By Bob Katzen
House 149-0, Senate 31-5 overrode Gov. Baker’s $250,000 veto reduction (from $500,000 to $250,000) for stroke treatment and prevention programs including a $100,000 reduction in funding to educate the public on the signs and symptoms of stroke with a focus on communities that have the highest incidence of stroke.
Baker also reduced by $100,000 funding to require all primary stroke service hospitals and emergency medical services’ agencies to report data consistent with nationally recognized guidelines on the treatment of individuals with strokes; and reduced by $50,000 the funding to oversee the operation and administration of designated primary stroke service hospital programs that meet strict guidelines for treating individuals with stroke symptoms.
Supporters of spending the $250,000 said these programs can help prevent strokes and save lives.
In his veto message, Baker said that he reduced the funding to an amount projected to be necessary.