Legislation – Page 5 – Senator John Velis

October 19, 2020

Velis carries bi-partisan record from House to Senate

October 10, 2020 – The Westfield News – The Westfield Newsroom

BOSTON – Before state Sen. John C. Velis won his election to the Massachusetts State Senate on May 19 of this year, he served as state representative for the 4th Hampden district in the House of Representatives since 2014. In his time in the house, he was widely known for having one of the most bi-partisan and independent records in the state legislature, and frequently voted across party lines.

Velis has carried his independent record from the House to the Senate, and in the fourth months since being sworn in, he has crossed party lines several times. In his four months in office, there have been 96 roll call votes in the Senate on either a bill or an amendment. Of those 96 votes, 16 have been contested with 15 being split on party lines. Of those 15 votes split on party lines, Velis has crossed over to vote with the Republican delegation 10 times. The remaining 80 votes were either unanimous, where Republicans and Democrats voted together, unanimous except for one legislator, or related to procedural matters.

When asked about this pattern, Velis stressed the importance of viewing a piece of legislation on its merits, not by what political party brings it forward: “When I am voting on a bill or amendment, I am always thinking of what the legislation will actually accomplish and what is best for my constituents and our district,” said Velis. “My job is not to simply follow what others in my political party are doing, and I firmly believe that both a Republican and a Democrat are capable of coming up with a good idea.”

The 15 roll call votes in question covered a variety of different issues, from mail-in voting processes, to police reform, to transportation funding. One of the more contentious votes was on amendment #230 in Senate Bill 2813 – An Act Authorizing Accelerating Transportation Investment. This amendment would have removed a provision from the bill that enables local and regional transportation ballot initiatives for imposition of tax surcharges. This is more commonly known as an override of Proposition 2 and ½. Velis was one of only four Democrats to cross over and vote with the Republican delegation for this amendment, which would have protected cities and towns from this possible increase in taxation. With 36 Democrats in the Senate and only four Republicans, many wondered if Velis might be pressured to side with Democratic leadership in more contentious debates, as it is unconventional for newly elected officials to cross party lines early on in their first term. When asked about this, Velis stressed that the key to maintaining strong relationships in the legislature is by being transparent and open.

I am always up front with my colleagues about concerns or issues I have with legislation,” said Velis. “In my humble opinion, the most important is compromise. My experience and my years in politics have shown me that the people we represent are better served when Republicans and Democrats work together.”

This voting record demonstrates that Velis has continued his bi-partisan nature from his time in the House to the Senate, and establishes him as one of the most independent legislators in the State of the Massachusetts. The current legislative session continues throughout the end of this calendar year.

October 19, 2020October 19, 2020

October 18th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone had a great week and was able to enjoy the long weekend. I had plenty of meetings and events in the district this week, and have some updates regarding early voting and the Soldiers Home Oversight Committee to share. I also am excited to announce a new addition to my Senate Staff, Katie Verra! Katie is my new Chief of Staff & Legislative Counsel, and we are so excited to have her join the team. She recently received her J.D. from Suffolk University, and brings a wealth of experience in fiscal policy analysis and legislative drafting. Welcome Katie!

Early voting began this past Saturday, October 17^th! In addition to in-person voting on November 3^rd, there will be early in-person voting available at a secure location in your City or Town from October 17^th until October 30^th. If you live in Westfield, you can vote at City Hall on any weekday from 9am-5pm, Saturdays from 9am-2pm, and Sundays from 11-4pm. If you live in Southwick, you can vote at Town Hall on any weekday from 8:30am-4:30pm (Thursdays until 6:30!), and on Saturdays/Sundays from 8am-12pm. If you live in another municipality, you can go to www.MassEarlyVote.com to find your early voting location and schedule, or give my office a call and we can help.

Next week, the Legislature’s Soldiers Home Oversight Committee will be holding two public hearings for family members and health care proxies to share their testimonies directly with the Committee. The first hearing will be in-person at Holyoke Community College on Tuesday October 20^that 11am, and the second hearing will be held virtually on Thursday October 22^ndat 12pm. Over the past months, I have held my own listening sessions with family members of those who lost loved ones, and I can tell you that their experiences are not only heartbreaking, but shine a lot of light onto how we can improve the Home moving forward. We need their voices, and I am grateful to all who are going to testify during these hearings.

This past Tuesday I had a great meeting with SolaBlock’s founders Jason Laverty and Scott Longley. SolaBlock is an Easthampton-based company focusing on developing sustainable solar-wall systems that would enable almost any building structure to extract and use energy from the sun. We need to continue to develop sustainable energy sources, and it is great to see companies utilizing Western Massachusetts manufacturing opportunities. Later that day I visited the Westfield Fire Department where I learned more about the department’s operations, and got to watch them conduct practice scenario training on firefighters who have been incapacitated and need assistance. They were also kind enough to feed me dinner! It is always great to see first hand how our first responders prepare and train, and many thanks to Fire Chief Egloff for the invitation.

On Thursday morning I participated in a very productive virtual discussion with the West of the River Chamber of Commerce alongside several of my legislative colleagues. The Chamber has many business members from Agawam and West Springfield, and we discussed the challenges that businesses are facing and how we in the legislature can help. Navigating the recovery and reopening process is not going to be easy, but it is critical that we are meeting the changing needs and concerns of our local businesses.

On Friday I joined other Western Massachusetts legislators for a call with MassDOT Secretary Pollack for a discussion regarding developments with the Valley Flyer project. The Valley Flyer train, which has a station stop in Holyoke, is an important mode of transportation for so many in our communities and we are looking forward to its expansion. Later on Friday, I went over to the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation’s empowerment center in Agawam to help pass out food kits. The MMSF has done such a great job of helping veterans and community members get access to the food they need during these difficult times, and I greatly appreciate their work.

On Saturday I joined the Westfield Council on Aging for their “Serving up Senior Safety” Luncheon. We distributed lunches to nearly 200 seniors in the community and shared information on local resources and how to stay safe during COVID-19. Later that evening, I joined the Agawam Police Department for a ride-along, where I got a chance to see what their officers go through on a daily basis and how they prepare. It is so important to get out and see this work for myself. These experiences are truly eye-opening, and I am grateful to have been able to join them.

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

October 4, 2020

October 4th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hello all,

October is upon us! It is truly crazy how quickly we have been flung into fall and I can’t believe winter is around the corner. I had a number of different meetings and tours this week and also have information regarding the budget to share.

This week I was proud to sign on to a letter with my Western Massachusetts Colleagues urging Governor Baker to nominate a jurist from Western Mass to one of the two vacant seats on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. There is currently no representation from our region on the Court and it was imperative that they have all perspectives and experiences at the table on our highest State Court. I can also announce today that the first public hearing for the Holyoke Soldiers Legislative Oversight Committee is going to be scheduled for the later part of this month. This first hearing will be an important opportunity for families to speak directly to the committee and this past Sunday I had a meeting with some of my colleagues to go over planning and logistics

On Monday I had an introductory call with Kevin McCaffery from the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and later had a meeting with Representative Vega and Holyoke Community College President Royal. We discussed a number of different K-12 related initiatives related to HCC including child-care, early college, and dual enrollment options. Our local colleges are so important to our communities and I always love getting involved. Tuesday afternoon, I joined Westfield State University President Roy Saigo to welcome students back to campus and also take a tour of some of their facilities.

Also on Tuesday, I held a listening session for constituents who are concerned about the pending merger of Farren Health Center in Montague and Mount Saint Vincent in Holyoke. There are real and tangible concerns about this type of change during this pandemic and I am grateful to have had these conversations. Later in the week, my office participated in the Department of Public Health’s hearing on this issue, where we brought up these concerns and advocated for our constituents. I hope that this move can be held off until after the pandemic, and my office will continue working and communicating with residents and families.

I began Wednesday with a tour of Savage Arms and a in-depth conversation with CEO Al Kasper. Among many things, we talked extensively about workforce development and how we can provide options for the next generation to get into trades and manufacturing. As assistant vice-chair on the Labor and Workforce Development committee, this topic truly resonates with me. We need to do a better job of teaching students about all the professional opportunities they have and connect them with the resources to succeed. Later on Wednesday, I headed down to the State Police Academy in New Braintree. Col. Mason had invited members of the legislature down to learn about the different types of training and programming that recruits go through. We were walked through de-escalation techniques and use of force defensive tactics, and engaged in productive discussions about policies and trainings. It was an incredibly informative and eye-opening day and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.

Thursday brought with it a lot of budget information and I had a long virtual caucus with legislative colleagues about the state of the budget. I am glad to report that we are closing out Fiscal Year 2020 without having had to dip into any of our state’s “rainy day fund”, but that does not mean that Fiscal Year 2021 will be the same way. Mitigating and preventing painful cuts will be a huge part of our work in the FY21 budget, as we work through these difficult economic times. Next Tuesday, the Ways and Means committee will be hosting a economic round table for the Senate which will result in a new consensus revenue number that that will be the basis of the actual budgeting numbers process. The big unknown is whether or not there will be any federal relief. While there is still an outside chance of that happening, we simply have to keep moving forward on the state level as best we can. There will really be no end to our budgeting work because as soon as we finish the budget for FY21, we will immediately begin work on FY22. These two budget years are structurally intertwined in a way that we really haven’t seen before which means that a lot of work from the FY21 budget is going to carry into the FY22 budget. I have been meeting with groups that depend on state funding all over the district and know how important this budget will be for organizations during this pandemic. I will keep you all updated on the process as it continues.

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

August 26, 2020August 28, 2020

Senator John Velis pushes for “An Act relative to Parkinson’s disease disability and death in firefighters”

(BOSTON – 7/30/2020) Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) this week announced that his office has been pushing alongside other advocates for HB2378, “An Act relative to Parkinson’s disease disability and death in firefighters”. The bill, which was first filed by Senator Velis when he was in the House of Representatives 4 years ago, is currently in the House Committee on Ways and Means. The legislation was co-presented by Representative Sean Garballey, and has over 60 co-sponsors in the legislature.

The bill would amend the Retirement Systems and Pensions chapter in Massachusetts General Law to include Parkinson’s Disease in Massachusetts’ presumptive law, which would allow firefighters with Parkinson’s to retire on full accidental disability. The bill would establish that any condition of impairment caused by Parkinson’s Disease resulting in total or partial disability or death will be presumed to have been suffered in the line of duty (unless it is shown by the preponderance of the evidence that non-service factors or accidents caused the incapacity).

“Through conversations with firefighters who have suffered from Parkinson’s disease, it has become clear that the chemical exposure that takes place in their work is contributing to the high rate of disease in their profession,” said Senator Velis. “We ask our firefighters and first responders to put their lives on the line for us, and need to be sure that we are providing them with the relief they need for the high risks they assume.”

Senator Velis says that he became more aware of this issue after talking to Greg Heath, a friend and retired Westfield Firefighter. Mr. Heath testified in support of the bill in October in front of the Joint Committee on Public Service. “I am here to show you that firefighters contract Parkinson’s as a result of chemicals encountered in their service,” said Mr. Heath. “Some nights are filled with constant body movements. Many medications don’t work for me anymore. I am approaching the possibility of brain surgery. The passage of this bill will allow me to provide security for my family and ease the burden that is sure to come.”

Senator Velis has worked with a number of different advocates and organizations on this bill, including the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM). “Firefighters are routinely exposed to burning chemicals and toxins that cause Parkinsons. The Neurotoxin Institute found that Parkinsons was significantly higher among firefighters than the regular population,” said PFFM Legislative Agent Paul Jacques. “HB2378 was given a favorable report this Session as well as the last Session. Having HB2378 move forward for passage would provide the necessary benefits our members deserve who are currently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and god forbid those diagnosed in the future.”

August 26, 2020August 26, 2020

Legislature Enacts $1.8 Billion Bond Bill to Strengthen the Commonwealth’s Information Technology & Physical Infrastructure

(BOSTON – 08/18/2020 ) House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Senate President Karen E. Spilka joined their colleagues in House and Senate to pass legislation authorizing up to $1.8 billion in spending for the improvement of information technology equipment and other capital projects in Massachusetts.

The legislation also authorizes funding for food security, law enforcement body cameras, and investments in educational technologies in Massachusetts schools.

“Now, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever, everyone realizes the importance of our information technology infrastructure,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “These investments will strengthen the resilience of our state and help provide more equitable access to key services for our residents. I thank Governor Baker, Senate President Spilka, and my colleagues in the Legislature for their work on this important bill.”

“As we adjust to a world transformed by a global pandemic we stand committed and ready to supporting existing programs and finding new ways to invest in underserved and underrepresented populations,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).“I am thrilled to see this bill authorizes additional much-needed supports for childcare providers. I am equally proud to see this borrowing bill directs resources to a program aimed at supporting communities of color. I would like to thank all my colleagues, including House Speaker DeLeo and Senator Michael Rodrigues, for their work priorities.”

“The IT Bond bill contains numerous and necessary upgrades to services that our constituents rely on each and every day,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means. “By enacting this legislation, we are ensuring that the Commonwealth will continue to provide those services in a timely and efficient manner, despite the lasting effects of COVID-19.”

“As we continue to confront challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the enactment of this bond bill to modernize our Commonwealth’s general government infrastructure and to invest in underserved populations is critically needed at this juncture,” stated Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Ways and Means. “Whether it’s empowering communities of color disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system or ensuring equitable access to remote learning opportunities for families in need, this bill reflects our commitment to work together during this public health crisis and deliver critical investments in a meaningful and timely way.”

“This bond bill provides over $1.5 billion in critical funding for library construction, public safety initiatives, food security programs, and technology upgrades throughout state and local government,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “These are important investments that will allow Massachusetts to continue to address its infrastructure needs while also responding to the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 global pandemic.”

“House and Senate members made certain that the components of this legislation would have positive wide-ranging impacts for our residents over many key areas. We modernize the state’s economic, justice and education systems, harden our cybersecurity capabilities and combat food insecurity with farm and fisheries grants to make food supply channels more robust and connect those in need with food resources,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R – Gloucester).

“The funding allocated in this legislation will go a long way in helping our communities continue to grow and develop their information technology infrastructures,” said Senator John Velis (D-Westfield). “This bill represents the legislature’s commitment to investing in the services that our constituents rely on each and every day, and which have become increasingly important during this pandemic.”

The capital plan, which includes $794 million for state and local general technology and physical infrastructure, features the following targeted investments.

$110 million in public safety infrastructure and equipment
$134 million in statewide economic development grants and reinvestment in disproportionately impacted communities
$80 million in educational IT and infrastructure grants, including $50 million to assist public schools in facilitating remote learning environments
$10 million to fund technology investments at community health centers
$37 million in food security grants
$25 million in capital improvements for licensed early education and care providers and after school programs to ensure safe reopening during COVID-19
$30 million in public safety accountability technologies including body cameras and a race and ethnicity data sharing system

The legislation has been signed into law by the governor.

August 25, 2020August 25, 2020

Velis ‘proud’ to represent Southwick

June 29, 2020 – The Westfield News – Hope E. Tremblay

SOUTHWICK – State Sen. John C. Velis, D-Westfield, is “proud” to represent the town.

Velis met last week with the Southwick Select Board via Zoom to say hello and offer his assistance to the community.

“Since I was sworn-in, I have been going to all 11 cities and towns [in the 2^nd Hampden and Hampshire Senate District] and checking in,” Velis said.

Velis, a Westfield native, said he has been a neighbor of Southwick his entire life and it was “an honor” to be representing the town in the Senate.

“I want you to view me as an allie,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Velis said he plans to work closely with the Select Board.

“When local, federal and state government is working together, we get a lot more done,” he said.

Board members did not hesitate to immediately share some concerns about the Congamond Road project. Selectman Joseph Deedy said he would email Velis by the next morning with the issues facing the town with that project.

Selectman Russell S. Fox asked Velis where he stood on Chapter 90 funding, which is state money given to communities for road and infrastructure.

“We came in at $300 million,” Velis said of the Senate vote on Chapter 90 funding. “The House came in at $200 million.”

Velis said he hopes the Senate funding stands.

“It has been loud and clear where you’re coming from and I’m for the $300 million,” Velis said. “Chapter 90 is a big part of this ‘listening tour’.”

Velis said both Chapter 90 and Chapter 70, which is funding for schools, is a priority for the district.

Select Board chairman Douglas Moglin told Velis Southwick was voted the “best place to live in the Pioneer Valley” last year.

‘”We’re hoping to keep that moniker, with your help,” Moglin said.

August 25, 2020August 25, 2020

Velis secures $7.5 million for district roads

July 18, 2020 – The Westfield News – Hope E. Tremblay

BOSTON – Funding for Westfield, Southwick and surrounding communities was included in a $17 billion borrowing bill approved July 16 by the Sente for transportation and infrastructure improvements.

State Sen. John C. Velis, D-Westfield, helped secure $7.5 million for transportation projects in the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District, which is comprised of Agawam, Easthampton, Granville, Holyoke, Montgomery, Russell, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and part of Chicopee.

“At the end of the day, what matters most to me is being able to bring my work on Beacon Hill back home,” said Velis. “Advocating for our improvements to our roadways and transportation infrastructure will always be a major priority of mine, and I am proud that I was able to secure $7.5 million in the Senate Bond Bill for transportation projects across our cities and towns. I am thankful to all the local officials who worked with my office on this bill, and hope that the Governor now taps these projects to be included in his capital plan.”

The bill passed 36-4, with the Senate’s four-man Republican caucus voting in opposition. Explaining why he would not support the bill, Minority Leader Bruce Tarr cited the inclusion of a business-opposed provision to allow municipalities to increase local taxes and use the funding for transportation projects, reports Sam Doran of State House News Service. An amendment by Democrat Sen. Diana DiZoglio which would have struck that section was defeated 8-31. Sen. Susan Moran, who joined the Senate after a May special election, gave her inaugural speech on a successful amendment to add $350 million in funding toward replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges. Also Thursday, the Senate and House worked in concert to send to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk bills addressing mosquito control and take-out cocktails during the COVID-19 era.

Velis secured the following local funds:

$2.5mil for Northampton St./RT.5 in Holyoke

$870,000 for Greenway bikeway in Southampton

$600,000 for Congamond Road in Southwick

$1mil for roadway improvements in Westfield

$2.53 mil to be shared equally in Agawam, Easthampton, Granville, Montgomery and Russell for road improvements.

August 24, 2020August 26, 2020

Senate Passes FY 2020 COVID-19 $1.1B Supplemental Budget, Velis Amendment for Holyoke Soldiers Home Included

(BOSTON – 7/03/2020) The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday, July 2, 2020, passed a $1.1B supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2020 to support extraordinary costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic that require immediate attention. The spending authorized in this supplemental budget will maximize federal financial support while providing critical resources for our most vulnerable populations.

“This bill will help the Commonwealth continue to make strides in its fight against COVID-19 as well as support the many sectors impacted by this unprecedented public health crisis,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).

“Due to the unprecedented challenges facing our Commonwealth, this supplemental budget will allow us to maximize federal aid to support COVID-19 response costs and provide critical resources to help working families and our most vulnerable populations,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways & Means (D-Westport).

“Every person in our Commonwealth has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created a public health emergency, an economic disaster, and the need for strong and effective responses by our state government,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R – Gloucester). “This supplemental spending bill provides the resources for the actions we must take and does so in a way that maximizes our chances for federal assistance.”

To support working families during this uncertain economic time and provide health care supports in the midst of this public health crisis, the supplemental budget passed today by the Senate includes $82M for childcare needs, including emergency child care for essential workers, $15M for essential behavioral health services, including services for children, $10M for small business assistance grants, focused on minority, women and veteran-owned businesses in underserved areas and $10M to provide wage supports to workers impacted by COVID-19.

In response to growing food insecurity challenges during this pandemic, the supplemental budget provides an immediate state allocation of $15M for food security supports, including $9M for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program to support our overstretched food bank system during this time of incredible need.

Through the amendment process, the Senate also established a $500 bonus for members of the Massachusetts National Guard who were mobilized to combat COVID-19, included increase funding to assist with coronavirus mitigation efforts at summer camps and youth programs, and create an Early Education and Child Care Public-Private Trust Fund to help inform and support child care needs across the state.

Included in the final budget was an amendment by Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) that specifically earmarks $250,000 for the Holyoke Soldiers Home. This money will go towards PPE equipment, new technology such as touchless thermometers, and other infection control resources. “What happened at the Home, can never happen again. And we need to do everything in our power to ensure that the facility has the resources it needs right now” said Velis. “I’m proud that I could advocate for the Home during this debate, and am grateful for my colleagues for all their work on this legislation.”

Other notable spending highlights of the FY 2020 COVID-19 supplemental budget include:

$350M for personal protective equipment.
$139M for rate add-ons for congregate care and other health and human service providers.
$85M for field hospitals and shelters.
$44M for the Community Tracing Collaborative.
$30M for community health centers.
$28M for local housing authorities and family and individual shelter services.
$20M for expanded RAFT coverage for families on the brink of homelessness.
$20M focused on racial disparities in the health care system during the pandemic.
$15M for elder affairs services and home care workforce wage supports.
$12.3M for early intervention services.
$10M for grants to community foundations serving low-income and immigrant populations with direct supports like housing assistance and food security supports.
$5M for increased costs related to the recent conference report on expanded vote-by-mail measures for the 2020 election cycle.
$2M to provide financial assistance to small non-profits impacted by COVID-19.

The supplemental budget also establishes Juneteenth as an official state holiday. Juneteenth is a celebration of the day in 1865 when the remaining enslaved African Americans in the United States were told of their freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation.

UPDATE: The final version of this legislation has been agreed to by the House and Senate, and been signed by the Governor.

August 24, 2020

Senate Passes ENDURE Act to Provide Relief and Aid to Small Businesses, Support for Workers, and Investments in Infrastructure

***Bill authorizes $455 million to provide relief to communities and stimulate economic development in an effort to combat devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic***.

(BOSTON – 7/29/2020) The Massachusetts State Senate passed a sweeping economic recovery and development bill on Wednesday that provides much-needed support to businesses, invests in infrastructure, and creates new jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Act to encourage new development and usher in a recovering economy (ENDURE Act) includes provisions for small business competitive grant programs, housing production, local economic development projects, capital funding for vocational schools and community colleges, and investments in infrastructure. It also provides support for the tourism and cultural sectors and restaurant industry. Further, to promote equity and protect borrowers and workers across the Commonwealth, the ENDURE Act establishes a Future of Work Commission and creates a Student Loan Bill of Rights.

“The ENDURE Act will provide a much-needed boost to our economy as it recovers from the dire effects of COVID-19,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “In crafting this bill, the Senate recognized the need to be bold when addressing the challenges facing restaurant and small business owners, the clean energy sector, cultural attractions and other key sectors that keep our economy humming. I am particularly pleased this bill includes the long sought-after housing production reforms that the Senate has supported for years. I want to thank Senators Lesser, Rodrigues and my colleagues for their attention to this critical bill and for acting with urgency to move it forward in the legislative process.”

To invest in the Commonwealth’s infrastructure and stimulate economic activity, the ENDURE Act authorizes bonding for the following:

$15M for the site readiness program;
$35M for a Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation matching grant program to community development financial institutions for small business loans and grants;
$5M for the Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund;
$10M for the expansion of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2)
$50M for the Technology Research and Development and Innovation Fund;
$20M for rural community development and infrastructure grants;
$20M for a Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation small business grant program;
$20M for financial and capital assistance grants to restaurants impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus;
$10M for grants to promote marketing and advertising for in-state cultural and tourist activities during the 2019 novel coronavirus reopening process;
$40M for a program to redevelop blighted buildings;
$10M for regional and community assistance planning grants;
$28M for an Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program;
$50M for local economic development projects;
$2M for an urban agriculture grant program;
$20M for grants to support the reopening of cultural facilities impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus;
$25M for transit-oriented housing developments;
$10M for climate-resilient affordable housing developments;
$50M for the neighborhood stabilization program;
$5M for Gateway Cities market rate housing pilot program;
$15M for vocational technical school expansion grants; and
$15M for community college high-demand workforce grants

“Our Massachusetts economy, that just a few months ago had strength and low unemployment, is now faced with the challenge of recovering from the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill responds to this situation in such a way as to leverage our strengths, increase opportunities for many to gather a stronger economic footing, and invest tax dollars efficiently to yield positive results for every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R – Gloucester).

The ENDURE Act creates a robust commission to look at the ‘Future of Work’ and examine ways to ensure sustainable jobs, fair benefits and workplace safety standards for all workers in all industries.

It also gives greater protections to student loan borrowers in disputes with companies servicing their loans, requiring servicers to apply for licenses from the state, which the Commissioner of Banks could revoke if the servicer is engaged in abusive practices such as overcharging students or steering them into costlier repayment plans to make higher profits. Student loan servicers that break state licensing requirements or take advantage of students could be fined and forced to repay student borrowers under the bill.

Further, the ENDURE Act:

Addresses the critical need for housing by enabling municipalities through a simple majority to address building opportunities through zoning reform;
Authorizes an additional 2800 megawatts of offshore wind development;
Extends the state and local permits held by a real estate developer unable to proceed with the project due to COVID-19 disruptions for one year;
Allows farmer brewers and farmer distillers to sell, and provide samples of, their alcoholic beverages at agricultural events and farmers markets;
Extends protections for cranberry growers under c.61A out to 2023;
Mandates equitable opportunities in state contracts by expanding an affirmative marketing program that elevates hiring firms owned by women and people of color;
Reduces onerous and unnecessary regulations for hair braiders;
Excludes forgiven PPP loans from Massachusetts taxable income for the purposes of personal income taxes; and
Enables MassDevelopment to better deploy its resources and tools under the TDI program.

The final version of this bill will now be negotiated by the House and Senate before going to the governor’s desk for his consideration.