Page 18 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 18, 2019 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen THE HOUSE AND SENATE. Beacon Hill Roll Call records the votes of local senators from recent Senate debate on the Student Opportunity Act that invests $1.5 billion, mostly in the form of Chapter 70 Aid for local school districts, in the state's public K-12 education system over the next seven years. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. SUBSCRIBE TO MASSTERLIST – IT’S FREE! Join more than 17,000 other people from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens who start their mornings with a copy of MASSterList! MASSterList is a daily ensemble of news and commentary about the Legislature, Politics, Media and Judiciary of Massachusetts drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by widely acclaimed and highly experienced editor Jay Fitzgerald. Jay introduces each article in his own clever and never-boring, inimitable way. Go to: www.massterlist.com/ subscribe Type in your email address and in 15 seconds you will be signed up for a free subscription. With no strings attached. MORE MONEY FOR SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECTS (S 2350) Senate 38-0, approved an amendment raising from $602 million to $800 million the annual funding cap that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is allowed to spend on school building and renovation projects. The quasi-independent government authority’s job is to fund capital improvement projects in public schools across the state. According to its site, “The MSBA strives to work with local communities to create affordable, sustainable and energy-efficient schools across Massachusetts." “We can’t expect our students to succeed in the 21st century when they’re attending schools built to serve students in the 1950s, which is why it’s crucial that we give the hardworking staff at the MSBA the resources they need to evaluate and finance more projects,” said the amendment sponsor Sen. Barry Finegold (D-Andover). “The increase to the cap will allow the MSBA to spread more dollars across the commonwealth and address the demand for potential projects. With a potential downturn in the economy on the horizon, we need to authorize these projects now so that we create jobs and get these projects off the ground while we are able to do so.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.) Sen. Jason Lewis Yes REGIONAL SCHOOLS (S 2350) Senate 38-0, approved an ~ LEGAL NOTICE ~ MALDEN BOARD OF APPEAL PUBLIC HEARING The Malden Board of Appeal will hold a public hearing at the John and Christina Markey Community Center, 7 Washington Street, Malden at 6:30 P.M. on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 on Petition 19-011 by Renata Lima, for a variance of Section 400.7.7 Chapter 12, of the Revised Ordinances of 1991 as Amended of the City of Malden, Namely Dimensional Controls - Accessory Building Rear Setback Requirements, As per plans #RES-028887-2019 at the property known as and numbered 15 Jonathan Lane, Malden, MA and also known by City Assessor’s Parcel ID # 157-633-313. Petition & plans available for public review in Office of Assessor, 110 Pleasant St., 3rd floor. Malden MA or online at www.cityofmalden.org or https://permits. cityofmalden.org/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService. By: James O’Brien Chairman October 11, 18, 2019 BEACON | SEE PAGE 22 amendment to study reimbursements to school districts for regional school transportation, homeless children and youth transportation, and special education costs. Amendment supporters said this is a step in the right direction to correct some of the inequities in the Chapter 70 formula which is used to distribute school funds to each city and town. “School funding under Chapter 70 has been underfunded for two years,” said amendment co-sponsor Sen. Dean Tran (R-Fitchburg). “I am very happy to see that many of the districts across the commonwealth are now adequately funded. We should continue to work towards growing our economy in order to support the revenue that is necessary to fund our schools, and in support of this bill going forward.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.) Sen. Jason Lewis Yes RURAL SCHOOLS COMMISSION (S 2350) Senate 38-0, approved an amendment creating a special commission to study and make recommendations concerning the long-term fiscal health of rural school districts that are facing or may face declining student enrollment. According to the bill, the commission will study longterm economic, demographic and student enrollment trends and projections in communities that are rural or experiencing population decline; longterm fiscal trends in school districts experiencing declining student enrollment; an analysis of the fiscal health of regional school districts; the impact of regionalization on each contributing municipality, especially in low-income and middle-income areas; and the best policies and practices in other states. Amendment supporters said many rural districts are losing enrollment and they face additional challenges in the coming years. “This commission will be a robust effort to look at real challenges the school districts in my region are facing, due to low or declining student enrollment and other rural challenges,” said the amendment’s sponsor Sen. Adam Hinds (D-Pittsfield). “This will not be a report that sits on a shelf and collects dust. I know I intend to use it to continue my advocacy for rural schools and the students, families and communities they serve.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.) Sen. Jason Lewis Yes S by Jim Miller How Seniors Can Get Help with Credit Card and Mortgage Debt Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I, who are both 66 years old, have fallen behind on our mortgage payments and have accumulated quite a bit of credit card debt over the past few years. Where can we get help? Drowning in Debt Dear Drowning, Unfortunately, credit card and mortgage debt have become a growing problem for many older Americans who often face medical-related expenses on top of their mortgage and other growing costs. Here are some tips and services that can help. Credit Card Counseling To help you get a handle on your credit card debt, a good place to turn is an accredited credit counseling agency. These are nonprofit agencies that offer free financial information and advice on how to handle financial problems. Depending on the significance of your credit card debt, they can help you sort out your finances and set you up in a debt management plan (DMP), which allows a counselor to negotiate with your creditors to lower your interest rates and eliminate any late fees and other penalties. The agency will then act as a consolidator, grouping your debts together into one payment that you would make, and distributes those funds to your creditors. Typically, the first counseling session is free, but a DMP comes with monthly fees of roughly $20 to $75 a month, depending on the state. To locate a credible agency in your area, use the National Foundation for Credit Counseling website at NFCC.org (800388-2227), or the or the Financial Counseling Association of America FCAA.org (800-450-1794). But make sure that you don’t use a debt settlement company that claims to settle all your debt or cut it in half for a fee without counseling. Most of these companies use deceptive practices and will only leave you more in debt then you already are. Mortgage Counseling If you have fallen behind on your mortgage payments, or if you have already received a letter or phone call about missed payments, you should contact your lender immediately to explain your situation and see if you can work out a payment plan. Be prepared to provide your financial information, such as your monthly income and expenses. You can also get help from a foreclosure prevention counselor. These are HUD-approved, trained counselors that will work with you, examine your financial situation, and offer guidance on how best to avoid default or foreclosure. They can also represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need them to. To find a government-approved housing counseling agency in your area, use the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or Financial Counseling Association of America websites or phone numbers previously listed. Or, for a larger selection of housing counseling options see the Department of Housing and Urban Development website at HUD.gov – click on “Resources” at the top of the page, then on “Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling,” or call 800-569-4287. Financial Assistance You also need to make sure you’re not missing out on any financial assistance programs. The National Council on Aging’s website (BenefitsCheckUp.org) contains a database of more than 2,500 federal, state and local programs that can help seniors with prescription drug costs, health care, food, utilities, and other basic needs. The site will help you locate programs that you may be eligible for and will show you how to apply. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
19 Publizr Home