Sen. John Velis

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Financial Literacy Trust Fund to support financial education programs in Massachusetts schools. The fund will be managed by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and financed through state appropriations, interest earnings, and public or private donations. It mandates that the commissioner annually report on the fund's activities and expenditures to state legislative committees. Additionally, the bill changes existing law to require, rather than allow, financial literacy instruction as part of the curriculum.

April 1, 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 327) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Deborah B. Goldberg, Treasurer and Receiver General for legislation to require financial education in schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 328) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Ryan C. Fattman for legislation relative to student financial literacy; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 473) of Peter J. Durant and others relative to establishing a personal financial literacy curriculum in schools; and (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Ryan M. Hamilton, Carmine Lawrence Gentile and Sally P. Kerans relative to personal financial literacy in schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2665).

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state laws to allow school districts under receivership to receive more than 80 percent of the eligible costs for school construction projects. It directly impacts school districts that have been placed under state supervision due to financial or operational issues. The key provision removes a previous restriction that limited these districts to a lower funding percentage, ensuring they can access higher incentive funding for building improvements. By adjusting the funding calculation in the relevant state chapter, the legislation aims to provide greater financial support for infrastructure needs in these specific districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special Protein Innovation Commission to study the potential of alternative proteins, such as plant-based, fermented, and cultivated meats, within Massachusetts. The commission will investigate how these innovations could boost the economy, create jobs, improve public health, and reduce environmental impacts like greenhouse gas emissions. A 13-member panel, including legislators, government officials, and industry experts, will be appointed to conduct this review and develop a master plan of recommendations for supporting the sector. The commission is required to hold multiple meetings, including at least one public hearing, and must submit its findings within a specified timeframe.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands opportunities for Massachusetts high school students to earn industry-recognized certifications by creating a financial incentive program for school districts. The state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development will identify high-demand occupations requiring specific certifications, which will then be made available to the public and school districts. Under the new funding mechanism, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will provide grants to school districts, with higher payments for students earning certifications in high-value jobs or those recognized by colleges, and lower payments for certifications addressing local workforce needs. Recipient districts must use at least 80% of these funds to support the specific programs that led to the certifications, such as paying instructors or subsidizing fees for low-income students, while the state will also offer separate grants to help districts develop new certification programs. Additionally, the Department is required to publish an annual report detailing student participation, the types of certifications earned, and an analysis of whether the allocated funding was sufficient to cover the awards.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands financial support for high school students in Gateway Cities to participate in the Access College Early Program. It specifically targets students living in or attending schools within designated Gateway municipalities who also qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Under the new provisions, these eligible students would receive needs-based funding to cover costs for up to 24 college credits through the existing Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership. The legislation aims to increase college access for low-income youth in specific urban areas by removing financial barriers to dual enrollment.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2388) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joanne M. Comerford and Natalie M. Blais for legislation to provide a sustainable future for rural schools. Education.

March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2388) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joanne M. Comerford and Natalie M. Blais for legislation to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2658).

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).