Page 14 BHRC | FROM PAGE 13 noting that this ‘no’ vote is the only non-unanimous vote taken for the entire House budget, showing how little transparency, public debate, and public accountability there is in the House budget process.” (A “Yes” vote is for the consolidated amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Steven Ultrino Yes CONSOLIDATED AMENDMENT ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING (H 4000) House 159-0, approved a $7.3 million consolidated amendment that funds energy, environmental aff airs and housing programs. THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 7, 2021 cations, Utilities and Energy. “Housing is central to the well-being of individuals and families across the commonwealth,” said James Arciero (D-Westford), House chair of the Housing Committee. “Massachusetts is a high-cost state and this impacts the ability of our residents to gain and retain decent aff ordable housing. This budget provides historic funding for our housing programs as we prioritize this basic, fundamental need of our citizens.” “The House has crafted a bold budget that matches our ambitions in the fi ght against climate change and for the commonwealth’s clean energy future,” said Rep. Jeff rey Roy (D-Franklin), House chair of the Committee on Telecommuni“Climate science and policy is complicated and demands the actions articulated in this budget to avoid what is essentially the most signifi cant existential challenge of our time. It builds on the recently signed climate bill, which increases our commitment to off shore wind in the commonwealth to 5600 megawatts.” "Our prioritization of these essential environmental programs will protect and preserve our natural resources and outdoor spaces, as well as set a sustainable and resilient course for the future,” said Rep. Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston), House chair of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. (A “Yes” vote is for the consolidated amendment). Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Steven Ultrino Yes CONSOLIDATED AMENDMENT ON LABOR AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (H 4000) House 159-0, approved an $11.9 million consolidated amendment that funds labor and economic development programs. “If there is a common thread in these House budget line items, it is that we are investing in our people,” said Rep. Josh Cutler (D-Duxbury), House chair of the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. “Let’s face it, we don’t have the best weather, year-round sunshine, an abundance of gold, silver or vast oil reserves. Our greatest resource as a commonwealth is our people. We all know that what powers Massachusetts is our skilled workforce. The House budget continues these investments in our workforce and builds on them in signifi - cant ways.” “As we work our way out of this pandemic it is critical that the commonwealth play a vital role in supporting the growth of our economy and make targeted investments in areas that will improve the lives of our citizens and help those hardest hit by the pandemic, including those working in industries such as hospitality and retail,” said Rep. Jerry Parisella (D-Beverly), House chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. (A “Yes” vote is for the consolidated amendment). Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Steven Ultrino Yes Bike to the Sea Member Meeting Wednesday May 12, 7pm–9pm Join us for a zoom meeting to hear about some new ideas: • Travis Londen of Velofix: “The Bike Shop that comes to you” https://www.velofix.com/ SENATE APPROVES $400 MILLION FOR NEW SOLDIERS’ HOME IN HOLYOKE (S 2439) Senate 40-0, approved a bill authorizing $400 million to fund the construction of a new Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. The push to construct the new home follows the deaths of 77 veteran residents last year as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak at the current facility. The House has already approved a diff erent version of the bill and a conference committee will likely hammer out a compromise version. The measure also provides $200 million to increase geographic equity and accessibility of long-term care services for Bay State veterans with a focus on areas that are not primarily served by the soldiers’ homes in Chelsea or Holyoke. The Baker Administration and House and Senate leaders are all trying to speed the bill’s passage in order to meet deadlines to apply for as much as $260 million in funding from the federal government, which would leave state taxpayers with a $140 milAttendees must pre-register at: https://biketothesea.org/event/member-meeting-5-12-21 For more info contact: Jay Cobau jay@biketothesea.org (339) 224-2448 lion bill. “Massachusetts has always been a leader for veteran services, and this bill refl ects the Senate’s deep commitment to those who have served our nation,” said Sen. John Velis (D-Westfi eld), Senate Chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Aff airs. “While our veteran population and their medical needs are changing, the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home’s mission remains the same: to provide care with honor and dignity. This bond bill will ensure that the next generation of residents at the home receives the BHRC | SEE PAGE 13
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