House Passes $135 Million Supplemental Budget

House Passes $135 Million Supplemental Budget; Heating Assistance, Homeless Shelters among key initiatives funded

 

BOSTON – Representative Ultrino  joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass a supplemental budget which addresses multiple areas including heating assistance, enhanced support for victims or 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.”

“This legislation funds critical investments that the Commonwealth needs in order to continue to provide the services that our constituents so rely on,” said Representative Steven Ultrino. “This budget ensures that we maintain high quality services and programs for our neediest citizens”.

The supplemental budget makes key investments in crucial areas 

-$30 million for Low Income Heating Energy Assistance to make up for Federal funding shortfalls.

-$10 million to fund emergency assistance for homeless families

-$8 million to begin to address the backlog of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits at the State Police Crime Lab.

-$39 million to fund ratified-collective bargaining agreements at various state agencies.