BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)– The Massachusetts House and Senate have passed a $4 billion bill that designates how federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) surplus funding will be spent. The bill now moves to Governor Baker to be signed.
The money is slated to assist the state’s ongoing economic recovery efforts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation delivers targeted supports to workers and businesses, and the critical sectors of housing, health care, mental and behavioral health, climate preparedness, education, and workforce development.
“The one-time investments made in this bill address evident needs across all Massachusetts communities
and sectors of the economy, particularly those who were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “The Legislature engaged in a hearing
process before appropriation, and informed by the public’s feedback, this bill will help the Massachusetts
economy strongly recover. I thank chairs Michlewitz and Hunt, members of the House, Senate President
Spilka and our partners in the Senate, as well as all stakeholders and residents for their input throughout
this process.”
Mental and Behavioral Health, Public Health and Health Care
- $5 million for Health Care For All to conduct a community-based MassHealth redetermination and vaccination outreach, education, and access campaign targeted in communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic
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