Senator Moore Urges CCC to Block Individuals Convicted of Sex Crimes from Cannabis Retail and Delivery Jobs

(WORCESTER 9/8/2023) — Today, Second Worcester District Senator Michael Moore testified in a public hearing before the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) to urge changes to its draft regulations which would allow sex offenders to gain employment in the cannabis industry as retail or delivery operator agents. The new regulations, written as directed by a new law designed to promote diversity and equity in the cannabis industry, would prevent consideration of prior criminal convictions in most cannabis industry hiring decisions with the exception of offenses involving distribution of a controlled substance to a minor. This provision, though written with good intentions, would allow convicted sex offenders to view sensitive personal information and put cannabis customers, and other marijuana workers at risk, Senator Moore says.

“When it comes to the safety of the general public, there should be no higher priority. Cannabis customers have the right to make their purchase without fear of handing over their personal information and home address to someone with a record of sex crimes,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I agree with the spirit of this law – there are absolutely individuals with criminal records that stem from misguided ‘war on drugs’ policies who should be allowed to work and benefit from the now-legal cannabis industry. But allowing convicted sex offenders to visit customers’ homes or see their sensitive information creates unnecessary risks and endangers everyday Bay Staters. I strongly urge the CCC to amend their proposed regulations to recognize and minimize this risk.”

Passed by the Massachusetts legislature and signed by Governor Charlie Baker in August 2022, An Act Relative to Equity in the Cannabis Industry builds on existing legislation to encourage and facilitate participation in the cannabis industry from communities disproportionately harmed by marijuana criminalization. As part of its efforts to diversify the cannabis industry, the legislation inserted a provision into Chapter 94G of Massachusetts General Law stating that, “a prior criminal conviction or other criminal case disposition shall not disqualify an individual or otherwise affect eligibility for employment in connection with a marijuana establishment, other than an independent testing laboratory, unless the offense involved the distribution of a controlled substance, including marijuana, to a minor.” This provision prompted the CCC to propose eliminating certain suitability standards from existing regulation, two of which disqualify felony sex offenders and those convicted of failure to register as a sex offender from employment in the cannabis industry.

Employees who can access sensitive personal information in many industries and in the public sector are subject to background checks that disqualify individuals convicted of violent and sexual crimes, as are delivery drivers for popular services such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, and Caviar. The same standard should apply to cannabis industry workers whose job descriptions include many of the same tasks, argues Senator Moore.

Other policies within the legislation include the establishment of a Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund, a fund designed to make grants and loans to entrepreneurs from communities disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition, changes to the host community agreement process to simplify and streamline the application process, new requirements to bring more immediate relief to individuals seeking expungement of a past cannabis criminal convictions, and steps toward the permitting of social consumption sites.

Senator Moore’s testimony comes after he sent a letter to the CCC and several commissioners last month expressing his concerns. A full version of Senator Moore’s letter can be found here.

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Senator Michael Moore to Host Firearm Safety and Education Day

(AUBURN 9/5/2023) — Senator Moore today announced that he will host a Firearm Safety and Education Day event in late October. The event returns after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-registered participants will receive hands on instruction on proper gun, rifle and shotgun use by the friendly and knowledgeable staff at the Auburn Sportsman’s Club. The event is free and includes equipment, student texts, lunch, and refreshments. At the end of the day-long course, participants will be eligible to apply for their license to carry.

Space at this event is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Registration is open to all, but preference will be given to residents of the Second Worcester District.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 and run from 8:30am to 4:30pm. It will be hosted by the Auburn Sportsman’s Club, located at 50 Elm Street, Auburn MA 01501.

Interested individuals can sign up by emailing Doreen.Goodrich@masenate.gov or by calling Senator Moore’s Boston office at (617) 722-1485.

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Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $65 Million in Community Development Block Grants

(BOSTON 9/1/2023) — Last week, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Edward Augustus Jr. joined Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, members of the local legislative delegation, and municipal leaders from across the state to award $64.9 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). These federal funds will support a variety of housing, community, and economic development projects and programs in 72 Massachusetts cities and towns, including Millbury.

“I am thrilled to hear that Millbury will be a recipient of a generous $1.35 million Community Development Block Grant this year,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “This grant will fund real, tangible improvements to the Millbury Senior Center and a critical intersection in the center of town. I’d like to thank the Governor, Secretary Augustus, and all the local leaders who worked together to deliver this grant to the people of Millbury.”

“The Town of Millbury is grateful to our partners at the Central Mass Regional Planning Commission and the Commonwealth to receive such a significant Community Development Block Grant award” said Karyn Clark, Millbury Acting Town Manager. “Funds will be utilized to support an energy efficient roof and insulation upgrades at the Millbury Senior Center, as well as utility and streetscape improvements to the Maple and Providence Street intersection, adjacent to a Millbury Housing Authority facility.”

“This investment will allow cities and towns across Massachusetts to strengthen and revitalize their communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Across the state, we are going to see cities and towns use these Community Development Block Grants to fix their roadways, expand their housing options, and improve the quality of life they offer their residents – and we’re so excited to see the impact those investments will have. We’re grateful to our federal delegation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their work in getting these funds to Massachusetts and for their commitment to helping us make Massachusetts the most competitive, most affordable, and most equitable state we can possibly be.” 

“As a former Mayor, I know firsthand how grants like this play a critical role in giving our towns and cities the resources they need to make a real impact on the lives of Massachusetts residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We know how important it is to invest in our communities, and these CDBGs open doors to opportunities for growth and revitalization across the state. We’re so excited to see all the awardees use these funds to improve their communities.”    

“The funds awarded today will improve the lives of Massachusetts residents,” said Ed Augustus Jr., Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “From Washington D.C. to Main Street, these funds represent a partnership across all levels of government. Today we put the power of federal funding into the hands of local communities to invest these flexible grant dollars directly into the programs and services residents need most. EOHLC is proud to partner with cities and towns to ensure that these funds are spent efficiently and effectively, and I congratulate all this year’s awardees.”

This year’s awards reflect combined FFY22 and FFY23 CDBG funding.

CDBG funds are allocated annually to the Commonwealth through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by EOHLC. Communities may apply alone, or multiple communities may join and apply together. 

CDBG funds are designed to be flexible so recipients can use their funds on a wide range of eligible projects. Assistance is provided to qualifying cities and towns for housing, community, and economic development projects that assist low-and moderate-income residents or revitalize areas of slum or blight.

A full list of awardees can be found here.

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Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Grant Awarded to Community Healthlink of Worcester

(BOSTON 8/28/2023) — Last week, Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw announced the six recipients of the FY24 Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC) Grant, including an award of $602,242 to Community Healthlink of Worcester. The grant, funded by the Massachusetts State Budget passed by the Legislature, aims to fund mental health consultation services for children to help them address developmental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Providing this support will support healthy development, reduce the suspension and expulsion rate in early childhood and care settings, and promote school success.

“Providing mental, emotional, and behavioral support to young children who need it is critical to setting our youth up for lifelong success in school, at home, and beyond,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I am pleased that Commissioner Kershaw and the Department of Early Education & Care have selected Community Healthlink to receive this generous grant to connect children in Central Massachusetts with mental health counseling. I’m hopeful that the legislature will continue to fund programs like these.”

"We are in a time of mental health crisis and providing the necessary support to organizations equipped to do the work of caring for our youngest residents is vital," said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester). "As an advocate for early childhood resources – supporting the health and wellbeing of every child – I am thrilled to see Community Healthlink receive this grant to directly help children with the tools needed for a successful transition into adolescence and adulthood."

Community Healthlink is a community-based provider of mental healthcare for children, families, and adults. The organization provides care through a wide variety of programs, including in-home therapy services, mobile crisis intervention, support services for children with disabilities, counseling for survivors of abuse, and more. Their service area includes much of Central Massachusetts. Community Healthlink is a division of UMass Memorial Health, Central Massachusetts’ leading healthcare system.

The FY24 ECMHC Grant was awarded to five other organizations, including Behavioral Health Network, Inc. of Springfield, Enable, Inc. of Canton, Justice Resource Institute, Inc. of Needham, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children of Lexington, and Walker, Inc. of Needham.

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Home Rule Petition to Authorize Real Estate Tax Abatement for Ava Roy Passes Legislature

(BOSTON 8/17/2023) — State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) and Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury) are happy to announce that the Legislature has authorized Shrewsbury to grant a real estate tax abatement for Ava Roy, daughter of firefighter Christopher Roy.

House Bill 3906, An Act authorizing the town of Shrewsbury to grant abatement of real estate taxes for the daughter of fallen firefighter Christopher Roy, authorizes the town of Shrewsbury to grant real estate tax abatement for the domicile of Ava Roy as long as it is owned and occupied by her guardian, trustee, conservator, adoptive parent, or other fiduciary. Ava Roy’s father, Christopher Roy, was a Worcester firefighter who was killed in the line of duty in 2018. Ava is under the guardianship of her grandparents and lives with them in Shrewsbury. Tax assessors are allowed to exempt real estate taxes for the surviving minor children of police or firefighters who are killed in the line of duty if the minor child owns and occupies the property, and a trust set up for Ava holds percentage ownership of the property. However, Ava is a minor child, and as such is unable to own the property nor serve as trustee. As a result, the Shrewsbury Board of Assessors was unable to grant tax relief until the passage of this bill.

“I am pleased that Shrewsbury will now be able to exempt the real estate taxes for the home in which Ava Roy lives with her grandparents,” Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) said. “This measure satisfies the intent of the original state law allowing for a property tax exemption to the children of fallen firefighters.  I am grateful to the Assessor’s office in the town of Shrewsbury for bringing to my attention the need for special legislation to provide this benefit in Shrewsbury. Senator Moore and I are happy to have filed and helped expedite this legislation after the passage of the home rule petition at Shrewsbury Town Meeting this past May.”

“With the passage of this legislation, Ava Roy will receive the state support that she deserves after the tragic death of her father, Christopher Roy,” said Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury). The Commonwealth must give back to those whose family members lose their lives as a result of serving their communities, and I’m proud to have worked with Representative Kane to uphold Christopher Roy’s memory.”

House Bill 3906 is a home rule petition filed at the request of Shrewsbury after it was unanimously passed at Shrewsbury’s May 2023 Annual Town Meeting. It was passed by the House and Senate on August 17, 2023. Governor Healey is expected to sign the bill in the coming days.

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Governor Maura Healey Signs $56 Billion Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

(BOSTON 8/10/2023) — Gov. Maura Healey yesterday signed a $55.98 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), making historic investments in schools, child care, workforce development, public transit, housing, climate resiliency, and other key areas that will help make Massachusetts more affordable, competitive, and equitable. The budget includes hallmark proposals from Governor Healey, including making community college free for students aged 25 and older through MassReconnect, expanding Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grants for early education and care providers, increasing funding for Early College, Innovation Career Pathways, apprenticeships and other workforce development programs, and dedicating 1 percent of the budget to energy and the environment for the first time.

The FY24 budget also solidifies the state’s partnership with its cities and towns, making historic investments in Chapter 70 school aid, unrestricted government aid, and student transportation. This spending plan fully funds another year of the Student Opportunity Act and dedicates resources to help cities and towns redevelop and revitalize their downtowns.

“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 Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Senate President Karen Spilka, Chair Rodrigues, House Speaker Ron Mariano, and my House and Senate colleagues for their leadership during this budget debate.”

The budget, for the first time, makes strategic use of $1 billion in new revenue generated from the voter-approved Fair Share income surtax and establishes a blueprint for how this revenue will be tracked and spent in future years on priorities in education and transportation, as directed by the voters.

“Our administration is proud to deliver our first budget that meets the moment by making Massachusetts more affordable, competitive and equitable. This budget makes significant investments in schools, child care, clean energy, the environment, and access to mental and physical health care,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are grateful to Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Rodrigues and the entire Legislature for their hard work on this budget that reflects our shared values. We look forward to finishing the job by delivering a tax relief package that will put money back into the pockets of families, renters, seniors and more.”

The FY24 budget is balanced and does not rely on any use of one-time funds from the state’s stabilization account, the balance of which will grow to an all-time high of more than $8.5 billion after an anticipated $525 million deposit. The bottom line responsibly reflects $200 million set aside to fund collective bargaining agreements for the new fiscal year.

The plan also sets aside $580 million for the first year of a tax relief plan the Healey-Driscoll Administration filed in March that is pending final resolution with the Legislature, where each branch has approved their own versions of the bill. This tax package would put money back in the pockets of residents who need help with costs like food, housing and child care. Notably, the budget includes a section initially filed in the tax package to reauthorize Brownfields Tax Credits, which will allow for contaminated sites to be remediated and redeveloped for critical uses like housing.

The FY24 budget includes key investments to help make Massachusetts more affordable. It invests in programs like the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) by adding 750 new vouchers for low-income tenants and providing $37 million for HomeBASE to connect Emergency Assistance (EA)-eligible families with more permanent housing opportunities.

It funds and makes permanent universal lunch for public school K-12 students and dedicates $475 million to child care providers through the C3 program. The budget also uses $25 million to permanently support Food Security Infrastructure Grants and delivers more than $330 million in student financial aid, including $84 million to expand MASSGrant Plus scholarships for low-income, in-state, undergraduate students attending public higher education institutions.

Amendments Secured by Senator Moore

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 $1,500,000 in 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 system to determine updated placement and priority of 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

Outside Sections and Vetoes

Gov. Healey signed 103 of the 112 outside sections included in the budget and has returned eight sections with amendment and vetoed one section. Of those outside sections signed into law, the administration is proud to support in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants, universal school lunch, tenant protections and an expansion of ConnectorCare for low- to middle-income individuals earning up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level.

Other outside sections returned with technical amendments, but supported by the administration, include:

• Extending the implementation date for no cost calls for inmates at state and county correction facilities by five months to make sure the policy can be thoughtfully implemented and is affordable in FY24.

• Giving employers and the Department of Family and Medical Leave more time to effectuate the section allowing workers to supplement their weekly PFML benefit amount with accrued vacation time, sick time, or other paid time off to collect their average weekly wage.

In signing the FY24 budget, Gov. Healey has vetoed an outside section authorizing the use of $205 million in one-time funding from the Transitional Escrow account to support ongoing programming. To balance the budget, the Governor has also vetoed approximately $205 million in net spending from the plan.

FY24 Budget Highlights

Fair Share

$524 million for education

• $71 million for early education and care will increase childcare slots for income-eligible families and put the Commonwealth on a path to universal Pre-K

• $224 million for K-12 education will guarantee access to free lunch for students across the Commonwealth, expand pathways for high school students to earn college degrees and fund clean energy infrastructure in schools

• $229 million for higher education that will help make community college and a four-year degree more accessible through the MassReconnect program and financial aid expansions

$477 million for transportation

• Preserve critical highway bridge infrastructure

• Improve accessibility at MBTA stations

• Initiate means-tested MBTA fares

• Create a path for innovative service pilots and increased rural connectivity for regional transit authorities

Education and Local Aid

• Fully funding of the Student Opportunity Act, including a $594 million, or 9.9 percent increase, in Chapter 70 funding

• $475 million for Commonwealth Cares for Children grants to early-education providers

• $10 million for a career pathways program for early educators

• Extends in-state tuition rates at the state’s public universities to immigrants without documentation

• $172 million in permanent funding to provide universal school lunch for public school K-12 students

• A 3.2 percent increase to Unrestricted General Government Aid

• Major increases of $21.3 million for school transportation reimbursement and $9.5 million for rural school aid

• Full funding of Special Education Circuit Breaker

• Increases payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land by $6.5 million or 14 percent

Housing and Homelessness

• Supports the creation of the new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

• Creates 750 new Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) vouchers for low-income tenants

• Creates 150 new Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) vouchers for individuals with disabilities, including, for the first time, 50 project-based vouchers

• Reauthorizes the Brownfields Tax Credit recommended in our tax relief package

• $324 million for the Emergency Assistance Family Shelter (EA) program, representing a 48 percent increase over Fiscal Year 2023 

• $37 million for HomeBASE to connect EA-eligible families with more permanent housing opportunities

• Addressing and preventing homelessness by making Chapter 257 eviction protections permanent for renters with pending EA applications

Economic Development

• $8 million for targeted initiatives at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to support workforce, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and the innovation economy 

• $5 million for Small Business Technical Assistance Grants to leverage the expertise of nonprofits to offer technical assistance, education, and access to capital for small businesses ​

• $600,000 for the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative for municipalities looking to revitalize their downtowns​

Health and Human Services

• $173 million for Chapter 257 rate increases for human service providers

• $192 million from the Behavioral Health Trust Fund for one time programming aimed at recruiting and supporting a diverse behavioral workforce, including a ​$100 million enhancement to the Loan Repayment Program for mental and behavioral health professionals 

• An increase of $44.6 million for behavioral health initiatives at the Department of Mental Health to expand inpatient and community capacity

• Adds $6.1 million for immigrant and refugee services, including $1.8 million for health assessments and $1.5 million for employment programs

• $2.75 million for Technology Forward to provide assistive technology and remote supports/monitoring

• Supports a pilot to expand subsidized ConnectorCare coverage to individuals at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty limit

• Expands access to contraceptives by allowing pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptives to individuals without previous prescriptions

Workforce Development

• $16.2 million for Summer Jobs Program for At-Risk Youth (Youthworks) to subsidize wages and facilitate career development of at-risk youth 

• $15.4 million for Career Technical Institutes

• $3.8 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program to fund approximately 1,000 placements 

Serving Our Veterans

• Funds the new Veterans’ Services at $185.6 million, a $11.4 million, or 7 percent, increase from FY23 GAA​

• Prepares for the opening of new Soldiers' Homes facilities

• Chelsea’s long-term care transition from the Quigley Building to Community Living Center will begin March 2023​

• Holyoke is set to replace its long-term care facility by 2027 and is in the design phase of the project with DCAMM​

• Invests in payroll and overtime costs for nursing staff at the Homes

Transportation

• $100 million for a new Municipal Partnership grant program for a road construction reserve

• $28 million for implementation of the Work and Family Mobility Act, including extended RMV service hours

• $200 million for MBTA capital investments including station accessibility and improvements and design for the Red-Blue connector.

• $20 million for the MBTA Workforce Safety Reserve, which can be used to support employee recruitment and retention

• $5 million for implementation of means-tested fares

• $15 million for fare-free pilot programs at Regional Transit Authorities

Energy and the Environment

• Funds the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs at $557.9 million, 1 percent of total available funding for FY24 GAA

• This represents a $119.5 million, or 27 percent, increase over FY23, including new environmental justice staff and funding to establish a Federal and Regional Strategic Planning Office to coordinate market reform, transmission, and hydropower

• $25 million to permanently support Food Security Infrastructure Grants 

• $30 million for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to support wind technology, clean homes, and workforce training programs in the clean energy industry

• $4.8 million for a decarbonization clearinghouse for energy efficiency, electrification, and storage

• $5 million to address deferred maintenance at the Department of Conservation and Recreation parks and facilities

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

• Funding for re-entry pathways including green career training programs

• Supports new and enhanced training requirements through the POST Commission and Municipal Police Training Committee

• $2 million to establish a Safe Neighborhood Initiative, a collaborative effort with law enforcement and community leaders to develop comprehensive solutions to reduce crime and protect communities

Technology and Cybersecurity

• $9.2 million in additional cybersecurity investments

• $2.6 million in software licenses for Web security, network endpoint protection, and threat detection

• Supports continued consolidation of IT services for executive branch departments

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Nursing Facility Capital Improvement and Innovation Project Loan Recipients Announced

(BOSTON 8/10/2023) — Earlier this week, MassHealth announced the awardees of the Nursing Facility Improvement and Innovation Project Forgivable Loan Program, several of which are located in Worcester. This program, funded through Section 1599-2029 of Chapter 102 of the Acts of 2021, An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery needs, grants forgivable loan awards to certain nursing facilities to be used on capital improvement projects meeting certain requirements.

To be awarded a forgivable loan, a project must accomplish at least one of the following goals:

• Develop specialized care capacity, such as den dialysis, infectious disease isolation, etc. (through use of new space or conversions of existing space);

• Offset the costs of pay-go capital improvements such as upgrades to heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning systems; or

• Fund innovative projects, such as converting multibed rooms to two-bedded or single occupancy.

“Our seniors deserve the absolute best care. I am thrilled to see that the Commonwealth is investing in improving nursing homes in Central Massachusetts and across the state,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Improving air quality, upgrading technology, bringing more amenities to residents – these are all worthy causes. I’m pleased to have voted to authorize these grants, and I’m committed to working with my colleagues to deliver funds like these to further improve the Bay State’s nursing home care.”

Forty-eight projects were awarded grants, including nine in Worcester. A list of local projects can be found below:

Bear Mountain at Worcester

• Worcester

• Rooftop

• $109,233.25

Bear Mountain at Worcester

• Worcester

• Call bell system

• $36,713.25

Knollwood Nursing Center

• Worcester

• HVAC

• $226,625.00

Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center

• Worcester

• De-densification and related construction costs

• $911,057.60

Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center

• Worcester

• IT infrastructure; improvements to electronic medical records; patient/provider communication systems

• $144,005.68

Odd Fellows Home of Massachusetts, Inc

• Worcester

• HVAC

• $226,625.00

Parsons Hill Rehabilitation & Health Care Center

• Worcester

• HVAC

• $226,625.00

West Side House

• Worcester

• Air filtration system

• $150,029.38

Worcester Rehabilitation & Health Care Center

• Worcester

• HVAC

• $226,625.00

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Investigating History Grant Awarded to Millbury Public Schools

(BOSTON 8/9/2023) — The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recently announced the awardees of the Investigating History Implementation grant, a federally funded grant which will support school districts with the costs of adopting and implementing the newly released Investigating History curriculum. Millbury Public Schools is among the awardees, slated to receive a $23,200 grant.

The Investigating History curriculum, released by DESE for the 2023-2024 school year, provides “easy access to a comprehensive, authentic, inquiry-based curriculum that is fully aligned to the 2018 History/Social Science Framework,” according to their Investigating History webpage. Developed in partnership with teachers and history scholars, this curriculum encourages students to ask and answer “authentic, interesting questions that drive toward deeper, richer understanding of the past and the present.” Implementation of the curriculum will start with grades five, six, and seven.

“At a time when history education is being attacked and systemically dismantled in states across the country, Massachusetts is taking action to create a curriculum that immerses students in real, authentic history lessons that will encourage them to dive deeper into their schoolwork,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I am thrilled to hear that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has awarded a generous grant to Millbury Public Schools to support their implementation of the new Investigating History curriculum. This curriculum will not only help students learn about the history around them, but it will also provoke questions that help them better understand the ‘why’ behind historical events. Thank you to Commissioner Jeff Riley for bettering our education here in the Commonwealth.”

The Investigating History Implementation Grant was awarded to 38 school districts across Massachusetts, supporting around 550 individual teachers with a total grant amount of approximately $575,000 in FY24. More information on the Investigating History Implementation Grant can be found here.

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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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