Representative Steven S. Howitt supports supplemental budget to fund state programs for veterans, the elderly and families in need

Boston – State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) recently supported a $530 million supplemental budget to address funding shortfalls in several key state programs for Massachusetts veterans and the elderly, as well as individuals and families in need of food, housing and childcare assistance.

House Bill 4150 was engrossed by the House of Representatives on a vote of 149-1 on May 21, following floor debate on more than five dozen amendments filed by members. Representative Howitt noted that once federal reimbursements are factored in, the total net amount of state spending for the bill will be $318.2 million.

Representative Howitt noted that, in addition to providing $593,539 for the operations of the Massachusetts Military Division, the House bill also allocates $5.8 million in supplemental funding to cover the recent increase in annuity payments to veterans approved as part of Chapter 178 of the Acts of 2024, An Act Honoring, Empowering, and Recognizing our Servicemembers and Veterans, also known as the HERO Act. Another $60 million is included in the bill for home care services offered through the Executive Office of Aging and Independence for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.

In an effort to promote food security and ensure that Massachusetts residents participating in the program have access to fresh local produce, the House has approved an infusion of $7.5 million for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). This program is made available to individuals receiving assistance through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to encourage healthier food choices.

According to Representative Howitt, the supplemental budget also provides:

• $42.9 million for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program, which helps families who are at risk of homelessness due to eviction;
• $400,000 for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) manufacturer rebates covering infant formula and other essentials;
• $94 million for income-eligible early education and care programs;
• $95.5 million for early education and care services for children with active cases at the Department of Children and Families and for families currently involved in, or transitioning from, the Transitional Aid for Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) program;
• $15.5 million to assist the Department of Transitional Assistance with the move to a chipped electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card system
• $134.4 million to provide supplemental payments to safety net hospitals through the Medical Assistance Trust Fund, which qualifies for full federal reimbursement;
• $1.2 million for Western Massachusetts hospital services;
• $10 million in grants to reimburse municipalities for extraordinary Emergency Medical Services costs;
• $7.75 million for private State Police details;
• $4.19 million for the State Police Crime Lab; and
• $15.5 million for a reserve fund to support celebrations of the United States’ semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary, which will provide grants to municipalities for public safety, transportation, and logistical costs associated with local anniversary celebrations.

Representative Howitt said the supplemental budget also authorizes the funding of 16 recently negotiated collective bargaining agreements.

During floor debate, the House adopted several amendments, including one making a technical update to the 2024 gun law confirming that POST-certified law enforcement officials, including campus police officers, and qualifying retired law enforcement officials are exempt from the law’s provisions prohibiting the possession of an assault-style firearm. Another amendment requires the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to ensure meaningful communication between school personnel and parents and legal guardians of students receiving education services, and to ensure that interpreters communicating with parents in public schools are bilingual and have an understanding of specialized terms or concepts.

House Bill 4150, as amended, now moves to the Senate for its consideration.