House of Representatives Passes FY2022 Budget

Budget

In April, the House of Representatives passed a budget for the 2022 fiscal year that responds to the needs of residents and makes investments that set the state on a path toward economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded at $47.716 billion, the House’s FY22 budget continues its strong commitment to cities and towns, and includes significant investments in education, supportive services for vulnerable populations, and workforce and economic development, among other priorities.

Included in the budget is $16.6 million in local aid to Cape Ann’s communities and schools, as well as a number of items for organizations on Cape Ann to help those in need and promote economic development as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

  • $197,000 for Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute for fisheries research that will continue to support our marine economy and protect our environment
  • $100,000 for the Open Door to help with continued food insecurity on Cape Ann caused by COVID-19
  • $60,000 for Wellspring House for continued career mentoring services on Cape Ann
  • $50,000 for the Town of Rockport to explore options to increase permitted wastewater discharge capacity
  • $50,000 for a feasibily study to assess potential civic uses for the building at 58 Prospect Street in Gloucester
  • $30,000 for Cape Ann’s veterans’ organizations to help keep their doors open and continuing to serve our veterans
  • $20,000 for the Grace Center to help offset costs associated with COVID-19

As Vice Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I had the privilege of working closely with Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz during this process to make sure that Cape Ann was well-respresented in the budget. I want to commend them both for their work on preparing an impressive and comprehensive budget that addresses the needs of the Commonwealth at one of the most unpredictable times in the nation’s history. The economic development measures and strong social service supports position Massachusetts to recover from the pandemic and continue growing.

This week, members from the House and Senate, including myself, began meeting in a conference committee to come to an agreement on the final FY2022 budget that will be sent to the governor’s desk.