Page 22 BHRC | FROM PAGE 20 15 percent of the average monthly MassHealth Fee-For-Service payments made to nursing facilities for the purpose of supporting infection control standards, including staffi ng, PPE and isolation of residents, through the duration of the federal public health emergency. “Massachusetts nursing facilities are in the midst of a historic fi nancial and workforce crisis, which has only been exacerbated by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic,” said sponsor Sen. Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen). THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, Fabruary 4, 2022 sitions unfi lled. Given the acute staff - “This crisis impacts all nursing facilities—not-for-profi t, for profi t, family owned—and is directly attributable to a MassHealth payment system that has not kept pace with the cost of nursing facility care over the last decade.” “It is critical that nursing facilities have the resources to remain vigilant against the unpredictable COVID-19 virus,” continued DiZoglio. “The stark reality is that nursing facilities across the state are faced with an immediate and urgent workforce crisis resulting in over 7,000, or 1 in 5 direct-care poing crisis, to meet the ongoing care needs of their residents, the vast majority of nursing facility staff are working overtime and over half of nursing facilities are intermittently denying new resident admissions and hospital referrals resulting in disruptions in access to care.” Senate Ways and Means chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues said he agrees that nursing homes need help but that “this was a very narrow bill focused on access to testing, masks and vaccines for communities disproportionately aff ected by COVID-19.” Rodrigues said, “We absolutely know that nursing homes are hurting, “We absolutely know that nursing homes are hurting and we will consider supports for nursing homes in future legislation.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Jason Lewis No HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK'S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative FOR LEASE - COMMERCIAL PROPERTY sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature's job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible latenight sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of January 24-28, the House met for a total of 11 hours and two minutes and the Senate met for a total of six hours and 12 minutes. Mon. Jan. 24 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:07 a.m. Senate 11:28 a.m. to 11:34 a.m. Tues. Jan. 25 No House session No Senate session Wed. Jan. 26 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:52 a.m. Senate 12:01 p.m. to 5:55 p.m. Thurs. Jan. 27 House 11:03 a.m. to 9:08 p.m. Senate 11:16 p.m. to 11:28 a.m. Fri. Jan. 28 No House session No Senate session PRIME LOCATION: Located on Revere Beach Parkway, Everett 6,500 Sq. Ft. Building, Showroom and Garage with 4 Overhead Doors. Call 617-389-4527 J.F & Son Contracting Snow Plowing No Job too small! Free Estimates! Commercial & Residential 781-656-2078 - Property management & maintenance Shoveling & removal Landscaping, Electrical, Plumbing, Painting, Roofing, Carpentry, Framing, Decks, Fencing, Masonry, Demolition, Gut-outs, Junk Removal & Dispersal, Clean Ups: Yards, Garages, Attics & Basements. Truck for Hire, Bobcat Services. We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019. For Rent Everett 3 Bdr. - 1st Floor Nice Hardwood Flooring No Smoking, No Pets Close to Public Trans. Section 8 Accepted 857-888-1537 Frank Berardino MA License 31811 AAA Service • Lockouts Trespass Towing • Roadside Service Junk Car Removal 617-387-6877 26 Garvey St., Everett MDPU 28003 ICCMC 251976 ● 24-Hour Service ● Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Gas Fitting ● Drain Service Residential & Commercial Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount WASTE REMOVAL & BUILDING MAINTENANCE • Landscaping, Lawn Care, Mulching • Yard Waste & Rubbish Removal • Interior & Exterior Demolition (Old Decks, Fences, Pools, Sheds, etc.) • Appliance and Metal Pick-up • Construction and Estate Cleanouts • Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $169 • Carpentry LICENSED & INSURED Call for FREE ESTIMATES! Office: (781) 233-2244
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