|
June 15, 2006 - Today, with the passage of two major spending bills the citizens of Massachusetts are the biggest winners. The Senate adopted two conference reports, the Supplemental FY 06 Budget and the “Commonwealth Investment Act” which several key amendments sponsored by Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) were included.
“This economic stimulus bill truly reflects the Legislature’s commitment to spur economic growth and development in the state by allocating funds to support local projects that will benefit every city and town,” said Moore. “In addition, I am also pleased that the bill also focuses on promoting life sciences and education in the state.”
Senator Moore is particularly proud of the inclusion of his amendment to create an Academy of Life Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The Academy will fund the creation of "Mobile Life Science labs" which travel to area schools to teach advanced biology classes. The mobile labs stimulate interest in the study of biology by offering the latest life science equipment and technology and are far less expensive than building state of the art biology labs in every classroom. The mission of the Massachusetts Academy for Life Sciences shall be to encourage students to consider careers in life sciences and healthcare by participating in enhanced science courses through the use of the mobile labs
“A solid foundation in biology will give students access to the best biotechnology jobs over the next generation and help students pass the MCAS science requirement as it is phased in over the next few years,” Moore said.
Among the items included in the Commonwealth Investment Act conference report that will be sent to the Governor are:
• The Establishment and Powers of Special Development Districts - Financing Infrastructure Costs for Residential and Commercial Real Estate Development. The amendment will enable property owners in newly constructed “special district” to finance needed public infrastructure improvements without burdening the budgets of the Commonwealth or its cities and towns.
• Notification of the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council for Certain Projects - Requires businesses that are receiving tax incentives to notify municipalities and the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council within 90 days of any substantial changes to the tax increment financing or economic opportunity area agreement such as relocating, outsourcing or sale of a business
• River Bend Farm Visitors Center / Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park - $350,000 for preparation of architectural and engineering plans for construction of an addition, including a 50-seat auditorium for tour group orientation and educational programs for the River Bend Farm Visitors Center of the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in the town of Uxbridge
• French River Greenway - $250,000 for preparation of plans for the French River Greenway in the towns of Oxford, Webster, and Dudley to connect the Quinebaug Trail and the Mid-State Trail
In the past, Senator Moore filed a bill to observe Biomedical Research Day in Massachusetts. The conference report establishes October 21st of each year to be Massachusetts Biomedical Research day, which would coincide with National Biomedical Research Day.
The conference report adds the requirement of the Department of Economic Development to expend $500,000 annually for matching grants to assist municipalities in purchasing environmental insurance for the purposes of establishing and maintaining rail-trails. In Senator Moore’s district, the Upper Charles River Trail, Quinebaug-Shetucket Trail, and French River Connection Trail will benefit from this item.
Additionally, the Senate passed the Supplemental FY06 Budget conference report that utilizes remaining unspent funds from the fiscal year. Senator Moore was successful on winning local items to be included in the report that is now also being sent to the governor for his approval.
For more information on Senator Moore’s legislation and his work in the Senate, log onto www.senatormoore.com
|
