Important Priorities Signed Into Law

Governor Charlie Baker today signed in to law a budget bill with much needed funding for important state programs which will support the health and wellness of our residents including those in dire need of support for home heating assistance, aid for homeless families, smoking prevention, support for students and more. Several Items sent to the Governor are priorities championed by member of the Senate Republican Caucus and I am proud of the collaborative and bipartisan work that was accomplished.

Among those priorities are:

• $15 million for the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program, 
• $10 million for the 21st Century Education Trust Fund, 
• $2 million for smoking and vaping secession related concerns. 

The law also includes:

• $12.3 million for safety net hospitals, 
• $10.3 million for health and human services information systems, 
• $9.6 million in connection with removing the TAFDC family benefit cap, 
• $5 million for PFAS testing - scientists have found that PFAS chemical exposure is linked to elevated cholesterol, thyroid disease, damage to the liver and kidneys, effects on fertility and low birth weight,
• $2 million to support year-round funding of the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) and 
• $500,000 for a behavioral health public awareness campaign.