House Passes $135 Million Supplemental Budget

BOSTON, FEB. 28 – Representative Bill Driscoll Jr., D-Milton 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 dearly rely upon,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “This budget ensures that we maintain high quality services and programs for our neediest citizens while at the same time being vigilant about the State’s fiscal situation”.

“After rallying with colleagues and advocacy groups on the State House steps and sending joint letters to leadership, I am pleased to see additional funds for Low Income Heating Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) included in this supplemental budget today” said Representative Driscoll. “In addition to the $30 million that makes up for federal funding shortfalls regarding LIHEAP, the supplemental budget also makes key investments in crucial areas such as $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, and $39 million to fund ratified-collective bargaining agreements at various state agencies.”