Page 10 THE REVERE ADVOCATE–Friday, November 15 , 2019 Governor Baker signs legislation to support financial stability in higher education Bill would protect students and families from abrupt closures G Order Your Farm Fresh Turkey Today! COME SEE WHAT’S NEW IN EVERETT! An Even Larger Selection of Meats, & Easier to Shop! Family Pack McKinnon’s Own BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST No Broth or Water Added McKinnon’s Own MARINATED 1/2 CHICKENS All Varieties! Save $1 lb. Bone-In PORK CROWN ROAST Thanksgiving Turkey Alternative! Delicious with Bacon BRUSSELS SPROUTS Save $1 lb. McKinnon’s Own • Sliced to Order ROAST BEEF Save $1.70 lb. Seasoned & Slow-Roasted In Store Philadelphia CREAM CHEESE That’s Almost 1/2 Price! Farmland DOMESTIC HAM Save $1.50 lb. Sale Dates: Friday, November 15th to Thursday, November 21st Full mouth Rehabilitation Before After Dr. Priti Amlani Dr. Bruce Goldman Dr. Bhavisha Patel Eastern bank Bldg. Rt-1 605 Broadway, #301 Saugus, MA 01906 781-233-6844 www.bostonnorthdental.com Bone-In RIB END PORK ROASTS Save $1.20 lb. USDA Prime • Boneless NY SIRLOIN HOLIDAY ROAST USDA Choice: $5.99 lb. MARINATED TURKEY TIPS Save $1 lb. overnor Charlie Baker recently joined Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Senate President Karen Spilka, Secretary of Education Jim Peyser, Senator Anne Gobi, Representative Jeff Roy, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), and SEIU Local 509 to sign An Act to Support Improved Financial Stability in Higher Education (H4099) which will clarify and enhance the authority of the Board of Higher Education to monitor the financial health of Massachusetts’ colleges and universities. This legislation requires any institution facing financial challenges that may jeopardize the institution’s ability to fulfill its obligations to current and admitted students to notify the Board of Higher Education, as well as submit a contingency plan for approval that includes arrangements for students to complete their studies. “Massachusetts is home to some of the world’s most impressive public and private colleges and universities that also serve as major employers and drivers of business across the Commonwealth,” said Baker. “We are very pleased to have worked alongside the Legislature to sign this important bill into law that will protect students and families from sudden college closures, while also guaranteeing those institutions confidentiality as the Department of Higher Education works with them to understand their financial status.” “While we do not want to see any college or university close its doors, it is important to ensure sufficient notice to students and staff to make arrangements if the institution where they study or work is at high risk of closure, so they can complete their studies with as little disruption as possible, or have sufficient time to find new employment,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “This legislation will better protect students, families and higher education professionals.” In March 2019, Governor Baker filed legislation to enhance the authority of the Board of Higher Education to monitor the financial health of Massachusetts’ colleges and universities. Under this legislation, colleges and universities shall immediately notify the Board of Higher Education of any known financial liabilities or risks which are reasonably likely to result in the imminent closure of the institution, or negatively affect the institution’s ability to fulfill its obligations to current or admitted students. The institution would be required to submit to the Board for approval a contingency plan that includes provisions for providing advance notice to students and staff. “Through this legislation, the Board and Department of Higher Education can ensure transparency for students and families without being overly burdensome to colleges,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. "We're especially pleased to see the votes on this legislation passing the House and Senate unanimously in recent weeks," said Carlos E. Santiago, Commissioner of Higher Education. "It is a sign of the deep levels of support for our work to monitor institutional finances with the goal of making sure that all students have the ability to complete their programs of study and pursue meaningful careers of their choice." "Massachusetts has a global reputation for excellence in higher education, and it's essential for all of us to work together to sustain and burnish public confidence in our colleges and universities," said Chris Gabrieli, Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. The Board of Higher Education will be responsible for establishing an annual process for screening every college and university to assess its financial condition, and to identify any institution that may be at risk of imminent closure. The Department of Higher Education is encouraged to work with the regional accrediting agency to conduct these annual screenings, in lieu of doing the screening itself. The Board of Higher Education will also establish a training program for members of boards of trustees of public institutions of BAKER | SEE PAGE 19
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