Malia: Overriding Governor’s Budget Vetoes to Protect Vulnerable Citizens

At the start of this year’s budget process, Governor Baker’s budget recommended $39.5 billion in spending. Near the end of the budget process, the Baker administration indicated tax revenues were $750 million lower than previously projected, causing the legislature to lower their spending plan. This plan sent to the governor was scaled back to $39.15 billion. Despite the reduction, the governor handed down $256 million in additional cuts, which impacts funding for programs and services that sustain and make our community stronger. In the next couple of weeks, I will work with my colleagues to override many of the governor's vetoes.

1,231 Views

Malia: House Budget Supports Mental Health, Substance Abuse Funding and Bolsters Critical Community Services

Every year, the Massachusetts House begins the budget process by receiving the Governor's proposed budget. The House adjusts the budget to include items most needed by constituents. As Chair of the Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Boston’s 11th Suffolk District State Representative, I heard your concerns and advocated for initiatives that will best serve our community. This year’s House budget makes notable investments for behavioral health, including new funding of more than $28 million for the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services and $13 million for the Department of Mental Health. It provides 46 new transitional support services beds – a 13% boost statewide – and 45 substance addiction treatment beds for women.

1,495 Views