THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 6, 2022 Page 9 FY23 BUDGET | FROM PAGE 6 and services, $33.9M in transportation services, $13.9M for the autism division and $1.8M for supportive technology for individuals. Criminal justice system To ensure every resident has equal access to the criminal justice system, the House’s FY23 budget includes a $824.6M investment in the Trial Court, $39.5M for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation and increases for Prisoners’ Legal Services and Mental Health Legal Advisors. The budget also upholds commitments made by the Legislature’s criminal justice reform, such as $11.3M for community-based residential reentry programs, and it establishes an Employment Services Division within Probation funded at $2.2M. Other investments include: • $24M for reentry and recidivism reduction programs • $5.8M for five new commissions created by the police reform law and a police reform COUNCILLOR | FROM PAGE 1 Le has pleaded not guilty. The incident was reportedly the result of an exchange between the two councillors during the February 28 City Council meeting. During the meeting, Le interrupted his female colleague several times before she finally responded, calling him an obscenity. “It’s political. It’s all politically motivated,” said Attorney Michael Kelly, counsel for Le. Although his client is an elected official, Kelly said, Le is under no obligation to make an official statement regarding the allegations. The judge ordered Le to stay away from the alleged victim. However, where they are both councillors, it is unclear as to how future City Council meetings will be conducted. Under state law, indecent assault and battery is a felony and is punishable by up to five years in prison. In addition, the City Charter states: “Any councilor who has been finally convicted of a state or federal felony shall be deemed to have vacated their office and shall be disqualified from serving in any other elective or appointive office or position under the city.” It has also been reported that Le has used his position as an elected official to get discounts on services at loreserve • $11.6M for the Municipal Police Training Council, which will provide standardized training to all sworn law enforcement officers • $2M for a new pilot program to provide rent subsidies to formerly incarcerated individuals returning to the community • $27.5M for probation community corrections centers • $11.2M for residential reentry programs • $6M for the Emerging Adults Recidivism Reduction Grant Program • $3.8M for the Demonstration Workforce Development program • $3.6M for the creation of two new After Incarceration Support Centers – modeled off the Hampden County Center For the first time ever, the House FY23 budget removes barriers to communication services for incarcerated persons and their loved ones. The Department of Correction (DOC), sheriffs and the Department of Youth Services (DYS) must provide phone calls free Environment The budget also continues of charge to persons receiving and persons initiating phone calls and other services, such as video or electronic communications. The newly created Communications Access Trust Fund includes $20M in initial funding to make payments to DOC, sheriffs and DYS to cover the cost of providing these free services. The budget also eliminates probation and parole fees to reduce the burden on individuals during their reentry process. Currently, individuals pay $50 per month for administrative supervised probation fees, $65 per month for probation supervision fees and $80 per month in parole fees. the House’s focus on environmental and climate protection by investing $349.7M for environmental services, which include funding increases for state parks, environmental protection and fisheries and wildlife. Additional measures include promoting electric vehicles and funding for environmental justice and climate adaptation and preparedness. Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Ward 4 Councillor Jimmy Tri Le appeared in Malden District Court on April 28 on charges of indecent assault and battery. (Photo Courtesy of the City of Everett) cal businesses. He is also accused of harassing female employees. In January, Sal’s Custom Dry Cleaners went so far as to issue a No Trespass Order against Le. Throughout the prior year, Le went into the business on several occasions allegedly harassing two young female employees, asking them to go on dates with him; although they reminded him that he is married, allegedly Le would not relent. Le was first elected to the council in 2019 when he defeated Domenic Puleo. He was reelected in 2021 over challengers Holly Garcia and Benjamin Murray. Le was also nominated to be the council president.
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