Author: Cindy Friedman

Bill provides relief to fiscally stressed hospitals, reduces pension liability, assists special education obligations, and dedicates funding for farms and rural communities affected by natural disasters

(BOSTON – 07/26/2023) Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday to pass a $513 million supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). The legislation funds relief for hospitals, pension liabilities, special education costs, and flexible assistance for farms throughout the Commonwealth impacted by recent severe weather events. The bill also extends simulcast and harness horse racing, and extends reporting dates for several governmental agencies. In addition, the legislation ratifies several outstanding collective bargaining agreements.

“This supplemental budget addresses some of the key pain points that we are seeing throughout the Commonwealth, specifically hospital fiscal solvency and the extraordinary special education costs our local districts are being faced with,” said Senator Friedman, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “We also invest in important needs that have arisen in recent months as we work to close out the Fiscal Year 2023 funds. Our Commonwealth’s use of supplemental budgets allows us to modify spending to meet the needs of the moment, and this FY23 supplemental budget is extremely targeted to provide relief quickly.”

Appropriates $513M of fiscal year 2023 direct appropriations, including:

• $180M for relief to fiscally strained hospitals
• $100M for a supplemental transfer to the Pension Liability Fund
• $75M to support school districts with extraordinary special education costs
• $60.3M for staffing needs at the Department of Transitional Assistance
• $40M for a reserve to support costs related to Tatum vs.

… Read more.

Legislation makes investments in roads, bridges, public transportation, and regional transit authorities 

(BOSTON – 7/27/2023) The Massachusetts Legislature on Thursday passed a bill that includes $375 million in bond authorizations for transportation needs across the state, including $200 million for the state’s Chapter 90 program, which provides municipalities with a reliable funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs. 

“This bill continues the state’s commitment to investing in a functional and sustainable network of transportation infrastructure,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “It authorizes bonding for transportation improvements statewide, including grants to municipalities for electric vehicle infrastructure and funds to enhance access to mass transit and commuter rail stations, strengthening our public transportation system, which is in particular need of support in the Greater Boston area.”  

This legislation also authorizes $175 million in programs that will support various transportation-related projects. This includes $25 million for each of the following: 

• the municipal small bridge program; 
• the complete streets program; 

• a bus transit infrastructure program; 
• grants to increase access to mass transit and commuter rail stations; 
• grants for municipalities and regional transit authorities to purchase electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them; 
• funding for pavement and surface improvements on state and municipal roadways; and 
• new funding dedicated to additional transportation support based on road mileage, which is particularly helpful for rural communities. 

The bill having passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives, it will now be sent to the Governor for her consideration. … Read more.

“Gender X” legislation also eliminates unnecessary roadblocks to changing gender identification on state documents

(BOSTON—7/27/23) Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted alongside her colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate on Thursday to unanimously pass An Act relative to gender identity on Massachusetts identification.,  The bill would allow, for the first time in Massachusetts history, an individual to be identified with a non-binary “X” sex designation on their birth certificate, and enshrine into law the current practice of allowing an individual to select a non-binary “X” gender designation on their driver’s license. This is the fourth consecutive session during which the Senate has adopted similar legislation.

“In Massachusetts, we pride ourselves on inclusivity and ensuring basic human rights,” said Senator Friedman, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “Should this legislation become law, we will remove facets of our state government that prevent our residents from living with their true gender identity . In the face of nationwide attacks on our LGBTQIA+ friends, we continue to be a beacon of progress and ensure that Massachusetts is a place that is safe, welcoming, and open to all.”

Under current law, it is impossible to have a sex designation of “X” listed on a birth certificate in Massachusetts, and in order to change one’s sex designation, an applicant must provide a notarized statement from a physician stating that the individual has completed medical intervention.

The legislation passed today would allow an individual to be identified with an “X” sex designation on their birth certificate.… Read more.

Bill to enable access to basic services by removing financial and documentation barriers

(BOSTON—7/27/23) Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate on Thursday as the chamber unanimously passed An Act to provide identification to youth and adults experiencing homelessness. The legislation would establish a process to allow an adult or youth experiencing homelessness to apply for a free Massachusetts identification card. Identification cards enable access to basic services in the Commonwealth that are often unreachable for those without identification.  

“As an elected member of the Massachusetts senate, I strongly believe that we have a duty to ease the burdens on our most vulnerable populations in accessing basic services,” said Senator Friedman, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “Providing an opportunity for those experiencing homelessness to retain a sense of normalcy and humanity during a challenging time should always be a priority, and providing free identification cards can lessen the barriers these individuals face daily. Identification cards are a tool that can be used to gain employment, housing, healthcare, and more, and I am glad to see the Senate lead on this legislation once again to address this important issue.”

People experiencing homelessness currently face prohibitive fees and documentation requirements that can be barriers to acquiring identification. This legislation removes those barriers by eliminating fees and only requiring that applicants present documentation showing that they are currently receiving services provided by the Commonwealth, a homeless service provider, or another service provider.… Read more.

Bill Provides Significant Housing, Dependent Care, and Estate Tax Assistance

(BOSTON– 6/15/23) The Massachusetts Senate approved on Thursday a $590 million Tax Relief bill which delivers support to low- and middle-income earners and chips away at the headwinds that threaten Massachusetts’ competitiveness. Focusing on providing relief to residents across Massachusetts while upholding fiscal responsibility, the Senate’s tax relief package proposes relief to renters, seniors, and parents struggling with high early education costs while also increasing much-needed housing production. With the recent passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget last month, the Commonwealth is now poised to secure and strengthen its economic foundation to weather future uncertainty.

“The tax relief proposal passed in the Senate demonstrates our chamber’s commitment to progressive tax relief that improves the quality of life for the people of the Commonwealth, not corporations,” said Senator Friedman, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Living in the Greater Boston area, I know the cost of housing and childcare continues to be a persistent issue for our low- and middle-income residents and young residents and families. The Senate’s proposal addresses this by making meaningful and sustainable reforms so people can afford to come and stay in the Commonwealth. This tax plan is a good start and will have a demonstrable benefit on the communities of the 4^th Middlesex district and I thank my Senate colleagues for their deliberate and thoughtful work.”

This package includes a variety of initiatives as tax relief for the residents of Massachusetts.… Read more.

Targets Substantial Investments in Education, Housing, Workforce Development  

  

(BOSTON– 5/25/23) On Thursday, Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate in unanimously passing a $55.9 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). Following a robust, spirited, and engaging debate process, the Senate approved 478 amendments, adding $82.2 million in spending to the budget. As the Commonwealth continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate’s budget prioritizes upholding fiscal discipline and responsibility, and supports the long-term economic health of the state. The Senate budget delivers historic levels of investment in education, housing, regional transportation, health care, workforce development, climate preparedness, and much more, while centering equity and opportunity as part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy to make Massachusetts more affordable, inclusive, and competitive. 

   

“I am so proud of the Senate’s FY24 budget, which builds off investments made in prior fiscal years to deliver a comprehensive, impactful range of services and programs for the residents of the Commonwealth,” said Senator Friedman, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I am particularly proud of the substantial investments in supporting staff recruitment and retention in the behavioral health field through various loan repayment, tuition assistance, and scholarship programs, and that we will continue to protect access to commonsense health care for all our residents by safeguarding preventive health care services like cancer screenings and access to medications for chronic conditions. I also want to recognize the increase in Unrestricted General Government Aid and Chapter 70 education funding, along with local project funding, which will serve as a demonstrable benefit to the communities of the 4^th Middlesex district.” … Read more.

Targets Substantial Investments in Education, Housing, Workforce Development

(BOSTON– 5/25/23) On Thursday, Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate in unanimously passing a $55.9 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24).  Following a robust, spirited, and engaging debate process, the Senate approved 478 amendments, adding $82.2 million in spending to the budget. As the Commonwealth continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate’s budget prioritizes upholding fiscal discipline and responsibility, and supports the long-term economic health of the state. The Senate budget delivers historic levels of investment in education, housing, regional transportation, health care, workforce development, climate preparedness, and much more, while centering equity and opportunity as part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy to make Massachusetts more affordable, inclusive, and competitive.

“I am so proud of the Senate’s FY24 budget, which builds off investments made in prior fiscal years to deliver a comprehensive, impactful range of services and programs for the residents of the Commonwealth,” said Senator Friedman,Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I am particularly proud of the substantial investments in supporting staff recruitment and retention in the behavioral health field through various loan repayment, tuition assistance, and scholarship programs, and that we will continue to protect access to commonsense health care for all our residents by safeguarding preventive health care services like cancer screenings and access to medications for chronic conditions. I also want to recognize the increase in Unrestricted General Government Aid and Chapter 70 education funding, along with local project funding, which will serve as a demonstrable benefit to the communities of the 4^th Middlesex district.”… Read more.

(BOSTON– 5/9/23) The Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Tuesday released a $55.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). As the Commonwealth emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee’s budget continues to uphold fiscal responsibility and support the long-term economic health of the state, providing historic levels of investment in education, housing, regional transportation, health care, workforce development, climate, and much more, while centering equity and opportunity as part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy to make Massachusetts more affordable, accessible, competitive, and inclusive. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) applauded the release of the budget, specifically the positive impact it will have on the health care system in Massachusetts.

“I am proud of the Senate’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2024, which builds off prior fiscal year investments to deliver a comprehensive, impactful set of services and programs for the residents of the Commonwealth,” said Senator Friedman, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I am particularly proud of the provisions that safeguard preventive health care services like cancer screenings and access to medications for chronic conditions, in the wake of a partisan federal court ruling that threatens access to these important, life-saving health care services. In Massachusetts, we will continue to protect access to commonsense health care for all our residents.”

The Committee’s budget recommends a total of $55.8 billion in spending, a $3.4 billion increase over the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) General Appropriations Act. This spending recommendation is based on a tax revenue estimate of $40.41 billion for FY24, representing 1.6 per cent growth, as agreed upon during the Consensus Revenue process in January, plus $1 billion from the new Fair Share surtax.… Read more.

Dedicated Secretariat designed to assist the administration in prioritizing housing for all residents

(BOSTON – 04/13/2023) The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed a reorganization plan to create a state Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, a cabinet-level position which will assist the Commonwealth with meeting its long-term goals in addressing the housing crisis and expanding safe, accessible, and affordable housing for residents. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted favorably in support of the legislation.

In Massachusetts, housing-related issues are currently addressed by the administration through the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. The reorganization plan passed in the Senate today would elevate housing issues to a separate executive agency tasked with supporting housing availability and assessing the Commonwealth’s progress in this area.

“In recent years, especially during the pandemic, we witnessed just how important stable and safe housing is and the many challenges that our most vulnerable residents must overcome to access such housing,” said Senator Friedman, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “We must address our growing housing crisis, particularly in my district and in the Greater Boston region and creating a dedicated Secretariat to focus on housing and livable communities is an excellent way to tackle these issues head-on, enabling us to create more sustainable housing policies for the future.”

In response to ongoing concerns over housing availability, last session, the Massachusetts Legislature allocated over $1 billion in direct appropriations to support affordable housing in Massachusetts. This followed a session that saw the long-awaited ‘housing choice’ legislation become law with important housing production incentives, including requiring multi-family zoning near transit.… Read more.

(BOSTON – 03/30/2023) The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed a bill that includes $350 million in bond authorizations for transportation needs across the state, including $200 million for the state’s Chapter 90 program, which provides municipalities with a reliable funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted in favor of the measure.

“This legislation continues our state’s commitment to investing in a functional, sustainable network of transportation infrastructure,” said Senator Friedman, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “It allows for transportation improvements statewide, including grant money for electric vehicles to municipalities and funds to enhance access to mass transit and commuter rail stations, strengthening our larger public transportation system, which is in need of support in the Greater Boston area.”

This legislation also authorizes $150 million in programs that will assist municipalities with various transportation-related projects. This includes $25 million for each of the following:

• the municipal small bridge program;
• the complete streets program;
• a bus transit infrastructure program;
• grants to increase access to mass transit and commuter rail stations;
• grants for municipalities and regional transit authorities to purchase electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them;
• and new funding dedicated to additional transportation support based on road milage, which is particularly helpful for rural communities.

A different version having previously been passed in the House of Representatives, the two chambers will now reconcile differences before sending the bill to the Governor’s desk.

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