Category: Uncategorized

(BOSTON 6/30/2022) Ahead of July 4^th, Governor Baker has officially signed into law a policy from Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) that will make it easier for military members serving overseas to vote. The amendment was part of the broader voting reform bill, An Act fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and security. 

“I’m incredibly grateful that this policy for our service members has officially been signed into law.” said Senator Velis, who is Chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee. “The right to vote is a fundamental right, but overseas service members are currently burdened by many logistical and operational obstacles that impact that right. Anything that we can do to make that voting process for our service-members overseas more efficient, we have an obligation to do. I am proud to say we fulfill that obligation with this law.” 

Senator Velis’ amendment will allow service members overseas to vote through a secure online portal. Fifteen states in the United States already allow similar online voting portals. 

The current process for a military member to vote from overseas starts with an absentee application to their local clerk. Then a ballot is either mailed or emailed to them overseas. The military member must then print out the ballot, fill it out, and then either fax it back to their clerk, scan it to email back, or mail it. Once it is received, an election receiver will then copy the military members name and votes onto another physical ballot before it may be counted.   

Senator Velis, noted that he himself voted from overseas during the 2018 mid-term elections when he was stationed in Afghanistan, and knows how burdensome the current process is.  

“Many times, service-members do not have functioning printers at their installations. Many times, they are not able to communicate with their municipal clerk back home. Many times, they are out on missions that take them away from their installations all together,” said Senator Velis. “I remember the excitement and great pride I felt voting during the 2018 mid-term elections from Afghanistan. At the same, I worried about how many of my fellow service-members might be missing out on this opportunity and wondered why this process could not be simpler.”  

 Service members will no longer need to find a printer or fax, worry about the back-and-forth communications with their clerk, or wonder about the privacy of their votes. It will be more efficient and cut out red tape while still ensuring safe and secure voting. 

“When you are in the military, the focus is always on the mission at hand. We —as a Commonwealth— must do everything we can to make this process as easy as possible so that our military members can exercise their right to vote and get back to their mission,” stated Senator Velis. “At the most fundamental level, this law will make it easier to vote for those who have given us our right to vote.” 

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(Northampton 6/28/2022) Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), the Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, today released the following statement on the news that the Leeds VA Medical in Northampton will remain open:  

“Yesterday a bi-partisan group of US Senators blocked the proposed closures of the Leeds VA Medical Facility in Northampton and other VA facilities across the Country. 

From the very start, so many of us have stood steadfast against this irresponsible proposal to close Leeds.  Veterans and advocates rallied, they spoke out, and they showed how critical it is for our region that this facility remains open. The powers that be heard loud and clear from us that this would have had a disastrous effect if they went forward, and I am glad that they listened.  

I am grateful to all who have to fought to ensure that the 24,000 Veterans the facility serves each year will continue get to the care they need and have earned in service to our nation.” 

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Hello Everyone, 

This week marks the official start of summer with the passage of the solstice. I hope everyone has been able to enjoy the long days despite all the rain we’ve had this week. We’ve had a very productive week here in the legislature. I certainly have and want to share some exciting news from across the district this week. 

This past Monday was Juneteenth, marking the day that the news of abolition and the end of the Civil War reached every corner of our country. The day when the last slaves learned of their freedom was a pivotal moment in our country’s struggle for equality. I hope everyone was able to observe the holiday and reflect on the significance it has played in American history.  

Last Saturday I attended a celebration congratulating Karen Salvini on 39 years of service as the clerk to City of Westfield. It was my honor attending and celebrating her hard work and dedication to the city. Congratulations on retirement, Karen! 

On Wednesday, I spoke in Springfield during the Western Mass Addiction Policy Forum hosted by Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery at the UMass Center in Springfield. I am glad we were able to talk about funding and support for those on the frontlines of substance use disorders. There is much policy and legislative work to be done locally and in the state house. It was moving to hear the stories of the many people who attended, and I am thankful to have been asked to speak. 

The Williston Library in Easthampton was able to secure $50,000 in funds from the American Recovery Plan Act. On Thursday, alongside Representative Dan Carey, Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, Director Katya Schapiro, and Board President Elizabeth Appelquist, I was happy to formally present the funds to the library. With this money, they can continue to be the cultural centerpiece of the Easthampton community. Libraries are not just a place to check out a book, they are a place of community and learning to those who need it.  

I’d like to congratulate the Westfield High School Soft Ball team on winning their state championship!  The hard work and persistence you all put in this season has shown. Your community and I are proud of your achievements, and we hope you are too! 

Today, I attended the Pascommuck Conservation Trust’s 40^th Anniversary celebration in Easthampton. This dedicated group of volunteers has grown from their first parcel in 1982 to now managing over 190 acres of preserved land. Thank you to the trust for helping to keep the Pioneer Valley beautiful for four decades! 

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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter! 

Sincerely, 

John Velis 

(5/26/2022) Today the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously adopted an amendment filed by Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) that would make LGBTQ Veterans discharged under the now-repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy eligible for Veteran benefits from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  

“For far too long, thousands of courageous individuals have been told that they are not worthy of the same benefits that their comrades and counterparts earned. That their service, and their sacrifice is not worth the same. All because of who they are and who they love,” said Senator Velis, who is Chair of the Veterans & Federal Affairs Committee. “The years of trauma, abuse and harassment caused by Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell cannot be undone. But we must do everything in our power to ensure that LGBTQ Veterans across the Commonwealth have the same access to benefits and services that other Veterans have.” 

“LGBTQ Veterans that were discharged under the now defunct, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, served their country proudly and are every bit as entitled to state Veteran benefits as any other service member. We are grateful to Senator Velis for his recognition of their service and his leadership in ensuring that their sacrifice will be honored by restoring the benefits that they rightfully earned.” said Tanya Neslusan, Executive Director of MassEquality. 

The Department of Defense’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy barred openly gay, lesbian or bisexual persons from military service from 1994 until 2011. During the 17 years that the policy was in effect, more than 14,000 service members were forced out of the military. Because these service members did not receive an honorable discharge, they and their families are not eligible for many Veteran benefits.  

This past fall, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued new guidance that Veterans discharged under the policy are eligible for federal benefits. Amendment #799 would codify into Massachusetts state law that any Veteran discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell would be eligible for state benefits from the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services.  

Under this amendment, State Veteran benefits that discharged Veterans would receive include: 

• Chapter 115 Financial Aid 
• Property Tax Exemptions 
• Tuition Waivers 
• License Plate and ID Designations 
• Veteran Annuities  
• Care at Massachusetts Soldiers’ Homes 

 “Ask the soldier who is bleeding out on the battlefield if they care about the sexual orientation of the combat medic applying the torniquet. Ask the Marine in Afghanistan or Iraq in a firefight if they care about the gender identity of the person besides them shooting to defend their life. The belief that having an LGBTQ service member would somehow keep our military from functioning or compromise our mission is unfathomable,” said Senator Velis, who is also currently a Major in the US Army Reserve. “The tragic truth is that so many service members are still feeling the effects of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to this day. These Veterans wore the same uniform as us, they served alongside us, they fought alongside us, and they deserve to be taken care of the same way as the rest of us. It is time to do right by them.” 

With the amendment now adopted into the Senate’s budget, it will now be considered in a conference committee with the House of Representatives.   

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(6/21/2022) According to a report released by the Department of Public Health last week, opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts reached a new record high last year. The 2,290 opioid-related overdose deaths reported represent an 8.8% increase from 2020. 

Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), who is Vice-Chair of the Legislature’s Substance Use and Recovery Committee, secured funding in the recent FY’23 Senate Budget to help combat this epidemic in Western Massachusetts. This includes $50,000 for Tapestry Health to purchase a Mass Spectrometer Device and $75,000 for Baystate Noble Hospital’s Opioid Treatment & Prevention Grant Program. 

“The numbers being reported by the Department of Public Health are utterly heartbreaking and shine a light on how hard this pandemic has been for individuals struggling with substance use,” said Senator Velis. “This period of isolation and stress has been challenging beyond belief and many people have been unable to access essential care. It is my hope that this funding will help Tapestry and Baystate expand their work and save lives throughout our communities.”  

Senator Velis’ amendment for Tapestry Health provides funding to purchase a Mass Spectrometer Device. Originally used by military forces facing bioterrorism, these devices can identify when fatal substances like Fentanyl are present in a drug supply. In 2020, Fentanyl was found in 92% of overdose related deaths in Massachusetts where a toxicology report was completed. Mass Spectrometer Devices can identify substances like Fentanyl on a mass scale and are more reliable than Fentanyl test strips.  

For the past couple of years, Tapestry has partnered with Brandeis University to use their Spectrometer Device once a month. Now, Tapestry will have one of their own to help expand this initiative and save even more lives across our region. 

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Velis for this amendment. Fentanyl and other substances that contaminate the drug supply are driving the tragic increase in opioid deaths. A spectrometer gives the community the ability to identify these contaminants and alert folks to their presence. It is a truly lifesaving tool,” said Cheryl Zoll, CEO of Tapestry Health. 

Senator Velis’ amendment for Baystate Noble Hospital in the Senate Budget will allow the hospital to continue their Opioid Treatment and Prevention Community Grant Program. The program is a partnership between Baystate and community organizations that support individuals struggling with substance use on the ground.  

With these amendments now adopted into the Senate’s budget, it will now be considered in a conference committee with the House of Representatives.   

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Hello Everyone,  

I hope everyone had a wonderful week!  I’ve been enjoying this beautiful weather while attending events all over the district this week and I have some exciting news to share with you all.  

Last week, the State Senate passed our Chapter 90 Transportation Funding bill which will bring over $6.5 million to our district for various transportation projects.  The importance of healthy transportation infrastructure cannot be overstated.  This funding will help each city and town in the district  improve their roads, bridges, public transit, and more.  

The Legislature has also recently settled on a date for our state sales tax holiday, which is now officially August 13th-14th!  Mark your calendars and shop local!  

I was honored this week to help Troop 114 fulfill their First Class requirements by having some wonderful and insightful conversations with them about the importance of government and public service.  I am consistently impressed by the passion and intelligence of our youth and I am excited to see what the future holds for this next generation of leaders.  

This week I held office hours at the Chicopee Senior Center, where members of my team helped constituents with any issues or questions they might have.  We love hearing from members of the community and helping in any way we can, so please feel welcome to stop by out office hours in the future with any questions or concerns, or even just to say hi!   

On Wednesday I met with the Agawam Housing Authority and community members. Although there are vacancies in Housing Authorities throughout Massachusetts, many folks still find themselves on waitlists for months because of the massive backlog of applications. This is an issue that I have heard directly from constituents  during office hours and that I will be bringing back to Beacon Hill to work on. Simply put, the system must be improved. 

I was also welcomed at the Westfield Rotary Club this week to update members on recent news in the state Senate, including the exciting Chapter 90 funding passage, the passage of the Senate Budget, and my continued support to suspend the gas tax so as to relieve some of the burdens of inflation.  Thank you to the Westfield Rotary Club for hosting me.  

Later this evening I’ll be attending this year’s Holyoke Pride Fest,  which will be held in Veterans Park in Holyoke from 12 pm-6 pm. I hope to see some of you there!  

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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter! 

Sincerely, 

John Velis 

(BOSTON – 06/9/2022) The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would approve the authorization of $350 million towards transportation needs in the Commonwealth, including $200 million for Chapter 90 funds, which provides cities and towns with a funding source for investments in local transportation-related projects, including road and bridge repairs.

“Through Chapter 90 funding, we are able to directly invest in the local roads and transportation infrastructure that we all depend on in our communities,” said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield). ” I am glad that all of the municipalities in my district will be receiving these funds to improve our roadways and fund local transportation projects.”

This legislation also authorizes $150 million in grant-based programs that will assist municipalities with various transportation-related projects. This includes $30 million for the municipal small bridge repair program, $30 million for the Complete Streets grant program, $25 million for bus-related projects, $25 million for increased access to mass transit and commuter rail stations, and $40 million for pavement and surface area improvements to non-federally aided roadways.

“Transportation infrastructure is a public good, and an example of an important and successful partnership between multiple levels of government,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “By incorporating decisions made by both state-level and local leaders, Chapter 90 funding ensures that many voices are heard and that new transportation projects function well at all scales of distance. I thank Chairs Crighton and Rodrigues for their work to ensure that transportation projects throughout the Commonwealth are fully funded and done so in a fiscally responsible way.”

“The Commonwealth’s overall transportation system relies on the health of our roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure,” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation. “The bill we passed today represents a $350 million investment that will help cities and towns make the improvements they need so that residents can travel safely and efficiently.”

Having previously been passed in the House of Representatives, the bill will be sent to the Governor after enacting votes in each chamber.

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Hello Everyone, 

I hope everyone had a good week and was able to get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather.  This week was another eventful one here in the state legislature.   

On Tuesday I attended a virtual zoom meeting with the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.  The purpose of which was to discuss the Chamber’s legislative priorities and other ways that the legislature can best aide our local businesses.  Thank you to my colleagues in the Chamber for hosting this informative session.   

As a part of the American Recovery Plan Act that the Legislature recently passed the Westfield Food Pantry was able to secure $25,000 in funding. This past Tuesday, I presented the check to the hard working folks over at the pantry.  This money will be used to support their mobile food truck that will now be able to deliver directly to people’s homes.  This is a huge initiative from the Pantry and the community as a whole and I cannot wait to see what good they will continue to accomplish.   

It was Career Day at Franklin Avenue Elementary this past Wednesday.  I was honored to have been asked to speak to these wonderful students about my deployment to Afghanistan,  my law career, my current status as an active Major in the Army Reserves, my time serving as the State Representative from Westfield, and of course my current position as the State Senator from the Second Hampden and Hampshire State Senate district.   

Happy Pride month to everyone as well!  I kicked this one off by attending the raising of the pride flag at Holyoke City Hall this last Monday.  It’s important to celebrate who you are and to remember that we as a community are made stronger by diversity rather than weaker.  Thank you to the City of Holyoke for hosting this event.  I look forward to attending others like it in our area this Pride month.   

Last Sunday, I had the honor of presenting a citation to Abby Thibodeau of Westfield BSA Troop 124 for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor that can be attained in Scouts.  After years of working hard and serving her community, it’s very much well deserved.  Congratulations to Abby and I look forward to seeing what’s next for you.   

This week, I had two in-person office hours.  One was at the Agawam Council on Aging and the other was at the Senior Center in Russell. I and my staff understand how difficult it can be sometimes to find help with State agencies and we are always happy to meet in person to see how we can best our communities.  Thank to both of these COAs for hosting us this week.   

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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter! 

Sincerely, 

John Velis 

Happy June Everyone, 

Summer’s almost officially here and graduation is right around the corner for many of our students this time of year.  I was lucky enough to attend the Westfield High, the Westfield Technical Academy, and Agawam High school’s graduation ceremonies this week.  I would like to congratulate all of our students who have reached this milestone in their lives.  This a special time in your lives and I hope that you all cherish it.  

This past Monday marked Memorial Day. As a Veteran myself, this holiday holds a particular place in my heart.  I had the honor of speaking at multiple events that day throughout our community.  One was at the Agawam Memorial Veterans Cemetery.  I also attended a flag raising in the Agawam town green.  Later in the day, I was also able to attend a parade in Russell.   Thank you to all members of the military—active, retired, and those no longer with us. 

Last week the Senate passed its version of the FY23 budget.  This version is not the final one, however.  The Senate’s version must go into conference committee with the House version to be reconciled and after that, it will be sent to the Governor’s desk for final approval.  I’m proud of the many amendments my team was able to secure for our district and have been highlighting the many pieces of funding all week on my social media. 

Wednesday evening, I attended a virtual town hall with the Southwick Democratic Committee.  We spoke about the many issues facing this community, chief amongst them being the new policies surrounding the Congamond lake system.  Just this past week they received the green light by the National Resource Conservation Service to the clear out the Great Brook and Canal brook, two very important outflows for the lake.  This project would dramatically improve water quality in the lakes; something that has been an issue for a very long time.   

I also met with several city councilors from Holyoke this week to hear about news at the municipal level. Holyoke is the second largest city in my district and it’s always important to me to maintain strong relationships with all our local officials.  

Our office also welcomed our summer interns this week.  I’d like to put out a formal and warm welcome to Logan from Westfield State and Camryn from UMass Amherst!  I know they’re going to do great things and I look forward to working with them this summer.   

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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter! 

Sincerely, 

John Velis 

(BOSTON– 5/27/22) The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed a $49.78 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). Advanced with unanimous support, the budget makes significant, critical and targeted investments in the areas of education, health care, housing and community supports to meet the on-the-ground challenges brought on by the global pandemic and ongoing financial uncertainty.

“The residents of Massachusetts are at the center of our work and their voice, advocacy and contributions are interwoven throughout our Fiscal 2023 budget,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I take great pride in advancing a budget that contains meaningful investments in early education and childcare, K-12 schools, public higher education, mental health and substance use disorder treatment as well as a record level of assistance for low-income residents. At a time when reproductive and gender equity rights are under attack across the country, I am also grateful that the Senate budget adopts new, critically needed measures to protect our providers and health care centers. I want to thank Chair Rodrigues, Vice Chair Friedman and Assistant Vice Chair Lewis, as well as their staffs, the members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, all of my Senate colleagues who contributed ideas and energy as this budget came together and every advocate and member of the public who made sure we knew what was important to them.”

“Today, the members of the Senate have spoken and moved forward together to pass a Fiscal Year 2023 budget that strengthens our state’s economic foundation, upholds the fundamental rights of our people and continues our efforts to build a more inclusive Commonwealth,” 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 meaningful steps this week to support our long-term economic health, maintain fiscal responsibility, and make targeted investments in education, local aid, health care, housing, workforce development, and many other important areas, ensuring we meet the everyday needs of our communities. Thank you to the Senate President for her guidance, Vice Chair Cindy Friedman, Assistant Vice Chair Senator Jason Lewis, Ranking Minority Member Senator Patrick O’Connor and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr for their impactful contributions, and to my colleagues in the Senate, whose advocacy throughout the week contributed to a respectful and civil discussion on priorities important to them, which helped shape the overall direction of this budget.”

The Senate’s FY23 budget includes a total of $49.78 billion in spending with $854.4 million deposited into the state’s rainy-day fund, bringing that account’s total to $6.74 billion. Structured upon a consensus revenue estimate of 2.7 per cent growth, the budget also funds Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) at $1.231 billion. Other budget highlights are detailed below.

Education

Drawing on its belief that the state’s recovery is made stronger by a commitment to invest in early education and care, the Senate’s budget makes a $1.13 billion investment into this sector of the care economy, including $300 million in new resources to begin implementation of recommendations made by the Early Education and Care Economy Review Commission. These investments will help to stabilize providers, support the early educator workforce, and provide access to affordable care for children and families. Funding includes:

• $250 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) Stabilization Grants, stabilizing the early education and care sector by supporting critical operational and workforce needs
• $25 million for a new infrastructure and policy reform reserve to bolster the statewide system of care and assist families in navigating the early education landscape
• $25 million for the center-based childcare rate reserve for reimbursement rates for subsidized care
• $16.5 million for grants to the Head Start program to maintain access to early education services for low-income families
• $15 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative to expand access to pre-kindergarten and preschool opportunities in underserved areas
• $5 million for the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship

In K-12 education, the Senate delivers on its promise to fully fund and implement the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) by FY 2027, investing $6 billion in Chapter 70 funding, an increase of $495 million over FY 2022, as well as double minimum Chapter 70 aid from $30 to $60 per pupil. This investment ensures the state remains on schedule to fully implement the law by FY2027, provides school districts with resources to provide high quality educational opportunities, and addresses rising costs and administrative challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This budget also confronts head-on the issue of higher education student costs by providing $175.2 million for the scholarship reserve, including an additional $37.5 million for the MassGrant and MassGrant Plus programs. An amendment adopted by the Senate also dedicate $1 million to pilot a digital textbook and materials program at a community college or state university to provide student with the opportunity to access free textbooks online.

The Senate also expands access to inclusive education opportunities for young adults with disabilities through the removal of existing barriers and codifying the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment grant program. The budget dedicates $4 million in flexible resources for the public higher education system to implement and support inclusive learning options for this diverse student population. Other education investments include:

• $435 million for the special education circuit breaker
• $243.8 million for charter school reimbursements
• $82.2 million to reimburse school districts for regional school transportation costs, representing an 85% reimbursement rate

• $10 million for Early College programs and $9 million for the state’s Dual Enrollment initiative, both of which provide high school students with increased opportunities for post-graduate success
• $5.5 million, after adding $1.5 million through an amendment, for targeted aid to rural schools
• $1.5 million for the Genocide Education Trust Fund, fulfilling our commitment to educate middle and high school students on the history of genocide and support implementation efforts in accordance with Chapter 98 of the Acts of 2021, An Act Concerning Genocide Education, passed by the Legislature in 2021

Health, Mental Health & Family Care

For too many—especially children—the post-pandemic world continues to be wrought with uncertainty. To address these concerns, the Senate’s budget focuses on funding a range of services, including social emotional learning (SEL) support for students, domestic violence prevention, substance use disorder treatment, and strengthening our regional boards of health. The budget also supports the expansion of Family Resource Centers (FRCS), which offer resources to families seeking health, safety, educational, and employment services.

The Massachusetts State Senate’s FY23 budget also sends a strong message that reproductive health and gender affirming health will be protected, despite growing legal uncertainty across the United States. Investments include $2 million for grants for improvements in reproductive health access, infrastructure, and safety. An amendment to the budget also codifies new protections for receiving and providing reproductive and gender-affirming health care in Massachusetts in response to laws in other states allowing their residents to bring legal action against individuals for traveling out-of-state to receive services and against workers who provide care.

The Senate budget funds MassHealth at a total of $18.56 billion, providing more than 2.1 million people with access to affordable and accessible health care services. Other health investments include:

• $514.6 million for Department of Mental Health adult support services, including assisted outpatient programming and comprehensive care coordination among health care providers
• $210.3 million for a complete range of substance use disorder treatment and intervention services to support these individuals and their families
• $112.5 million for children’s mental health services
• $56 million for domestic violence prevention services
• $40.4 million for Early Intervention services, ensuring supports remain accessible and available to infants and young toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities
• $28.3 million for Family Resource Centers to grow and improve the mental health resources and programming available to families
• $20 million to recapitalize the Behavioral Health, Access, Outreach and Support Trust Fund to support targeted behavioral health initiatives
• $18.5 million, increased during the amendment process, to expand to all correctional facilities the existing pilot program for the delivery of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder
• $18 million for family and adolescent health, including $7.8 million for comprehensive family planning services and $6.7 million to enhance federal Title X family planning funding
• $15 million for grants to support local and regional boards of health, continuing our efforts to build upon the successful State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) Program
• $15 million for emergency department diversion initiatives for children, adolescents, and adults
• $8.2 million to support student behavioral health services at the University of Massachusetts, state universities and community colleges
• $6 million for Social Emotional Learning Grants to help K-12 schools bolster social emotional learning supports for students, and $1 million to provide mental health screenings for K-12 students
• $4.4 million for the Office of the Child Advocate
• $3.5 million for the Massachusetts Center on Child Wellbeing & Trauma
• $3 million for Children Advocacy Centers to improve the critical supports available to children that have been neglected or sexually abused
• $1 million, increased through the amendment process, for an expansion of the Hey Sam text-based mental health support line, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention communications initiative for youth and young adults

The Senate also adopted an amendment that prevents correctional facilities from charging fees to incarcerated persons or their loved ones for prison phone calls, and it also sets a new requirement that commissary items in correctional facilities shall not be sold at more than 3 per cent over the purchase cost. Both changes ensure that our correctional facilities do not unjustly profit off the basic needs of incarcerated persons.

In addition, the Senate adopted an amendment to address the failures that led to the tragic death of Harmony Montgomery, who was released from state custody in 2019 when she was five years old, but then went missing for two years without being reported. To ensure that a tragedy like this will not happen again, this budget establishes a Harmony Montgomery Commission to study, examine and make recommendations regarding the welfare and best interest considerations of children in care and protection cases and petition to dispense with consent cases.

Expanding & Protecting Opportunities

The Senate remains committed to continuing an equitable recovery, expanding opportunity, and supporting the state’s long-term economic health. To that end, the budget includes a record investment in the annual child’s clothing allowance, providing $400 per child for eligible families to buy clothes for the upcoming school year. The budget also includes a 10 per cent increase to Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) benefit levels compared to June 2022 to help families move out of deep poverty.

With skilled workers in high demand and job openings plentiful, the Senate’s budget invests more than $100 million to bolster job training programs, help connect unemployed and under-employed people with higher paying jobs and support career services that help students gain access and skills to apply for future jobs. Economic opportunity investments include:

• $356.6 million for Transitional Assistance to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and $140.7 million for Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) to provide the necessary support as caseloads increase, and lift families and individuals out of so-called ‘deep poverty’
• $55.3 million for adult basic education services to improve access to skills necessary to join the workforce.
• $30.5 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program
• $24.1 million for summer jobs and work-readiness training for at-risk youth
• $20 million in Healthy Incentives Programs to maintain access to healthy food options for households in need
• $20 million for a Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program to provide economic support to communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system

• $17 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to connect unemployed and under-employed workers with higher paying jobs
• $15.4 million for Career Technical Institutes to increase our skilled worker population and provide residents access to career technical training opportunities
• $7.5 million for community foundations to provide emergency economic relief to historically underserved populations
• $5 million for the Secure Jobs Connect Program, providing job placement resources and assistance for homeless individuals
• $4.8 million for the Innovation Pathways program to continue to connect students to trainings and post-secondary opportunities in the industry sector with a focus on STEM fields
• $2.5 million for the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Innovation Fund, including $1.5 million to continue partnerships with community colleges and state universities to provide cybersecurity workforce training to students and cybersecurity services to municipalities, non-profits, and small businesses
• $500,000, through an amendment, for the Economic Empowerment Trust Fund to expand the state’s Baby Steps college savings program

An amendment passed by the Senate would also establish a veteran equality review board to ensure that veterans dishonorably discharged under “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” receive state-based veterans’ benefits. Another adopted amendment directs the state to develop one common application portal through which residents can simultaneously apply for multiple forms of state-administered needs-based benefits and services.

Housing

Based on the Senate’s understanding of the strong link housing security has to positive health and economic outcomes, the Senate FY23 budget invests over $900 million in increased funding for housing stability and homelessness assistance to work towards keeping people in their homes and helping individuals and families find permanent housing solutions.

The budget prioritizes relief for families and individuals who continue to face challenges brought on by both the pandemic and financial insecurity, including $213.2 million for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters and $210 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), including $60 million carried over from the March supplemental budget. The budget also upholds the emergency-level maximum amount of rental assistance that a household can receive at $10,000. Eligible households facing a housing crisis would also be given access to apply for RAFT and HomeBASE. The budget, through adoption of an amendment, also requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to study and report on the execution of no-fault evictions between 2019 and 2022.  Other housing investments include:

• $175 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), including $20.7 million in unspent funds carried forward from FY 2022; the budget also recommends structural program changes that, starting January 1, 2023, will allow households to pay no more than 30% of their income for rent to receive rental vouchers for up to 110% of fair market value 
• $92 million for assistance to local housing authorities
• $83.3 million for assistance for homeless individuals
• $56.9 million for the HomeBASE diversion and rapid re-housing programs, bolstering assistance under this program to two years with a per household maximum benefit of $20,000
• $19.3 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), which provides rental assistance to people with disabilities, including $5.6 million in unspent funds carried forward from FY 2022 and $2.5 million for grants to improve or create accessible affordable housing units
• $5 million for sponsored-based supportive permanent housing
• $3.9 million for the Home and Healthy for Good re-housing and supportive services program, including $250,000 for homeless LGBTQ+ youth

Community Support

The Committee’s budget reflects the Senate’s unwavering support for cities and towns and provides a significant amount of local and regional aid to ensure communities can provide essential services to the public while addressing local impacts caused by the pandemic. This includes $1.231 billion in funding for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), an increase of $63 million over FY 2022, to support additional resources for cities and towns. In addition to traditional sources of local aid, the Committee’s budget increases payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land to $45 million, an increase of $10 million over FY 2022. PILOT funding is a vital source of supplemental local aid for cities and towns working to protect and improve access to essential services and programs during recovery from the pandemic. Other local investments include:

• $96.5 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to support regional public transportation systems, including $2.5 million for the implementation of pilot programs for fare innovation and reduction across the state
• $40.8 million for libraries, including $14.5 million for regional library local aid, $16 million for municipal libraries and $4.7 million for technology and automated resource networks
• $22.3 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture and creative economy initiatives
• $3 million for Non-Profit Security Grants, after an increase of $1.5 million through the amendment process, to cover vital security enhancements to houses of worship, community centers, and other institutions at heightened risk of violence
• $1 million for the New American Voter Grant Program to provide accessible election materials to municipalities with significant non-English speaking populations and promote public awareness about voting

The Senate also adopted an amendment based on recommendations of the PFAS Interagency Task Force, which would provide $250,000 for the continued implementation of the AFFF Take-Back Program that funds the collection and proper disposal of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) stored by municipal fire departments and other public safety partners in Massachusetts.

Another amendment passed in the budget would also extend COVID-19 state-of-emergency provisions related to remote public meetings, flexible town meetings, remote notaries, remote corporate meeting and remote mortgage video conferencing.

The Senate’s FY23 Budget is available on the Massachusetts legislature’s website: https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateWaysMeansBudget. Now that the Senate and Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed their respective budget proposals, both branches will now work together, form a conference committee and reconcile differences.

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