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THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2024 Page 3 MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE PASSES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BOND BILL $1.23 billion bond bill would modernize the Commonwealth’s IT infrastructure B OSTON — Wednesday, May 15, 2024 — The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed An Act to provide for the future information technology needs of Massachusetts, also known as the FutureTech Act. This bill authorizes $1.23 billion in bonded spending and utilizes an additional $400 million in anticipated federal funding to bolster critical information technology projects across the Commonwealth. The initiatives included in the bill aim to modernize the Commonwealth’s information technology infrastructure, enabling agencies to operate with enhanced effi ciency while also upgrading cybersecurity eff orts. By investing in these advancements, Massachusetts seeks to broaden access to vital services and information, ultimately enhancing the digital landscape and user experience for all residents. “Ensuring that the Commonwealth is investing heavily in our technology infrastructure is critical, as protecting against cybersecurity threats, and enabling state agencies to operate with an increased level of effi ciency, are vital aspects of our eff ort to make Massachusetts more safe, eff ective, and prepared in a world dominated by increasingly sophisticated technologies,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for fi ling this legislation, as well as Chairs Michlewitz and Finn for their critical input, and for guiding this bill through the legislative process. I am grateful to all of my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of this bill, and for voting to pass it.” “The FutureTech Bond Bill will make state government more accessible and more eff ective for everyone in Massachusetts by ensuring our IT systems are up-todate, safe and secure, and easy to use. This will put Massachusetts in a stronger position to take advantage of new innovations, like applied AI, in ways that benefi t our residents, businesses and economy. We are grateful to Speaker Mariano and the House for moving this bill forward,” said Governor Maura T. Healey. “The FutureTech Act positions Massachusetts as a leader in current and emerging technologies,” said Representative Jessica Giannino (D- Revere). “ This bill not only ensures that our state’s technological competitiveness stays up-to-date, but also supports innovation at the local level, ultimately saving towns and cities money through improvements to their networks.” “The FutureTech Act will provide the Commonwealth a more safe, reliable, and effi cient technological experience for everyone. I want to thank leadership for their forward thinking on these emerging technologies and innovations, including all the ways it is set out to protect the people as well as increase user ability. I believe this bond bill is critical for cybersecurity and the technological growth of the Commonwealth,” said Representative Jeff rey Rosario Turco (D. Winthrop). “The passage of the FutureTech Act of 2024 marks a signifi cant milestone in Massachusetts’ journey towards technological advancement and growth, promising a safer, more connected future for all residents,” said Representative Michael J. Finn (D-West Springfield), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets. The FutureTech Act not only ensures the seamless operation of essential government functions but also lays a foundation for future innovation. Key initiatives include the implementation of transformative projects like the Business Enterprise Systems Transformation (BEST) and the Commonwealth Digital Roadmap, both aimed at enhancing administrative workfl ow effi ciency and streamlining state operations. The bill also supports a new project to consolidate and modernize the Division Occupational Licensing (DOL)’s licensing database. This project will replace the current outdated infrastructure, which relies on paper fi les as well as manual data entry and review, resulting in delayed application and renewal processing. The bill also includes authorizations for the continued rollout of the Employment Modernization Transformation (EMT), a project which will provide both employers and those seeking unemployment insurance with a new portal to conduct state-facing employment activities, facilitating a streamlined claims process for uploading information with a mobile-friendly design and increased accessibility features. In addition to addressing the Commonwealth’s immediate needs, the FutureTech Act embraces a forward-looking strategy to position Massachusetts as a leader in current and emerging technologies. By allocating funds for future AI projects and supporting initiatives like the Municipal Fiber Grant Program, the bill not only ensures our state’s technological competitiveness today, but also supports innovation at the local level, ultimately saving Jessica Giannino State Representative towns and cities money through enhancements to their networks. Investments include: • $750 million to improve service delivery to the public, including: - $120 million for Business Enterprise Systems Transformation (BEST) - $100 million for Commonwealth Digital Roadmap - $240 million for Health Insurance Exchange - $90 million for One Health • $200 million for technology or telecommunications infrastructure improvements or maintenance, including: - $52 million for Employment Modernization Transformation (EMT) - $10 million for Integrated Eligibility and Enrollment Program - $12 million for Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) Jeff rey Rosario Turco State Representative Modernization - $30 million for Electronic Health Records Modernization • $200 million to support the security of the Commonwealth’s IT Infrastructure, including: - $3 million for Criminal Justice 360 System - $5 million DOC Radio Modernization Initiative - $17 million Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Technology System • $250 million for various strategic initiatives, improvements to business intelligence, and modernization of governmental functions, including: - $15 million for Integrated Digital Data Services (IDDS) - $13 million for Enhanced Student Financial Aid Access MASS HOUSE | SEE Page 7 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Window Glass & Screen Repair

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