Page 20 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023 Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma ~ ANNOUNCEMENT~ REVERE AMERICAN LEGION POST # 61 Is reopening soon! GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST – Join more than 25,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and infl uence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by MASSterlist’s new editor, Erin Tiernan, with help from Matt Murphy. Both are pros, with a wealth of experience, who introduce each article in their own clever way. MASSterlist will be e-mailed We are happy to announce that we have begun making reservations for our function hall. 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For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: https:// lp.constantcontactpages.com/ su/aPTLucK THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ votes on the only roll call from the week of March 27-31. There were no roll calls in the House last week $350 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES (S 2375) Senate 40-0, approved a bill that includes authorizing $200 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state. The $350 million package, a bond bill under which the funding would be borrowed by the state through the sale of bonds, also includes $150 million to pay for bus lane improvements, improvement of public transit, electric vehicles and other state transportation projects. The House has approved a different version and the Senate version now goes to the House for consideration. Supporters said the funding, known as Chapter 90 funding, By Bob Katzen If you have any questions about this week’s report, e-mail us at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com or call us at (617) 720-1562 will help cities and towns make their streets and bridges safer for all drivers and will improve the state’s public transportation system. They noted the money is relied on every year by local communities. “This legislation will maintain and improve our state’s infrastructure, ensure that residents have safe and reliable transportation options and support sustainable, regionally equitable economic development in communities across the commonwealth,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “Our transportation system is the backbone of our commonwealth, connecting us to our jobs, families and communities,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation. “This investment is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the future of our commonwealth, enabling our cities and towns to make the necessary improvements to promote effi cient and safe travel for all.” Geoff Beckwith, the executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, is one of the biggest advocates for more Chapter 90 funding above the $200 million. “We are grateful that the Senate has moved so quickly on this important legislation,” said Beckwith. “Cities and towns are anxious to begin the road construction season, and are waiting for this necessary infusion of funds. Communities are facing huge cost pressures as they seek to maintain 30,000 miles of local roads, so we hope the Legislature can send the best bill possible to the governor as soon as possible, as a fi rst step in investing in the massive infrastructure needs at the local level.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $350 million package.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL $388.6 MILLION FISCAL 2023 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 3548) – Gov. Maura Healey signed into law a $388.6 million fi scal 2023 supplemental budget. Provisions include $65 million for free school meals; $130 million to keep expanded nutrition assistance in place for a few more months; $2 million for the reimbursement of SNAP benefi ts for victims of benefi t theft; $250,000 for a free abortion-related legal hotline; $45 million for emergency shelter assistance; $40 million to support aff ordable housing for immigrants and refugees; and $2 million for the Boston branch of the NAACP for costs of some programs to be included in its 114th National NAACP Conference taking place in Boston in 2023. Other provisions keep some pandemic-era programs, set to expire, in place including allowing restaurants to sell beer, wine and cocktails for take-out; expanding outdoor dining; and extending the authority, set to expire in a few weeks, for public bodies, agencies and commissions to hold their meetings remotely. “I’m proud that the fi rst major bill signed into law by our administration dedicates crucial resources to help Massachusetts families access safe and secure housing, keep food on the table and pay for childcare,” said Gov. Healey. “Additionally, this bill supports our health care workforce, crucial housing and economic development programs like MassWork and our eff orts to compete for federal funding.” “This supplemental budget injects urgently needed funds into programs that support Massachusetts families and drive housing and economic development across our state,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “It also takes important steps to educate the public on their options around reproductive health care, extends accessibility and fl exibility for public meetings, protects access to clean water and bolsters broadband infrastructure.” HEARING ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS – The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on several proposed BEACON | SEE Page 22
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