State Representative Lipper-Garabedian Joins Massachusetts Legislature to Pass $3.7 Billion Economic Development Bill, Securing $7.17 Million for 32nd Middlesex District

BOSTON – November 11, 2022 – Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose) joined her House and Senate colleagues in the enactment of H.5374, An Act relating to economic growth and relief for the Commonwealth, which aims to provide much-needed relief to individuals, families, organizations, and municipalities across the state. Legislators agreed on the compromise spending bill totaling $3.7 billion earlier this week which includes funding for hospitals, increases in housing production, and additional relief to mitigate rising energy costs.

The legislation represents an historic combination of economic investment and statewide fiscal relief that is designed to help communities in Massachusetts weather rising inflation and challenging economic circumstances. Other major statewide investments include:

·       $1.4 billion for the human services sector, including $350 million for financially strained hospitals as well as $225 million for provider and worker rate increases;

·       $57 million towards the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP);

·       $409.5 million to support affordable housing;

·       $112 million to the MBTA for public transit projects and improvements.

The bill also includes grants and additional investments for local projects and programs across the Commonwealth’s municipalities, including small business aid and regional economic development grants. The bill includes the following earmarks championed by Representative Lipper-Garabedian with Wakefield delegation colleague Representative Donald Wong and Malden delegation colleagues Representatives Steve Ultrino and Paul Donato:

Melrose:

·       $150,000 for repairs to the Melrose Fire Department headquarters;

·       $100,000 for repairs and improvements to Memorial Hall;

·       $100,000 for placemaking for commerce and civic engagement in Melrose.

Wakefield:

·       $150,000 to improve pedestrian and bicycle access to downtown Wakefield;

·       $100,000 for improvements to parks and downtown revitalization;

·       $100,000 for repairs to Americal Civic Center roof;

·       $60,000 for the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce;

·       $150,000 for accessibility upgrades at the Doyle School playground.

Malden:

·       $300,000 for improvements to Summer Street including, but not limited to, placemaking, streetscaping, and artistic design;

·       $250,000 for renovations to public parks in the city;

·       $200,000 for the maintenance of the bike trail in Malden;

·       $200,000 for the City of Malden to complete planning and economic development studies.

District-wide:

·       6,000,000 to MelroseWakefield Healthcare Inc. will for the redevelopment of the former Malden Hospital site.

“The Legislature’s successful efforts on the economic development bill will result in significant investments in state programs and resources that support individuals and families,” said Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian. “In addition to critical supports for hospitals and human services workers, MBTA improvements, and housing production, among other statewide initiatives, I’m thrilled that the Melrose, Wakefield, and Malden delegations successfully advocated for $7.71 million in earmarks for regional infrastructure priorities.”

The Governor signed the bill into law on November 10, 2022.

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