The Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously passed an economic development bill, which utilizes American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) surplus funds, and bonds to make significant investments across several vital sectors of the economy, and to give back to low and middle-income residents in Massachusetts by providing one-time rebates and significant…
State Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester, told officials and housing advocates she lives in the downtown neighborhood where the new senior housing will be built, and where it’s most appropriate. “This project says to seniors in our community, we appreciate you, we welcome you and we want you to be some place that’s accessible to everything…
Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to unanimously pass its spending proposal utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) surplus funds. Funded at $3.82 billion, the bill addresses disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to facilitate recovery through one-time investments in housing, environment…
Low-income workers who toiled in hospitals, grocery stores and other frontline businesses during the pandemic could be getting cash bonuses under a legislative plan to spend billions of dollars in federal relief and surplus funds. The plan, rolled out by House Democrats on Monday, calls for spending $3.65 billion to make “once-in-a-generation” investments in housing,…
Today, the House Committee on Ways and Means announced a $3.65 billion piece of legislation to invest American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and surplus funds in key sectors of the Commonwealth. I was glad to join Speaker Ron Mariano, Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Chair Dan Hunt, and Chair Bud Williams today to outline the investments the…
Last week, I voted along with my colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to pass a Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) budget, which invests in programs and services across the Commonwealth. Funded at $46.2 billion, the budget aims to address the sweeping effects of the global pandemic by making targeted investments in housing, food security, and substance use…
Last week, I voted along with my colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass a Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) budget, which invests in programs and services across the Commonwealth. Funded at $46 billion, the House budget aims to address the sweeping effects of the global pandemic by making targeted investments in housing, food security,…
The Commonwealth has announced a $774 million comprehensive plan to stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy. The plan focuses on getting people back to work, supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, revitalizing downtowns and ensuring housing stability. This plan begins today by directing $115 million in new funding to small businesses and Main Streets hardest hit…
During the ongoing Massachusetts 191st General Court’s 2019-2020 session – which has been extended through action taken by the Legislature – the House of Representatives has passed emergency legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as major legislation relating to education, transportation, and climate change. Following a decisive vote in July to extend the…
I am pleased to report that last week, the Economic Development Bill that I originally authored passed the Massachusetts House of Representatives. This omnibus bill contains provisions to equitably address our housing crisis, support vibrant neighborhoods, strengthen Massachusetts competitiveness, and create pipelines to higher paying jobs and careers for Massachusetts residents. The bill also contains a…
