Rep. Dwyer's legislative update

As we approach the beginning of summer, the Legislature is currently in the process of finalizing the FY14 budget, reforming welfare, and restoring cuts made by the Governor this past fall. The following topics are a few areas that we have been working on over the last month in the Legislature.

Welfare Reform

Over the past two years, the news media along with the state Auditor has been shedding light on the rampant fraud and abuse of benefits in the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). The most concerning abuses have been centered on Electronic Benefit Transfer or EBT cards. The following reforms have been passed by the House:

• Requiring DTA to utilize a computerized eligibility system to check eligibility before benefits are dispersed
• Establishing of a Bureau of Program Integrity within DTA to have a continual audit of services and transitional assistance being provided
• Placing photo IDs on EBT cards
• Establishing online payment system for rent and utilities to make sure cash assistance is going to the right places

These reforms address specific concerns that have been raised in recent reports. However, the House also voted on additional reforms, which I supported, that unfortunately did not garner enough support to pass including:

• Requiring a Social Security number in order to access benefits
• Requiring a Social Security number to access public housing
• Requiring the state Auditor to conduct an audit in May 2014 to determine if reforms were working

Legislators on both sides of the aisle have a common agreement; there is a need for transitional assistance in order to assist people who have fallen on hard times. Unfortunately, there is disagreement on how we go about making sure that those receiving the benefits are in fact eligible for them or indeed down on their luck. We should restore the public’s faith in the system by making our welfare system what is intended to be; transitional assistance, not a way of life.

Restoration of Governor’s 9c cuts

Earlier in the Spring, I joined a bipartisan group of colleagues calling on Governor Patrick to restore cuts he had made in December when revenue collected was falling short of estimated levels. Governor Patrick has the ability under “9C” powers in our state constitution to cut areas in the Executive branch of government in order to keep the budget in balance. Since his cuts went into effect in December, the Commonwealth has seen a surge in revenue collections that have led to a surplus of approximately $575 million. Governor Patrick restored cuts to programs that indirectly impact local aid including reimbursements for homeless student transportation, regional school transportation, the Special Education circuit breaker, and Council on Aging grants. It is my hope that with the remaining surplus, the Legislature will look towards providing additional local aid and chapter 70 educational funding back to cities and towns to help them deliver the vital local services that taxpayers expect.

Chapter 90 (road funding) and the Snow and Ice Deficiency Fund

The Legislature has finalized legislation that will distribute $300 million to cities and towns for road and bridge repair. This is a marked increase from $200 million in FY13 to $300 million for FY14 and shows a firm commitment by the Legislature in assisting cities and towns with maintaining and improving road and bridge infrastructure. As our winters have become harsher, this funding will go a long way in relieving some costs incurred by cities and towns that have roadways in much need of paving. The Snow and Ice Deficiency Fund also received an additional $55.7 million in order to cover the costs of the snow and ice storms in FY13.

Marathon Bombing Home Accessibility Reserve

While many have heard of the One Fund which is in place to help victims of the Marathon bombings with their medical costs, other high costs are associated with their return to home. The House has passed a Home Accessibility Reserve for the bombing victims that will assist those that have lost limbs or the use of limbs as a result of the tragic event. These funds will assist the victims in modifying their homes or help them move into more accessible housing. I am proud to have co-sponsored this legislation with my colleague Rep. Claire Cronin of Brockton.

REMINDER:

Monthly office hours are held on the 3^rd Monday of the month at the Woburn Senior Center from 1:30-2:30 and at Woburn City Hall in the Committee Room from 3:00-4:00pm. Those who cannot attend office hours are encouraged to contact my office at 617-722-2220 or via email at James.Dwyer@mahouse.gov for assistance.