For Immediate Release Contact: Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772
April 27, 2017 [email protected] Representative Natalie Higgins Elected Co-President of Freshman Class Boston: On Monday April 24, 2017, the Freshman Class of Massachusetts State Representatives held Class Elections and elected Natalie Higgins (D - Leominster) and Jack Patrick Lewis (D - Framingham) as their Class Co-Presidents. “I am humbled by my colleagues’ support,” said Higgins. “I hope to use this opportunity to work with Representative Lewis to foster a stronger camaraderie among the Freshmen Class and create more opportunities to learn from each other and support each other in our legislative priorities.” Joining Higgins and Lewis in the bipartisan leadership team are Solomon Goldstein-Rose (D - Amherst) as Vice President, Will Crocker (R - Barnstable) as Secretary, and Dylan Fernandes (D - Falmouth) as Treasurer. “It is a great honor to serve alongside Representative Higgins as co-presidents of our class,” Lewis added. “I am excited to have this opportunity to co-lead our class as we advocate for our communities on Beacon Hill.” ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Representative Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772
House Passes Balanced FY18 Budget Focuses on supporting vulnerable residents and fostering sustainable economic growth April 26, 2017 (BOSTON) - The Massachusetts House of Representatives this week passed a $40.4 billion FY18 budget which represents a commitment to fiscal responsibility. The spending bill protects vulnerable residents through investments in early education and care (EEC), substance addiction initiatives, homelessness programs, and funding to help individuals with developmental disabilities. This budget takes comprehensive action to promote sustained economic health in Massachusetts as we face uncertainty on the national level. For the fourth year in a row, the House budget reduces Massachusetts’ reliance on one-time revenue. It includes a $100 million deposit to the stabilization fund which will result in projected balance of more than $1.4 billion and help preserve the state’s AA+ bond rating, the highest in the Commonwealth’s history. “This budget extends the House’s legacy of balancing fiscal responsibility with investments in inventive programs, a strategy that has resulted in Massachusetts becoming a national leader,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “I am particularly proud of the work we have done on early education and care, and I believe that our efforts will have a lasting impact on the lives of countless families. I want to offer my sincere thanks to Chairman Dempsey and the members of the House Ways & Means Committee for their hard work and foresight.” "This is a fiscally responsible budget that makes targeted investments in the shared priorities of our Commonwealth,” said Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means. “I am proud that the House continues its leadership on early education, local aid and services for our most vulnerable citizens." “My first House Budget is completed, and I am proud of the investments we made in early education, services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and HIV/AIDS prevention and education, said Representative Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster). Higgins further remarks, “I am glad to restore $50,000 to Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, that Governor Baker cut in the last round of 9Cs. JATA fosters tourism in North Central Massachusetts and makes our local economy stronger.” The FY18 budget makes unprecedented investments to improve Massachusetts’ early education and care system, with a focus on supporting the EEC workforce and providing access to high-quality learning opportunities to ensure children are better prepared for academic success. In response to the findings of Speaker DeLeo’s EEC Business Advisory Group, the budget provides $20 million for the early educator rate reserve and $4 million for quality programming and workforce training. The House also builds on its notable commitment to behavioral health by doubling funding for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation grant to help early detection and prevention efforts. Recognizing that municipalities have unique and diverse needs, the House continues to fund local aid at historic levels. This budget increases Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) by $40 million and local education aid (Chapter 70) by $106 million. The increase to Chapter 70 guarantees that every school district will receive a minimum of $30 per pupil in FY18. The budget also begins to implement the Foundation Budget Review Commission’s recommendations by making adjustments to more accurately reflect employee health benefits through a $31 million investment. It also adds $4 million to the special education circuit breaker and increases our investment in regional school transportation by $1 million. In 2014, under the House’s leadership, Massachusetts passed a nationally-heralded gun safety law which includes the Safe and Supportive Schools initiative. This budget bolsters continued efforts by directing the Safe and Supportive Schools Commission to establish an infrastructure to help schools leverage and coordinate community based health, youth development and social services resources that enable students to achieve well-being and academic success. In addition to local education investments, the House funds numerous programs to support college students and provides increased finding for higher education campuses across the state including increases from FY17 of: · $5.1 million for the University of Massachusetts; · $2.5 million for State Universities; · $2.7 million for Community Colleges. It also: · Provides $1.5 million for the Intern Partnership program to help young innovators to get a head start on their futures by matching stipends for interns at innovation start-ups. · Creates the UMass Innovation Voucher program and provides $2 million to encourage start-ups and manufacturing companies to partner with the university’s research and development facilities. · Increases the state scholarship by $1 million in order to ensure Massachusetts students are able to afford higher education. · Invests $4.8 million in the STEM Starter Academy to strengthen and expand STEM programming in community colleges. The program has shown incredible early success by connecting students with employment opportunities. It has also resulted in a national award for Springfield Tech Community College. Since FY12, the Legislature has increased funding for substance addiction services to unprecedented levels and passed two landmark bills to help address this public health epidemic. This year’s budget makes notable investments related to behavioral health and addiction, including almost $132 million for the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS). The budget also proposes changing the name of BSAS to the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services in recognition that addiction is a health issue and should be treated as such. Additional provisions include: · $1 million for new substance addiction beds; · Funds to open two new recovery centers for family supports; · $1 million that will allow for the purchase of 15,000 new doses of Narcan and $1 million for extended release naltrexone; · $5 million increase for the Department of Corrections’ Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center; · $1 million to grow the Massachusetts Access to Recovery assistance program. The House, under the leadership of Chairman Dempsey who has put an emphasis on providing increased access to permanent housing options, has proven effective at combatting homelessness in Massachusetts. For example, the caseload for hotels and motels is expected to zero out by the end of this fiscal year and projections indicate that caseloads for emergency assistance will return to pre-recession levels. The House’s spending plan invests $18 million in new funding for homelessness including: · $100 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program; · $15 million for residential assistance for families in transition; · $6.5 million for the Department of Mental Health rental assistance; · $46.2 for homeless individuals. The budget includes an increase of $4.75 million to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to fund several cross-agency initiatives including $2 million in new money for the expansion of the Crisis Intervention Training Team. In addition to behavioral health and substance addiction initiatives, the FY18 budget features numerous provisions to protect residents facing adversity including: · $1 million in additional funding for rental subsidies that will support 87 new DMH clients; · The House’s budget rejects the Administration’s proposal to change the calculation for supplemental security income, resulting in a $12.6 million increase over the Administration’s FY18 budget to support individuals receiving these benefits; · Allows survivors of domestic violence to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit in a safe manner; · An increase of $34.2 million for the Department of Children and Families which will allow for 547 new hires to address caseloads. After healthcare spending and local aid, the budget for developmental services receives the largest increase in the House’s spending bill. Given the growing and changing need for developmental services this budget funds a $87 million increase bringing spending to more than $1.9 billion for these critical programs. In anticipation of a criminal justice reform bill later in the session, the budget includes $3.5 million to fund recommendations made by the Council on State Government. The budget also creates a tax credit for businesses that hire veterans. Eligible businesses would receive $2,000 per year for the first two years of a veteran’s employment. This provision enhances the Commonwealth’s reputation as a national leader in providing benefits to military personnel, veterans and their families. The budget will now go to the Senate for its consideration. ### Contact: Lauren Scribi, Executive Director, Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators
[email protected] (617) 722-2266 MEDIA ADVISORY WOMEN’S CAUCUS AND LT. GOVERNOR POLITO TO HOST DENIM DAY BOSTON – To recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is partnering with Lt. Governor Karyn Polito to host the first Denim Day at the State House. The purpose of Denim Day is to highlight that no matter what you are wearing, no one deserves to be sexually assaulted. Women’s Caucus members will be wearing denim in solidarity with the rest of the nation to raise awareness about the sexual assault epidemic. The speakers will discuss the work of the Sexual Assault Working Group that was organized by the Women’s Caucus, legislative priorities for this session and the importance of raising the voices of victims. Lt. Governor Polito will also speak about her work on the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. WHAT: Press Conference for Sexual Assault Awareness Month WHEN: Wednesday, April 26th at 10:00AM WHERE: Third Floor, Staircase in front of State Library at the State House WHO: Speakers Include - Speaker Pro Tempore Patricia Haddad - Lt. Governor Karyn Polito - Representative Elizabeth Poirier - Representative Natalie Higgins Representing Leominster -- Episode 1 -- with Candidates for Ward 2 City Councilor (Special Election)4/17/2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772
March 29, 2017 House Approves $200 million for Local Infrastructure Needs BOSTON – Representative Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster) joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass legislation that authorizes $200 million for Chapter 90 funding to help municipalities complete road, bridge and infrastructure improvement projects. The bill also appropriates $70 million to replace the Registry of Motor Vehicle’s information technology infrastructure. “Leominster will be receiving more than $1,000,000 in Chapter 90 funding for FY18,” said Higgins, “I hear from Leominster residents regularly about roads in their neighborhoods that need maintenance and I am glad that this will give the city the resources it needs to make those improvements.” “Chapter 90 funds are essential to providing stability and spurring economic growth in Massachusetts,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) said. “That growth starts on the local level. I am pleased we were able to take action on this bill before April to support safety and efficiency in our municipalities.” “The House of Representatives voted to support $200 million of Chapter 90 funding for our cities and towns,” said Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means. “Today’s vote will ensure that local transportation projects will continue to move forward as the busy construction season gets under way. These funds are a vital source of local aid and demonstrate the House’s ongoing commitment to deliver needed resources to our partners at the municipal level.” “This funding is instrumental to cities and towns seeking to make repairs and updates to their infrastructure,” said Representative William Straus (D–Mattapoisett), Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “The winter weather is especially tough on roads, and The Legislature’s $200M appropriation will allow municipalities added funds this construction season for repairs that are most needed.” This legislation complements a 2016 transportation law focused on highways, small bridges and a municipal grant program. That bill authorized $750 million for both federal-aid interstate and non-interstate highway projects, and $50 million for a new program to repair small bridges. ### Originally published in: http://www.leominsterchamp.com/articles/a-message-from-leominsters-new-state-representative/
I am thrilled to have a monthly column in the Leominster Champion and reach Leominster residents in a new way. It is my privilege and honor to serve as your state representative. I plan to use this column to update you about legislation moving in the State House, share community resources, and discuss important issues affecting the people of Leominster. Growing up in a working-class family, we never saw government as an accessible resource, and we did not know how to best advocate for ourselves. However, the Office of the State Representative can play a unique role in bridging the gap between the community and the State Legislature. It is my goal to fill that role and bridge the gap, but this is where I also need your help. This month I would like to talk about the role you can play in our state and local government, through advocacy to your elected leaders. For the last decade, I have worked as an advocate and community organizer throughout Central Massachusetts for many under-resourced communities, including sexual violence survivors, our elderly neighbors, and public higher education. Throughout all of those roles, I have seen how powerful organizing and advocacy tools like storytelling and relationship building can be. As your state representative, I want to work with you to raise your concerns within Leominster and across the state. In order to do that, I have been setting up a number of accessible spaces for you to reach me. I have already started my early morning and evening office hours, and I want to thank all of the people who have taken the time to meet with me. I hope you can drop in Monday evenings anytime from 5:30-7 in the Leominster Public Library’s Small Conference Room 204. The first and last Friday of the month I will be at local breakfast spots throughout Leominster from 7-8 a.m. The middle Fridays I will be available at the Leominster High School Media Center at the same time. In addition, I will have Senior Mondays set up as a casual coffee hour throughout Leominster: The first Monday at the Senior Center at 12:30 p.m., before the Golden Agers Meeting, the second Monday at the Sunset Tower at 10:30 a.m., and the third Monday at the LaPierre Building at 10:30 a.m. I am also pleased to be appointed to four committees in the 2017-18 legislative session: Higher Education; Mental Health, Substance, and Recovery; Community Development and Small Businesses; and Technology and Intergovernmental Affairs. I look forward to keeping you up to date with committee progress. You can check out my full public calendar at www.RepNatalieHiggins.com. I can be reached at my Leominster office at (978) 227-5278 or my Boston office at (617) 722-2425, or via email at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you soon. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772
March 22, 2017 Legislature Passes Spending Bill with a Focus on Supporting Those Most in Need Invests in behavioral health, DCF and the families of first responders (BOSTON) – State Representative Natalie Higgins joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to pass a supplemental budget that makes crucial investments to support the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents including the families of those killed in the line of duty. The spending bill contains $300,000 to begin the process of regulating the recreational marijuana industry following the passage of an initiative petition this past fall. “As public officials it is our job to look out for those facing adversity, especially our younger residents and those battling addiction,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “As we encounter uncertainty on a national level, this bill will provide vital resources for these individuals and families. I’m particularly proud that we’ve bolstered financial support for the families of Massachusetts heroes who are killed in the line of duty.” “I am proud to join my colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives,” said Higgins, in appropriating the necessary funds to continue important work across the Commonwealth.” The House continues to provide record-level funding to confront the behavioral health and substance addiction challenges plaguing Massachusetts. This legislation invests more than $2.8 million for the Department of Mental Health. It also provides support in numerous ways to help vulnerable populations including:
The spending bill also doubles the benefit for those killed in the line of duty, bringing the total to $300,000 to provide support for their families. The legislation now goes to the Governor for his signature. Rep. Higgins was just featured on WCVB Channel 5's City Line discussing Massachusetts public higher education system. Please note that this was filmed back in November, when Rep. Higgins was still the Executive Director of PHENOM.
http://www.wcvb.com/article/cityline-phenom-and-eput/8561818 For Immediate Release Contact: Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772
February 17, 2017 [email protected] State Representative Natalie Higgins Assigned to Four Committees Leominster: State Representative Natalie Higgins, serving the 4th Worcester District, announced that she has been assigned to four Committees for the 2017-18 Legislative Session:
“I am honored to be on such a diverse group of committees, tackling such important issues in our community, particularly with my previous work in sexual violence prevention and public higher education advocacy and my parents’ small business,” said State Representative Natalie Higgins. “I am so looking forward to getting to work with my colleagues as soon as the new batch of bills are referred to these Committees.” ### |
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