THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021 Page 15 BHRC | FROM PAGE 14 nificant environmental benefits for the commonwealth.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment). Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Donald Wong Yes CONSOLIDATED AMENDMENT ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND JUDICIARY (H 4000) House 158-1, approved a $5.3 million consolidated amendment that funds public safety and judiciary programs. This is the only consolidated amendment which did not receive a unanimous vote. “I am proud of the work we did in the House of Representative to provide for our cities and town’s local public safety needs,” said Rep. Carlos Gonzalez (D-Springfield), the House chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. “Chief among our accomplishments is our commitment to process all untested sexual assault evidence kits within 180 days of the budget’s passage. This is an essential step towards providing the justice that all of these survivors of sexual assault are owed.” “This amendment represents the values of our commonwealth,” said Rep. Michael Day (D-Stoneham) the House chair of the Committee on the Judiciary. “These … investments seek to help the marginalized, keep our communities safe and continue our march towards equal justice under the law, for all our residents.” “I voted no because this amendment increased both funding for the State Police and the Department of Corrections by $1 million and $500,000 respectively,” said Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven (D-Somerville). “While there is good language on sexual assault evidence kit testing and spending accountability on ICE, I cannot vote for an amendment that increases funding to institutions that commit overtime fraud or force horrific living conditions on incarcerated people. At the very least, we must increase accountability before increasing spending. It is worth noting that this ‘no’ vote is the only non-unanimous vote taken for the entire House budget, showing how little transparency, public debate, and public accountability there is in the House budget process.” (A “Yes” vote is for the consolidated amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Donald Wong Yes CONSOLIDATED AMENDMENT ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING (H 4000) House 159-0, approved a $7.3 million consolidated amendment that funds energy, environmental affairs and housing programs. “Housing is central to the well-being of individuals and families across the commonwealth,” said James Arciero (D-Westford), House chair of the Housing Committee. “Massachusetts is a high-cost state and this impacts the ability of our residents to gain and retain decent affordable housing. This budget provides historic funding for our housing programs as we prioritize this basic, fundamental need of our citizens.” “The House has crafted a bold budget that matches our ambitions in the fight against climate change and for the commonwealth’s clean energy future,” said Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin), House chair of the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “Climate science and policy is complicated and demands the actions articulated in this budget to avoid what is essentially the most significant existential challenge of our time. It builds on the recently signed climate bill, which increases our commitment to offshore wind in the commonwealth to 5600 megawatts.” “Our prioritization of these essential environmental programs will protect and preserve our natural resources and outdoor spaces, as well as set a sustainable and resilient course for the future,” said Rep. Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston), House chair of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. (A “Yes” vote is for the consolidated amendment). Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Donald Wong Yes CONSOLIDATED AMENDMENT ON LABOR AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (H 4000) House 159-0, approved an $11.9 million consolidated amendment that funds labor and economic development programs. “If there is a common thread in these House budget line items, it is that we are investing in our people,” said Rep. Josh Cutler (D-Duxbury), House chair of the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. “Let’s face it, we don’t have the best weather, year-round sunshine, an abundance of gold, silver or vast oil reserves. Our greatest resource as a commonwealth is our people. We all know that what powers Massachusetts is our skilled workforce. The House budget continues these investments in our workforce and builds on them in significant ways.” “As we work our way out of this pandemic it is critical that the commonwealth play a vital role in supporting the growth of our economy and make targeted investments in areas that will improve the lives of our citizens and help those hardest hit by the pandemic, including those working in industries such as hospitality and retail,” said Rep. Jerry Parisella (D-Beverly), House chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. (A “Yes” vote is for the consolidated amendment). Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Donald Wong Yes SENATE APPROVES $400 MILLION FOR NEW SOLDIERS’ HOME IN HOLYOKE (S 2439) Senate 40-0, approved a bill authorizing $400 million to fund the construction of a new Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. The push to construct the new home follows the deaths of 77 veteran residents last year as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak at the current facility. The House has already approved a different version of the bill and a conference committee will likely hammer out a compromise version. The measure also provides $200 million to increase geographic equity and accessibility of long-term care services for Bay State veterans with a focus on areas that are not primarily served by the soldiers’ homes in Chelsea or Holyoke. The Baker Administration and House and Senate leaders are all trying to speed the bill’s passage in order to meet deadlines to apply for as much as $260 million in funding from the federal government, which would leave state taxpayers with a $140 million bill. “Massachusetts has always been a leader for veteran services, and this bill reflects the Senate’s deep commitment to those who have served our nation,” said Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield), Senate Chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “While our veteran population and their medical needs are changing, the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home’s mission remains the same: to provide care with honor and dignity. This bond bill will ensure that the next generation of residents at the home receives the care with honor and dignity that they have earned BHRC | SEE PAGE 17
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