COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
STATE SENATOR
MICHAEL O. MOORE
SECOND WORCESTER DISTRICT
State House, Room 518, Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-1485
June 30, 2009
Senator Michael O. Moore Votes for Legislation Maximizing Federal Stimulus Funds
for the Commonwealth
BOSTON — Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) is pleased to announce that The Senate and House on Tuesday finalized economic recovery legislation allowing the Commonwealth to maximize the benefits of federal stimulus funding to continue important infrastructure projects, create jobs and spur long-term economic growth. The Governor is expected to sign the bill.
“During such difficult fiscal times, it is imperative to capitalize on opportunities that generate economic growth throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Moore. “This legislation secures funding that will not only help our current economy, but create stability for the future.”
The bill assures that Massachusetts will meet the strict requirements and deadlines for using the federal stimulus money provided through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009.
The main components of the bill, unanimously approved by the state Legislature, include the following:
- Secures $186 million in clean water and drinking water grants for the Commonwealth by authorizing the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust to lower a key interest rate for financial assistance;
- Makes the state eligible for $108 million in unemployment insurance funds by extending unemployment benefits from 18 to 26 weeks for individuals participating in a training program;
- Updates state procurement procedures;
- Ensures efficient and transparent accounting and reporting of all project funding;
- Requires that state positions created by projects funded through the federal act are paid with federal stimulus money only;
- Requires equitable distribution of funding to ensure participate by all businesses, including minority and women-owned businesses and small businesses; and
- Promotes apprenticeship training programs.
The Legislature included a provision in the final legislation that requires a bi-monthy report from the Administration on the progress of all federal stimulus projects in the state. Another added provision makes construction companies that are disbarred by the federal government, the Commonwealth or any other state ineligible to participate in federal stimulus projects.
In anticipation of approximately $8.7 billion in total federal stimulus money for Massachusetts, the Senate and House in February formed a special committee to oversee and review state spending of federal stimulus funding. The temporary Joint Committee on Federal Stimulus Oversight acts on behalf of the Legislature to coordinate efforts with the Administration to make the most of federal assistance for Massachusetts.
The special Legislative committee has the ability to hold hearings on federal stimulus plans, audit expenditures, and report back periodically to the House and Senate. The committee will also review current state laws, regulations and policies, and make recommendations regarding changes that will allow Massachusetts to access additional funding or spend money more quickly to stimulate the economy.
The amount of aid flowing out of Washington, nearly $800 billion total for all 50 states, is in many ways unprecedented. Through the work of the Administration, Legislature and others, Massachusetts is now well-positioned to utilize its funding allotment quickly and efficiently to finish projects, stimulate local economies and create jobs.
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