THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023 Page 3 Mass. Legislature enacts $388.6M supplemental budget Bill funds essential services relied on by vulnerable populations, extends COVID-era measures, authorizes public works bonding to support cities and towns O n March 23, 2023, the Massachusetts Legislature unanimously enacted a $388.6 million supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2023. The legislation funds vital services that support vulnerable populations and address food insecurity, housing instability, the state’s long-term COVID-19 response, economic development, essential support services for incoming immigrants and refugees, and more. Notably, the bill extends initiatives fi rst implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as outdoor dining, remote public meeting access, and support for assisted living residences. The bill further authorizes $740.3 million in bonding to bolster the Commonwealth’s clean water and other public works projects for cities and towns, as well as to support the Commonwealth’s ability to compete for competitive federal grant funds. JEFFREY TURCO State Representative work and contributions to this supplemental budget.” “I’m proud that, among several critical investments, this supplemental budget provides support for many of the most vulnerable residents and communities in Massachusetts through funding for free school lunches, fi nancial assistance to homeless shelters facing an increase in their migrant population, and extended enhanced SNAP benefi ts,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and all my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for prioritizing this important legislation.” “In partnership with the JESSICA GIANNINO State Representative Early in March, the House and Senate had passed diff ering versions of the supplemental budget, and on March 23 they resolved diff erences in two amendments and enacted the supplemental budget, which now goes to the Governor for her signature. “This supplemental budget ensures that our Commonwealth continues to support the most vulnerable among us while also building on the lessons we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (DAshland). “I’m proud to say that the Legislature has proven once again that it has the courage to chart a course that leaves no place or person in the Commonwealth behind. I would like to thank our partners in the House, as well as Chair Rodrigues and his dedicated team at Senate Ways and Means, for their hard House, the Legislature has taken the necessary steps to keep the economy of the Commonwealth on a fi rm footing as we continue to emerge from the pandemic. The passage of this supplemental budget today utilizes robust tax revenues to its fullest eff ect, making substantial investments in economic development, housing, education, and the social service safety net. Those investments, along with a forward-thinking longterm bond authorization, will keep Massachusetts as a leader in the key economic sectors for decades to come,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), who is Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thanks to the strong leadership of Senate President Spilka, and the commitment of my colleagues in the Senate, we sent a clear message to the people that we will always look to protect our marginalized communities, support our education and health care workforce, and invest in local infrastructure as the Commonwealth continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic.” “This relatively modest supplemental budget addresses some of the most pressing needs the Commonwealth is facing. Whether it is ensuring that our school children have access to free meals, essential early childcare education grants, or directing critical resources to deal with the influx of migrants coming into the Commonwealth, these funds will have an immediate and positive eff ect for the residents of the state,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), who is Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “I want to thank Speaker Mariano for his leadership on these issues, my counterpart Senator Rodrigues, and all my colleagues for their timely action on this matter.” “This supplemental budget provides support for many of BUDGET | SEE Page 18 www.eight10barandgrille.com OPEN DAILY FOR DINNER AT 4 PM. CATCH THE CELTICS, BRUINS & NCAA SPORTS ON OUR 6 LARGE SCREEN TV'S! m WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 Our 50th Anniversary Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! 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