern in numerous communities. the substance use disorder crisis,” Warren
“Ed and I heard you,” Warren said, noting
Both Warren and Markey asked local offi- said. “It’s time for the federal government
that their teams are always available to
cials to advocate for their most important to step up and make sure we finally begin
hear the concerns of local officials as com-
projects to compete for funding streams treating [it] like the public health emergen-
munities begin to access and deploy federal
that will flow through state government. cy that it is.”
funds.
“It all starts at your level,” Warren said. Markey said he is working to include a
Warren discussed the funding oppor-
Markey discussed funding that will be $20 billion to $30 billion “climate bank”
tunities available to cities and towns
available for broadband access — upwards program in Build Back Better that would
through the ARPA and the Infrastructure
of $800 million for Massachusetts. allow cities and towns to apply for low-in-
Investment and Jobs Act, both in direct
terest loans and grants to address local
payments and through competitive grant “We can ensure that every family has climate-related issues, as well as $20 billion
programs. high-speed internet,” Markey said. “To the t0 $30 billion for a “civilian climate corps”
“This funding coming in under the infra- extent that you have broadband issues, that would employ 300,000 young people
structure package is a once-in-a-generation please take advantage of it.” domestically to work on climate issues.
opportunity to tackle some of the biggest The ARPA also has $7 billion in emergency Markey said he had been visiting com-
infrastructure challenges facing our com- connectivity funds, intended in part to munities over the past week to discuss
munities,” Warren said. help schoolchildren secure internet access the Low Income Home Energy Assistance
For bridge replacement and repair, the at home. Program, or LIHEAP, which saw a funding
Commonwealth is set to receive $225 There will be $63 million available to cities increase this year through the ARPA, and
million this year and an additional $875 and towns for electric vehicle charging in- that he is working to increase funding even
million over the next four years. frastructure, in part, Markey said, because more for future winters.
“Just think of the Bourne and Sagamore of what he was hearing from local leaders. “A vision without funding is a hallucina-
bridges getting replaced, think of east-west There is also significant funding for coastal tion,” Markey said. “And we are getting
rail and additional rail projects,” Markey communities “facing the existential threat that funding to you.” ●
said. of climate change,” he said.
Warren discussed a $5 billion competitive Federal legislation
grant opportunity for replacing school The senators provided updates on legis-
buses and public transit vehicles with zero- lative matters before Congress, including
and low-emission vehicles.
February 2022 • The Beacon • 9
MMA keynote explores the future of work
By Jennifer Kavanaugh Termuende talked about Kevin Stefanski,
To navigate an uncertain future, organi- the rookie head coach picked to lead the
zations must work to boost trust and em- NFL’s underperforming Cleveland Browns
brace a culture of change, work innovation in 2020. During the pandemic’s first wave,
expert Eric Termuende told local leaders he convened players on Zoom and asked
during the virtual MMA Annual Meeting them to talk about their backgrounds and
on Jan. 21. their “four Hs”: heroes, heartbreak, hopes
and history.
Termuende, the bestselling author of
“Rethink Work,” regularly speaks about “With each story, and with each piece of
the importance of making incremental information, the understanding and the
changes — what he calls “one-degree” trust in each other started to grow,” Ter- Author Eric Termuende discusses the
muende said. “And when this trust started importance of building trust and im-
shifts — to remove the friction that holds plementing even small changes during
organizations back. In his MMA keynote to grow, the cohesion and the strength of
the team started to rise.” his MMA Annual Meeting keynote
address, he shared examples of sports address on Jan. 21.
teams reversing losing streaks and compa- That season, the transformed team
nies boosting slumping sales by making a reached the playoffs for the first time
series of small changes. in 17 years and won its first postseason salvaged its reputation and pulled itself
“If we want to build incredible teams, if game in more than a quarter century. Re- out of debt by trying new recipes and
we want to be incredible leaders, and if we porters wanted to know what Stefasnki’s improving its delivery system and technol-
want to navigate an unpredictable future, secret was. ogy. The Canadian cereal brand Shreddies
it really comes down to three things,” Ter- “He said, ‘When my players trusted each reversed sagging sales by embracing an
muende said. “We have to build trust with other off the field, they played better intern’s marketing idea.
the people that we work with, and with together on the field,’” Termuende said. “If we’re enabled to, and if we’re allowed
our friends and family, of course. We have Turning to his MMA audience, he added, to, and encouraged to experiment, what
to be able to remove friction, wherever it “Here’s a question for you: Do you know that symbolizes is that we trust each
may arise … And we have to continue to who your players are off the metaphorical other, and that failure’s OK,” he said. “It
experiment.” field, or outside of the office, so that you symbolizes that, really, we’re psycho-
A speaker, writer and podcaster about can play better together on the field?” logically safe. We go from excluded to
work culture, Termuende co-founded being included, to being able to learn, to
After building trust, teams need to remove being able to contribute, to being able to
the NoW of Work, a Vancouver-based friction – those factors standing in their
firm that helps organizations evolve in challenge.”
way of success. Termuende referenced the
a rapidly changing work environment. historically medal-less British cycling team These principles have changed Termu-
Having studied workplaces around the going on to win seven gold medals at the ende’s own life. When he was a Univer-
world, he assists organizations seeking to 2008 Summer Olympics and seven more sity of Calgary student, he participated
build stronger teams, increase resiliency in 2012. They did so by making a series in a European travel competition that
and innovate. of small behavioral shifts that included required him and his teammates to travel
Organizations must build trust, he said, so improving hand hygiene to reduce illness, from London to Berlin using only cans
that employees feel included and psycho- and adjusting hotel room thermostats for of energy drinks as currency. After initial
logically safe to engage and contribute better sleep. setbacks, they changed their fortunes by
ideas. He described five components of learning to trust each other, and by iden-
“It’s the idea of taking the smallest tifying the locals who would willingly help
trust building: asking for help; learning amount of friction, and making that
more about colleagues; discussing ideas them with food, lodging and transporta-
smallest change, over and over again,” tion in return for energy drinks.
and creating; monotasking instead of Termuende said.
multitasking; and slowing down so that “A small shift can have incredible results,”
people can listen to each other and con- Organizations must be willing to exper- Termuende said. ●
nect on a one-on-one basis. iment, Termuende said. Domino’s Pizza
NLC holding Congressional City Conference March 14-16
The National League of Cities is holding ers with insights on the roles that local and access into local projects. Topics
its Congressional City Conference March communities will play in the nation’s will include grant writing, compliance
14-16 in Washington, D.C. pandemic recovery. and reporting, broadband and trans-
At the conference, local leaders meet With once-in-a-generation federal portation funding, and other top local
federal experts, get insights on critical funding coming to communities, confer- government priorities.
federal issues, and raise their voices as ence sessions provide access to federal For more information, visit ccc.nlc.org.
a local leader on the national level. At- experts, blueprints for community ●
tendees will hear from renowned speak- success, and strategies to embed equity
10 • The Beacon • February 2022House passes election reform package
By Dave Koffman authorization of same-day voter regis-
On Jan. 27, the Massachusetts House tration, but would have the Secretary of
of Representatives passed an election State’s Office evaluate the potential poli-
reform package that would make per- cy implications and costs of doing so.
manent many recently expired election The House and Senate bills now head
allowances, including vote-by-mail and to the conference committee process,
early voting. where negotiators will work to reconcile
The bill (H. 4359) would: differences between the bills and pro-
pose compromise legislation to send to
• Permanently allow no-excuse vote- An election reform package passed by the governor for consideration.
by-mail for any presidential or state the House of Representatives on Jan.
primary, special election, or biennial 27 would permanently allow for early The MMA has supported many per-
general election in-person voting before elections. manent election reforms, while also
requesting a guarantee of full funding
• Permanently allow early voting in for all new election responsibilities
person prior to regular state elections and training requirements that may
learn their electoral rights and apply
as well as presidential primaries and be imposed on municipalities by state
for and cast ballots by mail
general elections legislation.
This past fall, the Senate overwhelm-
• Provide a local option for voting by Authorizations for no-excuse voting
ingly passed a comprehensive election
mail and early voting in person for by mail and in-person early voting —
reform bill (S. 2545), which included
municipal elections extended throughout the pandemic as
vote-by-mail, longer periods for early
• Direct sheriffs and corrections officials voting, and same-day voter registration. temporary provisions — expired on Dec.
to assist eligible incarcerated voters to The House bill does not include direct 15, 2021. ●
Rules finalized for public notification of sewage overflows
By Ariela Lovett have exempted “blended sewage” from
On Jan. 21, the Baker-Polito adminis- notification requirements. The Mas-
tration announced final requirements sachusetts Rivers Alliance said, “This
and procedures for notifying the public carve-out was clearly contrary” to the in-
of sewage discharges and overflows into tent of the combined sewer overflow law
surface waters of the Commonwealth. enacted in January 2021, and “would
have allowed most discharges to occur
The final regulations require permit without full notification.”
holders to issue notifications for com-
bined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer In announcing the final regulations, the
On Jan. 21, the Massachusetts administration emphasized the im-
overflows that discharge through a Department of Environmental
wastewater outfall, and any discharge of portance of investing in infrastructure
Protection unveiled final rules for
partially treated wastewater, including improvements to wastewater systems
notifying the public of sewage discharges
blended wastewater. Advocates applaud- and overflows into surface waters. to eliminate discharges of untreated
ed the Department of Environmental sewage in the long term.
Protection for including “blended “With aging infrastructure, discharges
sewage” overflows (a combination of certain circumstances. of untreated and partially treated sew-
partially-treated and treated sewage) in age into the Commonwealth’s waterways
the final regulations. Follow-up reporting to MassDEP will continues to be a significant challenge
be required monthly. Permittees with for many of the state’s cities and towns,”
The regulations require that notifica- combined sewer overflows will also be
tions be issued within two hours of the said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “With these
required to maintain signage at public new regulations, public awareness will
discovery of the discharge to specific access points affected by CSO discharg-
local, state and federal government be further raised as we work with our
es. local partners to address infrastructure
agencies, as well as to any individual
who has subscribed to receive such After releasing draft regulations in improvements.”
notifications. The regulations also October, the MassDEP held two public For more information about sanitary
require that notifications be sent to the hearings and solicited public comments, sewer systems, combined sewer
two largest news organizations that which it received from a range of water- overflows, and the final CSO regulations,
report on local news in the area and be shed advocacy organizations, municipal visit www.mass.gov/guides/sanitary-
published on permittees’ websites, and wastewater operators, and municipal sewer-systems-combined-sewer-
they require municipal boards of health health officials. overflows. ●
or health departments to issue public In particular, advocates expressed con-
health warnings and post signage under cerns that the draft regulations would
February 2022 • The Beacon • 112022 MMA Board of Directors elected
The 2022 MMA Board of Directors was MMCA First Vice President: Samantha MMA Executive Director: Geoff Beckwith*
installed during an organizational meet- Squailia* (ex-officio, non-voting)
ing held on Jan. 31. Councillor, Fitchburg
Elected directors
The voting directors are elected by the MMCA Second Vice President: John
Ted Bettencourt, Mayor, Peabody
following MMA organizations: the McLaughlin
Massachusetts Mayors’ Association Councillor, Waltham Lisa Braccio, Selectman, Southborough
(MMaA), the Massachusetts Municipal MMMA President: George “Bud” Denise Casey, Deputy Town Manager,
Councillors’ Association (MMCA), the Dunham* North Andover
Massachusetts Municipal Management Town Manager, Sandwich
Association (MMMA), the Massachu- Ralph Figy, Councillor, Westfield
setts Select Board Association (MSA), MMMA First Vice President: Steve Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager,
and the Association of Town Finance Bartha* Andover
Committees (ATFC). Town Manager, Danvers
Claire Freda, Councillor, Leominster
The immediate past president of the MMMA Second Vice President: Kristi
MMA is an ex-officio member. Williams Scott Galvin, Mayor, Woburn
Town Manager, Westborough Afroz Khan, Councillor, Newburyport
The board members for 2022 are:
MSA President: Michael Walsh* Nicole LaChapelle, Mayor, Easthampton
Appointed directors Select Board, Westwood
Andrea Llamas, Town Administrator,
MMA President: Ruthanne Fuller* MSA First Vice President: Andrew Northfield
Mayor, Newton Hogeland*
Select Board, Williamstown John Mangiaratti, Town Manager, Acton
MMA Vice President: Jill Hai*
Select Board, Lexington MSA Second Vice President: Jill Hai Dan Matthews, Select Board, Needham
MMaA President: Linda Tyer* Select Board, Lexington Moises Rodrigues, Councillor, Brockton
Mayor, Pittsfield ATFC President: John Trickey* Alan Slavin, Selectman, Wareham
MMaA First Vice President: Brian Arrigo* Finance Committee, Pelham Peter Spellios, Select Board, Swampscott
Mayor, Revere ATFC First Vice President: Melinda Tarsi* Kevin Sweet, Town Administrator,
MMaA Second Vice President: Michelle Wu Industrial and Development Committee, Wrentham
Mayor, Boston Mansfield
Arthur Vigeant, Mayor, Marlborough
MMCA President: Lisa Blackmer* MMA Immediate Past President: Adam
Councillor, North Adams Chapdelaine* * Denotes Executive Committee member
Town Manager, Arlington
Supreme Court blocks vaccine mandate for large employers
The Biden administration has with- however, has not ruled out a potential requirement would apply to municipal
drawn its COVID-19 vaccine and testing vaccine and testing mandate in the and state workforces in many states, but
requirement for large employers after future. not all. In Massachusetts, the Division
it was blocked on Jan. 12 by the U.S. Last September, Biden announced a plan of Labor Standards had indicated that
Supreme Court. to use regulatory powers and other ac- the mandate likely would not apply to
The court ruled that the edict exceeded tions to substantially increase the num- local governments.
the Occupational Safety and Health Ad- ber of Americans covered by vaccination – Dave Koffman
ministration’s authority over workplace requirements in the workplace. It was
safety. The U.S. Department of Labor, expected that the vaccine and testing
Administration secures contract for 26 million rapid antigen tests
On Jan. 11, the Baker-Polito adminis- and the timing and shipment amounts tions in child care, and on Dec. 30 the
tration announced that it had placed an will vary depending on international Department of Elementary and Second-
order with iHealth to supply the state shipping and production variables. ary Education updated its Protocols for
with 26 million COVID-19 rapid antigen The administration also released a public Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios in
tests over the next three months. health advisory about when to seek tests K-12 public schools.
The tests will be prioritized to support for COVID-19. The DPH advises that a positive
K-12 schools and child care settings. The Department of Early Education and COVID-19 rapid antigen does not need
At a press event, Gov. Charlie Baker said Care has posted additional information to be confirmed with a PCR test. ●
the tests will arrive on a rolling basis, on testing protocols for specific situa-
12 • The Beacon • February 2022You can also read
