Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 Sen. Boncore secures critical funding for local organizations, COVID-19 relief, healthcare in FY21 budget T he State Senate voted unanimously to pass a $46 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21), after adding $36.1 million in targeted investments over the course of two days of deliberations. Passed with bipartisan support, the budget aims to move the Commonwealth towards an equitable recovery by making critical investments in sectors impacted by COVID-19, including early education and childcare, food security, housing supports and public health. “This budget is a reflection of the Senate’s values putting families and communities fi rst while ensuring fiscal stability and making considerable investments to bolster essential services in transportation, housing, food security and education,” said State Senator Joseph Boncore. “This budget also puts the Commonwealth on a path of health and economic recovery by providing resources to communities coping with the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Boncore championed several critical local and statewide issues that were adopted in the Senate budget: ● $3 million for acute pediatric care at Tuft’s Children’s Hospital ● $2.5 million for the New England Aquarium to continue inspiring and educating visitors from Boston and around the world ● $150,000 for Amplify Latinx, ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 Regular Unleaded $1.899 Mid Unleaded $2.399 Super $2.459 Diesel Fuel $2.219 KERO $4.159 Diesel $1.959 HEATING OI 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS AVIS | FROM Page 2 is not a peaceful day in the neighborhood,” she said. “We don’t need any more congestion down in that area. We’re going to have gridlock every single day of the week; that’s really not a place that needs 900 additional cars.” Ward 6 Councillor Richard Serino said he has met with Simeone and Caruso, and that while he is not as opposed to the project as he was when he initially heard about it, his main concern is still traffic. “Right now, the site is a stone construction yard where they crush stone, bricks and concrete,” he said, with heavy diesel trucks coming in to make deliveries and to cart away the product. “Right now, there are a lot more trucks going in and out then if we allow the Avis car lot…It will be a paved parking lot that will be neat and be an improvement for the area, but obviously, traffi c is still my biggest concern.” In addition to generating additional excise tax for the city, Serino said, it wouldn’t generate any additional need for city services. Councillor-at-Large George Rotondo said he supports the proposal, adding that he would like to see the day when Avis relocates the majority of its Logan business to Revere. an organization that encourages Latinx civic engagement and supports Latinx small businesses through advocacy and grants ● $50,000 for the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen, an organization on the front lines serving those in need both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic ● Continued support for Community Based Residential Re-entry Services to curb recidivism and build stability for returning citizens Boncore’s amendment to implement a new fee structure for Transportation Network Companies was also adopted. This will not only direct more revenue to public transportation, but also alleviate congestion and reduce emissions. The Senate’s $5.283 billion investment will allow all school districts to maintain foundation spending levels while accounting for enrollment and infl ation changes. This includes $70.3 million in Chapter 70 funding for Revere, an increase of $629,000 over FY20. The Senate’s budget supports cities and towns while allowing them fl exibility to confront the unique challenges facing them by directing signifi cant resources to local and regional aid. The Senate approved $1.129 billion for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) to support community investments in education, health care, public safety and roads and bridges. This includes $10.9 million for Revere. The Senate’s budget recommends a total of $46 billion in spending, a 5.5% increase over the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) General Appropriations Act. The budget also avoids drastic budget cuts while leaving the Commonwealth in a sound fi scal position moving forward. Additional investments and accomplishments include: ● $5.283 billion in targeted education investments, an increase of $107.6 million over FY20. ● Strengthening public health infrastructure at the local, state and regional levels to combat the eff ects of the COVID-19 pandemic ● Maintaining and expanding access to mental health care ● $138 million in opportunity investments, including grants and loans to small businesses and summer jobs and work-readiness training for atrisk youths ● $540 million in housing stability programs to support many families, tenants and property owners in this time of crisis ● Additional protection measures to ensure the state’s residents most at risk of eviction during the pandemic are kept safe and secure in their homes ● $44.2 million in food security investments On November 12 the House passed the FY21 budget, 14314. On November 18 the Senate passed its version of the budget, 39-0. On November 23 the House appointed a Conference Committee to reconcile the differences between the Senate budget and the version passed by the House of Representatives. Prices subject to change FLEET HAPPY FALL! Y
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