Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021 Sen. DiDomenico appointed to national task force S tate Senator Sal DiDomenico has been chosen by The Council of State Governments (CSG) to serve on its 2021-22 Healthy States National Task Force. This is “an initiative to assist states with a variety of health and well-being issues, all of which have been intensified by the pandemic,” according to CSG’s website. This bipartisan group of state leaders is tasked with providing resources and recommendations for state governments on how to best address current state challenges. Members include State Senators, State Representatives, Lieutenant Governors, Secretaries of State and Judges from throughout the United States and U.S. Territories. During a two-year process, the Healthy States National Task Force will focus on four key policy areas to provide states with a holistic policy strategy for their shared challenges. “It’s an honor to be chosen to serve on this CSG National Task Force that will gather ideas and research to provide steps for states to come out of the pandemic and improve the overall health of our nation,” said DiDomenico. “This is a great opportunity to serve with colleagues from throughout the United States and bring the proven models we have used in Massachusetts to the national stage. It is great to share our successes with other parts of the country.” The Healthy States NationSal DiDomenico State Senator al Task Force will convene throughout 2021 and 2022 to discuss and deliberate about the opportunities and policy practices that can collectively improve state health. DiDomenico has also been appointed to the Civic Health Subcommittee on the Task Force, which will explore policies that build strong communities and support meaningful civic engagement where states have the greatest nexus of influence, such as voting, civic education and participation and increasing public trust and interface with government. The full task force will also be meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this fall during CSG’s national meeting. Founded in 1933, The Council of State Governments is the nation’s largest nonpartisan organization serving every branch of elected office. State Legislature passes $48B budget for FY2022 S tate Representative Joseph McGonagle, together with his colleagues in the Legislature, voted unanimously on July 9 to pass the state’s $48.07 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). This budget maintains fiscal responsibility, does not cut services and makes targeted investments to address emerging needs, safeguard the health and wellness of the most vulnerable populations and ensure residents will benefit equitably as the state recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just like in the House budget, McGonagle was able to secure money for Everett through communications upgrades to police departments, fire departments and the construction of a boat house for community use on the Malden River. These were determined to be top priorities for the city in the upcoming year. “I am truly thankful that my amendments made it through deliberations and into the final product,” said McGonagle. “As COVID-19 cases continue decreasing, it is relieving and hopeful to see Everett and the Commonwealth as a whole begin to move forward. Not only do we address the issues facing the Commonwealth right now, but we are also investing in our future through the Student Opportunity Act, clean energy development and many other projects. I am very grateful to House Speaker Ron Mariano, House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and Senate President Karen Spilka for their diligent work on this budget.” “As we recover from uncertain times during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legislature is proud to deliver a budget that thoughtfully grows the Massachusetts economy, spurs job training Joseph McGonagle State Representative and employment opportunities, expands services and programs, and invests in our longterm priorities, such as growing our Stabilization Fund and implementing the Student Opportunity Act,” said Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano. “I am proud of my House colleagues and would like to thank Chair Michlewitz, Vice Chair Ferrante and Assistant Vice Chair Donato for their diligent work during this process. I would also like to thank Senate President Spilka and her colleagues in the Senate for their hard work and collaboration.” Taking into consideration strong tax revenue performance in Fiscal Year 2021, the final FY22 conference report increases revenue assumptions by $4.2 billion over the December consensus revenue projection for a new tax revenue projection of $34.35 billion. The FY22 budget does LEGISLATURE | SEE PAGE 8
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