Legislature Passes Economic Development Bill

BOSTON (1/6/2020) – On Wednesday, shortly before 4AM, the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives passed HB5250 – An Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth.

The final bill provides the residents of Massachusetts a COVID-19
relief and recovery package that will provide desperately needed support to our restaurant and tourism sectors, small businesses, as well as those who have been significantly impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, while also creating a Future of Work Commission, establishing protections for student loan borrowers, and ushering in zoning reforms that will encourage housing development and access in our communities. The House and Senate collaborated to produce a comprehensive economic development bill allocating $627,181,000 in capital authorizations across housing, community development, small business recovery, broadband expansion, neighborhood revitalization, climate resilience, vocational and career training, and higher education.

FUNDING ITEMS

In total, the economic development bill includes $627,181,000 in authorizations for housing, economic, and community development coupled with mandates of social, racial, economic, and geographic equity where appropriate.

Regional & Community Assistance Planning Grants (7002-8032)
Authorizes $10,000,000 for planning initiatives undertaken by individual municipalities, joint cities or towns, or entire regions working together to address shared goals related to community development, housing production or other issues of local and regional concern.

Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program (7002-8033)
Authorizes $27,700,000 for the establishment of an Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program to be administered by EOHED.

Restaurant COVID-19 Grants (7002-8034)
Authorizes $20,000,000 for a program administered by EOHED to provide financial and capital assistance to restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Site Readiness Program (7002-8000)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for the Site Readiness Program administered by MassDevelopment to continue making sites ready for development through site assembly and assessment, permitting, and other predevelopment activities.

Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation – CDFIs (7002-8001)
Authorizes $35,000,000 for the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation to provide matching grants to community development financial institutions certified by the U.S. Treasury or community development corporations certified under M.G.L c. 40H.

Vocational School Expansion Grants (7035-2020)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for capital grants to vocational technical schools to expand operating capacities and reduce wait lists.

Higher Education Workforce Grants (7066-2020)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for a grant program administered by the Department of Higher Education to support career-oriented programs and initiatives at community colleges.

COVID-19 State Payroll Protection Program (7002-8035)
Authorizes $30,000,000 for the Massachusetts Growth Corporation to provide small business loans to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to pay employee payroll, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and interest on other debt obligations.

Local Economic Development Projects (7002-8036)
Authorizes $102,304,000 for local economic development projects throughout Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund (7002-8002)
Authorizes $5,000,000 to fund the Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund for maintenance of broadband infrastructure owned by the Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation in Central and Western Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (7002-8003)
Authorizes $10,000,000 in matching grants to support collaboration among manufacturers located in the Commonwealth and institutions of higher education, nonprofits and other public or quasi-public entities.

Technology Research & Development & Innovation Fund (7002-8004)
Authorizes $52,000,000 for the Scientific and Technology Research and Development Matching Grant Fund to foster additional scientific and technology research and development in the Commonwealth.

Rural Community Development & Infrastructure Grants (7002-8027)
Authorizes $20,000,000 for a competitive grant program fund dedicated to supporting community development, infrastructure projects, and climate resilience initiatives in rural communities and small towns.

Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation – Microbusiness Grants (7002-8028)
Authorizes $25,000,000 for the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, in consultation with the microbusiness development center, to administer a grant program to provide capital for micro-businesses and low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a new business.

Travel & Tourism Matching Grants (7002-8029)
Authorizes $14,000,000 for a competitive grant program to improve facilities and destinations visited by travelers in order to increase visitation, entice repeat visitation through marketing and other means, and increase the direct and indirect economic impacts of the tourism industry in all regions of the Commonwealth.

Blighted Buildings Redevelopment Program (7002-8031)
Authorizes $40,000,000 for a program to support the redevelopment of underutilized, blighted, or abandoned buildings.

Commonwealth Zoological Corporation (7002-8034)
Authorizes $12,500,000 for the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation for capital
improvements necessary for the operation of the Zoo New England, Franklin Park Zoo, and the Walter D. Stone Memorial Zoo.

Urban Agriculture Grant Program (7002-8037)
Authorizes $2,000,000 for capital grants for urban farms as defined in this act.

Lottery Commission IT (0640-0100)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for IT related projects at the state lottery commission.

Massachusetts Cultural Council Grants (0640-0303)
Authorizes $6,000,000 for a competitive grant program administered by the MCC to promote artists in creating new mediums to showcase their art, and to promote local museums to showcase their exhibits remotely.

Massachusetts Cultural Council Public School Grants (0640-0304)
Authorizes $5,000,000 for a competitive grant program to be administered by the MCC, in consultation with DESE, to help public schools provide access to cultural experiences in the community through remote means in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cultural Facilities Grants (0640-0305)

Authorizes $20,000,000 for a non-profit infrastructure and equipment competitive grant program administered by the MCC to provide means to safely and sustainably reopen to the public while upholding necessary public health and social distancing protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TRC Virtual Mediation Services (1102-5702)
Authorizes $15,000,000 to make improvements at the trial courts to support virtual mediation services.

Transit-Oriented Housing Developments (7004-0059)
Authorizes $50,000,000 in the form of grants and loans for transit-oriented housing and the production of high-density mixed-income affordable housing near transit modes.

Climate-Resilient Affordable Housing Developments (7004-0064)
Authorizes $10,000,000 for sustainable and climate-resilient construction in affordable, multifamily housing developments to better respond to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Neighborhood Stabilization (7004-0065)
Authorizes $50,000,000 for neighborhood stabilization to help return blighted or vacant housing back to productive use.

Gateway Cities Housing Program (7004-0066)
Authorizes $5,000,000 in a Gateway City housing pilot program to support the construction of shovel-ready market-rate housing opportunities.

POLICY ITEMS

HOUSING

Housing Choice
Implements zoning reform to help cities and towns approve smart growth zoning and affordable housing by lowering the required vote threshold for a range of housing-related zoning changes and special permits at the local level from a two-thirds supermajority to a simple majority. Housing production is an integral part of economic development and recovery. Therefore, these provisions will cut the red tape that stands in the way of housing production and provide municipalities with the tools necessary to spur housing production in the Commonwealth.

MBTA Communities
Requires designated MBTA communities to be zoned for at least one district of reasonable size, as defined in the Act, in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right. Requires such housing to be suitable for families with children.

Zoning Appeals
Allows judges to require non-municipal parties who appeal special permits, site plan review, and variances to post a bond up to $50,000 to secure statutory costs. Provides judges with discretion to consider the merits of the appeal and the relative financial ability of the parties.

HDIP Programmatic changes
Requires at least 10% of units to be affordable (i) rental units for people whose income is not more than 60% of the area median income, or (ii) owner-occupied units for people whose income is not more than 80% of the area median income; amends the HDIP program to increase transparency and equity.

40R Smart Growth
Permits DHCD to establish smart growth design standards; clarifies that mixed use development is allowed; place limitations on density bonus payments for housing in districts limited to age-restricted, disabled, or assisted living populations; enhance DHCD’s ability to claw back incentive payments if a community repeals 40R zoning.

Tenant’s Right to Purchase
Creates a local option establishing a tenant’s right of first refusal and outlines a process by which tenants occupying a residential property may purchase said property prior to its sale or foreclosure.

Eviction Record Sealing
Seals all no-fault eviction records.

Minors & Eviction Records
Prohibits minors from being named in a summary process summons; requires expungement of the names of any minors from any court record or electronic docket.

Local Housing Authority Board Member Elections
Amends provisions related to the election of local housing board members and modifies the definition of the tenant member on such boards by expanding seat eligibility to tenants with signed leases for public housing operated by the local housing authority, tenants in public housing operated on behalf of the housing authority, participants in rental housing assistance programs operated by a housing authority, or a resident of any such housing units over the age of 18.

Low-income Housing Tax Credit
Increases the state low-income housing tax credit program cap from $20,000,000 to $40,000,000.

CONSUMER PROTECTIONS

Student Loan Bill of Rights
Establishes a new G.L. c. 93L regulating the licensing and operation of student loan servicers by the Commissioner of Banks; establishes a Student Loan Ombudsman within the Office of the Attorney General for the purpose of receiving, reviewing and assisting in the resolution of complaints from student loan borrowers; authorizes the Ombudsman to assist with repayment options, applying for federal loan forgiveness programs, ending wage and tax refund garnishments, resolving billing disputes, and obtaining loan details.

Motor Vehicle Insurance and Registration
Requires insurers, licensed insurance producers, or third- party representatives to verify an applicant’s Massachusetts driving history before processing a payment or issuing a policy when they utilize driving history as a rating or an underwriting factor for motor vehicle insurance; requires the insurer or insurance producer to provide a disclosure regarding the verification of the applicant’s driving history when issuing a quote, allowing consumers to understand that an initial quote for a policy may differ from the final cost of the policy, after driving history is checked.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RELIEF AND RECOVERY

Third-Party Delivery Fee Caps
Limits fees charged by third-party delivery services for restaurants to 15% during the COVID-19 state of emergency; prohibits third-party delivery service companies from reducing rates for delivery drivers or garnishing gratuities as result of this Act.

Commission on Cultural and Creative Sector
Creates a commission to examine and make recommendations on addressing the recovery of the cultural and creative sector, including the arts, humanities and sciences, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS, BUSINESS GROWTH, AND EQUITY

Tourism Destination Marketing Districts
Enables, via local option, the creation of tourism destination marketing districts (“TDMDs”), made up of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, for purpose of generating local revenue dedicated solely for the promotion and marketing of specific regions of the Commonwealth.

Waitstaff Employees
Amends the statutory definition of wait staff employee to include a person in a quick service restaurant who prepares or serves food or beverages as part of a team of counter staff; further amends that definition to clarify that such an employee has no managerial responsibility during a day in which the person serves beverages or prepared food or clears patrons’ tables.

Paid Family Medical Leave
Provides that the taking of family or medical leave shall not affect an employee’s right to accrue vacation time, sick leave, bonuses, advancement, seniority, length-of-service credit or other employment benefits, plans or programs.

Grand Bargain Premium Holiday Fix
Requires retail employers to pay employees time and a half holiday pay for working on New Years Day, Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day, and Veterans Day.

Natural Hair Braiding & Licensing
Exempts natural hair braiding from the definition of hairdressing, and exempts natural hair braiding from rules and regulations pertaining to aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing and manicuring.

PRIM Investment Board
Encourages the PRIM Board to use minority investment managers to manage PRIT Fund assets, where appropriate, and to increase the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of Fund investments.

Mass Maritime Piers Repair and Rehabilitation Program
Establishes a Maritime Piers Repair and Rehabilitation Program within the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency to make grants and loans for the reconstruction, repair, renovation or rehabilitation of existing commercial and marine industrial infrastructure and public or private maritime transportation infrastructure.

Transient Vendor License Extension
Expands the transient vendors license from one to three years.

Minority and Women Enterprise Study
Creates a special commission to identify ways to grow minority and women business enterprises in public construction.

Commission on Journalism
Establishes a commission of experts, industry members, academics, and elected officials to research and propose policy solutions related to the decline of local journalism in Massachusetts and the future sustainability of the industry.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL SUPPORT

Rural Growth Fund
Establishes the Rural Jobs Tax Credit for businesses that make a capital contribution to a rural growth fund, established within the Office of Business Development.

Healthy Soils Program and Fund
Expands the Food Policy Council to include an expert in healthy soil practices; codifies the definition of “healthy soils;”; gives the Commission for Conservation of Soil and Water the ability to establish a Massachusetts Healthy Soils Program and Fund.

Cranberry Renovation Tax Credit
Establishes a tax credit equal to 25 per cent of the total qualified renovation expenditures for a cranberry bog, not to exceed $100,000 and capped at $2,000,000 per year.

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Personal Vehicle Sharing Insurance
Clarifies that carsharing platforms may obtain insurance coverage from non-admitted carriers and that carsharing platforms do not need their own insurance-producer or broker licenses to offer or maintain insurance policies for carsharing vehicles or drivers.

Future of Work Commission
Creates a special commission to conduct a comprehensive study relative to the impact of automation, artificial intelligence, global trade, access to new forms of data and the internet of things on the workforce, businesses and economy.

January 4, 2021

Velis hopeful for a better 2021

January 4th, 2020 – The Westfield News – Hope E. Tremblay

WESTFIELD – Like most people, state Sen. John C. Velis is looking forward to focusing on the positive in 2021.

When the clock struck midnight on New Year’s, Velis had one thing to say: “2020 – see ya!”

“I miss people,” he said. “For most politicians, people are the reason you do the job. I love people and cannot wait to get back to seeing everyone in person.”

Velis won the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District senate seat not once, but twice during the pandemic. Since his first swearing-in in May, Velis has attended every senate session – which were extended through the entire year – virtually.

December 21, 2020

December 20th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all are doing well and staying safe. We had quite a bit of snow this week, and I want to thank all the first responders and public works employees who were on call in our district.

I was lucky enough to begin this past week listening to my good friend Senator Mike Rush sing “The Army Goes Rolling Along” over Zoom. Some of you might remember that me and the Senator, who is also a Lt. Commander in the US Navy Reserves, had a friendly bet on the Army-Navy football game last weekend. Luckily, the outcome was in my favor. In addition to the fun singing, the Senator made a donation to the Holyoke Soldiers Home and I made a donation to the Fisher House of Boston in his district, both great organizations serving our Vets. You can see the recording of the Senator’s performance on my social media, @SenJohnVelis.

On Monday I met with Representative-Elect Pat Duffy via video-chat, who will be the new State Representative for Holyoke starting in January. I also had the honor of speaking with Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, the Greek Ambassador to the United States. We discussed my recent re-election and other Greek legislators throughout the country.

This past Tuesday, I remotely recorded an interview with Comcast Newsmakers. I went over the recent FY21 budget that the legislature passed and answered questions on my amendments securing funding for the Holyoke Soldiers Home. The interview will be released in the New Year and will be available on YouTube and Comcast on-demand. Later in the day, I had a phenomenal virtual meeting with the Holyoke Rotary Club where we discussed how COVID-19 has affected state finances and in turn how that has impacted municipalities.

During these difficult times it has been incredible to see the ways our community has stepped up to help those struggling, especially those facing food insecurity issues. On Wednesday night, I joined Holyoke community members for the 5^th annual Holyoke Community Dinner Celebration, where we handed out meals and chatted with residents driving through. Friday afternoon I joined the Russell Police Department for their food drive and handed out Christmas Dinner boxes to community members. I’m so grateful for the organizations, sponsors, and volunteers who organized these events!

This week I am also happy to report that Westfield and Chicopee were both selected by MassDOT as grant winners for the Shared Streets and Spaces Program, which provides funds to municipalities to improve public spaces and increase safe mobility. Westfield will be receiving a little more than $225,000 to upgrade and expand existing sidewalks in the City and to improve facilities at adjacent PVTA bus stops. Chicopee will be receiving just above $75,000 to develop a network of mixed-use lanes for pedestrians and cyclists in Chicopee Center.

As always if there is anything I can do to assist you, please never hesitate to reach out to my office. I can be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920 and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Sincerely,

John C. Velis

Senator Velis with the Russell Police Department on Friday, 12/18 for the Christmas Food Drive

Senator Velis with the Holyoke Rotary Club on Tuesday, 12/15

December 13, 2020December 14, 2020

December 13th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hi Everyone,

I can’t believe that it’s already December, it’s getting colder every day!

This week the state released its initial COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan with the hope that vaccine inoculations can begin as early as next week. The distribution timeline is divided into phases, and the first phase will prioritize health care workers and the most vulnerable residents in our communities. The vaccine will be free to all and insurers will not charge co-pays or out-of-pocket costs. These developments are really encouraging, but it’s important to remember that this is not going to be an immediate process. COVID-19 is just as dangerous today as it was before this news, and we need to continue to wear masks and social distance so that we can get through this together. You can find out more about the vaccine distribution at Mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.

This past Monday, I hosted a Zoom forum with legislative colleagues and Commissioner Jane Ryder of the Department of Developmental Services. We discussed challenges that Adult Day Programs in our region are facing and how to improve communications and financial supports from DDS to these organizations. Tuesday night I joined the Holyoke Democratic City Committee for their virtual meeting honoring State Representative Vega as Democrat of the year. Representative Vega has been an incredible advocate for Holyoke during his time as a legislator, and I was proud to speak about my friendship with him and our work together.

Wednesday and Thursday were full of meetings in the community. I joined Holyoke’s Public Safety Committee meeting Wednesday night and had another informative meeting with Southampton Town Administrator Ed Gibson on Thursday afternoon. On Wednesday I also met with Jay Kumar, the owner of Universal Plastics in Holyoke, to hear about challenges businesses like his have been facing.

This Saturday Army and Navy played 121^st football game in their historic rivalry. One of my colleagues, Senator Mike Rush, is a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy and we realized that this is the first time in modern history that the Senate has a sitting Senator enlisted in each of the branches. Considering this, we decided to make a friendly wager on the game: loser must post a video singing the opposing branch’s fight song. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to hearing Senator Rush’s beautiful rendition. For updates on our wager, feel free to visit my social media channels at @SenJohnVelis.

As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, please never hesitate to reach out to my office. I can be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920 and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Sincerely,

John C. Velis

December 9, 2020December 9, 2020

Organic recycling facility in Agawam provides nutrients to local farms

December 9th, 2020 – Sarah Heinonen – The Reminder

AGAWAM – In a nondescript, green building on Main Street in Agawam, food that would once have been sent to an incinerator is getting a new life as it takes its first steps on the road to becoming fertilizer.

The Vanguard Renewable Organics Recycling Facility was “powered up” on Dec. 3 with help from Chairman and CEO John Hanselman, Agawam Mayor William Sapelli, state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, state Sen. John Velis, and City Councilors Mario Tedschi, George Bitzas and Rosemary Sandlin.

…

Velis noted, “At a fundamental level, this is about taking something that’s bad and turning it into something that’s good and green.”

November 30, 2020

November 29, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all were able to safely celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones, whether that be in-person or virtually!

I want to first update you all on the status of the FY2021 budget. As you might remember, last week the Senate passed our final FY2021 budget after two days of debating over 450 amendments. The next step is for the Senate and House to meet in conference committee to resolve differences between the two versions, before sending a finalized budget to the Governor for his consideration. This week the Senate and House each appointed members to the budget conference committee.

I also want to shout out the annual Monte’s March, which took place earlier this week to benefit the Western Massachusetts Food Bank. This two-day, 43 mile walk from Springfield to Greenfield raises awareness and funds to prevent hunger in our region. While the march this year looked different than past years, people really stepped up—the March raised more than $600,000 in donations. These donations will benefit the Food Bank and our communities in countless ways and I’m inspired by everyone who participated or made a donation.

Tuesday morning I had a virtual meeting with constituents from Holyoke to discuss some of the challenges that residents are facing regarding their unemployment benefits and other state resources. As a result, my office is creating some easily accessible information for our communities, both in print and digital forms, on what resources are available to them and how to receive such benefits. In addition my office is always available to assist anyone who is having difficulty with their benefits or unemployment claim.

Tuesday afternoon I met with Pat Beaudry at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. We discussed a variety of challenges that our communities in the Pioneer Valley are facing, and it was great to get his input. Later on Tuesday, I drove over to MGM Springfield where I had an introductory meeting with President Chris Kelley.

On Wednesday I joined Congressman Neal and community members in Holyoke for the ribbon cutting of Harper’s Haven playground, which is dedicated in memory of Harper Violet, a young Holyoke resident who we tragically lost this past spring. I’m grateful to all the businesses, donors, and community members who pitched in to make this playground come to fruition.

Wednesday afternoon I joined the Forum house in Westfield for their annual Thanksgiving Lunch. It was great to help pass out Thanksgiving meals and talk with residents about how they’re doing. The holidays can be a challenging time for many, and it’s so important that we continue to reach out and provide support to those in our community who are struggling.

Sincerely,

John C. Velis

November 24, 2020

After victory, Velis prepares for first full term in state Senate

November 11, 2020 – The Reminder – Dennis Hackett, Reminder Publishing File Photo

WESTERN MASS. – After securing the Second Hampden and Hampshire District state Senate seat during the Nov. 3 election, state Sen. John Velis discussed his goals and challenges ahead of his first full term in office.

Before getting into anything, Velis said one of his top priorities was helping the area recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“First and foremost has to be COVID-19 recovery; it’s going to be an immediate and all-consuming issue in terms of how we recover. Small business, the hardships people are facing in the Second Hampden and Hampshire District, it’s absolutely critical to advocate for them,” he said.

While the Senate and House are facing difficult budget seasons, Velis said he is going to make sure his constituents have a seat at the table.

“We’re entering a difficult budget season with the House releasing theirs next week and then the state Senate releasing theirs the following week. Every lawmaker is going to be asked to do more with less. I need to zealously advocate for the constituents that elected me to ensure we have a seat at the table,” he said.

One of the ways Velis said he wants to stand out in legislature is by providing a bipartisan voice in the state Senate.

“One thing that is a priority of mine is continuing to be that voice in Massachusetts politics that doesn’t look at things just through the lens of the political party that happens to be next to my name. I think that’s critical to our nation, the healing and the working together,” he said.

November 22, 2020November 20, 2020

November 22, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

This week the Senate unanimously passed our final FY2021 budget after a two-day debate concerning 450 amendments. This $46 billion budget makes important investments in the Commonwealth and local infrastructure, while remaining fiscally responsible during these unprecedented times. I am proud that my amendments allocating funds for local organizations in our district were also adopted during the debate.

On Wednesday the Senate adopted my amendment providing $200,000 for the creation of an ombudsman’s office at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and $200,000 for increased and improved resources to increase the quality for residents. The ombudsman office will be an independent and confidential resource for residents and families to turn to when issues or concerns with care arise, and will be able to properly investigate problems before they grow. In addition to these amendments, the Senate’s final budget appropriates $25.5 million to the Home’s administrative account, $1.5 million higher than last year’s funding, which will help the Home increase staffing levels and meet other deficiencies. The Senate’s level of commitment to the Home and our Veterans is clear, and these funding investments are powerful steps towards reforming the Home.

On the first day of debate, the Senate adopted two of my other amendments allocating funds to organizations in our district. I was proud to secure $50,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield and another $50,000 for the Boys & Girls Club for Greater Holyoke, both of which have gone above and beyond throughout this pandemic to help those struggling in our communities. I was also glad to see my amendment was adopted to allocate $100,000 to Baystate Health and $50,000 to the Agawam Police Department for their opioid addiction treatment and prevention programs. Problems with opioid addiction and substance use disorders have only gotten worse during COVID-19, and it is critical that we are supporting our hospitals and first responders who work to help those struggling.

One of the real tangible focuses in the Senate’s budget is on helping our economy and local communities recover from the lasting impact of COVID-19. The budget invests $46.4 million for a new Economic Planning and Response Program, which will provide grants and loans to small businesses. The budget also creates and funds programs to educate and train Massachusetts workers for new lines of work, including $40.6 million for adult basic education services and $10 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to help connect residents to jobs. To aid local communities, the budget appropriates $1.129 billion in unrestricted general government aid to support community investments and help municipalities recover.

The Senate and House will now meet to work out differences between their two different budgets, before a finalized version is sent to the Governor for his consideration.

Although budget debate and work took up almost all of my week, I still had a few events and meetings that I was able to attend. On Monday I spent some time at the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club handing out groceries to community members. Helping those struggling with food insecurity is one of the major ways the Club has stepped during this pandemic, and I was glad to help out. Tuesday morning my staff and I joined in on a call with Western Mass Housing First to talk about their work and how they are adapting with COVID-19 rates back on the rise.

Thursday I joined the Massachusetts Airport Management Association and officials from Barnes Regional to receive updates from the Federal Aviation Association and MassDOT. And on Friday I had my bi-weekly meeting with Holyoke Community College President Royale, where we discussed remote classes and what resources the college has been providing to students.

Sincerely,

John C. Velis

November 20, 2020

Senate Passes FY 2021 Budget

Includes increased funding for sectors impacted by COVID-19, including housing and childcare

(BOSTON – 11/18/2020) The Massachusetts State Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed 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.

“With a second surge of COVID-19 upon us, we must do everything we can to shore up critical resources for those most in need so that we can begin to build towards an equitable recovery,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This unprecedented budget is a testament to the challenges we face as a Commonwealth, but I am confident Massachusetts will emerge stronger and more resilient than before. I am thankful for the hard work of Chair Rodrigues, his team, Vice Chair Friedman, Assistant Vice Chair Lewis and the entire Senate Committee on Ways and Means for the budget they produced and finalized under these very difficult circumstances.”

“Under difficult circumstances because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud of the Senate’s ability during these last two days to meet the moment, engage in respectful debate, take action to protect our most vulnerable and set the Commonwealth on a path toward an equitable recovery,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Under the leadership of Senate President Spilka, the Senate has taken important steps this week to confront the unprecedented challenges brought on by this public health crisis and pass a fiscally responsible budget plan that further protects access to child care, health care, housing, public transportation and economic opportunity. Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate for their tireless work and passionate advocacy over the course of our debate.”

“This budget makes important investments in our State and local infrastructure, while remaining fiscally responsible during these difficult and unprecedented times,” said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield). “The Senate has made a strong commitment to maintaining critical levels of funding for education, health care, and transportation, while also making sure that those struggling during this pandemic are getting the support and financial relief that they need.”

As COVID-19 continues to spread across our Commonwealth, the Senate budget preserves access to essential services for our most vulnerable residents. The budget funds MassHealth at a total of $18.2 billion to maintain critical access to affordable health care coverage for over 1.9 million people, ensuring that comprehensive care for our most vulnerable children, seniors and low-income residents is protected in the middle of a public health crisis. The Senate’s budget also includes targeted investments to maintain and expand access to mental health care, while strengthening public health infrastructure at the local, state and regional level to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senate’s budget protects Massachusetts students and educational institutions. Continuing the Senate’s long-standing support of targeted investments in education, this budget holds harmless Chapter 70 funding in a manner consistent with the agreement reached between the Senate, House and Administration in July by providing $5.283 billion, an increase of $107.6 million over FY20.

This additional level of investment will allow all school districts to maintain foundation spending levels while accounting for enrollment and inflation changes. The budget also includes $345 million for the Special Education (SPED) Circuit Breaker, reimbursing school districts for the cost of educating students with disabilities at the statutorily required 75% reimbursement rate. In addition to ensuring stability for the state’s K‑12 population, the Senate’s budget takes steps to invest in childcare providers and higher education institutions—both of which are critically important to the state’s economy and recovery in midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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. This spending recommendation is based on a revised tax revenue estimate of $27.592 billion, which provides for $3.558 billion less in available revenue than the original consensus revenue estimate originally agreed upon in January 2020. To close this anticipated revenue shortfall, the FY21 budget includes $1.5 billion from the Stabilization Fund, ensuring a majority of the Stabilization Fund balance remains for future years; $1.38 billion in available federal supports; and more than $400 million in new revenue initiatives. Among those initiatives, the budget includes provisions such as accelerated sales tax collection and a new fee structure for Transportation Network Companies. The budget also avoids drastic budget cuts while leaving the Commonwealth in a sound fiscal position moving forward.

Additional education investments include:

$5.283 billion for Chapter 70 education funding
$345 million for the Special Education Circuit Breaker
$115 million to reimburse public school districts for costs incurred when students leave to attend charter schools
$82.2 million to reimburse school districts for regional school transportation costs
$560.4 million for the University of Massachusetts, $308 million for the fifteen community colleges, and $285.5 million for the nine state universities; and $2 million for grants offered through the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative to support high school students with intellectual disabilities ages 18–22 with access to higher education opportunities
$40 million for a new reserve to cover parent fees for families receiving subsidized childcare for the remainder of FY 21

$3.0 million for Rural School Aid, after adding $1.5M on the floor
$1.5 million for the Civics Education Trust Fund

Additional health investments include:

$500.3 million for Adult Support Services, including assisted outpatient programming and comprehensive care coordination among health care providers
$163.6 million for a range of substance abuse treatment and intervention services
$94.5 million for children’s mental health services
$45.2 million for domestic violence prevention services
$35.4 million for early intervention services, to ensure supports are accessible and available to infants and young toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities

$17.5 million for Family Resource Centers to meet increased demand for services

$1.7 million for the State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) program to support a more effective local and regional public health delivery system

In addition to these health care investments, the Senate’s budget takes meaningful steps to expand access to care. It includes provisions that prohibit insurers from denying coverage for mental health services and primary care services solely because they were delivered on the same day in the same facility. This important measure will remove a significant financial barrier to the integration of primary care and mental health. The budget, through the amendment process, also includes provisions that further expand reproductive health care options.

The Senate is committed to building an equitable recovery while dismantling the systemic barriers that exist in our society. To that end, the Senate’s budget creates and invests in programs to educate, train and prepare Massachusetts workers.

Opportunity investments include:

$40.6 million for adult basic education services to improve access to skills necessary to join the workforce
$20 million for summer jobs and work-readiness training for at-risk youth
a Community Empowerment and Reinvestment grant program to provide economic supports to communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system

$10 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to connect unemployed and under-employed workers with higher paying jobs
$6 million for Regional Economic Development Organizations to support economic growth in all regions of the state
$5 million for Community Foundations to provide emergency economic relief to historically underserved populations across the Commonwealth
$3 million for the Secure Jobs Connect program, providing job placement resources and assistance for homeless individuals
$2 million for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Access to affordable housing, which has taken on new urgency for many during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a key Senate priority for recovery. The Senate’s budget recognizes the crucial importance of housing to the Commonwealth’s recovery efforts and invests over $540 million in housing stability programs to support many families, tenants and property owners in this time of crisis.

Housing investments include:

$180.7 million for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters
$135 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
$50 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), as well as emergency changes to the RAFT program to increase the maximum amount of rental assistance that a household can receive from $4,000 to $10,000 and allow eligible households facing a housing crisis to access both RAFT and HomeBASE.
$53.4 million for assistance for homeless individuals
$27.2 million for the HomeBASE diversion and rapid re-housing programs
$12.5 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), which provides rental assistance to people with disabilities, and $2.5 million for grants to improve or create accessible affordable housing units
$10.5 million for housing vouchers for Department of Mental Health (DMH) clients to transition into housing and community-based services
$4.75 million for the Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCECs)
$3.9 million for the Home and Healthy for Good re-housing and supportive services program, including $250,000 for homeless LGBTQ+ youth
$2.5 million for the Office of Public Collaboration to support housing dispute mediation efforts across the Commonwealth
$1.3 million for the Tenancy Preservation Program

In addition to these critical investments, this budget includes additional protection measures to ensure the state’s residents most at risk of eviction in the middle of a pandemic are kept safe and secure in their homes. Through the amendment process, the budget also includes a provision that would simplify the application process for RAFT and protect the credit rating of individuals who face eviction due to COVID-19 by sealing eviction records. This proposal provides additional protections and resources to tenants suffering a COVID-19-related financial hardship, as well as stability as they await short-term emergency rental assistance.

Food insecurity has become one of the most prevalent consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting children, adults and seniors alike. The Senate’s budget therefore prioritizes access to food resources across the Commonwealth.

Food insecurity investments include:

$30 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program
$13 million in Healthy Incentives Programs to ensure vulnerable households have continued access to food options during the pandemic
$1.2 million for Project Bread to support the Child Nutrition Outreach Program (CNOP) and the FoodSource Hotline

The Senate’s budget supports cities and towns while allowing them flexibility to confront the unique challenges facing them by directing significant resources to local and regional aid. This includes increased funding for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to $94 million to ensure that commuters, students, seniors and people with disabilities have access to reliable public transportation during this time of critical need. Along with traditional local aid, the Senate’s budget level funds payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land to $30 million. PILOT funding has been a beneficial source of local aid that provides cities and towns with additional resources to support core public services.

Local investments include:

$1.129 billion for unrestricted general government aid to support community investments in education, health care, public safety and roads and bridges
$32.6 million for the Board of Library Commissioners, $11.5 million for regional library local aid, $12 million for municipal libraries and $4.4 million for technology and automated resources
$18.2 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture and creative economy initiatives
$17 million for local Councils on Aging to strengthen programs and services in senior centers in communities across the state.

A Conference Committee will now convene to reconcile the differences between the Senate budget and the version passed by the House of Representatives last week.

###

November 16, 2020

November 15th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all are doing well and have been able to take advantage of some of the warm weather we have had recently. This past week was packed full of meetings throughout the district and I was honored to participate in several Veterans Day ceremonies as well.

I began my week at the Holyoke Medical Center for a meeting with HMC President Hatiras, Representative Vega, and Representative-Elect Duffy where we discussed how services for patients have changed in recent months. Later in the day, I stopped by the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to drop off over 500 letters from students in our district that were distributed to Veterans this week. The letters were truly heartwarming, and full of appreciation for our Veterans and their service. I know how much they meant to the Veterans and am inspired by how thoughtful the students in our community are.

On Tuesday morning I was glad to join the Forum House and Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition at the Short Stop Bar and Grill in Westfield, where I had the privilege of recognizing Short Stop and the Hannoush family for their work with adults with mental illnesses. It is phenomenal to see businesses and organizations in our community diversifying their workforce and collaborating together, and I was happy to be a part of the recognition ceremony.

Although our usual Veterans Day celebrations may have been restricted this year, it was amazing to see all the different ways that our communities showed their appreciation for our Veterans. I began the day in Agawam at the Vietnam Memorial Bridge for a moving ceremony with the Agawam Veterans Council, the West Springfield VSO, and the Agawam Police Department. We were also joined by students of Agawam High School who played Taps during the ceremony. Later in the morning, I joined Westfield community members and Veterans at Parker Memorial Park, where I was honored to speak and thank our Veterans. And Wednesday evening I joined Congressman Seth Moulton and several other Veterans for a virtual Veterans Town Hall event where we shared experiences and talked about what our service means to us. I couldn’t be more grateful to have been a part of all these amazing events, and I am proud to be a part of a community that appreciates our Veterans so much. Everything that we have in our lives, everything that we so often take for granted, is due to the sacrifices of our service members, and we are all so thankful for the men and women who have served our great country.

On Thursday morning, I had a virtual meeting with the New England Cable and Telecommunications Association, where I received updates about how the expansion of broadband access to the Hilltowns is going. During these times, it is critical that every community has access to internet, and I was encouraged by the progress that has taken place.

Thursday afternoon the Senate Committee on Ways and Means released their final Fiscal Year 2021 State Budget recommendation. I believe that this budget has made important investments in our State and local infrastructure, while remaining fiscally responsible during these difficult economic times. The Committee’s budget recommends a total of $45.985 billion in spending. Some of the highlights in the budget recommendation include $5.283 billion for Chapter 70 education funding, $18.577 billion for MassHealth funding, more than $540 million in housing stability programs, and $1.129 billion in unrestricted general government aid for local investments in education, health care, public safety and road infrastructure. I am also pleased that there is significant support for those who have been hit hardest by COVID-19, including a new Economic Planning and Resource Program that will fund more than $40 million in grants and loans to small businesses.

I am also extremely happy to announce that the Senate prioritized the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in the Senate budget. The Senate included an additional $1,000,000 for the Home in the budget recommendation, totaling $25M. This will provide much needed support to the residents and staff, and emphasizes the Senate’s strong commitment towards the Home and our Veterans.

I am proud to be apart of the Senate and to continue working to make the Home the best it can be. Next week the Senate will debate the Senate budget, and changes and additions will be made through amendments. After the budget is debated by the Senate, the Senate and the House will then work out the differences between their respective versions, before sending a finalized one to the Governor’s desk.

Sincerely,

John C. Velis