BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) announced that the Senate restored $24.9M to the Fiscal Year 2018 budget, overriding 26 of Governor Baker’s line-item vetoes, which totaled $320.6M. These veto overrides bolster valuable programs for children, families and vulnerable residents across the Commonwealth.
“These overrides are a testament to the Senate’s commitment to local programs, education funding and economic development initiatives,” said Senator Moore. “I am particularly pleased that funding was restored to programs that have a significant impact on the Second Worcester District and the residents I represent.”
The Senate restored funding for several programs that focus on high quality education for everyone, from children beginning their education to adults making midlife career transitions. Overrides include $200K for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative and $850K for adult basic education. The Senate also restored $1M for both the Reach Out and Read program and for veterinary programs at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University located in North Grafton.
The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to combating the opioid epidemic and advancing public health across the state, restoring $1.3M for early childhood mental health clinicians, $5M for MassHealth Senior Care and $800K to eliminate the waiting list for pediatric palliative care. In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Senate restored $200K for Samaritans Inc. suicide prevention, intervention, education and outreach services.
Other overrides include:
• $1.9M for the Massachusetts Cultural Council
• $675K for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Services
• $250K to expand the Housing Court to serve all residents across the state
To view all of the Governor’s 169 line-item vetoes and legislative overrides, please visit the Legislature’s website by clicking below.