THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, NOVEmbEr 22, 2024 Page 3 Representative Wong supports comprehensive $3.96 billion economic development bond package bill includes policy changes, capital investments to promote jobs creation Special to The Advocate B OSTON – The House and Senate have finalized a $3.96 billion bond bill to promote job creation and economic development throughout the Commonwealth, with investments in capital projects, the life sciences, and other industries. State Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus) said the bill also contains a series of policy initiatives to support small businesses, alleviate workforce challenges in the healthcare sector, and strengthen local and regional public health systems. Representative Wong voted in support of House Bill 5100, An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership, which was enacted by the House and Senate on November 14. The bill represents a compromise agreement negotiated by a six-member conference committee that had been working since July to resolve the differences between earlier versions of the bill passed by the two legislative branches. In addition to statewide funding and policy initiatives, the economic development bond bill includes $864.5 million in local earmarks for municipal infrastructure projects. Representative Wong was able to secure funding for several local initiatives in his district but cautioned that this funding is still preliminary and represents only the first step in a multi-year approval process. Because the projects are supported through a bond appropriation, each earmark must be worked under the state’s annual borrowing cap and will be subject to the approval of the executive branch before any funding can be released. The bond bill invests $500 million in the life sciences sector over the next 10 years while increasing the annual tax credit authorization for the industry from $30 million to $40 million. It also provides $200 million over 10 years to support lishes a pathway to licensure for foreign-trained physicians by allowing individuals who meet certain criteria to practice medicine under a 2-year limited medical license in underserved communities of the Commonwealth. Physicians may renew this license one time and can apply for a full unrestricted license to practice medicine in MassachuWONG | SEE PAGE 12 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 Donald Wong State Representative innovation and deployment of climatetech technologies and an additional $200 million over 10 years to support the state’s offshore wind industry. In terms of small business support, Representative Wong noted the bond bill creates a 5-year Surety Bond Assistance Pilot Program within the Executive Office of Economic Development designed to encourage economically and socially disadvantaged businesses to bid for contracts for capiGerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 tal projects. The bill also establishes a refundable Internship Tax Credit for Massachusetts employers of up to $5,000 or 50% of wages per new intern, capped at $10 million annually and $100,000 per employer. House Bill 5100 authorizes Massachusetts to join the Nurse Licensure Compact, which would allow nurses licensed in other states that are part of the compact to also practice in Massachusetts. In addition, the bond bill estabWe are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-7 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required Private Parties Private Parties 4-8 p.m. $10.00 8:30-11 p.m. $11. 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required 12-9 p.m. $10.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com
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