MALSCE Government Affairs Update – October 2024

Government Affairs activities and news for MALSCE members

by Abbie Goodman, MALSCE Chief of External Affairs

News: Here are some news stories that may impact MALSCE members:

• US Department of Labor recovers $77K for 5 employees denied prevailing wages at federally funded construction project in Massachusetts

• Mayor Wu Signs Executive Order Creating a Climate Council for the City of Boston

• Report: Surtax Fueling Education, Transportation Spending

• Governor Healey Signs Legislation Unlocking Millions to Compete for Federal Funding

• The 10th Edition of the Base Building Code (Massachusetts
  Amendments) went into effect on October 11, 2024, with a concurrency
  period with the 9th Edition until January 1, 2025. 

• Healey-Driscoll Administration Awarded $53.5 Million for Drinking
  Water Projects - this is the funding from the BIL (Bipartisan Infrastructure
  Law) that was expected for this federal fiscal year.

• September Revenue Collections Total $4.518 Billion; Monthly collections up $331 million or 7.9% vs. September 2023 actual; $29 million below benchmark

  • On October 3, 2024 Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder announced that preliminary revenue collections for September totaled $4.518B, $331M or 7.9% more than actual collections in September 2023, but $29M or 0.6% below benchmark.

    FY2025 year-to-date collections totaled approximately $9.826B, which is $541 million or 5.8% more than actual collections in the same period of FY2024, but $44 million or 0.4% below the year-to-date benchmark. 

  • In general, September is a significant month for revenues because many individuals and corporations are required to make estimated payments. Historically, roughly 10% of annual revenue, on average, has been received during September. Given the brief period covered in the report, September results should not be used as a predictor for the rest of the fiscal year.

Legislative Session:

• Reminder: The formal session of the Massachusetts legislature ended on July 31, 2024, actually early in the morning of August 1, 2024…as they stopped the clock.
• During informal session, some bills are still passing, as long as there is no objection from one legislator.

• Healey-Driscoll Administration Files $714 Million Supplemental Budget to Close Fiscal Year 2024: Bill Proposes to Strengthen State’s Financial Reserves; Seeds New Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund with $11 Million.  

Press Release from Office of Governor Healey

Filing Letter for this bill

Link to Bill As Filed -now H. 5049

Division of Occupational Licensure: Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors

• Next Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors public meeting is posted as: October 31, 2024. 

  • The Board of Registration is planning to hold this meeting on Teams.  For meeting details, go to this page two business days before the meeting and scroll down to the meeting listing to download the agenda with either location or connection instructions.
  • Draft August, 2024 public meeting minutes were approved at the September 26, 2024 public meeting but are not yet posted on the Board's website.  Here is the version that the board discussed at its September 26 Board meeting: Draft August 29, 2024 public meeting minutes.  (opens in Word)

Highlights of the 9/26/2024  Board of Registration Meeting:

• The Division of Occupational Licensure records its boards’ meetings.
• This meeting was held on Teams only. The planned October 31meeting is expected to be on Teams. The Board might return to hybrid meetings later in 2024, if at least one-quarter of the board can attend in person.
• Vice Chair Ron Willey called the meeting to order. 
• The Board again discussed the poor quality of plans filed with the Suffolk Registry of Deeds –The Board again asked for an Advisory letter to the Registries.
• Board Counsel Legal Report from Philip Chan
  • No Change: Draft Continuing Professional Competency Regulations are still in the Executive Office of Administration and Finance and then would move on to the Secretary of State's office for review.
• Executive Director report by Kathleen McNally.
  • Still chipping away at the NCEES enforcement exchange list
  • There is progress in the conversion of JP exam to computer-based-testing, but the fall 2024 exam will be a pencil and paper exam.
  • The Board reached a consent agreement with Robert W. Dennis, Jr. for 1 year license suspension (as a structural engineer) and a $2500 Civil Administrative Penalty for violation of 250 CMR 5.04 for two counts of failing to direct/supervise.  Consent agreement.
• The Board’s Public Meeting adjourned at about 10:05 am.