By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a $362 million to help close out fiscal year 2024. Key provisions ratify and fund some 38 collective bargaining agreements and direct $228 million in funding for the American Rescue Plan Act Home and Community Based Services.

Other provisions include $20 million to replace lost federal funding for victims of violent crimes; $29.7 million in early education and care subsidies to ensure providers can maintain access for all income-eligible families in need of childcare; $5.6 million for tax abatements for veterans, widows, blind persons and the elderly; $5.1 million to support increased demand for the Healthy Incentives Program which provides fresh healthy food options and supports local growers; and $2.1 million for Women, Infants and Children nutrition services to fully support the current caseload of recipients.

“The funding included in this supplemental budget is critical, as it addresses a number of important issues affecting residents, invests in workforce development and ratifies dozens of collective bargaining agreements,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy).

“Today’s funding will ensure that our workers get the raises they deserve, and that vital support systems across our state have the resources they need to close out the fiscal year,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland).

“The essential funding contained in this supplemental budget will help fund important programs and approve numerous collective bargaining agreements that will help essential employees our commonwealth relies on,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), the chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means.