The essential workers on your team who were there for the rest of us during the pandemic’s darkest days may soon qualify for a one time bonus.
The $500 million program is part of $4 billion state spending plan, that after an agonizing delay, is finally expected to land on the governor's desk today.
The one-time bonuses could range between $500 and $2,000 for workers in a variety of industries deemed essential during the pandemic — such as those in healthcare, food production, or transportation, writes the Globe’s Jon Chesto.
They’re expected to be available to those in households earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or nearly $80,000 for a family of four. An advisory panel still needs finalize the details and get the money distributed by March 31.
The same bill, which uses ARPA and tax surplus dollars, includes $500 million to replenish the state’s unemployment insurance fund as well as $75 million for small business relief; $125 million for arts and culture; plus funds for housing, workforce training (but not as much as previously proposed), green jobs, voc-tech and hundreds of local projects.
How to 'crush' COVID “What would you rather do: Wear a mask for 10 hours today — or 12, depending on what you’re doing? Or spend 30 seconds to use a test? And if everyone spent 30 seconds to use a test, it would massively, massively cut down on transmission.”
But that can only happen if testing is much more widely available and affordable.
Right now, a two test pack sold at many U.S. pharmacies might cost $25 or more (if you can find one) while the average cost in Germany is 80-cents (and that’s when they’re not free).
Yesterday, President Joe Biden announced that private health insurance plans will soon reimburse people who buy over-the-counter, at-home rapid tests, as part of a new series of nine steps to combat COVID.
Another 50 million COVID-19 tests would be distributed to those without private insurance, older people and other vulnerable groups for pickup at senior centers and community sites.
But as with so many things in this pandemic, it’s going to take more time than we have for production to ramp up.
Dam removal considered key to safety, eco-system The Watertown Dam hasn’t served any functional purpose for decades.
But it could create calamitous flooding if it failed -- overwhelming the Galen Street Bridge and shutting down roads and businesses along the river, including along Watertown Square, Charles River Road and Nonantum Road.
On Monday (Dec. 6) at 7pm. the Charles River Watershed will host a virtual public meeting about their effortsto remove the Watertown Dam. They’ll explore why they believe removing the dam is not only feasible, but necessary, to restore the river ecosystem, reinstate fish passage and build a climate-resilient river for future generations.Register.
I've linked to this before, but this segment from Chronicle does an excellent job framing this issue.
Get lit, see Santa, this weekend
Watertown’s The Whoville Jubilee and official tree lighting takes place on the grounds of the Commander’s Mansion Saturday (Dec. 4) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This will be an indoor and outdoor walking experience.
Needham’s Blue Tree Lighting returns Saturday (Dec. 4). The festivities will begin at 5 pm with the arrival of Santa on a fire truck. There will be performances from the Needham High Chorale, Plugged In Band and the Olin College Fire Arts Club.
Wellesley’s Holiday Stroll and Scavenger Hunt is back on Sunday (Dec. 5) from noon to 6 p.m. Includes singing carolers, a sleigh ride with Santa, Scavenger Hunt and the holiday tree lighting ceremony organized by the Wellesley Merchants Association.
Newton’s Holiday Lights Spectacular happens Monday (Dec. 6) between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 pm at Newton City Hall. Bring an unwrapped gift (ages newborn -10y) to support the Newton Police Department’s “stuff a cruiser” for the Village Bank’s Gift Drive or grocery gift cards for Newton food pantries.
Inflation gobbling up restaurant profits Prices on Massachusetts restaurant menus have been increasing more than usual in recent weeks, but restaurant profit margins have actually been lower as they deal with significant increases in labor and food costs, the Federal Reserve Bank said in its latest Beige Book update on economic conditions, writes State House News’ Colin A. Young.
The prices that restaurants charged "increased at an above-average pace that was nonetheless not enough to cover large increases in food, labor, and other costs."
Retail sales softened slightly, restaurants saw a bit of a rebound, manufacturers saw a moderate sales increase, single-family home sales softened, average price increases were moderate, and labor scarcity held back hiring despite the region's "robust" demand for workers.
Newton Council leadership to return Newton’s City Council will once again be led by President Susan Albright and VP Rick Lipof. They were re-elected by their peers (both 15-9 votes and a few sharp elbows) at Wednesday’s caucus. (Watch the replay here.)
Meanwhile, the Globe has a nice profile of Tamika Olszewski, who made history last month when she became the first Black woman elected Newton School Committee Chair. Kathy Shields was elected vice chair.
And an election Tuesday in Needham Needham holds an important special election on Tuesday (Dec.) 7 to fill a vacant seat on the Select Board.
Watertown takes step to add deeply affordable housing Just before Thanksgiving, Watertown’s City Council approved creation of a Watertown Affordable Housing Trust.
The Trust’s primary mission will be to help create and preserve deed-restricted affordable housing by engaging in real estate activities, including support for the pre-development activities of affordable housing developers.
The Trust will also oversee the city’s affordable housing monies and serve as a policy body on affordable housing matters, advocating for affordable housing and providing advice to the City administration and City Council.
According to the plan, the city’s inclusionary zoning has been effective in producing affordable units at 80% and 65% of area median income thresholds but other tools are needed for deeper affordability.
The next step is for the city manager to accept applications for the six open trustee positions and select trustees, subject to council confirmation. Trustees must be residents with expertise in fields like real estate.
The Charles River Regional Chamber is hiring! I'm really proud of the way our chamber has grown, expanded and rebranded in 2021.
And now we have an opportunity to add someone new to our small but mighty team.
We're an all-hands on deck operation, everyone does a lot of everything -- from event planning to advocacy. But specifically, you'd be our front lines member services person. It's an incredible platform for interacting with an amazing array of people, while making a difference for our small businesses, nonprofits and communities.
And speaking of growing.... Please join us in welcoming these 32 businesses and nonprofits that became new members, or reinstated their membership, in October and November.
