Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, NOVEmbER 18, 2022 DiDomenico Lands Agreement to Pass Bill Protecting Open Spaces bill codifies ‘no net loss’ policy into law for conservation areas in massachusetts BOSTON – Senator DiDo$4.95 GALLON We accept: MasterCard * Visa * & Discover Price Subject to Change without notice 100 Gal. Min. 24 Hr. Service 781-286-2602 menico secured an agreement with House of Representatives conferees on the Public Land Preservation Act, and later that day joined his colleagues in the Legislature to pass this legislation that protects open and public spaces throughout the Commonwealth and ensures their conservation for future generations. This legislation permanently preserves and protects the amount of land designated as open spaces and prevents it from being Schiavo Club Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Sunday, November 20 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM All are welcome to attend and enjoy Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings! Free to everyone! Come Celebrate Thanksgiving Eve Wednesday, Nov. 23 at The Schiavo Club 7:00 PM to Midnight * Free Food! * DJ and Dancing! 71 Tileston Street Everett used for other purposes. Senator DiDomenico was appointed by Senate President Karen Spilka to be the Senate Chair on the Conference Committee to negotiate a resolution with House of Representatives. “I am thrilled that we have reached an agreement on this bill which will protect our public land so our communities can have parks, green spaces, and clean water to enjoy throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Sal N. DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate and Chair of the Senate Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. “Protecting our public lands is so critically important in our state because they also help protect our residents from the effects of climate change; our forests keep our air clean, our trees provide shade and cool our urban environments, and our wetlands mitigate the effects of flooding and storms. I am grateful for Senate President Spilka’s dedication to getting this important bill passed, Senator Eldridge and Representative Balser for their years of work on this issue, and all the conference committee members for their help getting this bill over the finish line.” “As we work to mitigate the effects of climate change, we see and feel every day, it’s imFUNDING | FROM PAGE 2 taged individuals in communities disproportionately impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic; 2) $100M for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund established to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing; and 3) S ena tor DiDomenico Speaking in Favor of Open Spaces Bill recently. portant that we do not allow the quality and acreage of open lands in Massachusetts to decrease,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Open lands protect against floods, reduce heat from man-made roads and cities, increase carbon capture from plants and soils, protect our clean drinking water, and provide residents with wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities. I want to thank all the conferees, especially Senator DiDomenico for his leadership and Senator Eldridge for his years of attention and perseverance in seeing this legislation passed, as well as Senator Rodrigues for his review and support.” Since its passage as a ballot initiative in 1972, Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution has recognized the importance of public lands. $100M to support the production of workforce housing • $50M for the Equitable Developers Financing Program to support the development of new housing in certain underserved communities • $25M for regional low-threshold housing to support individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability and who struggle with substance use disorder • $20M for housing options and additional support services and resources to address the needs of immigrants and refugees • $10M for public housing redevelopment Over $500M invested to support early education, economic development, workforce development and community support initiatives, including: • $153M for small businesses grant relief, including $45M for minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses • $150M for early education and care providers through the continuation of the Commonwealth Cares for our Children (C3) stabilization grant proLands acquired for conservation purposes under Article 97 have protected status, and such lands’ sale or conversion to other use must be approved by a two-thirds vote of each branch of the Legislature. Recognizing the importance of maintaining public lands, the Legislature, working with the Administration, has for many years ensured ‘no net loss’ of open spaces by requiring equivalent replacement land into open space when disposing of Article 97 land. The conference report passed by the Legislature today codifies a ‘no net loss’ policy into law, making it legally binding. It ensures a public process takes place when a public entity considers disposing of Article 97 land and that replacement land is located nearby and of comparable acreage, fair market value, and natural resource value. The legislation includes a provision that allows for a cash payment in lieu of replacement land, provided that the payment amount is no less than 110 per cent of the value of the land and the money is used to purchase replacement land within three years. Having passed the Senate and the House of Representatives, the bill now goes before the Governor for his consideration. gram, including $60M for subsidized providers • $112M to support the MBTA’s ongoing efforts to address the Federal Transportation Administration’s staffing and safety directives • $100M for the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust fund to offset estimated overpayments made during the pandemic • $75M for investments in broadband infrastructure and access across the Commonwealth • $57M for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), ensuring relief to families facing rising energy costs • $50M to promote the attainment of debt-free higher education for students pursuing careers in high-demand industries, such as health care, education and cybersecurity • $25M for food security infrastructure grants • $12M to support the agricultural and blue economy sectors • $2.5M for computer science teacher development
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