Rep. Joseph McGonagle and his colleagues in the House of Representatives passed legislation in their third remote formal session that would invest up to $1.63 billion in the governmental infrastructure of the Commonwealth.
The legislation, An Act financing the general governmental infrastructure of the Commonwealth, ensures that Massachusetts invests in large-scale projects related to technology, education and public safety, as well as directs funding to specific regional and municipal projects in need of improvement especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Over the last several months, thousands of public employees have been working from home,” House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz said. “While this has certainly helped us flatten the curve, it has also put tremendous pressure on our IT infrastructure like the commonwealth has never seen before. These funds will help ensure that employees can continue to work remotely as needed while still providing vital services to our constituents.”
“This pandemic has created a set of challenges we did not initially expect, but so far we have done a fine job of rising to the occasion,” said McGonagle. “Many in the Commonwealth quickly switched to virtual work which helped the health data trend positively and allowed us to continue doing our jobs and serving the people of the Commonwealth. Despite some technical glitches, I believe we have been successful in adapting to these issues. I’m grateful to Speaker DeLeo and Chair Michlewitz for prioritizing this bill, and I’m very excited for the benefits Everett will gain.”
Everett is slated to receive:
•$250,000 for improvements to Everett virtual city hall operations to include additional equipment, capital related services and upgrades to better serve the public.
•$1 million for electronic learning devices for all Everett students and OTIS for educators.
•$150,000 for capital repairs, utility upgrades and emergency backup power generators at the Ferry Street fire station and 911 Call-Center in Everett.
•$150,000 for the feasibility, design and engineering for a new police station headquarters in Everett. The bill will now go to the Senate.