Senate Passes Legislation to Provide Free ID Cards to People Experiencing Homelessness

(BOSTON 8/4/2023) — The Massachusetts Senate last week unanimously passed An Act to provide identification to youth and adults experiencing homelessness, to establish a process allowing an adult or youth experiencing homelessness to apply for a free Massachusetts identification card. Identification cards enable access to basic services in the Commonwealth that are often unreachable for those without identification. 

“A state ID is critical to accessing some of the most basic services the Massachusetts government offers – unfortunately, people experiencing homelessness face barriers to getting an ID that most others don’t,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m pleased that the Senate has moved forward with a plan to make ID cards easier to access for youth and adults experiencing homelessness. Ensuring every resident of the Commonwealth has identification is a no-brainer.”

“When we listen to our homeless youth about the challenges they face, there is a common denominator and that is access to identification,” said Senator Robyn K. Kennedy (D-Worcester), the Senate sponsor of the bill. “Having proper identification is the foundation to accessing food, shelter and employment opportunities, while also breaking the cycle of poverty.”

People experiencing homelessness currently face prohibitive fees and documentation requirements that can be barriers to acquiring identification. This legislation removes those barriers by eliminating fees and only requiring that applicants present documentation showing that they are currently receiving services provided by the Commonwealth, a homeless service provider, or another service provider.

Having a state identification is a prerequisite for accessing many basic services, including applying for a job, enrolling in school, interacting with law enforcement, accessing government buildings, and opening bank accounts, among others. The struggles of homelessness are compounded by an inability to access these basic services, and often contribute to a cycle of poverty.

This is the fourth consecutive session during which the Senate has adopted similar legislation.

The bill now goes to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for further consideration.

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Hormonal Contraceptives Authorized for Pharmacist Prescription in FY24 Budget

(BOSTON 8/3/2023) — Earlier this week, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a $56.2 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), reconciling differences between the versions of the budget passed by the House of Representatives and Senate earlier this year. The conference committee included in the final budget an amendment allowing pharmacists to evaluate patients and prescribe and dispense hormonal birth control, an initiative spearheaded by Senator Michael Moore and Representatives Christine Barber and Lindsay Sabadosa. Previously, patients seeking hormonal birth control could obtain it only with a prescription from their primary care provider or reproductive health care practitioner.

If signed into law by Governor Maura Healey, the policy within the FY24 budget will direct the Department of Public Health, in consultation with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, the Board of Registration in Pharmacy, and the Division of Medical Assistance, and in consideration American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines, to develop procedures to allow trained pharmacists to evaluate patients and prescribe and dispense hormonal birth control pills and patches – no appointment necessary. Patients will not be required to have a previous prescription for hormonal birth control from a primary care provider or reproductive health care practitioner.

The amendment authorizing this policy change was introduced by Senator Michael Moore during May’s Senate FY24 budget debate and was adopted by senators through a unanimous vote.

“Hormonal birth control is one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent unplanned pregnancy and support family planning, but many women find this critical medication difficult to obtain here in Massachusetts. With the passage of the FY24 Budget, it will be easier than ever before to access this critical medication,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The passage of this amendment will allow local pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives when appropriate – something 27 states and D.C. already allow in some form. I am so grateful for the partnership of Representatives Lindsay Sabadosa and Christine Barber in getting this legislation to Governor Healey’s desk, as well as for the countless organizations and advocates that have tirelessly worked to bring awareness to this issue. We are taking a big step toward lowering barriers that prevent women from getting the birth control they need and addressing disparities in contraceptive access for those in historically underserved areas.”

“I am thrilled at the inclusion of access to hormonal contraception in the conference committee budget,” said Representative Christine Barber (D-Somerville). Allowing pharmacists to prescribe hormonal birth control significantly increases access and further establishes MA as a haven for reproductive health care.”

“As some states restrict and diminish access to reproductive healthcare, I am proud that we are not only protecting but expanding access to hormonal birth control in the Commonwealth. Contraception is basic, necessary healthcare,” said Representative Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton).

Legislation to expand access to hormonal contraceptives through pharmacies has been introduced previously by Senator Michael Moore (S.1430) and by Representatives Christine Barber and Lindsay Sabadosa (H.2133). Several advocacy organizations have also strongly supported this policy for several years, most notably including Reproductive Equity Now, Planned Parenthood, and the ACLU of Massachusetts.

“As we navigate ongoing threats to reproductive health care, it’s never been more critical to protect and expand access to contraception in order to ensure every person has the autonomy to make decisions about if, when, and how they become a parent. By eliminating the need for a visit to a health care provider and allowing people to receive a prescription for birth control directly from their pharmacist, we will help increase access to contraception for those who face the greatest barriers to care,” said Rebecca Hart Holder, President of Reproductive Equity Now. “We are incredibly grateful to Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, Representative Christine Barber and Senator Michael Moore for their tireless work to get this legislation over the finish line, and to Senate President Karen Spilka, House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Chairmen Aaron Michlewitz and Michael Rodrigues for their continued commitment to reproductive equity and removing barriers to care in our Commonwealth.”

“The national erosion of reproductive rights and access to abortion has made improving access to contraception even more urgent,” said Sheila Ramirez, Director of Health Policy and Government Relations for the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts. “We’re so proud to see the Massachusetts legislature continue its commitment to reproductive rights and health care by investing even more money into reproductive health providers and family planning services, and by passing a measure to allow pharmacists to proscribe hormonal birth control. Thank you to Reps. Barber and Sabadosa for championing this amendment which further removes unnecessary barriers to birth control.”

The ACLU of Massachusetts added that “access to contraception empowers people to decide whether and when to become pregnant, determining their health and supporting their bodily autonomy. The ACLU is thrilled that the Legislature is taking another step to increase reproductive freedom.”

Patients who receive hormonal birth control through a pharmacist prescription will be referred to a primary care provider or reproductive health care practitioner for a follow-up appointment required during a yet-to-be-defined window of time. Pharmacists will be prohibited from prescribing and dispensing additional hormonal birth control if a patient has not had a clinical visit with a doctor during this period of time.

Having been passed in the House and the Senate, the FY24 budget now goes to Governor Maura Healey’s desk for further consideration. Governor Healey holds the power to exercise a line-item veto, allowing her the ability to strike specific policies from the budget.

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Legislature Passes Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

(BOSTON 8/3/2023) — This week, the Massachusetts Legislature enacted a $56.2 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), reconciling differences between the versions of the budget passed by the House of Representatives and Senate and earlier this year. The FY24 conference committee report provides for historic levels of investment in education, housing, regional transportation, health care, workforce development, and more, as part of a broad strategy to grow our state’s economy and make Massachusetts more affordable, inclusive, and competitive.

“The single most important thing we can do as legislators is make investments that will pay dividends for years down the road. By choosing to invest in the Commonwealth’s people, services, industry, and infrastructure, we are doing exactly that with the passage of the FY24 Budget,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m pleased that my colleagues and I were able to come together to make smart, targeted, and responsible investments in the parts of the Commonwealth that need it the most. I’m also thrilled that I was able to secure 14 amendments, including local earmarks for each and every community in the Second Worcester District. I’d like to thank Senate President Karen Spilka, House Speaker Ron Mariano, and my House and Senate colleagues for their leadership during this budget debate.”

The FY24 budget includes a total of $56.2 billion in spending, a $3.8 billion increase over the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Budget. This spending recommendation is based on a tax revenue estimate of $40.41 billion for FY24, representing 1.6 percent growth with an additional $1 billion from the new Fair Share surtax, as agreed upon during the consensus revenue process in January.

Remaining vigilant about the current fiscal environment, the FY24 budget adheres to sound fiscal discipline and builds up available reserves for the state’s stabilization fund. The fund has grown to a record high of $7.16 billion and is projected to close FY24 at $9.5 billion, ensuring the Commonwealth will continue to have healthy reserves to maintain fiscal responsibility during a time of ongoing economic volatility.

Amendments secured by Senator Moore include:

Statewide

• Expanding access to contraceptives – authorizes local pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives when appropriate, based on rules to be determined by the Department of Public Health

• REDO Funding Guardrails – requires at least 75 percent of funding allocated to Regional Economic Development Organizations (REDOs) is used by REDOs themselves, and not for state-directed “special projects”

• Accelerated Repair Program Spending Cap Exemption – exempts the Accelerated Repair Program from the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s statutory spending cap

• $1.526 million to fund Court-Appointed Special Advocate programs across the Commonwealth, including $430,000 for these programs in Worcester County

• $400,000 in additional funding for hate crime prevention programs in elementary and secondary public schools in Massachusetts, bringing the total funding to $800,000

• $100,000 for Bottom Line, Inc to support its college transition and retention services for low-income and first-generation college students

• $200,000 to fund updated sound tests along Massachusetts’ highway sound barriers

Regional

• $500,000 in additional funding for the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, bringing the total funding to $2 million

• $83,000 to Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical School to remove and replace a 30-year-old underground storage tank; $25,000 is provided by Senator Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton)

• $40,000 to the Lake Quinsigamond Commission to manage invasive plants, monitor water quality, provide educational opportunities, and upgrade waterway navigation markers

Auburn

• $20,000 to Auburn Youth and Family Services for building improvements

• $25,000 to the Town of Auburn to purchase a public safety dispatch digital recorder

Grafton

• $47,000 to Community Harvest Project in Grafton to purchase a tractor to continue to harvest fresh produce for local food banks

Millbury

• $5,000 to Millbury Public Schools to support the Millbury Carpentry Partnership Program

• $30,000 to Millbury Public Schools to support the Advanced Manufacturing and Computer Science Program

• $35,000 to the Town of Millbury to fund building improvements at Millbury Town Hall

Shrewsbury

• $35,000 to Dean Park in Shrewsbury for ADA accessibility improvements

Westborough

• $45,000 to the Town of Westborough to purchase security cameras for Westborough Town Hall and Westborough Senior Center

Worcester

• $100,000 to CENTRO Inc in Worcester for the operation of their Minority Economic Empowerment and Home Ownership Center

• $60,000 to the City of Worcester to support additional emergency housing for unsheltered families in Worcester

Notable Investments and Policy

• Invests Fair Share Amendment money

  • $522 million will go toward education initiatives

  • $477 million will go toward transportation initiatives, including $205 million for the MBTA

• Implements the Student Opportunity Plan

  • Guarantees in-state tuition at public colleges and universities for all residents, including undocumented individuals

  • Funds free community college for nursing students and students 25 and older

  • Lays the groundwork for universal free community college by fall 2024

• Makes the universal free school meal program permanent

• Makes COVID-era eviction protections permanent

• Requires no-cost calls for individuals who are incarcerated

• Creates a two-year ConnectorCare program pilot to expand affordable health insurance coverage to as many as 70,000 additional residents

• Allocates $581 million for tax relief, with a plan on the way

• Proposes adding seats for Boston and surrounding communities on the MBTA Board of Directors

Having passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, the FY24 budget now moves to the Governor’s desk for her consideration.  

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Senate Passes Bill Allowing Nonbinary Gender Option on Birth Certificates, Drivers’ Licenses

(BOSTON 8/1/2023) — The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to pass An Act relative to gender identity on Massachusetts identification, a bill that would allow, for the first time in Massachusetts history, an individual to be identified with a non-binary “X” sex designation on their birth certificate, and enshrine into law the current practice of allowing an individual to select a non-binary “X” gender designation on their driver’s license. This is the fourth consecutive session during which the Senate has adopted similar legislation.

“Gender is a lot more complicated than the basic male/female binary that has long dominated Western society,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The passage of this legislation codifies into law the greater understanding we have now of what gender is and what it isn’t. By allowing residents of the Commonwealth the ability to choose an ‘X’ gender designation on their driver’s license and birth certificate, we are committing to making Massachusetts a more inclusive place for everyone, regardless of how they identify.”

“People know what gender they are. This bill affirms the ability of people to choose a non-binary gender option on state documents and forms, which would align the Commonwealth with many other states that have adopted this designation,” said Senator Jo M. Comerford (D-Northampton), the Senate sponsor of the bill. “I am grateful to Senate President Spilka for advancing the work on this bill before I took office, and to Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues for his support of this legislation. Together, with our partners in the House, we will continue to move our Commonwealth to embrace this basic human right.”

Under current law, it is impossible to have a sex designation of “X” listed on a birth certificate in Massachusetts, and in order to change one’s sex designation, an applicant must provide a notarized statement from a physician stating that the individual has completed medical intervention.

The legislation would allow an individual to be identified with an “X” sex designation on their birth certificate. In addition, the legislation allows any person over the age of 18, emancipated minor, or parent of a minor, to request a change in the sex designation on a birth certificate without being required to present any medical documentation, court order, or proof of name change. Individuals would only need to present a signed affidavit “attesting that the request is to conform to the person’s gender identity and is not made for any fraudulent purpose.” The legislation also makes it easier for individuals who change the sex designation on their birth certificate to also change the name on their birth certificate.

The legislation would put Massachusetts alongside 26 states around the country which currently allow residents to change the sex designation on their birth certificate without the need for a court order or medical documentation. Sixteen states currently allow residents to have a sex designation of “X” on their birth certificate.

On drivers’ licenses, individuals are currently allowed to select “X” as their gender designation; however, the practice is not codified into law. This bill would enshrine this option into state law, to ensure residents will always have this option. Massachusetts is currently one of 22 states that allow residents to have a gender designation of “X” on state drivers’ licenses.

The legislation also directs the administration to develop a plan to add a non-binary option on all forms or documents issued by state agencies that require a gender to be listed.

While considering the bill, the Senate unanimously adopted an amendment from Senator Barry Finegold (D-Andover) that empowers individuals to amend the gender designation on their marriage certificate to conform with their gender identity.

The bill now goes to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

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Legislature Passes Bill Authorizing Chapter 90 Funding

(BOSTON 7/31/2023) — The Massachusetts Legislature on Thursday passed a bill that includes $375 million in bond authorizations for transportation needs across the state, including $200 million for the state’s Chapter 90 program, which provides municipalities with a reliable funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs.

“This week, the Massachusetts Legislature once again reaffirmed our commitment to modernizing the Commonwealth’s transportation systems through investments into roads, bridges, and public transit,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Safe, reliable, and dependable transportation options are critical to keeping Massachusetts competitive – thank you to House and Senate leaders, as well as to my colleagues, for getting this critical legislation to the Governor’s desk.”

This legislation also authorizes $175 million in programs that will support various transportation-related projects. This includes $25 million for each of the following:

• Municipal small bridge program

• Complete streets program

• Bus transit infrastructure program

• Grants to increase access to mass transit and commuter rail stations

• Grants for municipalities and regional transit authorities to purchase electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them

• Funding for pavement and surface improvements on state and municipal roadways

• New funding dedicated to additional transportation support based on road mileage, which is particularly helpful for rural communities

The bill, having passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives, will now be sent to Governor Healey’s desk for her consideration.

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Senate Passes $513 Million Supplemental Budget

(BOSTON 7/27/2023) — The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed a $513 million supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2023. The legislation funds relief for hospitals, pension liabilities, special education costs, and flexible assistance for farms throughout the Commonwealth impacted by recent severe weather events. The bill also extends simulcast and harness horse racing as well as extends reporting dates for several governmental agencies. In addition, the legislation ratifies several outstanding collective bargaining agreements.

“Making investments to support Bay Staters is critical to moving toward our goal of building a Massachusetts that works for everyone. I’m pleased to have voted to pass a supplemental budget that does just that,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “This legislation funds health care, unemployment assistance, and special education, as well as extends vital relief to farmers affected by recent severe weather in Central and Western Massachusetts. I’d like to thank my colleagues and the Senate President for advancing this key legislation.”

Appropriates $513M of fiscal year 2023 direct appropriations, including:

• $180M for relief to fiscally strained hospitals

• $100M for a supplemental transfer to the Pension Liability Fund

• $75M to support school districts with extraordinary special education costs

• $60.3M for staffing needs at the Department of Transitional Assistance

• $40M for a reserve to support costs related to Tatum vs. Commonwealth of Massachusetts

• $26.2M for collective bargaining agreement costs

• $20M for natural disaster relief for farms and affected areas

• $10.7M for public health hospitals

• $506k for interstate flood compact costs

• $200k for EEC contingency contract costs

Policy impacts:

• Clarifies an internal citation for large building energy reporting.

• Extends simulcast wagering and live horse racing in the Commonwealth until July 31, 2024.

• Extends the reserve to meet the costs of oversight functions in the Office of the State Auditor, the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Inspector General and the Office of the Comptroller related to the expenditure of federal 2019 pandemic-related funding to July 30, 2027.

• Increases the maximum allowable amount for the Department of Early Education and Care contingency contracts from $320,000 to $520,000.

• Extends for 12 months the reporting date for the intergovernmental coordinating council’s initial analysis of electric vehicle charging infrastructure deployment.

• Extends the reporting date for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation analysis of the operation of electric charging stations to October 1, 2024.

• Ratifies several collective bargaining agreements.

• Authorizes the Department of Public Utilities to allow electric distribution companies to recover expenditures and payments associated with the construction delay of certain clean energy generation power purchase agreements.

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey certain parcels of land to the city of Framingham.

• Allows a city or town to amortize, over fiscal years 2025 to 2027, the amount of its 2024 major disaster related deficit.

Because the House previously passed its own version of a supplemental budget, a conference committee will be formed to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill before being sent to the Governor’s desk.

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$26.3 Million in Food Security and Resiliency Grants Announced

(CHICOPEE 7/21/2023) — Working to combat food insecurity, the Healey-Driscoll Administration this week announced over $26.3 million in grants to strengthen Massachusetts’ food supply system and mitigate future food supply and distribution disruption issues. During an event today at the Fruit Fair Supermarket in Chicopee, Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper, and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle joined state and local officials to announce the funding of 165 projects through the Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program. Four of these projects are located in the Second Worcester District.

The program was created to combat urgent food insecurity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent flooding in Western and Central Massachusetts is expected to have a further impact on food security in Massachusetts, as many impacted farms play an important role in combating hunger. Healey-Driscoll Administration officials have been assessing damage at farms and discussing recovery and mitigation efforts over the past week. The FSIG program is designed to ensure farmers and other local food producers are better connected to a strong and resilient food system. For the first time in the history of this program, the administration prioritized projects that support organizations impacted by drought or extreme weather events. 

“Massachusetts is privileged to have farms in every corner of this state, providing fresh, local, and sustainable food for communities in the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “It is critical that our government supports farmers who bolster local economies while also making our food supply more resilient in the event of emergency. I’d like to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for providing grants to projects in my district and beyond as we continue to fight for healthy, affordable food for all.”

“In speaking to farmers over the past week, it’s clear that they need support now more than ever after being hit hard by extreme weather events from flooding to drought to late frost,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our farmers are the backbone of Massachusetts’ food infrastructure, and it’s critical that we continue to make short and long-term investments through grants like these to help strengthen resiliency and enhance mitigation efforts.”

“Our food system is highly localized. It is important to build a food network that nourishes our communities and sustains businesses and workers,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “With the recent flooding, more Massachusetts communities are experiencing food insecurity, making it even more imperative that we ensure food producers are given the resources they need to meet increased demand while also providing healthy food to residents.”

The FSIG program was created to provide grants for capital infrastructure investments that increase access to locally produced food for families and individuals throughout the state who may be facing food insecurity, live in gateway cities or food deserts, or otherwise face unequal access to food. The program seeks to ensure that farmers, fishers, and other local food producers are better connected to a strong, resilient food system to help mitigate future supply chain issues.

Awardees in the Second Worcester District include:

Grafton

• Global Village Farms Inc. – $24,879

  • Award will be used to install irrigation and a well to increase ability to grow fresh food.

Worcester

• UMass Chan Medical School – $418,678

  • Award will be used to build an indoor hydroponic container farm to help address urban food deserts in their community.

• Worcester Regional Food Hub – $204,467

  • Award will be used to purchase a steam kettle and a truck in order to complete their public market and food hub.

• A.P. Fish Company – $36,585

  • Award will be used to replace a freezer to increase efficiency and production.

“In the past few months, Massachusetts has seen both droughts and extreme rainfall, record-setting temperatures, and poor air quality,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “The climate crisis is here, and the FSIG program could not be more important. It’s clear that our farmers, fishers, and other organizations in our food system need help building resiliency to these impacts.” 

“Now more than ever, we need a robust local food system that can withstand the ever-increasing weather challenges our farmers will continue to face,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “With these FSIG awards, Massachusetts is poised to increase our ability to grow more food and just as importantly, provide that food to as many as possible across the Commonwealth.”

A list of all 165 project grants can be found here.

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Senate Approves Bill for Progressive Tax Relief

(BOSTON 6/16/2023) — The Massachusetts Senate approved on Thursday a $590 million Tax Relief bill which delivers support to low- and middle-income earners and chips away at the headwinds that threaten Massachusetts’ competitiveness. Focusing on providing relief to residents across Massachusetts while upholding fiscal responsibility, the Senate's tax relief package will provide relief to renters, seniors, and parents struggling with high early education costs while also increasing much-needed housing production. With the passage of the House and Senate’s Fiscal Year 2024 budgets last month, the Commonwealth is now poised to secure and strengthen its economic foundation to weather future uncertainty.

“I am thrilled that the Senate has centered the bulk of our tax relief package on those who have been impacted most by the rising cost of living and historic inflation – working-class individuals and families,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The passage of this legislation re-affirms our commitment to making Massachusetts a more equitable, more affordable, and more competitive place to live and work. I’d like to thank Senate leadership and my colleagues for joining together to advance targeted and sustainable tax relief, and I look forward to continuing our work together to achieve these goals.”

This package includes a variety of initiatives as tax relief for the residents of Massachusetts. The bill:

• Increases the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which provides critical support to working families, from 30% to 40% of the federal credit

• Merges existing credits into a new and enhanced Child and Dependent Tax Credit (CDTC), increases the amount of the credit from $180 to $310 per child/dependent, and eliminates the current cap of two children/dependents

• Increases statewide cap for the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) from $10 million to $57 million on a one-time basis and then to $30 million annually

• Increases the cap on the rental deduction from $3,000 to $4,000

• Raises annual authorization of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, which directly supports the production of affordable housing units across the Commonwealth, from $40 million to $60 million

• Doubles the maximum senior circuit breaker credit, which supports elderly residents who struggle with high housing costs, from $1,200 to $2,400

• Excludes homes valued at under $2 million from the Estate Tax and eliminates the “cliff effect” by allowing a uniform credit of $99,600 for all estates

• Triples the maximum credit under the Title V Tax Credit, which supports families who must replace failed septic systems, from $6,000 to $18,000, and lifts the amount claimable to $4,000 per year

• Increases the statewide cap for the Dairy Tax credit from $6 million to $8 million

• Expands eligible occupations for the Apprenticeship Tax Credit

• Doubles the credit for lead paint abatement to $3,000 for full abatement and $1,000 for partial abatement

• Expands the types of alcoholic drinks which qualify for a lower tax rate as part of the cider tax

Notably, this legislation ensures that student loan payment assistance offered by employers will not be treated as taxable compensation. The bill also adds regional transit fares and bike commuter expenses to the allowable commuter expenses eligible for favorable tax status.

To encourage affordable housing, the bill gives municipalities the option of adopting a local property tax exemption for real estate that is rented to a person below a certain area-dependent income level.

Additionally, the bill also directs the following studies:

• A study by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance on the feasibility of making advance quarterly payments of the Child and Dependent Tax Credit

• A study by the Department of Revenue on the efficacy of an additional, elective entity-level tax of up to 4 percent on a portion of qualified taxable income in the Commonwealth, coupled with a refundable credit, for eligible pass-through entities

As different versions of this legislation have passed the Senate and the House of Representatives, a conference committee will now be appointed to resolve differences between the two bills. 

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Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program Grant Awarded to Quinsigamond Community College

(BOSTON 6/2/2023) — The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced last week that Quinsigamond Community College has been awarded a $200,000 grant through the FY23 Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program. This program, an initiative of EOLWD Secretary Lauren Jones, is in support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s effort to improve workforce outcomes among individuals returning to their communities after incarceration.

This grant was awarded to fund a partnership between Quinsigamond Community College and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program with a focus on the culinary industry. Successful program graduates will be placed into food preparation roles at Massachusetts Restaurant Association and Snapchef.

“Those who have been incarceration often struggle to find employment after they have completed their sentence, often preventing them from completely re-integrating into society and increasing the likelihood they will re-offend,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Programs such as the Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program can break the cycle of incarceration by offering a path to employment, helping formerly incarcerated people become productive members of society. I’m pleased that Quinsigamond Community College will partner with the Worcester County Sheriff’s office to offer this program to those in Central Massachusetts. Thank you to the EOLWD and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for leading on this issue.”

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Senate Approves Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

(BOSTON 5/26/2023) — The Massachusetts Senate approved on Thursday a $55.9 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). Following a robust, spirited, and engaging debate process, the Senate approved 478 amendments, adding $82.2 million in spending to the budget. As the Commonwealth continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate’s budget prioritizes upholding fiscal discipline and responsibility, and supports the long-term economic health of the state. The Senate budget delivers historic levels of investment in education, housing, regional transportation, health care, workforce development, climate preparedness, and much more, while centering equity and opportunity as part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy to make Massachusetts more affordable, inclusive, and competitive.

“The single most important thing we can do as legislators is make investments that will pay dividends for years down the road. By choosing to invest in the Commonwealth’s people, services, industry, and infrastructure, we are doing exactly that with the passage of the FY24 Senate Budget,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m pleased that my colleagues and I were able to come together to make smart, targeted, and responsible investments in the parts of the Commonwealth that need it the most. I’m also thrilled that I was able to secure 14 amendments, including local earmarks for each and every community in the Second Worcester District. I’d like to thank Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, and my Senate colleagues for their leadership during this budget debate.”

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means’ budget recommends a total of $55.8 billion in spending, a $3.4 billion increase over the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Budget. This spending recommendation is based on a tax revenue estimate of $40.41 billion for FY24, representing 1.6 percent growth with an additional $1 billion from the new Fair Share surtax, as agreed upon during the Consensus Revenue process in January.

Remaining vigilant about the current fiscal environment, the Committee’s FY24 budget adheres to sound fiscal discipline and builds up available reserves for the state’s Stabilization Fund. The fund has grown to a record high of $7.16 billion and is projected to close FY24 at $9.07 billion, ensuring that the Commonwealth continues to have the means to uphold fiscal responsibility during a time of ongoing economic volatility.

The Senate’s FY24 budget also sets aside $575 million to pay for a progressive tax relief package that will center equity and chip away at the headwinds that threaten Massachusetts competitiveness. This tax package will be discussed and debated following the conclusion of the FY24 budget process.

Amendments secured by Senator Moore include:

Statewide

• Expanding access to contraceptives – authorizes local pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives when appropriate, based on rules to be determined by the Department of Public Health

• REDO Funding Guardrails – requires at least 75 percent of funding allocated to Regional Economic Development Organizations (REDOs) is used by REDOs themselves, and not for state-directed “special projects”

• Accelerated Repair Program Spending Cap Exemption – exempts the Accelerated Repair Program from the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s statutory spending cap

• $1.526 million to fund Court-Appointed Special Advocate programs across the Commonwealth, including $430,000 for these programs in Worcester County

• $400,000 in additional funding for hate crime prevention programs in elementary and secondary public schools in Massachusetts, bringing the total funding to $800,000

• $100,000 for Bottom Line, Inc to support its college transition and retention services for low-income and first-generation college students

• $200,000 to fund updated sound tests along Massachusetts’ highway sound barriers

Regional

• $500,000 in additional funding for the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, bringing the total funding to $2 million

• $83,000 to Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical School to remove and replace a 30-year-old underground storage tank; $25,000 is provided by Senator Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton)

• $40,000 to the Lake Quinsigamond Commission to manage invasive plants, monitor water quality, provide educational opportunities, and upgrade waterway navigation markers

Auburn

• $20,000 to Auburn Youth and Family Services for building improvements

• $25,000 to the Town of Auburn to purchase a public safety dispatch digital recorder

Grafton

• $47,000 to Community Harvest Project in Grafton to purchase a tractor to continue to harvest fresh produce for local food banks

Millbury

• $5,000 to Millbury Public Schools to support the Millbury Carpentry Partnership Program

• $30,000 to Millbury Public Schools to support the Advanced Manufacturing and Computer Science Program

• $35,000 to the Town of Millbury to fund building improvements at Millbury Town Hall

Shrewsbury

• $35,000 to Dean Park in Shrewsbury for ADA accessibility improvements

Westborough

• $45,000 to the Town of Westborough to purchase security cameras for Westborough Town Hall and Westborough Senior Center

Worcester

• $100,000 to CENTRO Inc in Worcester for the operation of their Minority Economic Empowerment and Home Ownership Center

• $60,000 to the City of Worcester to support additional emergency housing for unsheltered families in Worcester

Fair Share Investments

Consistent with the consensus revenue agreement reached with the Administration and House in January, the Senate’s FY24 budget includes $1 billion in revenues generated from the Fair Share ballot initiative voters approved in November 2022, which established a new surtax of 4 percent on annual income above $1 million and invests these new public dollars to improve the state’s education and transportation sectors.

To safeguard this new source of revenue, the Senate’s FY24 budget also establishes an Education and Transportation Fund to account for these Fair Share funds in an open and transparent manner. This will ensure the public is visibly informed about how much revenue is collected from the new surtax and how much of this revenue is being dedicated to improving public education and transportation systems in accordance with the ballot initiative.

Notable Fair Share Education investments include: 

·       $125 million for Higher Education Capital Funding, focused on reducing backlog of deferred maintenance projects

·       $100 million for Financial Aid Expansion to expand financial aid programs for in-state students attending state universities through MASSGrant Plus, bringing the total proposal for this program to $275 million, more than doubling the amount of scholarship funding provided by the state just two fiscal years prior

·       $100 million for Massachusetts School Building Authority Capital Supports for cities, towns and school districts experiencing extraordinary school project costs impacted by post-COVID inflationary pressures

·       $30 million for Student Support Services to ensure students in the Commonwealth have success on the post-secondary level through wraparound supports, bringing the total program investment to $44 million

·       $25 million to reduce the waiting list for the income-eligible child care assistance program, which will create approximately 2,200 new slots for children

·       $25 million for capital investments in early education and care programs to build capacity and ensure the ability of programs to safely accommodate additional slots

·       $20 million for Mass Reconnect, as a first step toward free community college in the Commonwealth for those aged 25 and older

·       $20 million for a Free Community College Program for nursing students as a pilot to support a high-need workforce area and build toward universal free community college in the fall of 2024

·       $15 million for Free Community College Implementation Supports to collect necessary data, develop best practices, and build capacity for free community college in the fall of 2024

·       $15 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, which empowers school districts to expand prekindergarten and preschool opportunities through public-private partnerships; this funding is on top of an additional $15 million in non-Fair Share funding for this initiative

·       $15 million to expand upon the Senate-championed program that supports early education and care staff members with paying for their own personal child care

·       $10 million for Early College and Innovation Pathways

Notable Transportation investments include:

·       $190 million for MBTA Capital Investments for critical capital resources for both the subway and commuter rail systems

·       $100 million for Regional Transit Funding and Grants, which will exclusively be used to support the work of the Regional Transit Authorities that serve the Commonwealth, more than doubling the total funding for RTAs to $194 million, including:

o   $56 million to be distributed to RTAs for operating assistance, with special attention paid to those RTAs with historically low state operating assistance

o   $25 million for an innovation grant program for transportation providers across the Commonwealth for initiatives such as electrification, infrastructure, capital investments, new and innovative service delivery models, expanded service hours or weekend service, rural connectivity, and connectivity improvements across regional transit authority service areas

o   $15 million for fare-free pilot program grants to provide six months of fare-free RTA service across the Commonwealth

o   $4 million through the Community Transit Grant Program to support expanded mobility options for older adults, people with disabilities and low-income individuals

·       $100 million in supplemental aid for roads and bridges, half of which will be expended consistent with the Chapter 90 program, while the other half will be spent with a focus on the total mileage of participating municipalities

·       $50 million for a reserve to provide matching funds for transportation projects that are eligible for federal funds, which will help the state better compete for increased federal transportation funding made available by the Biden Administration

·       $50 million for Highway Bridge Preservation, to ensure that consistent funds are provided to make sure that critical infrastructure does not fall into disrepair

·       $5 million for MBTA Means-Tested Fares, which will cover initial exploration of the feasibility of implementing a means-tested fare program at the MBTA

·       $5 million for Water Transportation, which will cover one-time expenses for a pilot program covering operational assistance for ferry services

Education

The Senate Ways and Means FY24 budget proposal takes the first step toward implementing the Senate’s Student Opportunity Plan by making high-quality education more accessible and by making record investments to support students across the full breadth of the Commonwealth’s education system, from Massachusetts’ youngest learners to adults re-entering higher education. 

Recognizing that investments in our early education and care system support the underlying economic competitiveness of the Commonwealth, the Senate’s budget makes a historic $1.5 billion investment in early education and care. This is the largest-ever proposed annual appropriation for early education and care in Massachusetts history. For context, this area of the budget has increased by more than 77 percent (more than $660 million) over the budget from three fiscal years prior. The FY24 budget will maintain operational support for providers, support the early education and care workforce, and prioritize accessibility and affordability throughout our early education and care system.

Notably, this will be the first fiscal year in which the annual state budget includes a full year of funding for C3 grants, signaling a historic commitment to maintain this crucial lifeline for our early education and care sector. Funded at $475 million, this program, which is open to all early education and care providers, provides monthly payments to programs throughout Massachusetts. These grants, which are received by 88% of early education and care programs in the Commonwealth, have empowered programs to raise salaries, to hire additional staff, to maintain their enrollment levels, and to avoid tuition increases. Without the continuation of these grants, 751 providers (which serve over 15,000 children) have indicated that they would have to close their doors.

Other notable funding includes:

·       $45 million for the center-based childcare rate reserve for reimbursement rates for subsidized care, including:

·       $20 million in line-item appropriations, and

·       $25 million in expected leftover funds from Fiscal Year 2023

·       $30 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, which empowers school districts to expand prekindergarten and preschool opportunities through public-private partnerships. This is double the amount that was appropriated for this initiative in FY23.

·       $25 million in new funding to reduce the waiting list for income-eligible child care assistance program, which will create approximately 2,200 new slots for children

·       $25 million in new funding for capital investments in early education and care programs to build capacity and ensure the ability of programs to safely accommodate additional slots

·       $17.5 million for grants to Head Start programs, which provide crucial early education and child care services to low-income families

·       $15 million, an increase of $5 million over FY23, to assist early education and care staff members with paying for their own personal child care

·       $10 million for professional development and higher education opportunities for early educators, to assist with recruitment and retention challenges in the workforce

·       $5 million, an increase of $1.5 million over FY23, for mental health consultation services in early education and care programs

In addition to these appropriations, the Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes a policy section that will allow subsidized early education and care programs to provide child care discounts to their own staff members.

For K-12 education, the Senate commits once again to fully funding and implementing the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) by FY 2027, investing $6.59 billion in Chapter 70 funding, an increase of $604 million over FY 2023, as well as doubling minimum Chapter 70 aid from $30 to $60 per pupil. This investment ensures that the state remains on schedule to fully implement the Student Opportunity Act by FY2027 and ensures that all school districts are equipped with the resources to deliver high quality educational opportunities to their students.

In addition to these record investments in early education and public K-12 education, the Committee’s budget expands pathways to affordable public higher education for all by building capacity for free community college for all students in Fall 2024. Laying the groundwork for this momentous change to make higher education more accessible, the Senate budget includes $275 million for the scholarship reserve, $55 million to accelerate and build up capacity to support free community college across all campuses by fall of 2024, and $40 million for free community college programs for students aged 25 or older and for students pursuing degrees in nursing starting in the fall of 2023, thereby addressing a critical need felt across the state.

The Committee’s budget also welcomes students regardless of their race, national origin, citizenship, or immigration status, making clear that all high school students who attend for three years and graduate from a Massachusetts high school are eligible to receive in-state tuition at our public institutions of higher education.

Other education investments include:

·       $503.8 million for the special education circuit breaker

·       $230.3 million for charter school reimbursements

·       $97.1 million to reimburse school districts for regional school transportation costs, representing a 90% reimbursement rate

·       $15 million for Rural School Aid supports

·       $15 million for Early College programs and $12.6 million for the state’s Dual Enrollment initiative, both of which provide high school students with increased opportunities for post-graduate success

·       $5 million to support implementation of the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Higher Education law, including:

·       $3 million for grants offered through the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment initiative to help high school students with intellectual disabilities ages 18–22 access higher education opportunities, and

·       $2 million for the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Trust Fund

·       $2.5 million for the Civics Education Trust Fund, after an increase of $1 million through the amendment process, to promote civics education and civic engagement throughout the Commonwealth.

·       $2 million for the Genocide Education Trust Fund, continuing our commitment to educate middle and high school students on the history of genocide.

·       $1 million, adopted through the amendment process, for the Department of Higher Education to support Hunger-Free Campuses for both two- and four-year public institutions of higher education and minority serving institutions

Health, Mental Health & Family Care

The Senate budget funds MassHealth at a total of $19.93 billion, providing more than 2.3 million people with continued access to affordable, accessible, and comprehensive health care services. Other health investments include:

·       $2.9 billion for a range of services and focused supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

·       $597.7 million for Department of Mental Health adult support services, including assisted outpatient programming and comprehensive care coordination among health care providers.

·       $582 million for nursing facility Medicaid rates, including:

·       $112 million in additional base rate payments to maintain competitive wages in the Commonwealth’s nursing facility workforce

·       $213.3 million for a complete range of substance use disorder treatment and intervention services to support these individuals and their families

·       $119.8 million for children’s mental health services, after an increase of $500K through the amendment process for the establishment of Behavioral Health Pilot Program for K-12 Schools

·       $71.2 million for domestic violence prevention services

·       $42.9 million for Early Intervention services, ensuring supports remain accessible and available to infants and young toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities

·       $33.8 million for Family Resource Centers to grow and improve the mental health resources and programming available to families

·       $26.3 million for grants to local Councils on Aging to increase assistance per elder to $14 from $12 in FY 2023

·       $25 million for emergency department diversion initiatives for children, adolescents, and adults

·       $21.5 million for family and adolescent health, including:

·       $9.2 million for comprehensive family planning services, and

·       $6.7 million to enhance federal Title X family planning funding

·       $20 million to recapitalize the Behavioral Health, Access, Outreach and Support Trust Fund to support targeted behavioral health initiatives

·       $19.2 million to support student behavioral health services at the University of Massachusetts, state universities, community colleges, K-12 schools and early education centers

·       $15 million for grants to support local and regional boards of health, continuing our efforts to build upon the successful State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) Program

·       $12.8 million for Elder Nutrition Meals on Wheels, after an increase of $1 million through the amendment process

·       $6 million for Social Emotional Learning Grants to help K-12 schools bolster social emotional learning supports for students, including $1 million to provide mental health screenings for K-12 students

·       $5 million for Children Advocacy Centers to improve the critical supports available to children that have been neglected or sexually abused

·       $4.6 million for the Office of the Child Advocate

·       $3.8 million for the Massachusetts Center on Child Wellbeing & Trauma

·       $2 million for grants for improvements in reproductive health access, infrastructure, and safety

·       $1 million, adopted through the amendment process, for the Public University Health Center Sexual and Reproductive Health Preparation Fund for the purpose of reimbursements to public universities for abortion medications

·       $1 million, adopted through the amendment process, for the development, expansion and operation of freestanding birth centers and support for community-based maternal health services

The Senate’s FY24 budget codifies into law the federal Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) provisions that protect access to preventive services. By enshrining the ACA protections into state law, insurance carriers across the Commonwealth will be required to provide coverage for preventive services without imposing cost-sharing such as co-pays and deductibles. With this vital step, the Senate is protecting access to preventive health care services for millions of our residents, including screenings for cancer, diabetes, HIV, and depression, as well as preventive medications such as statins, immunizations, and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV), and further protecting the rights and freedoms of residents to make their own health care choices without federal interference.

Through the amendment process, the Senate also took a crucial step toward expanding access to reproductive health by allowing pharmacists to dispense hormonal contraceptives.

Expanding & Protecting Opportunities

The Senate remains committed to continuing an equitable recovery, expanding opportunity, and supporting the state’s long-term economic health. To that end, the Committee’s budget includes a record investment in the annual child’s clothing allowance, providing $450 per child for eligible families to buy clothes for the upcoming school year. The budget also includes a 10 percent increase to Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) benefit levels compared to June 2023 to help families move out of deep poverty.

Economic opportunity investments include:

·       $444.7 million for Transitional Assistance to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and $201.4 million for Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) to provide the necessary support as caseloads increase and to continue the Deep Poverty increases

·       $60 million for adult basic education services to improve access to skills necessary to join the workforce

·       $36 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program, after an increase of $1 million through the amendment process

·       $20 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to connect unemployed and under-employed workers with higher paying jobs

·       $21 million in Healthy Incentives Programs to maintain access to healthy food options for households in need

·       $15 million for a Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program to provide economic support to communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system

·       $15.4 million for Career Technical Institutes to increase our skilled worker population and provide residents access to career technical training opportunities

·       $5.8 million for the Innovation Pathways program to continue to connect students to trainings and post-secondary opportunities in the industry sector with a focus on STEM fields

·       $5 million for community foundations to provide emergency economic relief to historically underserved populations

·       $5 million for the Secure Jobs Connect Program, providing job placement resources and assistance for homeless individuals

·       $2.5 million for the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Innovation Fund, including $1.5 million to further partnerships with community colleges and state universities to provide cybersecurity workforce training to students and cybersecurity services to municipalities, non-profits, and small businesses

·       $600,000 through the amendment process for the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative, which will provide municipalities with technical assistance to promote compact, walkable downtowns that have a vibrant mix of commercial and residential uses, cultural and recreational amenities, and access to public transportation.

Housing

As the Senate puts in motion plans to make the Commonwealth  more inclusive, home affordability remains on the top of residents’ minds. To that end, the Senate’s FY24 budget makes a historic $1.05 billion investment in housing, dedicating resources programs that support housing stability, residential assistance, and homelessness assistance.

The budget prioritizes relief for families and individuals who continue to face challenges brought on by the pandemic and financial insecurity, including $324 million for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters and $195 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), which will provide rental assistance that a household can receive at $7,000. Other housing investments include:

·       $200 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), including $20.4 million in funds carried forward from FY 2023, creating more than 750 new vouchers and allowing the program to move to a payment standard with a benefit of 110% of the federal small-area fair market rental price, significantly broadening housing options for those served by the program

·       $110.8 million for assistance for homeless individuals

·       $107 million for assistance to local housing authorities

·       $39.6 million for the HomeBASE diversion and rapid re-housing programs, bolstering assistance under this program to two years with a per household maximum benefit of $20,000

·       $26 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), including $9.1 million in funds carried forward from FY 2023. This funding increase will create 250 new vouchers and will pair with $2.5 million for grants to improve or create accessible housing units. Both programs will also benefit from the inclusion of project-based vouchers in AHVP, which will stimulate the building of new deeply affordable and accessible homes

·       $7.6 million for sponsor-based supportive permanent housing

·       $6.4 million for the Home and Healthy for Good re-housing and supportive services program, including:

·       $250,000 for homeless LGBTQ youth

·       $500,000 through the amendment process for a matched savings, coaching, and support program for first-generation, first-time homebuyers across the Commonwealth

In addition to these record supports, the budget makes permanent a COVID-era renter protection that slows down the court process in eviction proceedings when the tenant has a pending rental assistance application. 

Community Support

The Committee’s budget – in addition to funding traditional accounts like Chapter 70 education aid – further demonstrates the Senate’s commitment to state-local partnerships, dedicating meaningful resources that touch all regions and meet the needs of communities across the Commonwealth. This includes $1.27 billion in funding for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), an increase of $39.4 million over FY 2023, to support additional resources for cities and towns. In addition to traditional sources of local aid, the Committee’s budget increases payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land to $51.5 million, an increase of $6.5 million over FY 2023. PILOT funding is a vital source of supplemental local aid for cities and towns working to protect and improve access to essential services and programs during recovery from the pandemic. Other local investments include:

·       $194 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to support regional public transportation systems, including $100 million from Fair Share funds to support our RTAs that help to connect all regions of our Commonwealth.

·       $47.3 million for libraries, including $16.7 million for regional library local aid, after an increase of $750,000 through the amendment process, $17.6 million for municipal libraries and $6.2 million for technology and automated resource networks.

·       $25 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture and creative economy initiatives.

The FY24 Senate Budget will soon be available on the Massachusetts legislature’s website: https://malegislature.gov/Budget/FY2024/SenateBudget.  https://malegislature.gov/Budget/

A conference committee will now be appointed to reconcile differences between the versions of the budget passed by the Senate and House of Representatives.

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Mass Cultural Council Announces $7.66M in New Cultural Facilities Fund Grants

(BOSTON – 05/22/2023) Last week, MassDevelopment and Mass Cultural Council, two state agencies that jointly administer the Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF), announced the 94 recipients of the Fiscal Year 2023 CFF grant round, investing a total of $7,661,000 into cultural facilities and projects throughout the Commonwealth. Recipients include Creative Hub Worcester, receiving a $200,000 grant, and Worcester Natural History Society (EcoTarium), receiving a $14,000 grant.

“The incredible world-class cultural attractions in Massachusetts – museums, music halls, theaters, studios, and more – bring rich experiences and education to residents and tourists alike,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “These funds, allocated this week, will allow institutions to renovate and improve their buildings to better serve their visitors. Creative Hub Worcester and the EcoTarium are great local organizations – I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature, the Governor, MassDevelopment, and Mass Cultural Council for coming together to fund vital institutions like these.”

“Massachusetts is fortunate to be home to many museums, theaters, and other arts and culture-based destinations, and the Cultural Facilities Fund provides an important avenue for the Commonwealth to co-invest in their upkeep and expansion,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “These institutions are core to our economy – driving tourism, creating jobs, and educating and inspiring countless visitors. MassDevelopment is proud to administer this fund together with the Mass Cultural Council, and thanks the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Legislature for their support.”

The CFF provides capital and planning grants to nonprofit organizations, colleges, and municipalities that own or operate facilities primarily focused on the arts, humanities, and sciences. CFF awards invest in the acquisition, design, repair, renovation, expansion, and construction of nonprofit and municipal cultural facilities. All CFF awards are subject to a 1:1 matching requirement.

Funded annually through the Governor’s Capital Spending Plan, this round of CFF grants is supported by a $10 million capital bond appropriation approved in 2022. The Healey-Driscoll Administration has also proposed a $10 million appropriation in its second supplemental budget to support an additional round of the program.

“The Cultural Facilities Fund is such a wonderful partnership – created by the Legislature, funded annually by the Administration, and jointly managed by Mass Cultural Council and MassDevelopment – all parties working together to ensure that cultural infrastructure has a public source for maintenance and support in Massachusetts,” said Michael J. Bobbitt Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “These facilities are an important part of the Commonwealth’s creative and cultural sector, hosting public events, meetings, concerts, and classes, allowing creatives to engage with members, visitors, and audiences. It’s so important – for safety, for access, and for our state economy – to invest in and take good care of these gathering places, so that we can all engage and partake in the power of culture.”

There are three types of awards available through the Cultural Facilities Fund:

1.     Capital Grants, which support the acquisition, design, construction, repair, renovation, rehabilitation or other capital improvements or deferred maintenance of a cultural facility.

2.     Feasibility & Technical Assistance Grants, for costs and expenses related to overall planning and feasibility for a proposed eligible project.

3.     Systems Replacement Plan Grants (SRP), a specific type of Feasibility and Technical Assistance Grant specifically designed for organizations without full-time maintenance staff. The SRP is a 20-year capital needs assessment of the building and its mechanical systems.

In this 15th grant round, a total of 179 applications were received: 137 proposals for capital projects; 31 for Feasibility and Technical Assistance grants; and 11 for SRP grants.

Seventy-six, or 42% of these applications were submitted by first-time applicants to Mass Cultural Council, and 16, or 9% of the applications were submitted by organizations who self-identify as BIPOC-centered organizations.

A total of 94 awards worth $7,661,000 was approved by a vote of the MassDevelopment Board of Directors on May 11, including:

·       59 Capital Grants – totaling $6,894,000.

·       25 Feasibility and Technical Assistance Grants – totaling $668,000.

·       10 Systems Replacement Plan Grants – totaling $99,000.

“Mass Cultural Council has adopted an Agency-wide recruitment and outreach strategy to ensure creative and cultural sector stakeholders from every artistic discipline and community are aware of our resources,” said Bobbitt. “I am pleased to welcome these 76 new cultural organizations and hope they will continue to engage with our programming.

A complete list of the Cultural Facilities Fund grant recipients is available here.

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Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $18.3M in Grants for Respite Initiatives

(BOSTON – 05/15/2023) Last week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $18.3M to organizations and communities across Massachusetts to create or enhance services that provide short-term relief to family members or primary caregivers of individuals with complex needs. Seven Hills Family Services, an organization offering services in Worcester and throughout Massachusetts, has been selected to receive a $520,273 grant to support their programs.

The 42 awardees demonstrated innovative strategies to deliver person-centered respite care in new or enhanced ways. The funded proposals will support caregivers with reprieve as they care for individuals with chronic or other health conditions, disabilities, or functional limitations.

Funding may also support addressing workforce needs of home- and community-based service providers and ensuring improved access to services that are sensitive to diversity and inclusivity. Award amounts range from $40,000 to $1.2 million.

“Individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions can sometimes have complex needs that require round-the-clock attentive care,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Seven Hills Family Services offers critical respite programs for individuals throughout the Commonwealth, allowing caregivers the opportunity to rest and recharge. I’m happy to hear that the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services have allocated funds to support these vital services.”

“So many people in our state act as primary caregivers for others every single day,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh. “It is important to provide these caregivers with the opportunity to rest, while still ensuring continuity and high-level quality of care that is both culturally and linguistically appropriate to those who rely on them.”

Grant funding comes from Medicaid Home and Community Based Services under the American Rescue Plan Act. In 2021, Massachusetts created a plan to use the federal funding for enhancing, expanding, and strengthening home- and community-based services as well as behavioral health services.

Recipients include: 

• AgeSpan, Inc.

• South Shore Support Serv Inc.

• Mystic Valley Elder Services, Inc.

• Lynn ADHC, LLC

• Opportunities for Inclusion

• The Arc of Bristol County

• Federation for Children with Special Needs

• Senior Care Inc

• Home for Little Wanderers, Inc.

• Southwest Boston Senior SRVS

• LUK Crisis Center, Inc.

• Metrocare, LLC

• Advocates Inc.

• Boss Lady Sister LLC

• People Incorporated

• Childrens Hospital Corporation

• Tri-Valley Inc.

• Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc.

• Town of Dennis

• Archangels

• Grow Associates Inc.

• Town of Burlington

• Mental Health Association

• Bay Cove Human Services Inc.

• Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support

• Lifepath, Inc.

• Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living

• Charles River Association For

• The Arc of Greater Plymouth

• City of New Bedford

• Town of Bourne

• Toward Independent Living & Learning

• Seven Hills Family Services Inc.

• Northeast Arc, Inc.

• Premier Home Healthcare of MA

• WestMass Eldercare Inc.

• Incompass Human Services

• Emissary Health, Inc.

• Riverside Community Care Inc.

• Magnifique Health

• East Point ADHC LLC

• House of Possibilities Inc.

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Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $600,000 in Grants to Assist Local Communities in Meeting Sewage Notification Requirements

(BOSTON – 04/27/2023) To celebrate Earth Week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration last week announced that $600,000 in grants have been awarded to 10 regional or municipal wastewater utilities and systems across Massachusetts. This grant program is the first to help local communities meet new requirements to notify the public of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) – which are sewage discharges and untreated stormwater and wastewater – into the surface waters of the Commonwealth. The projects, selected by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), were awarded to the Worcester Department of Public Works and Parks, the City of Cambridge Department of Public Works, the City of Chelsea, the City of Fitchburg Wastewater Division, the Greater Lawrence Sanitary District (GLSD), the City of Holyoke, the City of Lowell, the Lynn Water & Sewer Commission (LWSC), the City of Pittsfield, and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission.

The funding awarded today will enable regional or municipal wastewater utilities and systems in Massachusetts to expand their efforts to meet the Sewage Notification regulation requirements to notify the public of sewage discharges and overflows to protect and preserve public health. There are more than 240 Massachusetts municipalities subject to the current regulations that took effect on July 6, 2022.

“Those living near Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester know better than most how critical sewage pollution notifications are,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “This grant, awarded to Worcester Department of Public Works and Parks, will help ensure that when sewage discharges do happen, residents in nearby communities will be notified so that they can make informed decisions to protect their health.”

“It is important for the public to be informed about events that result in sewage pollution of surface waterbodies so that people can avoid the water when it may pose a health risk. These new notifications also help raise awareness of infrastructure limitations that result in Combined Sewer Overflows,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This funding will enable wastewater utilities to expand their efforts to meet the sewage notification regulatory requirements to better inform the public of these events.”

Regulatory requirements that wastewater treatment plants and communities must meet include notifying the public of sewage discharge and overflow events, posting signage at public access points and making relevant information available online.   

“These new regulations have already helped the public become more aware of events that result in sewage pollution of surface water across the Commonwealth,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “These grants will help wastewater utilities improve their public notification timeliness, accuracy, and reliability. The grants will also help utilities develop web interfaces and signage to inform the public across language barriers.”

The groups receiving funding are:

Worcester Department of Public Works & Parks – $40,000

The City of Worcester sought grant funding to design and install equipment to monitor and measure sewage flow that passes through its existing wet weather bypass conduit to the Blackstone River.

City of Fitchburg Wastewater Division – $71,800

The City of Fitchburg requested financial assistance for work conducted to meet the CSO notification requirements in fiscal year 2023, and upcoming work to be conducted in FY 2023.  Upcoming work includes the optimization and final implementation of the public notification system and the development of their Final CSO Notification Plan.  

City of Cambridge Department of Public Works – $34,000

The Cambridge Department of Public Works proposed to replace four unreliable battery-powered flow meters at CSO locations with new utility-powered flow meters. 

City of Lowell – $66,952

This project involves modernizing the city’s CSO metering equipment, purchasing signage, and upgrading Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) services to assist in the implementation of the CSO Notification Plan.

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District (GLSD) – $121,360

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District (GLSD) requested funding for work to upgrade the method of transmitting data from their 17 metering stations that detect CSOs. The new system utilizes cell phone and line-of-sight technology to transmit data from the remote stations to the main facility for constant monitoring. GLSD staff will subsequently be able to predict and respond to high flow conditions or, in some instances, anomalies that need further investigation.

Springfield Water and Sewer Commission – $70,982

The Commission sought grant funding to modernize and upgrade their public-facing Sewage Overflow Notification website, as well as pay for meter rentals, and professional consulting support for the annual update to the Collection System Hydraulic Model.

Lynn Water & Sewer Commission (LWSC) – $80,000

The LWSC proposed upgrading the CSO and Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) metering and notification capabilities to include automated real-time public notification system, with specific outreach and inclusion of Environmental Justice communities, as required by state law.

The City of Chelsea – $42,650

The City of Chelsea requested funding for a proposed project to design and install a flashing lights system to indicate when a CSO activation occurs while providing community education. This lighting system is designed to alert the public in a way that addresses language and literacy barriers.  

City of Holyoke – $64,039

The City of Holyoke requested funds for implementation of an electronic CSO notification system and translation services to translate notifications to Spanish, as well as signage with a remotely controlled alarm system at three public access points on the Connecticut River.  

City of Pittsfield – $8,216

The City of Pittsfield sought funds to reimburse efforts spent developing their SSO Public Notification Plan and develop a wet-weather hydraulic model of the wastewater collection system. 

For more information, please visit the Sewage Notification Assistance Grant Program page on MassDEP’s website.

MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, to provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and to ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.​

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Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $500,000 in Grants to Help Watershed Coalitions, Non-Profit Organizations Monitor Water Quality

(BOSTON – 04/26/2023) To celebrate Earth Week 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration last week announced that $500,000 in Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program funding has been awarded to five coalitions and four individual non-profit watershed organizations to monitor water quality in rivers, lakes and ponds, and coastal resources across the Commonwealth. The grant program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), will support waterbody monitoring efforts in central Massachusetts’ Blackstone River Watershed, as well as others in eastern Massachusetts, the Connecticut River Valley, Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod, and the Berkshires.

“The water quality of the Blackstone River has been a high priority for residents in every single one of the 39 communities within the Blackstone River Watershed,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The Healey-Driscoll Administration, by allocating these funds, is committing to further our knowledge of the river’s water quality and how it can be affected by the actions of any scale, from a community-organized cleanup to new state regulation. Clean water is one of the most precious resources we have – I’m pleased that we are stepping up to protect it for all Bay Staters”

“Some of the most direct impacts of climate change can be observed in Massachusetts waterways,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized investing in scientific partnerships to ensure we have the robust data we need to protect our critical water resources.”

The resulting water quality data will help MassDEP to implement program requirements under the federal Clean Water Act. The grant program is available to eligible non-profit organizations, including watershed groups, lake and pond associations, and federally recognized Tribal nations within the Commonwealth with expertise for conducting surface water quality monitoring projects.

“MassDEP has long partnered with regional watershed coalitions and non-profit organizations to maintain the most current assessment of the state of Massachusetts waterbodies,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “This collaboration positions the Commonwealth to continue to be a leader in watershed management as we face a changing climate. I applaud the work of these essential stakeholders and the work of our staff to provide these important investments.”

The grant recipients and project awards are:

Organization: The Blackstone River Coalition.

Funding Amount: $23,410

Summary: The coalition will use this partial award to monitor the Blackstone River watershed. Funds will purchase equipment and supplies and support staff salaries to monitor for temperature, dissolved oxygen, water depth, aesthetics, nutrients, total suspended solids, conductivity, bacteria, and stream flow.

Organizations: The Neponset River Watershed Association, in partnership with the Charles River Watershed Association, the Center for Student Coastal Research, the Mystic River Watershed Association, the Nashua River Watershed Association, the North/South/MassBays, OARS for the Assabet, Sudbury and Concord Rivers, and Lake Archer Association.

Funding Amount: $90,869

Summary: The coalition will monitor water quality in eastern Massachusetts, which will include two technical training workshops for coalition partners. The funds will help to purchase equipment and supplies and support travel, staff salaries and external laboratory analyses to monitor for bacteria, cyanobacteria, nutrients, chlorophyll, conductivity, and turbidity.

Organizations: The Housatonic Valley Association, in partnership with the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, and the Hoosic River Watershed Association.

Funding Amount: $48,605

Summary: The coalition will conduct water quality monitoring in the Housatonic and Hoosic River watersheds, which will involve refining a data viewer to support data dissemination and outreach. Funds will be used to purchase equipment and supplies and to support staff time and subcontractor work to monitor for temperature, conductivity, E. coli, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen, and chlorine.

Organizations: The Connecticut River Watershed Council, Inc., d/b/a, the Connecticut River Conservancy, in partnership with the Deerfield River Watershed Association, the Fort River Watershed Association, and the Chicopee4Rivers Watershed Council.

Funding Amount: $66,500

Summary: The coalition will perform water quality monitoring in the Massachusetts portion of the Connecticut River watershed in conjunction with a program to engage with Environmental Justice populations. The funds will purchase equipment and supplies, and support travel and staff salaries to monitor for E. coli and nitrogen.

Organizations: The Center for Coastal Studies, in partnership with the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, and the Dennis Conservation Land Trust.

Funding Amount: $61,360

Summary: The coalition will monitor water quality in Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, and their associated aquatic systems, with a focus on impaired waterbodies. The funds will help to purchase equipment and supplies and support staff salaries to conduct water quality monitoring for dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, salinity, plant pigments, turbidity, nutrients, stream discharge, and chlorophyll.

Organizations: The Ipswich River Watershed Association, in partnership with the Parker River Clean Water Association, the Chebacco Lake and Watershed Association, the Friends of Hood Pond, Inc., and the Martins Pond Reclamation Study Committee.

Funding Amount: $55,082

Summary: The coalition will monitor water quality in streams, rivers and ponds in the Ipswich, Parker, and Essex River watersheds. The funds will purchase equipment and supplies and support travel and staff salaries to monitor for dissolved oxygen, pH, chloride, conductivity, temperature, nutrients, chlorophyl, and bacteria.

Organization: The Deerfield River Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited – Chapter #349.

Funding Amount: $26,007

Summary: The chapter is developing a new, permanent, volunteer-driven water quality monitoring program for the tributaries to the Deerfield River. The funds will purchase equipment to monitor for pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, temperature, turbidity, nutrients, and flow.

Organization: The Farmington River Watershed Association.

Funding Amount: $13,378

Summary: The association will use this partial award to monitor surface waters in the Massachusetts portion of the Farmington River watershed. Funds will purchase equipment and supplies and support staff salaries to monitor for bacteria and chloride.

Organization: The Buzzards Bay Coalition.

Funding Amount: $114,789

Summary: The coalition will use this partial award to continue a recently developed, targeted monitoring program in Buttonwood Brook and Apponagansett Bay. The funds will purchase equipment and supplies and support staff salaries to monitor for discharge, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, temperature, salinity, pH, bacteria, water clarity, and nutrients.

The $500,000 in available funds will be used to facilitate diverse activities for direct monitoring, capacity building activities, and actions to develop regional and long-term monitoring programs. The Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program was designed specifically to promote collaboration and to provide tangible benefits for Environmental Justice populations. The program addresses surface water quality protection and restoration through monitoring, outreach, and education. Over the last five years, the Walter Quality Monitoring Grant Program has provided more than $1,150,000 in grants to organizations across the Commonwealth. For more information on MassDEP’s water quality monitoring and assessment programs, please visit the agency’s Watershed Planning Program webpage.

MassDEP’s mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s natural resources – air, water and land – to provide for the health, safety and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission, MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth; to provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and to ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

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Worcester Legislative Delegation Expresses Support for School Committee’s Request for Investigation of Charter School Relationship

(BOSTON – 04/19/2023) Last week, five legislators representing Worcester sent a letter expressing support for the Worcester School Committee’s request to investigate ties between Old Sturbridge Village and the Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School. The letter was signed by Senators Michael Moore, Robyn Kennedy, and Anne Gobi, as well as Representatives Mary Keefe and David LeBoeuf.

The letter, addressed to State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Inspector General Jeffery Shapiro, and Executive Director Davis Wilson, requests that officials “examine the financial relationship, selection of the educational management organization, and composition of the Board of Trustees between Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) and the Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School (WCA).”

According to a proposal submitted by the WCA, Old Sturbridge Village leased a property in Worcester to be used for the WCA with the intention of collecting maintenance fee equal to 7% of all per-pupil tuition payments. This agreement, the Worcester School Committee says, will result in $1.7 million being paid to Old Sturbridge Village over the first five years of the charter school’s operation.

“Bay Staters expect a high level of transparency and strong ethical standards when it comes to institutions funded by taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Where there are concerns of conflict of interest or ethical malpractice, I have always strongly supported investigations to shine a light on wrongdoing or to debunk false claims. The Worcester School Committee’s request for an investigation into ties between the Old Sturbridge Village and the Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School should be honored.”

"There must be transparency and accountability with our public funding for education," said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester). "As was evident during the recent public hearing, serious questions remain about the relationship between the proposed Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School and Old Sturbridge Village. When we are talking about pulling public funding from our public schools, we have an obligation to have these concerns answered. I join my colleagues in the legislature in supporting the Worcester School Committee in calling on the State Auditor, Attorney General, and Inspector General to further examine the relationship between these 2 entities.”

"The Worcester Cultural Academy and Old Sturbridge Village owe community members answers. Public funding must be overseen with the utmost respect for the taxpayers” said Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer). “I strongly affirm the Worcester School Committee's call for an investigation. I look forward to the auditor’s report.”

The Worcester School Committee unanimously passed a request for investigation in late February 2023. “Because Massachusetts charter schools are subject to the conflict of interest law,” the letter sent by legislators closes, “we feel it is important to support the Worcester School Committee in its request for clarity on the relationship between Old Sturbridge Village and the Worcester Academy Charter Public School. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this matter.”

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Senate Passes Resolution Commending the Massachusetts Dept. of Fish and Game for its Efforts in Preserving Biodiversity

(BOSTON – 04/14/2023) Yesterday, the Massachusetts Senate passed a resolution commending the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) for its efforts in preserving biodiversity in the Commonwealth. The resolution, offered by Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury) and co-sponsored by nine senators, specifically recognizes the Department’s work on their Biodiversity Initiative, a program that supports active habitat management projects that directly benefit rare and declining wildlife species.

“I am pleased that the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game has emerged as a national leader in biodiversity conservation,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “With almost 70 percent of animal populations having been wiped out worldwide since 1970, the world is on a dangerous path. Fortunately, the DFG and its division, MassWildlife, have created a plan to protect ecosystems with its Biodiversity Initiative – a program that can serve as a blueprint for states across the country. I’m thrilled to recognize the work they are doing on this front, and I hope that state and federal officials take notice.”

The MassWildlife Biodiversity Initiative identifies areas in which human activities have significantly disrupted natural processes. It also works to re-establish natural processes like fire in certain uplands that have historically been suppressed due to human activity and to restore wetlands to vibrant open habitats along rivers and streams across the Commonwealth. This work is supported by the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, the Department of Fish & Game, MassWildlife District Offices, and the Division of Ecological Restoration.

In addition to recognizing the work of the DFG, the resolution also calls on the agency to work with Congress to establish a National Biodiversity Strategy, a plan that would coordinate a conservation response from all levels of government.

This resolution was sponsored by Senator Moore and co-sponsored by Senators Gobi, Lovely, O’Connor, Oliveira, Pacheco, Payano, Rausch, Rodrigues, and Timilty.

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Senate Passes Resolution Commending the Massachusetts Dept. of Fish and Game for its Efforts in Preserving Biodiversity

(BOSTON – 04/14/2023) Yesterday, the Massachusetts Senate passed a resolution commending the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) for its efforts in preserving biodiversity in the Commonwealth. The resolution, offered by Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury) and co-sponsored by nine senators, specifically recognizes the Department’s work on their Biodiversity Initiative, a program that supports active habitat management projects that directly benefit rare and declining wildlife species.

“I am pleased that the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game has emerged as a national leader in biodiversity conservation,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “With almost 70 percent of animal populations having been wiped out worldwide since 1970, the world is on a dangerous path. Fortunately, the DFG and its division, MassWildlife, have created a plan to protect ecosystems with its Biodiversity Initiative – a program that can serve as a blueprint for states across the country. I’m thrilled to recognize the work they are doing on this front, and I hope that state and federal officials take notice.”

The MassWildlife Biodiversity Initiative identifies areas in which human activities have significantly disrupted natural processes. It also works to re-establish natural processes like fire in certain uplands that have historically been suppressed due to human activity and to restore wetlands to vibrant open habitats along rivers and streams across the Commonwealth. This work is supported by the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, the Department of Fish & Game, MassWildlife District Offices, and the Division of Ecological Restoration.

In addition to recognizing the work of the DFG, the resolution also calls on the agency to work with Congress to establish a National Biodiversity Strategy, a plan that would coordinate a conservation response from all levels of government.

This resolution was sponsored by Senator Moore and co-sponsored by Senators Gobi, Lovely, O’Connor, Oliveira, Pacheco, Payano, Rausch, Rodrigues, and Timilty.

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Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.3 Billion in Loans and Grants to Fund Wastewater and Drinking Water Infrastructure Projects

(BOSTON – 04/11/2023) The Healey-Driscoll Administration this week announced that 185 projects across the Commonwealth are eligible to receive approximately $1.3 billion in low-interest-rate loans and grants to fund construction, planning and asset management projects designed to improve water quality, upgrade or replace aging drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and cut treatment plant energy use and costs. These offerings include nearly $173 million in additional funding from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

The following projects in the Second Worcester District are eligible to receive loans and grants:

·       Millbury Aquarion Water Company Jacques Wells Water Treatment Facility - $6,731,250 Millbury/Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District Standby Power for Resiliency – $10,000,000

·       Shrewsbury Rolfe & Maple Ave PS Upgrade and FM Replacement – $9,820,000

·       Westborough Oak Street WTP PFAS Improvements – $6,311,731

·       Worcester Quinsigamond Avenue CSO Facility Upgrades – $14,090,000

·       Worcester Lake Avenue Pumping Station Improvements – $6,200,000

“Clean water is non-negotiable,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “These investments announced by the Healey Administration will improve our drinking water systems and make our wastewater infrastructure more resilient, preserving our clean water supply while also protecting us from dangers like PFAS contamination. I will continue to support initiatives that put the health and safety of Bay Staters first – the way it should be.”

The State Revolving Fund (SRF) financing is administered by the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust and finances projects implemented by cities and towns, regional water supply and wastewater treatment districts, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). The projects include 61 clean water construction projects (see Table 1) totaling approximately $880 million and 50 drinking water construction projects (see Table 1) totaling approximately $381 million. An additional $4 million will be offered by the Trust as grants for 39 Asset Management Planning projects. Communities offered SRF financing in this round must decide to move forward with the project by June 30, 2023, and secure local funding authority.

In accordance with the Clean Energy Results Program under the direction of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), 35 of the water infrastructure projects receiving financing are for renewable energy, energy efficiency or green infrastructure initiatives. Energy use at wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities is a major contributor to overall energy consumption for many cities and towns, with communities statewide spending approximately $150 million per year on electricity to treat 662 billion gallons of wastewater and drinking water. About 30 percent of municipal energy use derives from water treatment.

Sixty-four of the new projects are eligible to receive principal forgiveness. Principal forgiveness is awarded to renewable energy projects and for projects in communities that meet the affordability criteria established by the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. The affordability criteria factors in per capita income, unemployment rate and population trends.

The Commonwealth has also offered to reduce the SRF borrowing rate from 2 percent to 1.5 percent for communities that support the Housing Choice Initiative. Twenty applicants have the Housing Choice designation: Acton, Andover, Barnstable, Billerica, Brockton, Everett, Franklin, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, Melrose, Nantucket, Plymouth, Quincy, Somerville, Stoughton, Sudbury, Taunton, Tyngsborough, and Worcester.

The SRF is composed of two programs that have provided more than $8 billion to Massachusetts projects: the Clean Water Fund, first capitalized in 1989; and the Drinking Water Fund, which began operation in 1999. More information on the two SRF programs can be found here.

This year, the Clean Water SRF provides $903 million in financing for clean water projects across the Commonwealth. Approximately $878 million will finance 59 new construction projects, $2 million will be allocated towards financing two previously approved multi-year projects, $3 million has been allocated to the emergency set-aside account, $5 million will be directed to the Community Septic Management Program to remediate failed septic systems in participating communities, and $15 million has been set-aside to finance planning and PFAS design projects.

The Drinking Water SRF provides $431 million in financing for drinking water projects across the Commonwealth. Approximately $311 million will finance 39 new construction projects, approximately $69 million will be allocated towards financing 11 previously approved multi-year projects, $5 million will fund an emergency set-aside account, $10 million has been set-aside to finance planning and PFAS design projects, and $35 million has been set-aside to finance lead service line replacement projects.

An additional $4 million will be offered by the Trust as grants for 39 Asset Management Planning projects, with 27 communities qualifying with Clean Water projects and 12 communities qualifying with Drinking Water projects.

Massachusetts awards subsidized infrastructure financing under the SRF, which is administered by the Trust – a joint effort of MassDEP, the Executive Office of Administration and Finance and the State Treasurer’s Office.

To be eligible for Clean Water or Drinking Water SRF loans, municipalities, wastewater districts, and water suppliers filed applications with MassDEP last year demonstrating that proposed projects offer significant public health or water quality benefits, have local funding authorization, and demonstrate that there is a commitment on the borrower’s part to file a timely loan application. The projects on the 2023 SRF list must now file loan applications and receive MassDEP approval to obtain funding.

The next SRF project solicitation for proposals to be considered for the 2023 intended use plan will open by MassDEP no later than June 5, 2023. 

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Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $78 Million for New Grant Programs to Support Massachusetts Small Businesses

(BOSTON – 04/06/2023) This week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) announced two new grant programs totaling $78 million in funding to support Massachusetts small businesses. 

“Small businesses across the Commonwealth have struggled over the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and high inflation, but those run by underrepresented groups and those operating in underserved markets have felt the brunt of these historic disruptions,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m pleased to have worked with my colleagues in the Legislature to provide funding for these businesses, and I’m thrilled that the Healey Administration has established a program to get this money where it’s needed the most.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “Through these new grant programs, small businesses will have access to much-needed capital and resources to help them grow and thrive. We're grateful to our partners in the Legislature for allocating these critical funds.”

The Inclusive Recovery Grant Program will provide up to $75 million in funding through grants of up to $75,000 for businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, or those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community; businesses that focus on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups; and other underserved markets.

The Independent Movie Theater Grant Program will provide a total of $3 million in funding to support movie theaters in Massachusetts. Eligible applicants can receive $15,000 for each of the first two screens they add at a particular location and $10,000 for each additional screen at a particular location.

These funds will be administered by MGCC and were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s Fiscal Year 2023 Economic Development Bill, which the Legislature passed last year.

Applications are now being accepted for both programs and are available at https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 28, 2023. Businesses interested in applying must fill out and submit the online application along with required documentation.

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Mass Cultural Council Festivals & Projects Grant Program

(BOSTON 4/4/2023) — Mass Cultural Council announced 740 recipients of Fiscal Year 2023 Festivals & Projects grants. The agency awarded $2,500 awards to cultural projects, programs, and festivals across the Commonwealth, totaling $1,850,000. Nineteen organizations across the City of Worcester and Towns of Grafton, Shrewsbury, and Westborough received an award.

“Cultural programs in the Commonwealth help to build community and provide residents with opportunities for growth and reflection. Many of these organizations were hit hard during the pandemic, so we must continue to invest in them to ensure their prosperity,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury).

Mass Cultural Council, an independent state agency, is charged with bolstering the Commonwealth’s creative and cultural sector. The agency’s efforts advance economic vitality, support transformational change, and celebrate, preserve, and inspire creativity across all Massachusetts communities.

“Community festivals, local arts programming, and creative projects are essential to celebrating, understanding, and sharing our vibrant cultural assets across Massachusetts,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “I am thrilled to support these creative initiatives and look forward to participating in many of them and encourage all residents and visitors to engage in these events and activities as they take place in communities near you.”

The Festivals & Projects program awards $2,500 grants to support publicly available cultural activities taking place between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. The program is often an entryway for organizations that have not previously received Mass Cultural Council funding. Fifty-two percent of these Festivals & Projects recipients are receiving a Mass Cultural Council grant for the first time.

“I’m pleased to note that we are funding every eligible first-time applicant as well as all eligible applicants who had previously applied for Agency support but were unsuccessful,” said Bobbitt. “I am so glad to welcome these new grantees and I hope they will continue to engage with our programs and services.”

The following organizations within the Second Worcester District, as well as the rest of the City of Worcester, can be found below:

Al-Hamra Academy

Shrewsbury, MA

Burncoat Center for Arts and Wellness LLC

Worcester, MA

Centro Las Americas

Worcester, MA

Girls Inc. of Worcester

Worcester, MA

Massachusetts Beijing Chinese Language School

Shrewsbury, MA

Nipmuc Indian Development Corporation

Grafton, MA

Push Worcester

Worcester, MA

Ritmos Dance Studio

Worcester, MA

Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts

Worcester, MA

Spiritually Fabulous Ministries

Worcester, MA

Studio Theatre Worcester

Worcester, MA

Technocopia Co.

Worcester, MA

WCUW

Worcester, MA

WICN Public Radio

Worcester, MA

Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association

Worcester, MA

Worcester Community Cable Access

Worcester, MA

Worcester Jewish Community Center

Worcester, MA

Worcester Youth Orchestras

Worcester, MA

Westborough Cultural Council

Westborough, MA

For a complete list of award recipients, visit https://massculturalcouncil.org/organizations/festivals-projects/funding-list/. Eligible projects, festivals, or activities for funding are primarily focused on promoting access, diversity, or education in the arts, humanities, or interpretative sciences and are available to the public in Massachusetts.

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