REPRESENTATIVE ELDRIDGE ANNOUNCES EGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE FIRST HALF OF THE 2005-2006 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

BOSTON-  Representative Eldridge has announced the accomplishments of the legislature during the first half of its 2005-2006 legislative session. This session has produced a number of important pieces of legislation that will have a great impact on residents of the Commonwealth. Highlights of this past year’s session include:

 FY’06 BUDGET: On]time, balanced budget increased funding for local aid, education,  human services and affordable housing; Consistent with the House position that  legislation should move through the committee process, the spending plan included historic reform restricting outside sections to those directly related to budget line items

 FY’06 CAPITAL SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET: Transfers $691 million to Rainy Day  Fund, bringing reserves to $1.7 billion; Invests $317 million in vital, long]delayed infrastructure & capital projects across the Commonwealth and on public college  campuses

 ECONOMIC INVESTMENT PLAN: Following statewide “job growth” listening tour, House passes $345 million stimulus package designed to make smart, bold investments in workforce training, infrastructure, technology and cultural facilities
• $30 million for Brownfields Redevelopment Fund
• $50 million for Historical Rehabilitation Tax Credit
• $13 million for establishment of first]in]the]nation Cultural
 Facilities Fund
• $200 million bond program for infrastructure improvements that encourage economic development

SALES TAX HOLIDAY: For the second consecutive year, the House overwhelmingly passed legislation to give shoppers a two]day August sales tax break and
      provide a shot]in]the]arm to retailers and the economy
 
 HEALTH CARE REFORM: Based on months of deliberation in the newly formed Committees on Health Care Financing, Public Health and Mental Health & Substance Abuse, the House passed an historic bill to expand coverage to nearly every Massachusetts resident within three years through signifiant expansion of Medicaid coverage for the poor, asking and, in some instances, aiding individuals to purchase affordable insurance and encouraging employers to contribute to the health care coverage of ther employees
 
H.E.A.T: In a proactive response to skyrocketing energy costs and the impact on winter heating bills, the House’s legislation offers tax deductions on home heating bills, tax credits to promote purchase of energy efficient residential items and $20 million in heating assistance for low]income individuals and families 

ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES: Recognizing that efficiency must be part of the solution to state’s energy crisis, legislation encourages the sale of more energy efficient household appliances in an effort to reduce energy consumption and liit immediate threats of brown outs and black outs this winter as well as cut consumer utility bills by $1 billion over 25 years

TAX RELIEF FOR SENIOR CITIZENS: Eligible seniors can currently receive an annual state income tax credit of up to $840 if their house is valued at $400,000 or less;  New law initiated in the House raises the property value threshold to $600,000, making tens of thousands of additional seniors across the Commonwealth eligible for tax relief
 
OUI REPEAT OFFENDERS (“MELANIE’S LAW”): Toughest drunk driving law in the Commonwealth’s history and the nation; Stiffens penalties for repeat offenders and  brings state in compliance with federal drunk driving standards

VOLUNTARY FIREFIGHTER & PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL BENEFITS:  To protect and provide for call safety personnel across the Commonwealth, the House  requires cities and towns to provide death benefits for survivors of public safety  personnel killed in the line of duty 
 
 WELCOME HOME BILL: Just in time for Veterans’ Day, House provides additional benefits and increased pay for service members, veterans and their families as well as  education & fee waivers for Massachusetts National Guard members
 
SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ON MILITARY DUTY: Extends law  protecting public employees from loss of pay, seniority & leave time if they are calledto active military duty

INTERSTATE WINE SHIPMENTS: Moving to comply with Supreme Court decision,
House approves bill making it easier for vineyards to sell wine directly through mail to  consumers; Also allows restaurants to re]cork bottles of wine so diners can bring them  home without violating open container law
 
DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS STATE LAND: House passes comprehensive legislation  that restructures the process by which the Commonwealth disposes of surplus
property; Bill offers municipalities and non]profits the opportunity to purchase the property at a discount and provides incentives for job growth and job creation on state- owned parcels.