Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The House on May 20 approved and sent to the Senate a $1.7 billion capital bond bill that includes funding for state information technology purchases and a variety of other state and local capital programs.
During debate, House members added $100 million to the House budget committee recommendation mostly for local projects.
Any bond authorizations eventually enacted would be included in future state capital spending plans prepared by the governor.
The Board of Library Commissioners’ public library building grant program would be replenished with $115 million in new spending authorizations in the final House bill (H. 4733). This amount reflects $15 million added by amendment.
The bill includes a general $101 million program for municipalities and certain regional government entities to fund capital projects, including IT equipment and infrastructure. House members added $5 million for the Community Compact technology grant program.
In items for the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, there is $25 million to fund a competitive grant program for fire departments to purchase firefighter safety equipment, including washer and dryer cleaning equipment for firefighter gear and safety equipment. Firefighting vehicles are not included.