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July 31, 2014
Dear Steve,
The legislature's schedule of formal sessions comes to a close today at midnight, and we're running through the tape at full speed! We will continue to meet regularly in informal sessions to address routine business, but many important controversial matters must be debated and finalized today.
I'm pleased to share a few highlights from the week so far in the Senate, and be sure to stay tuned for many more legislative updates after today's final formal session. For more frequent news from the Senate and other details, be sure to follow me on Twitter and "like" my Facebook page.
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Legislature Passes Capital Bond Bill for State Building Projects
Yesterday, the legislature enacted a bill authorizing $1.3 billion in spending for the improvement of state facilities and other building projects across the state. The bill includes funding for accessibility improvements, cultural facilities, school equipment at vocational schools and public library improvements, as well as increases in spending authorizations for state universities and community college campus facilities.
I was especially proud to successfully advocate for $14 million in additional funding for MassBay Community College to build a new campus in downtown Framingham, bringing the state's total capital contribution to $36 million for the $59 million campus project. MassBay is a true partner for the MetroWest region, and this additional funding for a new campus is wonderful news for the college and for our ongoing efforts to transform and revitalize downtown Framingham. MassBay will be able to improve and expand educational opportunities for students, and a new campus in the heart of downtown will also provide a significant boost to local businesses in the area.
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Senate Passes Healthy Kids Bill
The Senate passed An Act relative to healthy kids, which encourages healthy living by requiring physical education courses in public schools across the Commonwealth. Promoting public health starts with our children, and this bill takes important steps to improve education in the areas of health, wellness and nutrition, while increasing our kids' physical activity.
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Legislature Passes Disabilities Rights Bill
Too often, people with intellectual disabilities and their families have little control over major life choices regarding their care and the services they receive. This lack of control inhibits people from fully participating and thriving in their own communities. Their voices deserve to be heard. The Real Lives Bill, passed by the legislature yesterday, changes the conversation about the role disabled individuals should play in their own lives. We are expanding the ability of people to direct their own public funds and empowering them to choose what is best for their unique situations.
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Legislature Passes Technology Spending Bill
The House and Senate passed a multi-year technology bond bill, authorizing up to $1 billion for the improvement of information technology equipment and projects across the state. Innovative technology drives economic growth in Massachusetts, and this bill makes important investments to allow the state to take full advantage of the opportunities that modern technologies offer. These technology upgrades and projects will allow the Commonwealth to better support our schools, public safety, transportation and other government operations, while also increasing internet and technology access state-wide.
Highlights include funds for upgrades to the State Police's communication network, a public school broadband access improvement grant program, a system to track diagnosis, treatment and services for individuals with autism and IT improvements at the Department of Transportation.
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Warm Regards,
Senator Karen E. Spilka
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Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka
Room 320, State House
Boston, Massachusetts 02133
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