(BOSTON–11/04/2022) The Massachusetts Legislature on Thursday passed a wide-ranging $3.76 billion relief package to provide targeted energy assistance, support ongoing transportation needs, and invest in the state’s small businesses, caregivers, health care system, affordable housing, and efforts to fight climate change.
“Massachusetts families are facing rising costs and tighter budgets every day,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Yesterday, the Legislature passed a wide-ranging bill focused on supporting essential industries and services, easing the burden of soaring energy costs for low-income households, and spurring economic development across the Commonwealth – actions that will make a meaningful difference to Bay Staters. I want to thank my colleagues in Central Massachusetts and around the Commonwealth for their partnership in securing these funds for our constituents.”
The earmarks passed by Senator Moore include:
· $100,000 to purchase wayfinding signs and banners for Auburn
· $100,000 to purchase firefighter radios for Grafton
· $75,000 to fund improvements to the facades of small businesses in Shrewsbury
· $90,000 to purchase wayfinding signs for Westborough
Additional local earmarks secured in the final Economic Development bill include:
· $100,000 to fund the Blackstone Valley EdHub Collaborative Workforce Pipeline, a non-profit economic and workforce development program run by the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“Our great thanks to Senator Moore and the Commonwealth for their support to the BV Hub for Workforce Development,” said Jeannie Herbert, President of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. “This funding will mean expanded programs to open the door to more students interested in a viable career path in manufacturing technologies while creating a skilled workforce to fill the employment gap in the Commonwealth."
· $450,000, in collaboration with Senators Chandler and Gobi, to fund Veterans Inc, a Veterans’ service provider and substance use community support program in the Worcester area.
“We are so incredibly grateful to Senators Moore, Chandler, and Gobi, and the rest of the Central MA Congressional delegation for their help in obtaining these funds,” said Vincent J. Perrone (Lt. Col., USAF, retired), President and CEO of Veterans Inc. “The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) is a crucial part of our employment services, integrating homeless Veterans into the labor force and funding the development of the innovative service delivery systems that are essential for Veterans in need.”
· $750,000, in collaboration with Senator Harriette Chandler, to fund road improvements at the intersection of Ararat Street and C Street in the Greendale neighborhood of Worcester.
“These infrastructure funds are critical to improve and upgrade the roadway system in the Greendale section of Worcester,” said Craig L Blais, President of the Worcester Business Development Corporation. “We are so grateful to Senators Chandler and Moore and Representative O’Day for offering these amendments to the legislation.”
· $100,000 to fund Centro Las Americas’ food pantry program in Worcester
“With winter right around the corner and energy costs expected to skyrocket, community food pantries will be more important than ever,” said Juan Gomez, President of Centro Las Americas. “This $100,000 grant will ensure Centro’s Food Pantry is prepared to serve as a critical source of food for those who may have gone hungry otherwise. I want to thank Senators Moore, Gobi, and Chandler for securing this funding for the people of Worcester.”
· $35,000 to fund Dismas House in Worcester
In addition to $3.76 billion in direct investments, this compromise legislation ensures that the Commonwealth responsibly pays for the historic $3 billion one-time tax relief that will be returned to an estimated three million taxpayers over the coming weeks. Combined, this $6.76 billion in tax relief and direct investments will provide much-needed breathing room for families, small businesses and individuals feeling the pinch of inflation. Notably, the bill closes the books on Fiscal Year 2022 and dedicates $500 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), leaving a balance of $1.75 billion in federal resources for future use.
Appropriations
Over $1.4 billion invested to support health and human services programs, including:
· $350 million for hospitals that have become fiscally strained during the pandemic
· $225 million for rate increases for human service workers and providers
· $200 million for COVID-19 response efforts
· $195 million for nursing facilities and rest homes
· $80 million for Community Health Centers
· $20 million to reduce gun violence and related trauma throughout the Commonwealth, including:
· $3 million for a grant program to support school safety infrastructure improvements
· $2 million to provide behavioral health-related supports and resources in schools to reduce instances of gun violence
· $20 million to bridge impending federal cuts to Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) programs and maintain critical victim service programs
· $17.5 million for reproductive and family planning services
· $14 million for facilities that treat individuals with an alcohol or substance use disorder in the Commonwealth
· $5 million to support harm reduction efforts and services to address substance use disorder in the Commonwealth
· $2.5 million for grants to support the nursing workforce talent pipeline
$540 million invested to support clean energy and climate resiliency initiatives, including:
· $250 million to accelerate and support clean energy initiatives, including:
· $100 million to promote and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, through the MOR-EV program as well as supports for the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure
· $100 million for ports and port infrastructure to support the clean energy economy
· $50 million for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to accelerate the transition to and expansion of renewable energy
$175 million for the conservation and improvement of publicly owned lands and investments in green spaces, with an emphasis on investments in environmental justice communities
· $115 million for the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, including:
· $15 million for planning and implementing water pollution abatement project in watersheds designated as nitrogen sensitive areas
$409.5 million invested to support affordable housing, including:
· $304.5 million to support and boost housing production, including:
· $100 million for the Commonwealth Builder Program to support the production of for-sale, below market housing to expand homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers and socially disadvantaged individuals in communities disproportionately impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic
· $100 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund established to support the
creation and preservation of affordable housing
· $100 million to support the production of workforce housing
· $50 million for the Equitable Developers Financing Program to support the development
of new housing in certain underserved communities
· $25 million for regional low-threshold housing to support individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability and who struggle with substance use disorder
· $20 million for housing options and additional support services and resources to address the needs of immigrants and refugees
· $10 million for public housing redevelopment
Over $500 million invested to support early education, economic development, workforce development and community support initiatives, including:
· $153 million for small businesses grant relief, including $45M for minority, women, and veteran owned businesses.
· $150 million for early education and care providers through the continuation of the
Commonwealth Cares for our Children (C3) stabilization grant program, including $60 million for subsidized providers.
· $112 million to support the MBTA’s ongoing efforts to address the Federal
Transportation Administration’s staffing and safety directives
· $100 million for the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust fund to offset estimated
overpayments made during the course of the pandemic
· $75 million for investments in broadband infrastructure and access across the
commonwealth
· $57 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), ensuring relief to families facing rising energy costs.
· $50 million to promote the attainment of debt-free higher education for students
pursuing careers in high-demand industries, such as health care, education, and
cybersecurity
· $25 million for food security infrastructure grants
· $12 million to support the agricultural and blue economy sectors
· $2.5 million for computer science teacher development
The bill now goes to the Governor for further consideration.
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