Rep. Steve Xiarhos

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to create a funding mechanism for local recreational programs by imposing a surcharge on certain retired government employees. The measure applies to individuals who have received a pension and subsequently work for a government entity, requiring them to report their hours and earnings. If a retired worker's total income from new employment exceeds their previous salary plus $15,000 in a year, they must pay a 5% surcharge on the excess amount. This collected money is returned to the local government paying the employee and must be placed in a dedicated account to fund recreational activities such as equipment purchases, repairs, and programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that joint purchasing committees established by Massachusetts governmental agencies include a minimum of 25% of their members as labor representatives. These labor members would be elected from a list nominated by collective bargaining units, while a retiree representative would be appointed by the Retired State, County, and Municipal Association of Massachusetts. The legislation ensures that all committee members, including the new labor and retiree representatives, have voting rights. It directly affects state agencies entering into trust or joint purchase agreements by mandating this specific composition for their oversight boards.

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by resolutions, House, No. 3541) of Steven George Xiarhos and others for the adoption of resolutions memorializing the Congress of the United States to convene a Constitutional Convention. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new funding tool within the Massachusetts School Building Authority to invest in vocational-technical education programs and regional schools. It allocates $3 billion to replace or renovate school infrastructure and purchase critical training equipment to better prepare students for industry-relevant careers. The legislation also adjusts reimbursement rates for these projects, allowing the state to cover between 75% and 90% of eligible construction costs, with higher rates available for schools that align with regional workforce needs.

March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 256) of John J. Cronin, Manny Cruz and John Barrett, III for legislation to create and expand student pathways to success; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 274) of Paul R. Feeney, Jacob R. Oliveira, Adam Scanlon, Susan Williams Gifford and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 297) of Edward J. Kennedy and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 306) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative increase student access to career technical education schools and programs which are aligned with regional labor market needs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 334) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Jeffrey N. Roy and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 361) of John C. Velis for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 362) of John C. Velis and Kelly W. Pease for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2664).

By Representative Hogan of Stow and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2197) of Kate Hogan, Julian Cyr and others for legislation to protect public health from PFAS. Public Health.

By Representatives Jones of North Reading and Pignatelli of Lenox, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2839) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Smitty Pignatelli and others relative to the conservation land tax credit. Revenue.

By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2667) of Michael J. Soter and others for legislation to provide public safety telecommunicators with the same internal benefits as first responders. Public Service.

By Representative Livingstone of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2589) of Jay D. Livingstone relative to line of duty death benefits for certain public employees. Public Service.

By Representative Haggerty of Woburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2546) of Richard M. Haggerty for legislation to exempt the executive director of the Municipal Police Training Committee from earnings limitations. Public Service.