(Boston 11/3/2022) In the final Economic Development and Supplemental Budget bill passed by the Senate and House of Representatives today, all district funding amendments secured by Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) in the original Senate bill were included and will go to Governor Baker’s desk for his consideration.
“This piece of legislation makes so many important investments in our Commonwealth and I am especially glad that the funding amendments I filed for our district remained intact throughout the Conference Committee process. Coupled with the $3 billion in tax rebates that residents will start receiving this week from the Commonwealth, this bill provides critical relief to our health care system and other sectors that have been impacted by the pandemic,” said Senator Velis. “I am grateful to my Republican and Democratic colleagues for working together to get this bill over the finish-line this session and look forward to continuing to work alongside them to provide further tax relief to residents across the Commonwealth.”
The bill’s passage comes as nearly $3 billion worth of tax rebates are actively being sent to taxpayers following the Commonwealth’s triggering of the Chapter 62F ballot initiative.
Highlights of An Act Relating to Economic Growth and Relief for the Commonwealth include:
- $410 million for creation and preservation of affordable housing for low-income families
- $350 million for fiscally stained hospitals
- $153 million in grants for businesses. The bill also creates a single-entry portal for small businesses to use to apply for state government grants.
- $100 million for the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund
- $75 million for investments in broadband infrastructure
- $57 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) to support families dealing with increased home energy costs
The bill includes $2,500,000 in funding specifically for projects and organizations across Senator Velis’ district, highlighted by $1,500,000 to help repair and replace the Main Street Sewer Pipe system in the City of Agawam.
“Relationships matter and the town of Agawam is so pleased to have a partner in Senator Velis. Like other cities and towns, Agawam struggles to cover the costs of needed capital improvements. This project will upgrade a crucial service along a major artery in Town. These state funds will spare the Agawam taxpayers from having to cover the costs of the project alone. Once again, Senator Velis delivered on behalf of the Town and Agawam taxpayers,” said Agawam Mayor Bill Sapelli.
Other funding for the district includes:
- $150,000 for the City of West Springfield to complete a feasibility study on the decommissioned power plant on Agawam Avenue
- $100,000 for the Westfield Police Department for facility upgrades and equipment
- $95,000 for the Agawam Youth Football, Soccer, and Basketball Associations
- $90,000 for the City of Holyoke to purchase a new Animal Control van
- $75,000 for the Easthampton Council on Aging to purchase a new ADA compliant van
- $50,000 for the Montgomery/Russell Police Department to purchase a new explorer
- $50,000 for the town Southampton for the greenway bicycle and pedestrian path
- $50,000 for school safety/security improvements in Westfield
- $50,000 for school safety/security improvements in Agawam
- $50,000 for the American Legion Post 207 in West Springfield for building improvements
- $50,000 for the New England Farm Workers’ Council for accessibility improvements
- $46,500 for the Hope for Holyoke Recovery Center to support their transportation program
- $35,000 for the Easthampton Community Center to install a new walk-in fridge/freezer
- $25,000 for the Southampton Road School in Westfield for playground improvements
- $25,000 for the Westfield Middle School’s art/music departments
- $18,500 for Borgatti Park in Agawam for youth sports improvements
Having passed the Senate and the House, the bill now goes to Governor Baker’s desk.
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