LEGISLATIVE WIN: Today (Nov 3, 2022), the Legislature passed a groundbreaking economic development bill investing $3.76 billion into our workforce, businesses, communities, health care, and statewide economy. This is a massive victory for affordable housing construction, downtown revitalization, hospitals, community health centers, climate initiatives, winter heating assistance, early education, the MBTA and much more. This package also delivers massive tax relief to Massachusetts families – averaging $1,000 for a family of four – making this the largest tax relief program in Massachusetts history.
I am proud to share that two of my policy amendments successfully made it into the final package. In collaboration with my Small Business Advisory Council, we're creating a centralized portal to make it easier for small businesses to access financial support. I also passed sorely needed reproductive justice policy, ensuring that miscarriage management, assisted reproductive technology, postpartum care, and midwifery care are eligible for support through the reproductive and family planning services reserve, funded in this bill at $17.5 million.
This bill also means big wins for our district! In partnership with my legislative colleagues, I secured $1.53 million in funding for our municipalities, small businesses, and Main Streets, including:
 $25,000 for streamlining and simplifying fees for small business owners in Wrentham
$75,000 for zoning improvements in Wrentham
$100,000 for the Investment Development Strategy initiative in Attleboro
$100,000 for the Bellforge Arts Center in Medfield
$100,000 to support the Town of Sherborn's record digitization
$120,000 to replace Dover Center's water mains to improve the town's business district
$150,000 for the establishment of a business development collaborative in North Attleboro
$170,000 for Franklin's Washington Street sidewalk development project
$170,000 for Medfield's Downtown Facade Improvement Program
$170,000 for crossing improvements on Great Plain Avenue in Needham
$170,000 for Millis' Business Improvement District
$355,000 to improve pedestrian and bicycle access to the Elm Bank Reservation
While these victories will be game-changing for our economic future, I am also disappointed that the final bill excluded key longer term tax reforms, including reforms to the estate tax and additional relief measures for parents, renters, and seniors. The bill could and should have delivered those components to you. I will continue to support these changes next term.
I am deeply proud to deliver real results for our communities and represent you in our State Senate. I look forward to seeing the many positive impacts of our work in the years to come. | | |
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