(BOSTON) – Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass a supplemental budget which addresses multiple areas including heating assistance, enhanced support for victims of sexual assault, and programs to help those battling homelessness.
The spending bill, approximately $135 million, highlights the House’s ongoing commitment in support of critical social service investments while balancing fiscal prudence; this practice has resulted in Massachusetts prioritizing its most vulnerable residents while maintaining a strong and diverse economy.
“With state residents still facing winter weather, this supplemental budget provides vital funds for heating assistance,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop).“I thank Chairman Michlewitz and the members of the House for passing this legislation which provides funding for a number of important areas.”
“Legislators are making meaningful investments in much needed services for residents in the Commonwealth, setting a good tone for this year’s budget process,” said Representative Meschino. “Programs like LIHEAP are indispensable to so many members of our community.”
The supplemental budget includes key investments in crucial areas:
- $30 million for Low Income Heating Energy Assistance to fill the gap created by Federal funding shortfalls.
- $10 million to fund emergency assistance for homeless families.
- $8 million to begin to address a backlog of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits at the State Police Crime Lab.
- $39 million to fund ratified collective bargaining agreements at several state agencies.