Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 DiDomenico secures $2M for Early Intervention programs S tate Senator Sal DiDomenico recently announced the adoption of his amendment (#254) to An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery. This amendment directs a $2 million reserve for vendors of Early Intervention (EI) programs, which are for children ages birth to three who have developmental delays or are at risk of a developmental delay. The services provided by such programs are meant to help support families and caregivers and to enhance the development of infants and toddlers through individualized, developmentally appropriate activities within the child and family’s everyday life. The Senate version of An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery now needs to be reconciled with a similar version passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives before it can be considered by the Governor. This targeted investment of $2 million helps EI programs by infusing immediate funding to address the staffi ng crisis and address unreimbursed costs associated with the workforce shortage. The funding will be distributed based on the number of children served by each provider, so EI programs serving more children will receive more funding for their workANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.259 Mid Unleaded $3.299 Super $3.419 Diesel Fuel $3.399 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $4.81 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.099 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Sal DiDomenico State Senator force needs. In summary, this amendment will provide immediate relief to the 59 EI programs in Massachusetts by helping providers stabilize and begin rebuilding their workforce to support vital services for children and families across the Commonwealth. “Early Intervention has been one of my top priorities since I entered the Legislature,” said DiDomenico. “Early Intervention is a critical service the Commonwealth provides to 40,000 children statewide and over 1,000 families in my district alone. Through the four EI programs in my district, I have seen its eff ectiveness and the tremendous diff erence it has made in the lives of the children who need extra help early in their lives. It is my sincere hope this additional $2 million go a long way towards supporting our incredible EI providers and families.” This amendment was part of $3.82 billion bill that was unanimously passed by the DIDOMENICO | SEE PAGE 19 Mayor’s longevity bonus still in jeopardy D By Christopher Roberson espite falling short in his bid for mayor, Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone has continued to push for the eradication of the mayor’s $10,000 longevity bonus. Under the current Ordinance, the mayor is entitled to receive $10,000 at the end of every four-year term. Capone was not present during the City Council’s November 22 meeting, and Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro spoke in favor of keeping the longevity bonus. “It rewards an individual for sticking around and doing a good job,” he said, adding that the Revere City Council also has a longevity bonus in place. However, Councillor-at-Large Michael Marchese said the bonus should be removed. “I don’t think we should be paying anyone $10,000,” he said. Marchese also said the council should request an opinion from Attorney General Maura Healy’s Offi ce as opposed to relying solely on city employees. “We need an unbiased person to interpret how this was written,” he said. “I wouldn’t be doing my job if I voted in favor of this tonight.” Ward 5 Councillor Rosa DiFlorio said the incoming council should conduct a study on mayoral compensation. “Every surrounding mayor makes over $200,000,” she said, adding that the fi nal vote should not be driven by politics. “It’s not the mayor, it’s the mayor’s position.” DiFlorio also expressed her frustration with the item, which has remained before the council for several months. “Everybody’s afraid to make a decision up here,” she said. The council ultimately voted 5-2 to postpone the matter to the next meeting on December 13. City Council meeting attendance In other news, the council revisited the proposed Ordinance from Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins, which would add “absence and resignation” to City Council Rule 6 Determination of Quorum. “It is within our purview to create accountability,” said Martins. The proposed Ordinance states: “The absence of a member from two successive reguBONUS | SEE PAGE 18 Prices subject to change Fill Up & Save! Fall is Coming! FLEET
3 Publizr Home