Rep. Stanley and Rep. Lawn vote to Override Critical Budget Vetoes

State Rep. Tom Stanley (D-Waltham) and State Rep. John Lawn (D-Watertown) announced that the House of Representatives restored appropriations for vital initiatives serving the people of Waltham that were vetoed in the Fiscal Year 2017 state budget by Governor Baker.

In late June, the Legislature enacted a budget which balanced the many competing needs of the Commonwealth with the fiscal discipline necessary to ensure the long-term well being of the state.  After carefully considering a number of Governor Baker’s vetoes and amendments, the House voted on Saturday (7/23/16) to restore funding to several items, including:

–          $102,993 to Public Libraries for program opportunities, computer access as well as maintaining and expanding collections and technology for inter-library resource sharing.

–          $113,103 to Regional Libraries for continuing education classes, pre-school learning, homework tutoring, senior programing and services for residents who rely heavily on their local library.

–          $2,695,864 to Community Colleges’ performance-based funding formula, providing each of the 15 community college campuses with incentives to improve metrics of college completion and alignment.

–          $750,000 to Community College Workforce Incentive program for customized workforce training initiative for local businesses and industry in Massachusetts.

–          $150,000 for Early Intervention Services, helping eligible children between birth and three years of age experiencing developmental difficulties due to identified disabilities or if their development is at risk due to certain birth or environmental circumstances.

“These programs assist many of my constituents with access to the educational opportunities they need to provide for their families and improve their quality of life,” said Rep. Stanley.  “I’m proud to join my colleague, Rep. Lawn in overriding these vetoes.”

“By reinstating these important programs and services, the Legislature has reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Massachusetts.  These valuable initiatives provide critical services and resources for those in need,” said Lawn.