Senator Collins Votes for Supplemental Budget, Ratifying Collective Bargaining Agreements

The Massachusetts Legislature passed a supplemental budget that ratifies 38 collective bargaining agreements and directs funding to the health and human services workforce, childcare assistance programs, community services, and initiatives vital to the wellbeing of Massachusetts residents.

The legislation directs funding to deficiencies outlined by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and makes numerous clarifications to state policies to cut red tape and create efficiencies in state government.

“I am proud to have come to a consensus on this supplemental budget and. In working with the House and my Senate colleagues we were able ratify 38 previously approved collective bargaining agreement, which our unions workers have been tirelessly advocating for. These agreements will positively impact the Commonwealth by improving the quality of life to our workers and ensuring they receive the pay they deserve, said Senator Nick Collins.

The legislation appropriates $362 million in funding from Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations that would be made available through Fiscal Year 2025. It directs $228 million in funding for the American Rescue Plan Act Home and Community Based Services (ARPA HCBS) Reserve to promote innovative services that enhance the quality of life and independence of people in their home and community, an investment that comes at no net cost to the state.

It includes $61 million for a critical health and human services and workforce reserve to cover projected deficiencies in Fiscal Year 2024 related to the continued need for direct care staffing to respond to health needs in nursing homes, group care settings, state hospitals, and veterans’ homes, as well as other patient health and safety supports.

Additional investments include:

• $29.7 million in early education and care subsidies to ensure providers can maintain access for all income-eligible families in need of childcare.
• $20 million to replace lost federal funds for services to victims of crime.
• $5.6 million for tax abatements for veterans, widows, blind persons and the elderly.
• $5.1 million to support increased demand for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), which provides fresh healthy food options and supports local growers.
• $2.8 million for the Elections Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
• $2.1 million to be used for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition services to fully support the current caseload of recipients.

The legislation includes changes and clarifications to policy, including:

• Permitting the Operational Services Division (OSD) to procure both electric vehicles and charging equipment on one contract, an efficiency that will help the state reach its climate goals.
• Increasing the amount that the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) can contract with utility vendors for energy conservation projects from $300,000 to $500,000, enhancing the division’s ability to support the state in reaching its climate goals.
• Adding tribal governments as eligible entities to receive funding through the broadband municipal grant program.
• Providing flexibility on the use of ARPA funds for local boards of health.
• Allowing the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to enter new long-term leases of up to 30 years for the operations of ice rinks.

The bill now moves to the Governor’s desk for her signature.