BOSTON - Nov. 4, 2022 - “Yesterday the Massachusetts legislature voted to approve an economic development spending package (H. 5374), allocating nearly $3.8 billion together with a fiscal year 2022 closeout budget. The package includes $500 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds and was sent to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk yesterday.” 

“The bill dedicated important resources for transportation, clean energy, and housing, while supporting our most vulnerable residents and many of the region’s priorities detailed in MetroCommon 2050 – Greater Boston’s land use and policy plan to become more equitable, more prosperous, and more sustainable. However, opportunities remain for continued progress on state-wide policies.”  

“We were particularly pleased to see additional funding dedicated to the MBTA for safety concerns and workforce development, funding for housing production, and $20 million to support the needs of municipalities across the Commonwealth for arriving immigrants and refugees. We remain concerned that the bill missed an opportunity to further alleviate our pressing housing crisis through important policy changes.”   

“‘The allowance of by-right accessory dwelling units and eviction sealing protections would have provided our communities with two more tools to maintain housing stability in the short term, while longer term investments are developed,’ said MAPC’s Deputy Executive Director of Public Affairs & Advocacy Lizzi Weyant.” 

“The state has also thoughtfully made significant investments to combat climate change. For this winter in particular, $57 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will help ensure the health and safety for some of our most vulnerable residents. Funding for updating and improving our ports and port infrastructure, for the Clean Energy Investment Fund, and investments of $50 million in both electric vehicle infrastructure and electric vehicle purchase incentives help the important advances in clean energy policy that passed this legislative session. The funding for our public lands and environmental justice communities is also critical for an equitable Commonwealth. 

“‘As cities and towns continue to recover from the pandemic, the legislature could have empowered local initiatives through funding for Downtown and Main Streets Revitalization projects,’ said Weyant. ‘We hope that the legislature will fund these critical investments through the remaining ARPA funding in the next legislative session, so that we can give our small businesses the support they need.’” 

“MAPC hopes that the legislature will continue to prioritize areas through sound policy decisions on regional solutions, while recognizing the unique needs of our municipalities. The economic development spending package includes many essential priorities for our residents and municipalities, and we urge the legislature to continue to invest in these and other critical needs.”