THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022 Page 15 Baker files $5B general government bond bill O n January 14, 2022, the Baker-Polito Administration filed legislation seeking $4.991 billion in capital funds to support core improvements that will enable the Commonwealth to continue delivering critical state services to the people of Massachusetts. The proposal, which is titled An Act financing the general governmental infrastructure of the Commonwealth (House Bill 4336), includes $4.15 billion to maintain, repair and modernize assets that serve those most in need across the Commonwealth, help educate the future workforce, deliver on key environmental objectives and keep the Commonwealth’s communities and workers safe. It also includes $841 million to continue existing, successful grant programs that support Massachusetts communities, to improve cybersecurity and other technology infrastructure and to acquire critical public safety equipment. “This bill supports essential capital investments that will deliver long-lasting benefits to Massachusetts residents for years to come, with a focus on safety, resiliency and opportunity,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to make these important investments, which will pave the way for the continued efficient delivery of government services and economic growth.” “The proposed investments in this bill continue our Administration’s work to improve a wide range of critical infrastructure and foster growth and development across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “These funds will ensure the continuity of proven programs and enable impactful future economic, health and safety initiatives that will benefit the Commonwealth’s communities, businesses and residents.” H.4336 makes authorization available through Fiscal Year 2028 that would support $2.4 billion in existing maintenance and resiliency projects through the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM). DCAMM maintains nearly 1,700 major buildings covering 60.8 million gross square feet of property across the Commonwealth, including higher education buildings, health and human services facilities, public safety facilities and trial courts. DCAMM also leads decarbonization and resiliency efforts in accordance with Executive Order 594, Leading by Example: Decarbonizing and Minimizing Environmental Impacts of State Government, which was issued by Governor Baker in April of 2021 and directs efforts to reduce gas emissions in Massachusetts facilities. The bond bill proposes $400 million in energy efficiency initiatives at facilities statewide. An additional $1.8 million in DCAMM authorization is proposed to meet new facilities’ needs and mitigate future risks. This includes an increased focus on incorporating lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic related to the physical space and layout of facilities. The bill also proposes $185 million in authorization for the Executive Office of Technology Services and Services (EOTSS) to support a variety of cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and application modernizations initiatives. This includes projects that would modernize the Unemployment Insurance (UI) online system and build out an integrated eligibility and enrollment system to streamline the benefits application process across multiple state agencies. Fifty million dollars is proposed to improve virtual and physical security infrastructure at the trial courts facilities, including intrusion detection and video monitoring. Further public safety investments include $60 million for equipment for fire services, corrections and communications towers, and $100 million for the replacement of approximately 300 Massachusetts State Police vehicles per year, half of which will be hybrid vehicles. “This $5 billion bond bill reflects the Baker-Polito Administration’s dual commitment to supporting the Commonwealth’s assets and making sustainable, fiscally responsible capital investments,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael Heffernan. “The projects proposed are key to maintaining core government operations and BAKER | SEE PAGE 16 Everett alone atop GBL boys basketball race with win over English, 64-38 Victory over two-time defending State Champ spurs Tide to three-game winning streak By Jason Mazzilli C all it a two-vehicle collision at one of those Monster Truck stadium events from which the victor emerges unscathed. The Everett High boys basketball team came out on top this time when it hooked up at home against Lynn English — and it wasn’t even close. The Tide took a bevy of high-percentage shots and just made the visiting Bulldogs uncomfortable all night long in what turned out to be a one-sided, 64-38 win. It was billed as Greater Boston League (GBL) showdown between the two-time defending Division 1 Stater Champ — Lynn English— and the GBL’s best hope to beat them, Everett, and the Tide quickly made it a “no contest.” The win pushed Everett to 7-2 overall (undefeated at 5-0 in the GBL) as the Tide showed no signs of rust after a league-wide, one-week shutdown of play and practice. Roger Vasquez (25 points) and John MonJohn Monexant, left, scored 18 points to help lead Everett to a 64-38 win over Lynn English. (Courtesy Photo) exant (18 points) led the way for the Tide, as coach Stanley Chamblain got a team effort on defense, the first team to hold Lynn English under 40 points in years. GBL STANDINGS Everett 5-0 Lynn English 3-1 Lynn Classical 3-1 Medford 3-2 Revere 2-2 Chelsea 2-2 Somerville 0-5 Malden 0-6
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