Senate Unveils Pharmaceutical Access, Cost and Transparency (PACT) Act 2022

BOSTON (02/04/2022) – Today, the Massachusetts Senate unveiled An Act relative to Pharmaceutical Access, Cost and Transparency (PACT Act 2022), comprehensive pharmaceutical cost control legislation aimed at addressing the rapidly increasing costs of prescription drugs. By connecting the need for greater drug price transparency with policies to improve oversight for the pharmaceutical industry, the legislation puts the Senate at the forefront of the state’s efforts to tackle rapidly increasing prescription drug costs. It will also reduce drug costs for patients and lower health care costs overall.  

“The rate in which prices have increased for prescription drugs, especially for those that are life-saving, has simply gotten out of control,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Too many people in the Commonwealth and the country are forced to decide between their medications and other essential goods and services. These decisions are ones that should not have to be made, as we need to create a healthcare system that works for everyone, regardless of their background or income. I am pleased that this issue has been brought before the Senate, and I am hopeful that we can quickly move this legislation through the process and have it put before the Governor.”

Too often, patients cannot access the medications they need due to high prescription drug prices. The PACT Act 2022 contains enhanced accountability tools to address this and other barriers to care. Currently, Massachusetts cannot effectively identify drugs where burdensome costs prevent patients from being able to afford them. These cost barriers also contribute to unaddressed health issues and often worsen conditions. This legislation directs the Health Policy Commission (HPC), in consultation with stakeholders, to establish a process for identifying drug price thresholds that pose a public health risk. In addition, it allows the HPC to recommend pricing measures to increase patient access to necessary medications. Drug manufacturers that fail to comply with this process will be required to pay a fee that will go into a trust fund for a new drug cost assistance program to support patients with certain chronic health conditions that disproportionately impact communities of color and low-income communities.

In a first for Massachusetts, the legislation offers immediate price relief for insulin—a life-sustaining, daily drug for the one in 10 Massachusetts residents living with diabetes, without which they face substantial health risks and complications. Insulin prices have recently risen sharply, resulting in out-of-pocket costs that can reach $1,000 or more per year for patients in high-deductible plans or who are underinsured. This financial burden often forces patients to engage in the dangerous practice of severely limiting or forgoing the use of insulin. To address this problem, the PACT Act 2022 limits out-of-pocket spending on insulin by eliminating deductibles and coinsurance, and permanently capping co-pays at $25 per 30-day supply. If the PACT Act 2022 is signed into law, Massachusetts would join 21 other states that cap co-payments for insulin.

The bill seeks to bring oversight to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who play a major role in how drugs are tiered and priced on insurance plans. PBMs, who serve as brokers or ‘middle-men’ in the drug transaction process, are not currently subjected to rigorous oversight by the state, making it unclear if PBMs act in the best interest of consumers or health plans when they negotiate the price of drugs with pharmaceutical manufacturers. The PACT Act 2022 authorizes the Division of Insurance (DOI) to provide much-needed oversight by licensing and regulating PBMs—and establishing sanctions for PBMs that fail to meet certain standards.  

To make sure patients pay the lowest possible cost at the pharmacy counter, the PACT Act 2022 builds on federal action legislation to ensure that a patient purchasing a prescription drug is not charged a cost-sharing amount, such as a co-pay or deductible, that exceeds the drug’s retail price.

The bill also takes significant steps toward ensuring that patients can get their prescription drugs from the pharmacy that they choose. This bill will allow independent pharmacists the opportunity to become licensed to dispense of specialty drugs and contract with insurance plans to provide specialty medications to patients. In addition, this bill provides patients with greater access to mail order prescriptions by allowing any network pharmacy to contract with carriers to provide mail-order prescriptions, changing the current practice where of carriers determine what pharmacies are available to patients for mail order prescriptions.

To help control costs further, the PACT Act 2022 requires pharmaceutical companies to notify the state in advance of new drugs coming to market, and of significant price increases for existing drugs. With advanced notification, the state’s MassHealth program can better prepare for potential cost increases by exploring ways to mitigate the cost or negotiating improved prices. In addition, advance notification will enable the HPC to focus on these cost drivers at their Cost Trends Hearings, which are held each year to examine the drivers of health care costs, identify challenges and opportunities for improving care and reducing costs in Massachusetts, increase transparency and accountability for health care providers and insurers, and help the state to meet its annual health care cost growth benchmark. 

In addition, pharmaceutical manufacturing companies and PBMs will be included in the HPC annual Cost Trends Hearings for the first time. By participating in the hearings process, manufacturers and PBMs will be required to provide public testimony on the factors that influence drug costs and provide documentation to back up their claims. The HPC will use this information to analyze how pharmaceutical industry costs impact the state’s health care market—and the ultimate cost of health care for Commonwealth residents.

This bill also empowers the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA), an independent state agency that provides objective analysis of the quality, affordability, utilization, and access to the Massachusetts health care system, to collect a range of drug cost information from pharmaceutical manufacturers and PBMs to include in its annual health care cost report, which does not currently include comprehensive data on drug costs. Collecting this data will allow policymakers and consumers to better understand the role of pharmaceutical companies in driving costs moving forward.

The Senate has been a leader in putting forth policies to address unaffordable drug costs. The HEALTH Act, passed by the Senate in 2017, proposed policies to incorporate pharmaceutical costs into the state’s annual health care cost oversight process and ensure that consumers are offered the lowest available prices at the pharmacy. The Senate also championed the inclusion of provisions in the Fiscal Year 2020 budget to allow MassHealth to directly negotiate supplemental drug rebates to save the state millions of dollars each year. The Senate passed the first iteration of the PACT Act in the 2019-2020 session. The PACT Act 2022 takes several more important steps forward to rein in drug costs and improve patient access throughout the health care system. 

The Senate is scheduled to debate the PACT Act 2022 next week.

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Four Local Coalitions in Worcester are Awarded Grant Funding from the Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Program

(Worcester - 02/04/2022) Senator Michael Moore is happy to announce that four local coalitions in Worcester have been selected to receive funding from the Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program. The recipients have been selected by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

“We should be doing everything we can to provide resources and empower local organizations that are striving to make important and meaningful change,” said Senator Moore (D-Millbury). “That’s why we in the House and Senate felt the need to allocate funding for a program such as this that provides financial assistance to these local groups that are so important to their communities. I am very grateful that four such coalitions in Worcester have received funding, as they all help to shape a better future for those living in the area.”

The four coalitions from Worcester are among a total of 65 who will receive a combined $20,860,269. The aim of this grant program is to provide support to groups to allow them to implement programs that develop, strengthen, and invest in community-led efforts to bring positive economic outcomes to communities that face historically disproportionate challenges to economic growth. The program was specifically developed to support communities with high rates of incarceration, poverty, and whose populations are largely disadvantaged and underrepresented. 

The recipients in Worcester, and the amount of funding received are as follows:

$50,000 for the Black Excellence Academy/Charles Houston Cultural Project. This out of school program serves 50 Worcester Public School students in grades 1-6. It is a year-long program that runs concurrently with the school calendar and aims to; support working families; accelerate academic performance in ELA and math; expose students to various aspects of STEM with hands-on activities; and enrich knowledge and appreciation of Black history and culture. 

$382,000 for Centro Las Americas Inc’s Towards Financial Empowerment program, a bi-lingual community collaboration for Worcester’s historically disproportionately affected communities. The program will facilitate successful evidence-based learning, wraparound services, and provide socio-emotional and cultural support post Covid-19 by improving financial literacy, creating new entrepreneurs, support existing businesses and building up families and community. Roughly 45 students will participate in the Start Up and 3 Venture Growth classes. Another 20-25 students will enroll into the CENTRO Financial Empowerment Education and Coaching 8-week course. 

$63,301 for Friendly House and their I, Too program, a collaboration with local business leaders, departments of state and local government and the Worcester Public Schools. This program provides a positive role model to 20 young people, ages 13 to 17, who are at heightened risk of criminal justice system involvement. These role models provide guidance, empowerment, and inspiration for these youths.

$491,740 for Living in Freedom Together’s (LIFT) Building Real Action for Viable Employment (BRAVE) program. This program will provide job training and skill building in Worcester for survivors of the sex trade along with program partner, Latin American Health Alliance (LAHA). The grant will act as seed funding for LIFT to train program participants from LIFT and LAHA to operate a Coffee Truck which LIFT will purchase and outfit. The grant will additionally aid LAHA in establishing an Automotive Garage (the Garage) where the Truck will be kept and maintained.  

The funding for this grant program has been made possible by allocations made in the FY21 and FY22 budget.

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Senate Enacts COVID-19 Supplemental Budget

(Boston – 02/03/2022) Today both the Massachusetts State Senate and the House of Representatives enacted H.4345, An Act Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2022 to Provide for Supplementing Certain Existing Appropriations and for Certain other Activities and Projects. This piece of legislation invests in COVID-19 rapid testing, high-quality masks and vaccination equity.

“Several times during this pandemic, we thought we had seen the worst only for the virus to rear its head and present more challenges for residents throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Given the ever-changing nature of this pandemic, we in the legislature felt it was vital that we take steps to expand access to our most effective tools in this fight. More masks, tests and vaccines will allow us to set a path towards having COVID-19 in our rear-view mirror, and so I hope that Governor Baker quickly signs this bill into law.”

The $101 million plan that was enacted today by both chambers has grown since it was passed by the Senate last week, which stood at $76 million. The bill was originally passed by the House on January 19th as a $55 million plan.

The legislation earmarks $50 million to establish COVID-19 testing at community health centers, regional vaccination clinics, urgent care centers and other organizations, as well as to expand on current testing capacities at these locations. Additionally, funding to purchase rapid COVID-19 antigen tests will be made available to elementary and secondary public schools, charter schools, educational collaboratives, early education and care programs, congregate care facilities, early intervention programs and homeless shelters.

The bill also earmarks $5 million to increase youth vaccination rates, while also setting aside $5 million to expand infrastructure and staff capacity at community health centers to help deliver vaccines in communities with low vaccination rates. 

The legislation also increases the COVID-19 Massachusetts Emergency Sick Leave Program by $25 million. Established last May, this $75 million program offers up to one week of paid sick leave, capped at $850.

A further $1 million is earmarked for the Department of Unemployment Assistance so that they may bolster their public information campaign as it relates to unemployment insurance benefits overpayments.

The bill also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a detailed plan to eliminate vaccination disparities within 120 days of the effective date of the bill.

The bill also sets the date for this year’s state primary election on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

The legislation will now move to Governor Baker’s desk, who has 10 days to sign the bill, offer a veto, or return the bill to the legislature with and amendment.

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Worcester Public Schools are Awarded DESE Grant Funding

(Worcester – 02/01/2022) Senator Michael Moore is happy to announce that the Worcester Public Schools have been awarded funding from the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education’s FY22 English Learner Education Programs Grant.

“We are fortunate that within Worcester we have a very culturally diverse population of people, for many of whom English is not their first language” said Senator Moore (D-Millbury). “Given this, it is important that we have programs in place that allow them to learn English, which in turn will help them enter the workforce. This is beneficial not only for them, but for Worcester as a whole.”

This grant program is designed to support districts by providing the funding needed to develop and implement new and innovative English Learner Education (ELE) programs, while also supporting existing systems in place. This also helps districts create a more culturally and linguistically diverse workforce. More information on the grant program can be found here.

The Worcester Public Schools have been awarded $600,000 to develop and/or implement an alternative bilingual ELE program and cultivate existing bilingual education hubs.

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Senate Passes Bill to Increase Access to COVID-19 Testing, Vaccines, and Masks

Bill includes several measures to enhance vaccine equity, extends popular COVID measures, including outdoor dining

(BOSTON–1/27/2022) Yesterday, the Massachusetts State Senate passed a $76 million plan to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and its variants by providing residents with greater access to tests, vaccines, and masks, prioritizing communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as frontline workers. The plan also provides increased flexibility for unemployment insurance recipients to address overpayments of pandemic unemployment benefits and funds an expanded multi-lingual campaign to notify unemployment claimants of their legal rights. Much of the funding of the bill is expected to be eligible for reimbursement by the federal government.

“Nearly two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still dealing with this virus and it’s variants, as well as the challenges that it has brought with it,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “By passing this legislation, we will broaden access to our most effective tools in the fight against this virus, such as tests, vaccines and masks. This bill also ensures that those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic, and our frontline workers, are prioritized in receiving these resources. Thank you to my colleagues for their work on this piece of important legislation, and I hope that we can get it signed into law soon.”

 The legislation includes a $50 million investment to further increase the availability and encourage usage of both testing and vaccination throughout the state. This allocation includes $7 million to assist community organizations promoting vaccine awareness and education in disproportionately impacted communities and $5 million to expand the capacity of community health centers to test and vaccinate, including funding to hire additional staff. Notably, $5 million is specifically allocated for increasing vaccination rates among five through eleven-year-olds, an age group now eligible to be vaccinated but whose vaccination rates remain low in comparison to older residents. The bill also establishes a grant program, in consultation with the Massachusetts Cultural Council, for cultural institutions to help promote vaccine awareness and education.

The bill also allocates $25 million for the state to purchase and distribute high-quality masks in Massachusetts, with priority given to education and health care workers. 

In response to reports that the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is seeking to collect overpayments in pandemic unemployment benefits that were paid to some Massachusetts residents through no fault of their own, the bill provides funding for the DUA to conduct a multi-lingual, easy-to-understand public information campaign to notify claimants of their legal rights. The bill also extends the period during which DUA can reconsider a determination of overpayment and requires that the department produce a comprehensive report detailing the status of overpayments.

The bill also extends the authorization for several COVID-19 emergency measures adopted earlier in the pandemic, such as those related to health services in assisted living facilities, liability protections for health care providers, remote notaries, flexibility for local governments and non-profits to hold meetings virtually, outdoor dining and beer, wine and cocktails to-go. Importantly, the bill also requires the secretary of health and human services to develop a vaccine equity plan and directs the department of public health to publicly post guidance on effective mask usage and recommended testing, quarantine and isolation periods. Finally, the bill sets the date for this year’s state primary election on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

With a version of this legislation having previously passed the House of Representatives, both the House and Senate will now work to reconcile the bill.

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Senator Moore signs onto letter urging EPA Administrator Regan to strengthen the Risk Management Plan Rule

 (01/27/2022) Senator Michael Moore has joined 70 elected officials from 16 states in a letter which urges EPA Administrator Michael Regan to strengthen the Risk Management Plan (RMP) Rule by reforming federal policy that is intended to prevent chemical disasters.

“The rate in which incidents occur at high-risk chemical facilities is both alarming and unacceptable,” said Senator Moore (D-Millbury). “These incidents have led to thousands of injuries, billions of dollars in damages, and deaths in the worst cases. By having legislators from across the country joining in on this letter, we have made it clear to EPA that they need to take action to prevent these accidents from occurring in the future.”

The RMP Rule regulates over 12,000 high-risk chemical facilities nationwide. Explosions and leaks regularly occur at these facilities, which disproportionally affects workers, communities of color and low-income communities, thus making this an environmental justice issue.

The letter specifically urges the following measures be taken when updating RMP; prevent disasters by requiring hazard reduction, better prepare chemical facilities for climate impacts, include common-sense emergency response and incident management measures, increase enforceability, corrective action and accountability, expand coverage of the RMP program, and account for cumulative hazards from multiple facilities and underlying vulnerabilities.

By signing onto this letter, Senator Moore has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting residents of the Commonwealth from hazardous chemicals. One of the Senator’s main priorities continues to be the removal of the harmful PFAS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, from food packaging. This priority has been addressed by the bill S.1494, which is currently in the Joint Committee on Public Health, and more information on it can be found here.

In signing onto this letter, Senator Moore has been joined by legislatures from Colorado, Delaware, Guam, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington DC and West Virginia. The letter and full list of signatories can be found here.

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The Towns of Grafton and Upton are Selected as Recipients of the 2022 Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program

(Boston – 01/20/2022) Senator Michael Moore and Representative David Muradian can today announce that the Towns of Grafton and Upton have been selected as recipients of the 2022 Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Program.

“While we can implement technological systems to protect our information technology infrastructure, the human element is just as important when it comes to protecting our data,” said Senator Moore (D-Millbury). “That’s why this program is so important, as the training provided to employees at towns and public schools will allow them to act as the first line of defense against potential cyber threats.”

“As threats to cybersecurity continue to present increasing risk, it is imperative that our municipalities do all that they can to stay ahead of this ever-changing threat,” stated Rep. David Muradian. “Our communities will greatly benefit from the grant funding provided by the Baker-Polito Administration, and I thank them for highlighting the importance of cybersecurity training.”

The Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Program supports local governments and public-school systems by training aimed at improving the evaluation process of potential cybersecurity threats. It is anticipated that this program will provide training for 60,000 municipal and school staff.

Through the program, the Towns of Grafton and Upton will train 120 and 60 town employees, respectively.

Further information on the grant application process and the program can be found here.

The Fire Departments of Shrewsbury, Millbury and Leicester are Awarded Funding from the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program

(Boston – 01/13/2022) Senator Michael Moore can announce that the Shrewsbury, Millbury and Leicester Fire Departments have been awarded grant funding from the Baker-Polito Administration as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 Firefighter Safety Grant Program.

“The firefighters throughout the towns and cities across our state are some of the bravest men and women in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Moore (D-Millbury). “Their occupation comes with substantial risk, but it is a risk they willingly take in order to ensure the wellbeing and safety of residents in their local communities. Therefore, they must have all the necessary safety equipment, which can be further supplied through this grant funding.”

“I am grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for acknowledging the great risk firefighters take to protect residents through the Firefighter Safety Grant Program and pleased that this funding has been awarded to the Shrewsbury Fire Department. Thank you to the Shrewsbury Fire Department for working to keep our community safe,” remarked Representative Kane (R-Shrewsbury).  

“We are highly appreciative of the investment that our State Leaders and Legislators have made in the Fire Service across the Commonwealth” said Shrewsbury Fire Chief Jim Vuona. “The additional funding we receive will go directly outfitting our firefighters with brand new, NFPA compliant structural firefighting gear - including; helmets, jackets, pants, boots, gloves and protective hoods”

Representative Paul Frost said, “These fire safety grants from the state provide our communities with extra resources to enhance public safety and protection for our local fire and rescue personnel. Our first responders use these extra funds wisely and I’m pleased they received this grant.” 

“Without this type of grant funding, we could not supply our firefighters with lifesaving equipment that meets today’s standards,” said Millbury Fire Chief Brian Gasco. “We appreciate the work of the State Fire Marshal Ostrowski and Senator Mike Moore and the state legislature for funding this program.”

“Firefighters risk their lives every day to make sure our families are safe, and our communities are protected from potential devastation,” said Representative David Leboeuf. “With all the risks of the profession it is extremely important that we invest in reducing occupational hazards. This grant program moves towards that goal and I’m thrilled the Leicester Fire Department has been awarded this funding”  

"All of us with the Leicester Fire Department are very appreciative for continued investment being made by the state towards firefighter safety in the Commonwealth," said Leicester Chief of Fire Michael Dupuis. "Having been awarded this funding, we can now acquire essential pieces of safety equipment such as new sets of turnout gear, and rehab tents."

The goal of this grant program is to provide fire departments with the necessary protective and safety equipment to meet the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. $5 million was made available in this round of funding.

The Shrewsbury Fire Department has been awarded $20,979.99.

The Millbury Fire Department has been awarded $15,944.79.

The Leicester Fire Department has been awarded $19,000.

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Second Worcester District Police Departments Awarded Grant Funding for Body-Worn Cameras

(Boston – 01/04/2022) Senator Michael Moore can announce that three police departments in the Second Worcester District have been awarded grant funding from the Baker-Polito Administration for body-worn cameras.

“It is imperative that all of the necessary measures are taken to improve public safety, while simultaneously strengthening the public trust in our police departments,” said Senator Moore (D-Millbury). “Body-worn cameras are a proven method when it comes to accomplishing these goals and have become an integral component in the law enforcement community. These grants will ensure that all police departments in the Commonwealth are able to access this technology.”

These police departments are part of 64 municipalities across the Commonwealth to have been awarded this funding, which are the first in a five-year, $20 million program which is expected to deploy 9,000 body-worn cameras across the state. A total of $4 million was awarded in this initial round of funding.

The Worcester Police Department has been awarded $250,000.

 The Leicester Police Department has been awarded $40,845.

The Grafton Police Department has been awarded $40,941.

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Bill to Stabilize Supply of Egg and Pork Products Signed into Law

(BOSTON – 12/22/2021) Following action by House and Senate lawmakers earlier this week, a bill to ensure a more secure egg and pork supply chain in the state, was signed into law Wednesday. The legislation updates Massachusetts’ farm animal welfare standards passed by voters in 2016 to align with other states.

“The pandemic has brought with it many challenges, with some being initially greater felt than others,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “One such issue was access to affordable eggs and pork products, and this new law will ensure that the proper access remains for consumers and businesses throughout the Commonwealth. I am also incredibly pleased that we have been able to reinforce our commitment to making sure that the factory farming industry provides more humane standards for pigs, calves and egg-laying hens. I’d like to thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for their work on this issue.”

An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards updates a 2016 law passed by the voters of Massachusetts. It would align Massachusetts’ standards to that of other states by:

·      Providing detailed cage-free standards that consist of one square foot of usable floor space per hen in multi-tiered aviaries, partially-slatted cage-free housing systems or any other cage-free housing system that provides hens with unfettered access to vertical space so that hens can engage in vital natural behaviors such as perching, scratching, dust bathing and laying eggs in a nest.

·      Ensuring protections for various types of egg products. As passed in 2016, the law applied to shell eggs, but not egg products. This legislation would also cover egg products, mirroring legislation passed in other states.

The bill would also enhance market and regulatory certainty by:

·       Delaying the effective date of the new standards for pork products to August 15, 2022, to allow the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) ample time to promulgate, and the industry to comply with, robust regulations. The ballot initiative passed in 2016 required regulations to be promulgated 2 years in advance of the effective date of the act in order to provide adequate time for affected industries to comply. This legislation gives producers not only more time to comply with the new standards but also an additional opportunity to participate in the updated regulatory process.

  • Updating authority for promulgating rules and regulations to include both the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and MDAR. As passed in 2016, the law assigns to the Attorney General exclusive authority to promulgate rules and regulations as well as to enforce the law. This legislation would update the regulatory authority so that it’s shared between the AGO and MDAR. Enforcement authority would remain exclusively with the AGO. Many states with similar laws include their state department of agriculture in the regulatory process.

An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards is endorsed by New England Brown Egg Council, The Country Hen (a major egg producer in the Commonwealth), United Egg Producers, and the Massachusetts Food Association, which notes that the language in this legislation offers a “readily available solution” to ensure retail-endorsed cage-free standards. The bill also has the support of numerous animal protection organizations, including the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Farm Sanctuary, the Humane Society of the United States, Animal Rescue League of Boston, Animal Equality, Animal Outlook, The Humane League, Harvard Law School Animal Law & Policy Program, Mercy for Animals, Compassion in World Farming, and World Animal Protection—all groups that have been working to increase welfare for farm animals for decades.

Text of An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards can be found at malegislature.gov.

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Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee Hold Hearing on the Commonwealth’s Unemployment Insurance Systems

(Boston – 12/10/2021) Today the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee held a hearing to learn more on the performance of the Commonwealth’s unemployment insurance system, as well as the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program. This is part of the committee’s review of these systems as they work to identify any necessary legislative, regulatory and budgetary changes.

“Just how devastating the pandemic has been on people throughout the Commonwealth is hard to put into words,” said Senator Moore. “Because of this devastating impact, there was an incredibly high volume of people who were seeking unemployment benefits, many of whom faced difficulties throughout the process. The goal of our hearing today was to better understand our unemployment systems so that we are prepared should we ever be faced with such a difficult scenario again. I thank everyone who testified today as their information is valuable to us as we continue our review. 

"We heard from so many of our constituents about how crucial unemployment benefits were during the pandemic. We also heard from too many who faced barriers and delays in getting those benefits. It's important to learn from both the successes and problems so we can be prepared for the future." said Senator Jehlen. 

At the hearing, the Committee heard from Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta, as well as First Assistant Inspector General Natalie Monroe from Office of the Massachusetts Inspector General, Division Chief Geoffrey Wood from the Insurance and Unemployment Fraud Unit at the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General, Employment Rights Coalition, National Federation of Independent Business of Massachusetts, and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts.

During her testimony Secretary Acosta stated that a new report detailing the current state of the unemployment insurance trust fund would be made available at the end of the month, and that the Baker administration plans to borrow some of the $7 billion authorized by the legislature to keep the fund stable. Secretary Acosta also told the committee the current balance of the trust fund is expected to be lower than the $2.9 billion it is currently estimated to contain by the U.S. Treasury. Secretary Acosta also made clear that $2.3 billion of the fund must be paid back to the federal government by next November, and that the state also owes $400 million in credits to employers. Secretary Acosta also reported that there have been roughly 100,000 cases of overpayment in both the unemployment insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program.

First Assistant Inspector General Natalie Wood told the committee that from March to November 2020, there were 2,020 complaints on the unemployment insurance system. Division Chief Geoffrey Wood reported to the committee that there have been 13 fraud referrals from the DUA in 2021, but there have been no convictions related to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.

The hearing was Chaired by Senator Michael Moore, who was joined by Vice Chair Senator Jamie Eldridge, as well as committee members Senator Patricia Jehlen and Senator Harriette Chandler.

Oral testimony was only provided by those who were invited to speak, however, the committee is still accepting written public testimony. Written testimony can be submitted by webform, which can be accessed here: https://forms.gle/vreMEkYq4sRLdcRP7. The livestream of the hearing was also recorded, and this can be watched here: https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/4114.

The Senator Post Audit and Oversight Committee is thankful for the testimony delivered by all the invited speakers, as they continue to review the Commonwealth’s unemployment insurance system and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program. Further information on the committee can be found here: https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/S48.

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Senator Moore Joins Colleagues in a Letter to Governor Baker Regarding Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Data

(Boston – 12/07/2021) Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury) has joined several of his colleagues in writing a letter to Governor Baker in an attempt to gain clarity on the Commonwealth’s unemployment insurance trust fund.

“The lack of transparency being offered by the Baker Administration regarding the trust fund deficit has been disappointing, to say the least,” remarked Senator Moore. “Having this information is crucial in allowing us to take steps in replenish the fund, and more importantly, it is much needed by employers so that they can determine what financial commitments they may have to make. The fact that we have not seen the numbers since June is unacceptable, and I hope that this data will now be provided to us and the public in a timely manner.”

This request for clarity stems from the lack of communication from the Baker Administration regarding the balance of the trust fund. The Administration had been providing monthly financial reports on the account, but has not provided one since June, when the balance was $1.77 billion in the red.

Due to the lack of transparency and with minimal information being made available, it has been difficult for policy makers to determine the necessary steps they may need to replenish the funds.

This has subsequently created a great deal of uncertainty among small businesses throughout the Commonwealth, as the lack of information has left them unsure as to payments they may be required to make, as initially advised by the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

Additionally, there is a great deal of speculation that a portion of the current UI trust fund deficit can be attributed to fraud and overpayments. There could be as much as $1.6 billion in UI overpayments in the Commonwealth, according to research conducted by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the U.S. Department of Labor.  

Senator Moore and his colleagues, have requested that a financial report be made available as soon as possible so that proper measures may be taken by the legislature. This would also provide necessary information to small businesses owners throughout the state.

In sending this letter, Senator Moore was joined by Senator Diana DiZoglio, Senator Ryan Fattman, Senator James Eldridge, Representative David Allen Robertson, Representative Lenny Mirra, Representative Vanna Howard and Representative Patrick J. Kearney.

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Legislature Passes American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), FY21 Surplus Spending Bill

(BOSTON–12/03/2021) Today, the Massachusetts Legislature advanced a $4 billion bill to the governor’s desk that directs federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) surplus funding to assist the Commonwealth’s ongoing economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on making equitable investments and prioritizing communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, the legislation delivers targeted supports to workers and businesses, and the critical sectors of housing, health care, mental and behavioral health, climate preparedness, education, and workforce development.

“I am glad that after such a long process we have now passed legislation that will make vital funds available for communities and individuals who have been especially hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “We were presented with a unique opportunity with these funds, which has allowed us to make crucial investments into many different areas, such as behavioral health, climate change resiliency, and small businesses, among many others. I’d like to thank my colleagues in the Senate as well as our partners in the House for their efforts in getting this bill brought before the Governor’s desk.”

Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Legislature voted to transfer the state’s $4.8 billion allocation from ARPA, which must be allocated by 2024, into a separate fund to ensure stakeholder and resident engagement in a public process. Following six public hearings and more than a thousand pieces of testimony received, the House’s and Senate’s spending proposals were unanimously approved by each chamber, resulting in the comprise bill which advances to the Governor’s desk today. This bill utilizes $2.55 billion in ARPA funds and $1.45 billion in FY21 surplus funds.

Notable investments included in the bill are as follows:                         

Economic Recovery and Workforce Development

  • $500 million for premium pay bonuses for essential workers, up to $2,000 per worker

  • $500 million for the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, providing necessary relief to business

  • $100 million for vocational school infrastructure and capacity building needs

  • $37.5 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to support organizations working with people displaced from jobs during the pandemic, historically underserved populations, and individuals reentering their communities from the corrections system

  • $50 million for equitable and affordable broadband access and infrastructure improvements to close the digital divide

  • $135 million for Mass Cultural Council to support the cultural sector

  • $75 million for small businesses, including $50 million for direct grants to historically underserved populations and minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses and $25 million for nascent businesses

  • $15 million for regional high-demand workforce training at community colleges

  • $25 million for the expansion of Career Technical Institutes

  • $24.5 for workforce development and capital assistance grants to the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs, as well $4.5 million for the YWCAs

  • $20 million for the resettlement of Afghan evacuees and Haitian evacuees

  • $15 million to enhance and diversify the cybersecurity sector with partnerships between public higher education institutions and private businesses

  • $14 million for agricultural economy supports

  • $10 million for regional tourism councils

Affordable Housing and Homeownership

  • $150 million for supportive housing, including $65 million for the chronically homeless population, and $20 million to increase geographic equity and accessibility related to the continuum of long-term care services for veterans not primarily served by the Soldiers’ Homes in Chelsea or Holyoke

  • $150 million for public housing authorities to maintain and upgrade existing infrastructure

  • $115 million for the CommonWealth Builder Program to support housing production and promote homeownership among residents of disproportionately impacted communities

  • $115 million for affordable rental housing production and preservation for the workforce and low- and moderate-income individuals

  • $65 million for homeownership assistance tools, including down payment assistance, and mortgage interest subsidy supports

Mental and Behavioral Health, Public Health and Health Care

  • $400 million in mental and behavioral health supports, including $122 million for workforce loan repayment programs for behavioral health and substance use professionals

  • $300 million for the Home and Community-Based Services Federal Investment Fund to address workforce needs for those caring for vulnerable populations

  • $200.1 million to support the state’s local and regional public health infrastructure

  • $260 million for acute hospitals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

  • $44.8 million for food security infrastructure, including $17 million for the Greater Boston Food Bank for regional food security network improvements across the Commonwealth, $5 million for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, $2 million for the Massachusetts Food Trust Program to provide loans, grants and technical assistance in a regionally equitable manner to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, $1.92 million for Project Bread to better connect eligible unenrolled residents with federal nutrition programs statewide and $1 million for the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc. for the operation of empowerment centers and to support the distribution of food to veterans in need

  • $30 million to support a robust and diverse home health care and human service workforce through recruitment, retention, and loan forgiveness programming

  • $50 million for nursing facilities, including $25 million for capital support to increase the quality of patient care and $25 million for workforce initiatives

  • $25million for youth-at-risk supports and grant programs for community violence prevention and re-entry organizations, focused on communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

  • $25million for youth summer and school-year jobs

  • $5 million for Health Care For All to conduct a community-based MassHealth redetermination and vaccination outreach, education, and access campaign targeted in communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic

  • $5 million for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission to study and review the interrelationship between service-providing agencies for individuals with disabilities within the Commonwealth and to design and implement a system for an interconnected network that will provide a continuum of care for those individuals

  • $2 million for unreimbursed COVID-19 costs for Early Intervention providers

  • $500,000 to establish transportation services for participants in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Treatment Courts

Climate Preparedness

  • $100 million for water and sewer infrastructure investments through the Clean Water Trust

  • $100 million for environmental infrastructure grants, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program

  • $90 million for marine port infrastructure investments focused on the promotion of offshore wind development

  • $25 million for Greening the Gateway Cities program to support tree planting

  • $15 million for parks and recreational assets

  • $7.5 million for community colleges to help train underserved populations for green jobs

  • $6.5 million for clean energy retrofitting in affordable housing units

  • $5 million for the advancement of geothermal technologies

Education

·       $100 million to improve indoor air-quality in schools and support healthy learning environments for grants to public school districts with high concentrations of low-income students, English language learners, and communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19

·       $75 million for capital and maintenance projects for higher education

·       $25 million for the Endowment Incentive Program at the University of Massachusetts, state universities and community colleges

·       $20 million for special education, including $10 million for workforce development

·       $10 million for programs focused on recruiting and retaining educators of color

Accountability and Oversight

To support communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and prioritize historically underserved populations, the bill establishes an equity and accountability review panel for federal funds to track in near real-time the amount and percentage of ARPA funds spent in these communities and awarded to minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises. The bill also takes steps to ensure minority-owned and women-owned business have fair participation on procurements issued under the act. 

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The Grafton Police Department is Providing Free Winter Jackets to Veterans as Part of the Coats 4 Vets Program

(Grafton – 11/30/2021) Grafton Police Chief Normand Crepeau, alongside Senator Moore and Representative Muradian, have announced that the Grafton Police Department will be providing free winter jackets to veterans as part of the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation’s Coats 4 Vets program.

“We owe so much to our veterans, and we, in turn, owe it to them to give back as much as possible whenever we can,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “As the weather gets colder and colder, I am grateful to the Coats 4 Vets program for their passion and drive to make sure our local veterans receive a warm coat for the winter season. I am also very proud that the Grafton Police Department will be taking part in making sure our veterans are cared for.”

“Our veterans have put their lives on the line to ensure our safety and freedom,” stated Representative Muradian. “Supporting our veterans and providing them a warm coat, along with other basic necessities for the winter, is the least we can do given their service.”

“The Grafton Police Department is grateful to take part in the Coats 4 Vets distribution program to ensure that local veterans have a warm coat and other basic necessities throughout the winter season,” said Grafton Chief of Police Normand Crepeau. “Anything we can do to assist our veterans is but a small token of appreciation for their service and sacrifice for our country.”

The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation has been collecting coats from people across the Commonwealth and has now distributed them to locations across the state so that they can now be given to veterans in need. 

Any veteran in Grafton or the greater Central Massachusetts area may pick up their free winter coat at the Grafton Police Department. Anyone interested in picking up a coat may also call the station directly for information on what is available. The Grafton Police Department can be reached at 508-839-5343, and is located at 28 Providence Rd, Grafton, MA 01519.

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Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee to hold Hearing on December 10th

(Boston – 11/29/2021) Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury), Chair of the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee, announced today that the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee will hold a virtual hearing on December 10, 2021 at 1:00pm. The hearing will be part of the Committee’s review of the performance of the Commonwealth’s unemployment insurance system, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, during the COVID-19 pandemic as it works to identify necessary legislative, regulatory and budgetary changes.  

At the December 10 hearing, the Committee plans to hear from Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Acosta, as well as State Auditor Bump, Greater Boston Legal Services, National Federation of Independent Business of Massachusetts, and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. Oral testimony will be solicited by invitation only.  

The Committee has created a webform to gather public testimony. That form can be accessed here: https://forms.gle/vreMEkYq4sRLdcRP7.

The hearing will be conducted virtually and will be livestreamed to the General Court’s website. A link to the meeting will be able on https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Joint/Calendar/12-01-2021. More information on the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee can be found at https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/S48.

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Senator Moore is Appointed to the Commonwealth’s Task Force on Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Surveys

(Boston – 09/15/2021) Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury) is pleased to announce that today he was appointed to the Commonwealth’s Task Force on Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Surveys. He was sworn in this afternoon by the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions. The task force will be Co-Chaired by the Department of Higher Education (DHE) and the Department of Public Health (DPH).

“Ensuring the safety of students on college campuses throughout the Commonwealth has always been one of my main priorities,” said Senator Moore. “I am both proud and honored to be appointed to this task force and I remain committed to these efforts as we look to make Massachusetts a nationwide leader in responding to and preventing sexual misconduct at higher education institutions.”

The task force is composed of 27 individuals who will be responsible for developing model questions that will be used in mandated sexual misconduct climate surveys. These surveys will need to be conducted every four years at public and private colleges and universities in Massachusetts.

The task force itself has been formed as a result of Senator Moore’s legislation, An Act relative to sexual violence on higher education campuses, which was signed into law this past January as Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2020. This is a nation leading piece of legislation that creates the proper framework for higher education campuses to identify, prevent and respond to incidents of sexual misconduct.

Senator Moore’s Cybersecurity Legislation is Favorably Reported out of Committee

(Boston – 09/14/2021) Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury) can announce that today, his bill S.2088, an Act establishing a cybersecurity control and review commission, has been favorably reported out of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

“I think that given the severity of some of the cyberattacks we have witnessed throughout the rest of the country, we can count ourselves lucky in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Moore. “However, we are by no means immune to attacks that could threaten our technological and physical infrastructure or endanger the wellbeing and safety of our residents. This bill is a necessary step in improving our cybersecurity systems, and I thank Senator Pacheco and the other committee members for reporting this bill out favorably.”

“Cybersecurity is a critical priority for protecting the integrity of our public and private sector servers and the private information of internet users throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight.  “The type of information that cyberattacks inherently target is simply too sensitive to leave unguarded.  I am pleased that the Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight had the opportunity to advance this important legislation sponsored by Senator Moore that will identify threats and implement fundamental safeguards against cybercrime.”

This legislation comes at a critical time as the Commonwealth has been subject to several cyberattacks over the previous weeks and months. Earlier this spring, no one in the state was able to complete their vehicle inspection process due to a malware attack on the vendor who tracks these inspections. Just over a month ago the Massachusetts Steamship Authority suffered a ransomware attack that put a halt to the booking process for those trying to commute to and from Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Additionally, according to FBI data, residents in Massachusetts lost approximately $100 million to cybercrimes in 2020. This legislation is also important giving the ever-growing threat of cyberattacks from foreign actors, such as those from Russia or China, who have already succeeded in stealing personal and sensitive pieces of data from various U.S. based companies and government agencies. 

The bill would establish an expert commission to recommend cybersecurity standards for public agencies and private companies that contract with the Commonwealth. These standards would be based on best practices set forth by the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework. The commission would also work with private businesses that have a demonstrated track record of adhering to strong cybersecurity standards.

Having now been favorably reported out of committee, the bill will appear before the legislature for a first reading. The progress of the bill can be followed along here: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2088

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Senator Moore Writes Letter to the ATF in Support of Proposed Rule on the Definition of “Frame and Receiver”

Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury) has sent a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in support of their proposed rule entitled Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms.

The proposed change to these definitions would clarify when a firearm parts kit can be considered a firearm, while also addressing the advancements in firearms technology. These new definitions would help stop the production of Ghost Guns.

“While I support the Second Amendment, ensuring the safety of everyone in our communities is of the utmost importance,” said Senator Moore. “Ghost guns are a threat to this safety as it allows firearms to be acquired without going through the necessary procedures, such as background checks. States and the federal government must create regulations that eradicate ghost guns while respecting the rights of our law-abiding citizens.”

Ghost guns are unregulated, unlicensed and untraceable firearms that can be bought by anyone, regardless of age or previous criminal activity. They are sold in kits or as separate pieces, allowing a person to assemble the weapon within their own home. This allows individuals to avoid background checks, red flag laws and other standards that are otherwise commonplace when purchasing a gun.

Ghost guns directly threaten the progress made by the Commonwealth and other states to establish reasonable restrictions on firearm ownership. While serving as the Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, Senator Moore helped to advance bill S.1540 that would have prevented the sale and assembly of ghost guns in Massachusetts. While the advancement of this bill had to be put on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is considerable support for state action.

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Senator Moore Submits Resolution Commending the First Responders to the January 6th Attack on the US Capitol

(Boston – 08/09/2021) Senator Michael Moore has submitted a resolution to the Senate commending the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia for their actions in protecting the United States Capitol during the January 6th attack.

“January 6th of this year was a dark day in our nation’s history,” said Senator Moore (D-Millbury). “The brave men and women of the Capitol Police and DC Police Department put their lives on the line to protect those within the walls of our nation’s Capital from an attack by fellow Americans. These events directly resulted in several officers losing their lives. These brave officers defended our democracy, the very cornerstone of freedom, and the foundation of the Government of the United States of America and I feel that it is only right that we recognize and commend these officers for their courageous actions.”

During the attack that took place, the Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department heroically defended the lives of the members of the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate, as well as their staff. Their actions were crucial in preserving democracy, the foundation of the United States Government.

Over 100 officers were injured during the events that took place on January 6th. Tragically, one officer died the following day and four took their own lives in the days that followed.  In addition to physical wounds, the emotional injuries sustained by the officers and their families will linger into the future.

The bravery displayed by the Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department, as well as their sacrifice, will be remembered for years to come. Through this resolution, the Massachusetts State Senate commends the Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department and extends gratitude to the officers.

 

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