(BOSTON 5/27/2021) On Thursday, May 27th, the Massachusetts State Senate finalized their budget for Fiscal Year 2022. Over 900 amendments were considered over the three day debate including over 30 that were filed by Senator John C. Velis.
Senator Velis secured the following 10 amendments that will provide funding for municipalities and organizations throughout the Second Hampden and Hampshire District:
- Amendment 173: Allocates $100,000 to Holyoke Community College to implement a 1 year child-care pilot program to reduce barriers for parents attaining education
- Amendment 177: Allocates $50,000 to the Enchanted Circle Theater in Holyoke for education resources and programming
- Amendment 603: Allocates $59,800 to the Westfield Police Department for an Apex Police Training Simulator that focuses on de-escalation techniques
- Amendment 687: Allocates $50,000 to Girls Inc. of the Pioneer Valley for programming
- Amendment 864: Allocates $75,000 to Baystate Noble Hospital for a community grant program to prevent and treat addiction to opioid and related substances
- Amendment 865: Allocates $25,000 to the Town of Southwick for Economic Development and to encourage local downtown shopping
- Amendment 868: Allocates $50,000 to the Agawam Council on Aging for the Agawam Senior Center
- Amendment 872: Allocates $25,000 to the Easthampton Community Center
- Amendment 874: Allocates $15,200 to the American Legion Post 124 in the City of Westfield for repairs and renovations
- Amendment 922: Allocates $50,000 to the City of Holyoke for repairs and renovations at the Holyoke War Memorial
Senator Velis also secured several amendments for organizations and initiatives that will benefit the entire Commonwealth. The following 5 amendments were adopted unanimously:
- Amendment 34: Allocates $100,000 to the Mass Animal Fund to provide spay and neuter services and vaccinations to animals in need throughout the Commonwealth
- Amendment 409: Allocates $100,000 for a state-wide pilot program to increase access to Narcan and naoloxone kits for school districts
- Amendment 478: Allocates $800,000 to RecoveryWorks of Mass General Hospital for their work in providing employment opportunities and supports to individuals throughout the Commonwealth who struggle with substance use disorders.
- Amendment 490: Includes language to ensure that the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home has an Ombudsman’s office operating for residents and families
- Amendment 530: Allocates $500,000 to expand the Women Veteran’s Outreach Program in the Department of Veteran Services and to complete a study on the changing needs of Women Veterans in Massachusetts
“Over the past few months I have been able to meet with organizations throughout my district and across the entire state. On top of the line-item funding that is included in the original budget, it is my job as Senator to file and fight for amendments that will benefit our district and our Commonwealth,” said Senator Velis. “I am proud that my team and I were able to bring this important funding back home and am grateful to my Senate colleagues for supporting my state-wide amendments for Veterans, Animals, and individuals facing substance use disorders.”
Now that the Senate budget is complete, it will go to a conference committee where differences with the House’s budget will be reconciled. It will then go to the Governor’s desk for his consideration.
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