COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133

Senator Joan B. Lovely
State Senator
2nd Essex District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 11, 2018

Governor Baker to Release $100M in Earmarked Funding

(Boston) – The Baker-Polito Administration began 2018 with an announcement to release $100M in funding for local priorities and programs. This announcement comes following positive December revenue collections reported during the first week of January.

As Assistant vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Senator Joan Lovely focused her efforts during the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget on supporting community projects and district priorities in the 2nd Essex. These labors resulted in 22 sponsored amendments, and successfully secured $450K in allocations to directly support projects and programs within the 2nd Essex District.

“It’s critical we provide the resources necessary for our local communities to succeed and thrive,” stated Senator Joan Lovely. “As the Assistant vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, I see firsthand how important timely and reliable funding is to communities that depend upon State support.”

Senator Lovely filed 22 amendments to the FY18 Budget, prioritizing time sensitive repairs to the Grand Army of the Republic Hall and Carriage House in Beverly. Senator Lovely also secured $100K for technology upgrades and improvement for the Town of Danvers and $100K for infrastructure grants for the City of Beverly.  Senator Lovely also filed an important amendment to help secure funding for Salem’s Artists Row and Peabody’s Police and Fire Memorial.

“I am pleased that Governor Baker has decided to release this important funding for communities in the 2nd Essex District,” added Senator Lovely. “I’m also thankful for the partnership with the State Representatives in the district as well as local officials to prioritize these important projects.”

In addition to the 22 amendments Senator Lovely filed, she co-sponsored over 70 budget amendments supporting individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors, children and families and education.

Senator Lovely co-sponsored an amendment securing $100,000 for Triangle, Inc., a social service agency that supports individuals with disabilities entering the workforce through their School-to-Career program.

Senator Lovely filed the following local budget amendments now ensured to receive funding through the Governor’s Administration:

  • $50,000 for the GAR Hall in Beverly
  • $50,000 for the Carriage House at Lynch Park in Beverly
  • $100,000 for Infrastructure Grants in Beverly
  • $50,000 for Danvers Technology Improvements
  • $25,000 for the Peabody Fire and Police Memorial in Peabody
  • $25,000 to support the expense of Peabody’s Centennial Celebrations
  • $50,000 for a Peabody – Salem trolley study
  • $100,000 for Artists Row in Salem

While the timeline surrounding the distribution of these funds remains unclear, Senator Lovely is working alongside local officials to appeal to the Baker-Polito Administration for the expedient release of these critical allocations.

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