House Passes Expanded Gaming Legislation

Authorizes Three Casinos and a Slots Facility; Maximizes Immediate Jobs and Local Aid

(BOSTON) – State Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford) joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing expanded gaming legislation designed to create jobs and stimulate economic growth throughout the Commonwealth.

The bill will create an estimated 15,000 jobs in the Commonwealth while delivering an estimated- millions of dollars in immediate local aid to cities and towns. 

“With people in our Commonwealth hurting, this expanded gaming legislation will bring immediate jobs, local aid and economic growth.” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) said. “I am extraordinarily proud of the House’s unwavering commitment to jobs and growth. While not a panacea, this bill will stimulate our economy and provide local aid for the cities and towns across Massachusetts.”

“While gaming is not the solution to all the economic challenges facing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said Representative Donato, “it provides an opportunity to create jobs and generate revenues that are desperately needed at this time.”

The bill would create an independent gaming commission to license and regulate gaming entities in the Commonwealth. After an extensive licensing process, the commission could authorize one casino in each of three designated regions of the Commonwealth.

The bill divides the state into three casino regions. Region A would include the counties of Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Worcester. Region B would include the counties of Berkshire, Franklin, Hamden and Hampshire with Region C the counties of Bristol, Dukes, Plymouth, Barnstable and Nantucket.

The bill also makes provision for the Governor to compact with a Native American Tribe for a gaming license in Region C to provide maximize economic development benefits by August 1, 2012.

Resort casinos would be required to pay $85 million in licensing fees while also making a minimal capital investment of $500 million.

Under the legislation, the independent gaming commission is also authorized to license slot machines at one location to a qualified applicant in a competitively-bid process.

The licensing fee for housing slot machines would be $25 million. Slot applicants will be obligated to make a minimal capital investment of at least $125 million.

The resort casino tax rate would be 25 percent while the tax rate for racetracks with slots would be 40% going directly to local aid and an additional 9 percent assessment to be used for horse development funding.

Casino revenue would go toward local aid, the state’s stabilization fund, economic development, education, debt reduction, tourism, transportation infrastructure, community mitigation, public health and local capital projects.

(September 16, 2011) 

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 State Legislature Passes Court Reorganization Legislation
Reforms Probation Hiring; Establishes Civilian Court Administrator

BOSTON -  Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford) and his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature passed landmark court reorganization legislation aimed at improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the state's court system and restoring public trust in the Department of Probation.

The bill establishes a civilian court administrator to run the general administration of the Trial Court and brings transparency to hiring and promotion practices at the Department of Probation.

"This legislation reflects real reform in the court system and will hopefully be a major step forward in restoring public confidence in the Probation Department," said Representative Donato.

The bill is before the Governor for his signature.

(August 11, 2011)

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HOUSE PASSES SALES TAX HOLIDAY LEGISLATION
Sets Tax-Free Weekend in August to Boost Local Business

BOSTON – State Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford) joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in approving legislation that would allow a state sales tax holiday on August 13^th and 14^th of this year to encourage consumers to shop at local businesses across the state.

“With folks across the Commonwealth continuing to struggle through the economic downturn, the sales tax holiday will provide relief to consumers while supporting local merchants,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “The House has once again voted to stimulate local businesses which keep jobs in Massachusetts.”

“The Sales Tax Holiday will provide modest relief to the citizens of the Commonwealth who are looking for any piece of good news they can get in this very challenging economy,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr.

“Even at a cost, this serves as an economic stimulus for both consumers and retailers,” said Representative Joseph F. Wagner, House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “During these tough economic times, working families deserve a break.”

“The tax free holiday is an opportunity for the consumer to catch a break as well as to stimulate the local economy,” said Representative Donato.

The legislation requires that the commissioner of revenue certify the amount of sales tax forgone as well as the amount of revenue lost from specific government funds into which the weekend’s sales tax revenue would have been deposited.

The commissioner must also certify the amount of new revenue raised from personal and corporate income taxes and other sources as a result of the sales tax holiday. These certifications must come by the end of this calendar year.

The sales tax holiday applies to retail sales excluding any single item priced higher than $2,500. The sales tax holiday does not apply to telecommunications or tobacco products as well as gas, steam, electricity, motor vehicles, motorboats or meals.

(July 29, 2011)

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HOUSE PASSES ALIMONY REFORM LEGISLATION 

(BOSTON) – State Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford) joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in unanimously passing legislation to reform guidelines for determining the form, amount and duration of alimony payments.

“This bill offers clear guidelines to help courts and couples come to equitable resolutions on alimony payments,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said.

“This measure was proposed for many years and the inaction was due to the complexity of the issue as opposed to avoidance. The task force assigned to this issue dealt with the many facets of the measure and through hours of meetings crafted a legislative proposal designed to provide clarity and guidance to the courts, litigants and practitioners involved with Alimony law. I am deeply appreciative to the Speaker for giving great latitude and support throughout the process and to Representative Fernandes for leading the House effort,” said State Representative Eugene L. O'Flaherty, Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.    “The passage of Alimony Reform in the House of Representatives is the first step in an historic effort to inject consistency and predictability into alimony award judgments and agreements,” said Representative John Fernandes, House Chairman of the Alimony Reform Task Force. “The legislation establishes the correct public policy of encouraging parties to terminate their relationships upon divorce and live independently as soon as is practical. The legislation gives guidance to the court that does not exist today and will encourage more settlements and less litigation. Among other things, the legislation will set durational limits to alimony awards and end alimony upon retirement, putting an end to lifetime alimony. I am extremely grateful to the members of the Alimony Reform Task Force for their effort in crafting this legislation and the unanimous support of the members of the House of Representatives.”

“I thank the members of the task force for addressing such a difficult and complex issue and I congratulate them for crafting this legislation, which I fully support, that sets clear guidelines on alimony payments,” said Representative Donato.

“The bill creates four new categories for alimony: “general term alimony,” “rehabilitative alimony,” “reimbursement alimony,” and “transitional alimony.” Each is designed to give payors and recipients a clear understanding of how long alimony payments will be made or received in a given circumstance.

While alimony is generally capped at between 30% and 35% of the difference between the two parties’ gross incomes at the time the alimony order is issued, the bill sets forth numerous items to be considered by courts determining the form, amount and duration of alimony. The factors include length of marriage, age and health of the parties, income of both of the parties and employment and employability of both parties, among others.

 As a result of this legislation, certain current alimony payors and recipients would be permitted to petition a court for a modification of their current alimony orders under the terms within this bill.

 (July 28, 2011)

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House and Senate Pass Balanced FY12 Budget
Promotes Cautious Spending and Increased Efficiency

 (BOSTON) – Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford)  and his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature passed a $30.59 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2012 aimed at increasing government efficiency, cutting costs and shielding essential services. The budget reduces the state’s FY12 Stabilization Fund draw by $15 million and closes a $1.9 billion budget gap with funding reductions, ongoing revenue initiatives and one-time revenues.
 
          “Faced with a sizeable budget gap and limited resources, we have produced a balanced budget that improves government efficiency and preserves essential services,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “Through needed reforms, this responsible budget protects our neediest residents and brings cost savings to state government.”

          “Lacking federal resources to trim the budget gap, this compromise budget efficiently provides necessary services to folks across the Commonwealth,” said Representative Brian S. Dempsey, Chairman of the House Committee on Ways & Means. “Through the implementation of innovative reforms, the budget cuts costs while maintaining services that our residents rely on.”

           “This budget is a product of hard work and compromise by members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and State Senate,” said Representative Paul J. Donato.  “Many tough choices needed to be made because of the financial state that we presently find ourselves in.  This budget protects our neediest citizens and hopefully positions us for the future as the economy improves.”

 

(July 22, 2011)

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Changing the Status Quo for Status Offenders and their Families
By Senator Karen Spilka and Representative Paul Donato

At a recent hearing at the State House, Juan X stated that at the age of 13, he was thrust into the juvenile justice system for fighting and other behavior problems in school. Over the course of four years in state custody, his underlying bipolar disorder was never diagnosed or treated. His mother’s serious depression remained unknown, as was the persistent bullying he faced in school – both of which contributed to his frequent outbursts. Because of his complex mental health issues, he had many different parole officers and foster families. He stated that because of all these issues, he failed to complete high school.

Earlier this year, we were joined many legislative colleagues, advocates, organization, children, and families from across the Commonwealth to officially launch the Families and Children Engaged in Services (FACES) Coalition Campaign. As a group, we strongly advocate for legislation, which we filed to transform the Children in Need of Services (CHINS) system and the way our state assists children and their families in times of need.

The present system was put in place as a way to correct the behavior of children who are truant, runaway, or seen as “ungovernable.” CHINS gives families only one option when they are looking to get the adequate services they need to address behavioral issues: the court system. CHINS was originally created to keep these children out of the juvenile justice system by working to correct their behavior. But the only way to receive the services they need is to go through a court process – conducted in the same courts and with the same probation officers as the juvenile delinquency process, making the entry point for these children the very process we are looking to avoid. 

By focusing solely on the child’s behavior and not the family as a whole, in many cases, the courts end up pitting the parents versus the child. A staggering 8,000 children were involved in the CHINS system in 2010 alone, and more than 50% of these children suffer from unmet mental health disorders. Time has changed and this system, which was put in place nearly four decades ago, needs to evolve into one which adequately meets the needs of these children by using a 21^st century approach.

We know that early intervention is essential for effective intervention when it comes to troubled children, teens, and families. Our bill, An Act Regarding Families and Children Engaged in Services (FACES) will transform the system into one in which we can offer help to children and families in a more effective, timely, and comprehensive manner. This community-based system will provide services aimed at dealing not just with the child’s behavioral issues but with the family as a whole. It will shift the initial intervention from the court system to local family oriented resource centers which will not only help provide services to the child but will help give families the tools they need to raise their child.

One of the main goals of FACES is to keep children out of the juvenile court system because research has shown that children involved in the juvenile justice system are at a greater risk of ending up in the adult criminal system. FACES would also be a voluntary system, giving parents the option of working with the courts if they deem it necessary. In some situations, the courts are necessary but we need a system where they are not the only option.

FACES would be gradually implemented over four years and would build off of the existing Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative and the excellent work that is being done in bullying prevention. Over the long term, FACES will actually save the Commonwealth money by facilitating early and more effective intervention and working to keep these children out of the criminal justice and correction system. It will also provide a more unified method of data collection. This will help us identify what services are and are not available so we can more efficiently allocate our resources, again saving money.
 
We have been dedicated to this work of implementing a new system for six years. We have listened to hundreds of stakeholders, including many parents and children who spoke about their experiences in the CHINS system and their repeated calls for reform. Time and time again, we heard powerful testimony urging us that children should not have to go to court, that they should have access to necessary services without entering the juvenile justice system and that a focus needs to be placed on helping the child and their family, not just addressing their behavior. Their voices have been strong and they have been heard.

We have learned so much over the past decade about how to help those in need. We need a system that can leverage that knowledge in the best interests of our children and their families. By implementing the programs of FACES, we believe that children like Juan and his family will receive access to needed services without exacerbating their situation and before it becomes dire. By doing this, we will be creating healthier children, strengthening and supporting families, making our communities stronger and safer, and ultimately investing in the well being of our collective future.

Karen Spilka is state senator for the 2^nd Middlesex and Norfolk district. Paul Donato is state representative for the 35^th Middlesex district. 

(June 27, 2011)

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House Passes Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking

(BOSTON) – State Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford, Malden) joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in unanimously passing legislation aimed at fighting human trafficking in the Commonwealth. The bill creates crimes for human trafficking offenses such as trafficking persons for sexual servitude and trafficking persons for forced services. 

While it deeply saddens me that there is need for such legislation, I applaud my colleagues for recognizing the seriousness of this issue and for taking such pro-active measures to combat the problem and to protect these vulnerable individuals,” said Representative Donato. 

The bill creates the crimes of trafficking persons for sexual servitude and trafficking persons for forced services, each of which carries a punishment of imprisonment for up to 15 years or a fine of up to $25,000, or both.   The legislation also creates the crimes of trafficking for sexual servitude or forced services on a person under 18 years-old. Each crime carries a penalty of up to life in prison. 

Additionally, the bill increases protection for children by raising the age required to be considered a minor in the context of engagement in sexual conduct. Previously, only those under 14 years of age had qualified as minors in this context. This legislation increases the age to 18.  The legislation authorizes all money seized as a result of human trafficking apprehensions to be made available to human trafficking victims who are awarded restitution by a court. 

The bill also addresses the demand side of human trafficking by increasing the punishment for those who pay another person in exchange for sexual conduct.  In an effort to provide needed social services for victims of human trafficking, the bill includes a “Safe Harbor” provision that allows a court to judge a person under 18 years-old who is apprehended for prostitution – but found to be a victim of human trafficking – to be in need of services rather than simply delinquent. 

Finally, the bill establishes an inter-agency task force to address human trafficking. The task force will collect data to continually study the problem of human trafficking and devise plans to share information across agencies to facilitate a more efficient pursuit of human traffickers.

(June 6, 2011)

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Representative Paul J. Donato honored by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children recently honored Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford, Malden) with the Lisa M. Jenkins MAFF Legislator of the Year Award at a ceremony in the State House.

This award is presented annually to a legislator for his or her commitment to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, and to improving the lives of children in the care of the Department of Children and Families.

(May 27, 2011)

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Representative Paul J. Donato announces
 CHINS/FACES legislation receives favorable report from committee
S.66/H. 1294 An Act Regarding Families and Children Engaged in Services

        Today the joint committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities issued a favorable report on a bill to reform the way the Juvenile Court and the agencies of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services respond to children in crisis because of behavioral difficulties.
        Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Senate Chair of the joint committee commented on the favorable report.  “This great piece of legislation has been in the works for a long time.” He stated, “I am happy to favorably report the bill out of committee”. Kay Khan (D-Newton), House Chair congratulated Senator Spilka and Representative Donato on their commitment to the children and families of the Commonwealth. Rep. Khan stated; “Without their willingness to tackle this enormous task positive change would not take place for the children who need these services and the families who struggle to access them.”
        In 2005 Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) and Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford), called together a task force to explore the Commonwealth’s and other states’ practices and laws around the CHINS system.  More than 100 stakeholders participated in this effort. The legislators also convened monthly steering committee meetings, as well as various subcommittees. In January of 2007, Senator Spilka filed new legislation, based on the task force’s recommendations and other states’ best practices, to reform the CHINS system.
         “For nearly 40 years the CHINS system has not been working as was intended by the legislature to keep children out of the juvenile justice system,” said Senator Karen Spilka, lead Senate sponsor of An Act Regarding Families and Children Engaged in Services (S.66, H. 1294).  “Our communities are better off when we provide preventive services that are proven to keep kids in their homes and schools and avoid using the courts, police and probation to solve family issues. These bills put in place new procedures – a system for Families and Children Engaged in Services – FACES.  It marks a big improvement over the system we have now.”
        The bills are supported by a FACES Coalition lead by the Children’s Mental Health Campaign, The Children’s League of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Alliance for Families.
     “This bill replaces an ineffective system with a system that provides children and families with the kind of ‘wrap-around’ services that keep children out of trouble and the court,” said Representative Paul J. Donato, lead House sponsor of the bill. 
        FACES creates a statewide community-based intervention system to replace the current jumble of services that vary widely from district to district and are very uneven in terms of their effectiveness. The bill would divert families from a legal process when not needed and prevents parents from unnecessarily losing custody of their children in order to receive services.  For families that do need judicial intervention the bill provides for more expedited juvenile court procedures, which will facilitate access to services and prevent indefinite stays in DCF custody. It also would establish mandatory school-based truancy prevention programs.
 (May 20, 2011)

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           House Passes Bill Authorizing $200 Million for Municipal Road and Bridge Maintenance

(BOSTON) – State Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford, Malden) joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation to authorize $200 million for the maintenance and upkeep of municipal roads and bridges across the Commonwealth.

“It’s imperative that we take care of our roadways to keep drivers and passengers safe throughout the Commonwealth,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “This bill will give our cities and towns the funding needed to properly maintain their roads and bridges for the safety of our residents.”

“I’m pleased that we were able to authorize the necessary money for cities and towns to start improving their roads and bridges by the deadline of April first,” said Representative William Straus, House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation.

“This bill will give municipalities the resources needed to take care of their roads and bridges which will help to ensure the safety of residents throughout Massachusetts,” said Representative Brian Dempsey, Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means.

“Keeping our roads and bridges in good repair is a good investment for Massachusetts, saving us money in the long run and encouraging businesses and residents to locate here,” Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral, Chairman of the Committee on Bonding, State Assets and Capital Expenditures, said.  “The tough budget discipline Governor Patrick and Speaker DeLeo have shown makes this level of investment possible.”
           
“The cities of Medford and Malden can utilize these funds to do necessary maintenance of their roads and bridges”, said Representative Donato.

The $200 million in road and bridge maintenance funds represent a 29% increase over the funding dispersed for the same purpose last year.

(April 11, 2011) 

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Representative Paul J. Donato receives the Home for Families 2010 Inspiring Leadership Award

Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford, Malden) was awarded the Home for Families 2010 Inspiring Leadership Award at the Legislative Breakfast hosted by Housing Famlies of Malden and Homes for Families of Boston on March 22nd.

"As a legislator we have many roles," said Representative Donato.  "However, I have always felt that helping people in need is my primary role.  Advocating and supporting the good working of Housing Families Inc. helps me to fulfill that role and I am both pleased and humbled to accept this award."

 (March 24, 2011)

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Representative Paul J. Donato sponsors DMH Citizen’s Legislative Breakfast

      BOSTON – Representative Paul J. Donato (Medford, Malden) recently sponsored the annual Massachusetts Department of Mental Health North East Area Citizen's Legislative Breakfast in the Great Hall at the State House. The event provides an opportunity for people with mental illness, family members, providers and advocates to interact with state legislators.

      “This is an opportunity for the mental health community—consumers, families, providers and advocates—to meet with their legislators, thank them for their support and discuss with them the many services DMH provides to individuals with serious mental illness,” said Commissioner Barbara A. Leadholm, M.S., M.B.A.

      The theme of this year’s DMH breakfast series is “Community First and Our Future.” The event’s centerpiece is the personal stories shared by DMH consumers and their families. Their experiences put a face on mental illness, demonstrate that treatment works and remind us that people with mental illness can achieve important accomplishments and most importantly, recover and lead satisfying and productive lives.

      More than 250 people including legislators, consumers, family members and advocates and providers attended the breakfast.

(February 16, 2011)

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REPRESENTATIVE PAUL J. DONATO PROMOTED TO POSITION OF DIVISION LEADER

State Representative Paul J. Donato, Medford/Malden, was promoted to the position of Division Leader at the Democratic Caucus on January 28th.  As a Division Leader, Donato will be responsible for helping to guide legislation through the House of Representatives as part of the Speaker’s leadership team. Prior to this promotion, Donato was Chairman of Municipalities and Regional Government and had previously served as Chairman of Steering, Policy, & Scheduling. “I am grateful to the Speaker and to my colleagues for their confidence by voting me to this position,” said Donato. “We face challenging times in the upcoming session and I look forward to working with all members of the House to provide meaningful legislation.”

(January 28, 2011)