Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 1, 2022 DiDomenico announces Senate passage of $1.65B supplemental budget n March 24, Senator Sal DiDomenico and his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate passed a $1.65 billion supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). The legislation makes investments in the state’s longterm COVID-19 response, addresses staffing shortages in schools, provides support for home- and community-based services and assistance and protections for families experiencing housing and energy insecurity, funds winter road improveO ments, extends outdoor dining services and beer, wine and cocktails to-go and provides for the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees in Massachusetts. Notably, the bill would divest the state pension fund from Russian assets in response to the Russian war in Ukraine. “Repeatedly throughout this pandemic, the Massachusetts Senate has demonstrated our commitment to investing in our Commonwealth’s most critical program and services, and this J& $46 yd. S Landscape & Masonry Co. MULCH SALE! Discount Spring Special PICK-UP or DELIVERY AVAILABLE 617-389-1490 Premium Hemlock or Pitch Black BELOW WHOLESALE COSTS LANDSCAPERS WELCOME $4 yd. $42 yd. $3 yd. supplemental budget is no exception,” said DiDomenico. “With this legislation, we prioritize our most vulnerable population, continue supporting our health care workers and education sector, and make key investments in our local infrastructure to help Massachusetts build back stronger. I would like to thank Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues for their leadership in moving our Commonwealth forward and prioritizing an equitable COVID-19 recovery.” A version of this bill having been previously passed by the Massachusetts House, the differences between the two bill versions will be worked out by a Conference Committee before the bill advances to the governor’s desk. Responding to COVID-19: To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and ensure robust preparation in the event of a future variant outbreak, the bill invests $700 million (M) for the state’s COVID-19 reLaw Offices of JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” • ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING • WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES • INCOME TAX PREPARATION • WEALTH MANAGEMENT • RETIREMENT PLANNING • ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! family since 1958 • 64 “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roof ng • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Sal DiDomenico State Senator sponse. This funding would ensure the continued no-cost availability of crucial services offered to residents during the pandemic, including onsite testing, vaccinations and treatment, as well as public health staffing needs resulting from COVID-19. To further protect families facing housing challenges, the supplemental budget extends through March 2023 several protections for tenants experiencing COVID-19-related financial hardship, including extending the requirement that a court grant a continuance in an eviction case for nonpayment of rent when the tenant has a pending rental assistance application. The supplemental budget also extends popular pandemic-related provisions – including outdoor dining services and beer, wine and cocktails to-go – through April 2023. The legislation also extends COVID-19-related bonuses for members of the Massachusetts National Guard. Responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: The supplemental budget responds to the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent violence against Ukrainians. An amendment unanimously adopted on the floor of the Senate requires the Commonwealth’s Pension Reserves Investment Management (PRIM) Board to divest any holdings from companies officially sanctioned by the Biden administration or incorporated in Russia. The supplemental budget also allocates $10M for the Office of Immigrants and Refugees to support the resettlement of international evacuees, including Ukrainians. Housing and energy assistance: The supplemental budget includes several provisions relating to housing stability and support for individuals currently experiencing or near homelessness. The Senate proposal includes $100M for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program, which provides eligible families with funds that they can use to keep their housing or obtain new housing. One amendment added to the budget on the Senate floor would increase the cap of the RAFT program to $10,000 for the remainder of the fiscal year. Another amendment clarifies existing law to ensure that in all eviction cases where the only valid reason for the eviction is nonpayment of rent the tenant has access to protections. The supplemental budget also dedicates $20M to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides crucial assistance to families facing high utility bills. To increase oversight, the bill also directs the Department of Housing DIDOMENICO | SEE PAGE 5 Spring is Here!
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