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Model A holds up to 25 cigars incl. ash tray, cigar cutter and leather pocket holder! Special Price! $99.95 WE MAKE HOUSE KEYS! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 Massachusetts Legislature Passes the FutureTech Act Legislation authorizes $1.26B in bonds, allocates $400M in federal funds OSTON— Today the Massachusetts Legislature enacted the FutureTech Act, taking action on a $1.26 billion bond authorization to modernize the Commonwealth’s digital infrastructure and create safer and more accessible experiences for residents and employees alike. Funding and projects included in H.4889, An Act to provide for the future information technology needs of Massachusetts, would allow state agencies to deliver services more effi ciently to residents, enhance cybersecurity on statewide platforms, and broaden access to services used by hundreds of thousands of residents statewide. The bill would also invest in emerging technologies and artifi cial intelligence (AI) and create a fund to secure anticipated federal funding to bolster health and human services-related projects. Celebrating Our 52nd Year Chris 2024 “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 Chairman Finn and each member of the conference committee for their critical input, and for guiding this bill through the legislative process. I am grateful to all of my colleagues in the House, and to Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate, for recognizing the importance of this bill, and for voting to send it to the Governor’s desk for her signature.” “Our country is constantly being shaped by the fast evolution of technology, so it is important for Massachusetts to keep pace. This legislation is going to emphasize effi ciency, security, and access among state services for our residents. I want to thank the Speaker and my collogues in the House for their support of this important legislation,” said Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere). “The past several years have proven the importance of our information technology infrastructure. This bond bill will invest signifi cant sums of money over several years to ensure that the Commonwealth is prepared to meet the ever changing technological needs of the future,” said Representative Jeff rey Rosario Turco (D. Winthrop). “The passage of the FutureTech Act of 2024 signifi es Massachusetts’ commitment to modernizing our information technology infrastructure, enhancing our cybersecurity eff orts, and ensuring a brighter, more interconnected future for our residents,” said Representative Michael J. Finn (DSpringfield), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets and House Chair of the Conference Committee. “The FutureTech Bond Bill is a forward-looking bill that ensures that the Commonwealth’s technology infrastructure is up to date and secure. These investments in innovative technologies will improve the effi ciency of state government and benefi t everyone in Massachusetts,” said Representative Danielle W. Gregoire (DMarlborough), First Division Chair and a member of the conference committee. “I am immensely proud of the dedication and eff ort demonstrated by the conference committee to bring this report to fruition,” said Representative Marcus S. Vaughn (R-Wrentham), a member of the conference committee. “This achievement stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. By working together, we have shown our shared commitment to serving the best interests of the Commonwealth.” The FutureTech Act lays a foundation for technology innovation in the Commonwealth by implementing transformative projects like the Business Enterprise Systems Transformation (BEST) and the Commonwealth Digital Roadmap, both of which would be targeted at streamlining state operations and making essential government services quicker and more effi cient. It would support a new project to consolidate and modernize the Division of Occupational Licensing’s (DOL) licensing database, which currently relies on outdated infrastructure, paper fi les, and manual data entry. Once full implemented, new systems will accelerate licensing and renewals. The bill also includes authorizations to continue investments for the Employment Modernization Transformation (EMT) rollout, which will provide employers and those seeking unemployment insurance with a new portal to manage unemployment insurance claims. With phase one already rolled out, future improvements will include easier uploads, a mobile-friendly design, and enhanced accessibility features. The FutureTech Act builds on Massachusetts’ longstanding leadership in emerging technology by allocating funds for future AI projects and supporting initiatives like the Municipal Fiber Grant Program, which boosts innovation and extends effi ciencies to cities and towns. Having passed both branches of the Legislature, the legislation will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for her signature.
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