Showing posts with label American Rescue Plan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Rescue Plan. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Governor Baker Signs $4 Billion Federal COVID-19 Relief Funding Spending Bill

Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) tweeted on Mon, Dec 13, 2021:
The #COVID19MA public health crisis has had a significant impact on MA workers, families, communities and businesses for nearly two years, and today's signing directs billions of dollars in relief toward those hardest hit across the Commonwealth.

The Governor's press release -> https://t.co/VotS5qeyJX 
Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/5k7jcAojRI

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Legislature Passes American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), FY21 Surplus Spending Bill

Legislature Passes American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA),

FY21 Surplus Spending Bill

Investments focus on communities hard hit by COVID-19 and supporting the ongoing economic recovery

Today (Dec 3, 2021), the Massachusetts Legislature advanced a $4 billion bill to the governor's desk that directs federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) surplus funding to assist the Commonwealth's ongoing economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on making equitable investments and prioritizing communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, the legislation delivers targeted supports to workers and businesses, and the critical sectors of housing, health care, mental and behavioral health, climate preparedness, education, and workforce development.

"The one-time investments made in this bill address evident needs across all Massachusetts communities and sectors of the economy, particularly those who were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). "The Legislature engaged in a hearing process before appropriation, and informed by the public's feedback, this bill will help the Massachusetts economy strongly recover. I thank chairs Michlewitz and Hunt, members of the House, Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate, as well as all stakeholders and residents for their input throughout this process."

"While the Commonwealth's history of saving for a rainy day allowed us to hold steady during the immediate shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, the road to full economic recovery will be long," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Rather than going 'back to normal,' to an inequitable status quo, the Senate was intentional in using both our American Rescue Plan and Fiscal Year 2021 surplus funds for transformational change to allow us to go 'back to better.' The plan passed today sets forth bold investments in housing production, public health, small business and workforce development, climate change mitigation, and many more areas, all while ensuring that the benefits are distributed equitably in every community across our state. I am particularly proud of the significant investments we have made in our mental health care system that will begin to address the growing need for access to care across the Commonwealth. with the goal of transforming the delivery of mental health care in our state—a need felt in every corner of our Commonwealth. I am grateful for the many contributions from my colleagues in the Senate, Speaker Mariano and our partners in the House, and the many members of the public who provided input to shape this first phase of implementation of the American Rescue Plan in Massachusetts."

Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Legislature voted to transfer the state's $4.8 billion allocation from ARPA, which must be allocated by 2024, into a separate fund to ensure stakeholder and resident engagement in a public process. Following six public hearings and more than a thousand pieces of testimony received, the House's and Senate's spending proposals were unanimously approved by each chamber, resulting in the comprise bill which advances to the Governor's desk today. This bill utilizes $2.55 billion in ARPA funds and $1.45 billion in FY21 surplus funds.

"This spending package makes significant, targeted investments into areas such as affordable housing, workforce development, and boosting our health care system that will give a much-needed boost to our residents who were hit the hardest by this pandemic," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), House Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means. "Throughout this legislation, the needs of communities that were disproportionally affected by the pandemic are prioritized. By doing so, the Legislature has passed a truly equitable spending plan."

"With the passage of this important bill today, we mark another important milestone in our efforts to shape our post-pandemic future, while taking advantage of this historic opportunity that the American Rescue Plan Act funds represent to support an equitable recovery and those hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic — our residents, essential frontline workers and small businesses," said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Senate Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means. "Ensuring every voice across Massachusetts had a chance to engage and be heard, this conference committee report makes it very clear - we heard the call for equitable investments in mental health, public health, workforce development, and so many other critically important areas with the goal of improving the lives of our residents and helping those disproportionately impacted during these difficult last two years. I thank Senator President Spilka, my fellow conferees, Senator Friedman and Senator O'Connor, my colleagues in the Senate, the members and staff of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, our partners in the House, Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz, and the many members of the public who provided invaluable input to help us put these funds to work for our communities and support our Commonwealth as we recover from this ongoing pandemic." 

"This strong spending package is the result of many months of a robust public process as well as tireless work and collaboration with colleagues, stakeholders and residents across the state," said Representative Daniel J. Hunt (D- Boston), House Chair of the Committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight. "I am grateful to Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz for their diligent work to deliver legislation that will help our Commonwealth recover stronger and equitably."

Notable investments included in the bill are as follows:                         

Economic Recovery and Workforce Development

  • $500 million for premium pay bonuses for essential workers, up to $2,000 per worker
  • $500 million for the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, providing necessary relief to business
  • $100 million for vocational school infrastructure and capacity building needs
  • $37.5 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to support organizations working with people displaced from jobs during the pandemic, historically underserved populations, and individuals reentering their communities from the corrections system
  • $50 million for equitable and affordable broadband access and infrastructure improvements to close the digital divide
  • $135 million for Mass Cultural Council to support the cultural sector 
  • $75 million for small businesses, including $50 million for direct grants to historically underserved populations and minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses and $25 million for nascent businesses
  • $15 million for regional high-demand workforce training at community colleges 
  • $25 million for the expansion of Career Technical Institutes
  • $24.5 for workforce development and capital assistance grants to the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs, as well $4.5 million for the YWCAs
  • $20 million for the resettlement of Afghan evacuees and Haitian evacuees
  • $15 million to enhance and diversify the cybersecurity sector with partnerships between public higher education institutions and private businesses 
  • $14 million for agricultural economy supports
  • $10 million for regional tourism councils

Affordable Housing and Homeownership

  • $150 million for supportive housing, including $65 million for the chronically homeless population, and $20 million to increase geographic equity and accessibility related to the continuum of long-term care services for veterans not primarily served by the Soldiers' Homes in Chelsea or Holyoke
  • $150 million for public housing authorities to maintain and upgrade existing infrastructure 
  • $115 million for the CommonWealth Builder Program to support housing production and promote homeownership among residents of disproportionately impacted communities
  • $115 million for affordable rental housing production and preservation for the workforce and low- and moderate-income individuals
  • $65 million for homeownership assistance tools, including down payment assistance, and mortgage interest subsidy supports

Mental and Behavioral Health, Public Health and Health Care

  • $400 million in mental and behavioral health supports, including $122 million for workforce loan repayment programs for behavioral health and substance use professionals
  • $300 million for the Home and Community-Based Services Federal Investment Fund to address workforce needs for those caring for vulnerable populations
  • $200.1 million to support the state's local and regional public health infrastructure  
  • $260 million for acute hospitals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • $44.8 million for food security infrastructure, including $17 million for the Greater Boston Food Bank for regional food security network improvements across the Commonwealth, $5 million for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, $2 million for the Massachusetts Food Trust Program to provide loans, grants and technical assistance in a regionally equitable manner to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, $1.92 million for Project Bread to better connect eligible unenrolled residents with federal nutrition programs statewide and $1 million for the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc. for the operation of empowerment centers and to support the distribution of food to veterans in need
  • $30 million to support a robust and diverse home health care and human service workforce through recruitment, retention, and loan forgiveness programming
  • $50 million for nursing facilities, including $25 million for capital support to increase the quality of patient care and $25 million for workforce initiatives
  • $25million for youth-at-risk supports and grant programs for community violence prevention and re-entry organizations, focused on communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • $25million for youth summer and school-year jobs
  • $5 million for Health Care For All to conduct a community-based MassHealth redetermination and vaccination outreach, education, and access campaign targeted in communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic
  • $5 million for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission to study and review the interrelationship between service-providing agencies for individuals with disabilities within the Commonwealth and to design and implement a system for an interconnected network that will provide a continuum of care for those individuals
  • $2 million for unreimbursed COVID-19 costs for Early Intervention providers
  • $500,000 to establish transportation services for participants in the Massachusetts Veterans' Treatment Courts

Climate Preparedness

  • $100 million for water and sewer infrastructure investments through the Clean Water Trust  
  • $100 million for environmental infrastructure grants, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program 
  • $90 million for marine port infrastructure investments focused on the promotion of offshore wind development
  • $25 million for Greening the Gateway Cities program to support tree planting
  • $15 million for parks and recreational assets 
  • $7.5 million for community colleges to help train underserved populations for green jobs
  • $6.5 million for clean energy retrofitting in affordable housing units
  • $5 million for the advancement of geothermal technologies 

Education

  • $100 million to improve indoor air-quality in schools and support healthy learning environments for grants to public school districts with high concentrations of low-income students, English language learners, and communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19
  • $75 million for capital and maintenance projects for higher education
  • $25 million for the Endowment Incentive Program at the University of Massachusetts, state universities and community colleges
  • $20 million for special education, including $10 million for workforce development
  • $10 million for programs focused on recruiting and retaining educators of color

Accountability and Oversight

To support communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and prioritize historically underserved populations, the bill establishes an equity and accountability review panel for federal funds to track in near real-time the amount and percentage of ARPA funds spent in these communities and awarded to minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises. The bill also takes steps to ensure minority-owned and women-owned business have fair participation on procurements issued under the act. 

Having passed the House and Senate, the compromise legislation now advances to the governor's desk for consideration.


Boston Globe coverage (subscription maybe required)
 

 The legislation itself can be found online -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4269


he Massachusetts State House, still closed and mostly inactive.EPA
the Massachusetts State House, still closed and mostly inactive.EPA

Friday, December 3, 2021

"The ARPA money is intended as a multi-year investment"

"The final version of a bill spending billions in federal aid was revealed late Wednesday, long after dark. By Thursday morning, the $4 billion package emerged in a nearly empty chamber of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where it was approved without an audible “yea” or “nay.” Four minutes later, the session was over.

The moves ushered the long-sought bill to the Senate and inched it closer to the governor’s desk — but with no formal remarks, just six of 159 representatives on hand, and the public still physically locked out of the building.

The sweeping spending legislation promises hundreds of millions of dollars for everything from housing to workforce training to Massachusetts’ health care system. It also offers the potential of transformational change for industries and communities walloped by the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers say."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
 
CommonWealth Magazine coverage of this is here -> 

The legislation itself can be found online -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4269

he Massachusetts State House, still closed and mostly inactive.EPA
he Massachusetts State House, still closed and mostly inactive.EPA


Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Massachusetts Wins in The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act


Massachusetts Wins in The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

 

Recently, the House of Representatives passed and sent to the president's desk The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a transformational and bipartisan law that will create good jobs and raise Massachusetts' infrastructure up to 21st century standards. It will fix roads and bridges, upgrade transit, expand high-speed internet, and invest in clean water and clean energy.

I want to highlight how passage of this bill will directly impact Massachusetts:

  • Historic Investments in Clean Water — Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, based on the traditional state revolving fund formula, Massachusetts would receive approximately $1.1 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure clean drinking water. 
  • Repair and Rebuild Our Roads and Bridges — Massachusetts would receive approximately $4.2 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $1.1 billion for bridge replacement and repairs over five years.
  • Improve Public Transit — Massachusetts would receive approximately $2.5 billion over five years to improve public transportation options across the state. 
  • Invest in Sustainable and Clean Transportation Options — Massachusetts would receive approximately $63 million over five years to support the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network in the state. Massachusetts will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to electric vehicle charging in the bill.


From fixing roads to guaranteeing clean water, this infrastructure bill will deliver results for every American, all while creating jobs right here at home to get it done. As we work with this Administration on a build back better policy, Massachusetts can lead the way. From Taunton to Newton and beyond, we have the talent and tools to build a more fair and prosperous economy. All we need is better infrastructure. Now, we can build it.

Sincerely,

Image

Jake Auchincloss
Member of Congress


OFFICE LOCATIONS

WASHINGTON DC OFFICE • 1524 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515 • Phone: (202) 225-5931
NEWTON DISTRICT OFFICE • 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 • Newton, MA 02458 • Phone : (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO DISTRICT OFFICE • 8 N. Main St. Suite 200 • Attleboro, MA 02703 • Phone : (508) 431-1110
 
WEBSITE  |  
Click Here to view this email in your browser
image
image

Friday, November 12, 2021

CommonWealth Magazine: "Senate passes ARPA spending bill"

 

AFTER WADING THROUGH ours of debate and considering hundreds of amendments, the Senate late Wednesday night unanimously approved a $3.82 billion package to steer special federal relief funds and surplus state budget revenues into virtually every corner of the state.

All three Senate Republicans, who unsuccessfully sought to double the amount of unemployment relief for businesses and implement a two-week state sales tax holiday in the bill, joined Democrats to vote 38-0 in favor of the massive spending proposal (S 2564) that carves up about half of the state’s American Rescue Plan Act relief funding.

Now the arguably harder part — negotiating a final bill between the two branches after the House and Senate versions diverged on many specifics — begins. The one caveat is that there are billions more dollars still in reserve, which could make reaching agreement easier.

Continue reading the article online

MA Senate press releases

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Senate Prioritizes Veterans’ Services in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Senate Prioritizes Veterans' Services in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Financial support for veterans' services expanded during Senate debate

 The Massachusetts State Senate on Wednesday (11/10/2021) passed a $3.82 billion blueprint to invest funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to meet the urgent needs of the Commonwealth's ongoing recovery. The bill includes increased investments for veteran services and supports that target housing security, transportation, and mental and behavioral health care, among other areas.

"For too many veterans, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented physical, mental and financial challenges," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Reaffirming our commitment to veterans is an important piece of this legislation's broader goal of ensuring an equitable COVID-19 recovery and reimagining our future. I am truly grateful to the many veterans who have given so much for the security of our nation, including Senators Velis, Rush, and Cronin, and I am proud to live in a state where so many of us have worked to build the best veterans' services in the nation, including with these investments. I'd like to thank Senator Rodrigues for his leadership of the ARPA process, as well as Senators Velis, Rush, and Moore for their contributions to this legislation and their steadfast commitment to serving veterans in our Commonwealth." 

"As we continue to build our post-pandemic future, we must recognize our veterans who made sure that future was possible," said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I am proud that our Senate ARPA spending plan includes measures to strengthen housing security, transportation services, and food distribution for veterans, while also ensuring proper recognition for Massachusetts service men and women who died in the line of duty. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and Senators Moore, Rush, and Velis for their diligent work to support our cherished veterans."

Many of the provisions strengthening veterans' services were passed as amendments on An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery needs (S. 2564). The Senate's ARPA plan would invest $150 million in supportive housing, including $75 million for the chronically homeless population. Priority for permanent supportive housing would be given to veterans, along with individuals and families who are chronically homeless, experiencing behavioral health or substance misuse needs, survivors of domestic violence, involved in the foster care system, or seniors. An amendment proposed by Senator Rush and adopted directs $20 million be invested in supportive housing for veterans located across the state in areas not primarily served by either the Chelsea or Holyoke Soldiers' Homes.

"Veterans who have served this nation and have been willing to give their life for our freedom deserve a place to call home," said Senator Michael F. Rush (D-Boston), Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. "Thank you to the Senate President and Ways and Means Chair for their leadership to ensure all our Veterans have that home."

Senator Velis, Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, contributed two additional amendments relevant to veterans. The first of these allocates $500,000 to newly created transportation services for participants in the Massachusetts Veterans' Treatment Courts in order to reduce regional inequities and provide services to veterans across the state. The second explicitly ensures that the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty can be awarded to service men and women who have died as a result of training accidents while in the line of duty. 

"As we approach Veterans Day, we are reminded of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Veterans throughout our communities and the importance of recognizing those who have served our nation," said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. "Extending the Medal of Liberty to those who died as a result of a training accident will ensure that we are properly honoring the sacrifices that those service members and their families have endured. Additionally, the critical funding allocated to our Commonwealth's Veteran Treatment Courts will resolve the transportation barriers that keep Veterans from participating in this valuable program and getting the help they need. I am grateful to the Senate President and the Chairman of Ways and Means for their leadership and commitment to ensuring that Massachusetts is the premiere state for our Veterans and their families. These important amendments are a continued step in that direction."

An amendment offered by Senator Michael O. Moore extends $1 million of state financial support to the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc. for 'empowerment centers' which distribute food services to veterans in need in Worcester County.

"The brave men and women who have served in our armed forces are true heroes, and we should be doing everything in our power to make their transition back to civilian life as easy as possible," said Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury). "Through their programs, events and other resources the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation has become a leader when it comes to providing services for our veterans. Because of this I am both grateful and proud that we were able to allocate funding for them so that they can continue to provide exceptional service for our service members." 

With both the House and Senate having passed their own versions of ARPA spending plans, the two bills must now be reconciled before heading to the Governor's desk.

MA Senate Passes American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Spending Bill

             Senate Passes American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Spending Bill

Investments focus on those hardest hits by COVID-19 and supporting the ongoing economic recovery

Today (11/10/2021), the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously passed a $3.82 billion bill that directs federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to assist the Commonwealth's ongoing recovery, with a particular focus on making equitable investments and ensuring that communities disproportionately impact by the COVID-19 pandemic are prioritized. Using this framework, the bill delivers targeted, transformational supports to critical sectors such as health care, mental and behavioral health, housing security, environment, and workforce development.

"The Massachusetts State Senate has acted decisively to support our state's recovery and ensure we do not go back to normal but 'back to better'," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Senate's proposal provides a path towards an equitable recovery that benefits residents, businesses, and communities through transformational investments in public health, housing, and climate change. I once again thank President Biden and the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation for their work to pass the American Rescue Plan Act at the federal level.  I am also grateful to my colleagues in the Senate, the members and staff of the Committee on Ways and Means, and the many members of the public who provided input to help us chart our future."

"Over the course of today's long and productive debate, the Senate demonstrated its commitment to using the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that the American Rescue Plan Act funds represent to fuel an equitable recovery and support the communities most impacted by the pandemic," said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "Under the continued leadership of Senate President Spilka, the Senate has risen to the challenge of making meaningful investments in mental health, public health, workforce development, affordable housing, and so much more, ensuring those hit the hardest by COVID-19—families, essential workers and small businesses—are being helped the most. Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate, whose advocacy and dedication helped to shape the overall direction of this bill to ensure our residents will benefit equitably as we continue to chart a path forward to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic." 

"The Senate has produced an important bill to respond to the powerful impacts that COVID-10 has had in every community and sector of our Commonwealth. Our American Rescue Plan Act bill directs federal and state surplus dollars towards our highest priorities including; public health and wellness, economic and environmental protection and stewardship, infrastructure improvements, supports for the services people and businesses need to recover and prosper," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R - Gloucester). "The release of these funds won't cure all our ills, but it will fuel our state's recovery from a devastating pandemic, and build strength and resilience for the future."

Investments included in the bill are as follows:

Mental and Behavioral Health, Public Health and Health Care

The Senate's ARPA spending plan helps families, vulnerable populations, and historically underserved communities by investing more than $1 billion to support the state's healthcare system and confront the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate's bill invests $400 million in mental and behavioral health supports, including over $122 million to expand loan repayment programs for behavioral health professionals, including substance use disorder professionals. This investment is expected to help recruit and retain nearly 2,000 mental health professionals across the continuum of care.  During debate, $5 million was added by amendment to support grants to higher education institutions to address student behavioral and mental health needs.

The Senate's plan also revolutionizes the state's local and regional public health infrastructure and makes a historic investment of $250.9 million to ensure the Commonwealth can protect the public health of residents, workers, and businesses for years to come. This funding includes $118.4 million for public health infrastructure and data sharing upgrades, and $95 million for direct grants to local boards of health to be prepared to respond to future public health threats. To complement this landmark investment, the Senate adopted an amendment that encourages greater collaboration between regional public health systems on workforce standards and policies, while sustaining the Public Health Excellence program established under the State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) program. Other health care investments include: 

  • $300 million for the Home and Community-Based Services Federal Investment Fund to address workforce needs for those caring for vulnerable populations, 
  • $200 million for acute hospitals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,
  • $60 million for food security infrastructure with complementary amendments investing $17 million for the Greater Boston Food Bank for regional food security network improvements across the Commonwealth, $5 million for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, $2 million for the Massachusetts Food Trust Program to provide loans, grants and technical assistance in a regionally equitable manner to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, $1.92 million for Project Bread to better connect eligible unenrolled residents with federal nutrition programs statewide and $1 million for the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc. for the operation of empowerment centers and to support the distribution of food to veterans in need,
  • $55 million to support a robust and diverse home health care and human service workforce through recruitment, retention, and loan forgiveness programming,
  • $50 million for nursing facilities, including $25 million for capital support, to increase the quality of patient care and $25 million for workforce initiatives,
  • $25 million for a grant program for community violence prevention and re-entry organizations, focused on communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,
  • $5 million added by an amendment for Health Care For All to conduct a community-based MassHealth redetermination and vaccination outreach, education, and access campaign targeted in communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic,
  • $5 million added by an amendment for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission to study and review the interrelationship between service-providing agencies for individuals with disabilities within the Commonwealth and to design and implement a system for an interconnected network that will provide a continuum of care for those individuals,
  • $2 million added by an amendment for unreimbursed COVID-19 costs for Early Intervention providers, and
  • $500,000, added through amendment, to establish transportation services for participants in the Massachusetts Veterans' Treatment Courts.

Economic Recovery and Workforce Development

The Senate's ARPA spending plan invests $1.7 billion to robustly support an equitable economic recovery for all by supporting workers, businesses and communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill dedicates $500 million towards premium pay bonuses for essential workers, up to $2,000 per worker, providing much needed relief to the workforce who served on the front lines during the pandemic.  

The bill also provides nearly $200 million in tax relief for small-business owners who otherwise would be required to pay personal income taxes on state or federal relief money. During debate, the Senate adopted an amendment to codify into statute an existing safe harbor provision related to the calculation of the advanced sales tax payment law. This time sensitive issue is meant to ease compliance and provide many businesses peace of mind, given that the current rule was set to expire on December 31, 2021.  

Other economic recovery and workforce development investments include: 

  • $500 million for the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, providing necessary relief to small business,
  • $100 million for vocational school infrastructure and capacity building needs,
  • $75 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to support organizations working with people displaced from jobs during the pandemic, historically underserved populations, and individuals reentering their communities from the corrections system,
  • $75 million for equitable and affordable broadband access and infrastructure improvements to close the digital divide,
  • $75 million for Mass Cultural Council grants to support the cultural sector, 
  • $50 million for direct grants to minority-owned small businesses,
  • $30 million for regional high-demand workforce training at community colleges, 
  • $25 million for the expansion of Career Technical Institutes,
  • $24.5 for workforce development and capital assistance grants to the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs, as well $4.5 million added through an amendment for the YWCAs,
  • $15 million to enhance and diversify the cybersecurity sector with partnerships between public higher education institutions and private businesses, 
  • $12 million for the resettlement of Afghani evacuees and $8M added on the floor for Haitian evacuees,
  • $10 million added by amendment for regional tourism councils, and
  • $14 million for agricultural economy supports.

Housing

The spending plan acknowledges the critical role that housing plays in economic recovery. Over a year and a half into the pandemic, access to stable and affordable housing remains at the forefront of the state's strategy to ensure economic security for those who call the Commonwealth home. Reflecting the Senate's long-standing commitment, the ARPA spending bill allocates $600 million for investments in affordable, accessible housing, as well as supportive housing. 

Housing investments include: 

  • $150 million for supportive housing, including $75 million for the chronically homeless population, and $20 million, added by amendment, to increase geographic equity and accessibility related to the continuum of long-term care services for veterans not primarily served by the Soldiers' Homes in Chelsea or Holyoke,
  • $150 million for public housing authorities to maintain and upgrade existing infrastructure, 
  • $125 million for the Commonwealth Builders Program to support housing production and promote homeownership among residents of disproportionately impacted communities,
  • $125 million for affordable rental housing production and preservation for the workforce and low- and moderate-income individuals,  
  • $50 million for homeownership assistance tools, including down payment assistance, and mortgage interest subsidy supports.

Climate Preparedness

The Senate bill prioritizes building a more resilient Commonwealth and ensuring a healthier environment for all. To that end, the bill invests $450 million to combat climate change through mitigation initiatives, strengthen environmental infrastructure, fix aging water infrastructure, and modernize marine port infrastructure to support the state's emerging offshore wind industry. 

Environment and climate investments include: 

  • $175 million for water and sewer infrastructure investments through the Clean Water Trust,  
  • $125 million for environmental infrastructure grants, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program, 
  • $100 million for marine port infrastructure investments focused on the promotion of offshore wind development, 
  • $25 million for Greening the Gateway Cities program to support tree planting, after adding $5 million through an amendment,
  • $15 million for parks and recreational assets, 
  • $10 million for clean energy retrofitting in affordable housing units, 
  • $7.5 million, added by amendment, for community colleges to help train underserved populations for green jobs, and
  • $5 million for the advancement of geothermal technologies. 

Transparency and Oversight

To support communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and prioritize historically underserved or marginalized populations, the Senate's bill establishes an equity and accountability review panel for federal funds to track in near real-time the amount and percentage of ARPA funds spent in these communities and awarded to minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises. The bill also takes steps to ensure minority-owned and women-owned business have fair participation on procurements issued under the act. 

With both the House and Senate having passed their own versions of ARPA spending plans, the two bills must now be reconciled before heading to the Governor's desk.

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

"Baker and legislative leaders have yet to outline specific proposals for using the money, or when"


"However Massachusetts spends the nearly $5.3 billion in federal American Rescue Plan funds it has, one thing is clear: State lawmakers want a say.

The Legislature is expected to pass legislation by next week that would move nearly $5.29 billion in federal stimulus cash into a newly created account, where lawmakers would have power in choosing how it’s spent, potentially for years to come.

The bill itself is largely mechanical in nature; the version the Massachusetts House passed Tuesday would make the funds in a federal coronavirus relief trust fund “subject to appropriation.” But its thrust would mark a reversal from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Governor Charlie Baker’s administration had wide leeway in quickly divvying up the $2.7 billion the state had received directly in coronavirus relief funds. "

Continue reading the article online (Subscription may be required)
 
CommonWealth Magazine coverage