Malden legislators secure $6.95M for Malden in major economic development bill

Legislature voted to pass comprehensive spending package aimed to provide financial relief across the Commonwealth

  On November 3, 2022, Representatives Steven Ultrino, Paul Donato and Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Senator Jason Lewis joined their 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, which includes funding for hospitals, increases in housing production, and additional relief to mitigate rising energy costs. 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.

  In July 2022 the Massachusetts House and Senate had both unanimously passed differing versions of the bill, which were resolved by a conference committee. The bill now awaits Governor Charlie Baker’s signature or other response.

  The Malden delegation successfully secured $6 million for MelroseWakefield Healthcare for the redevelopment of the former Malden Hospital site, while a total of $950,000 was acquired for the City of Malden for local priorities and projects, including investments of:

• $300,000 for improvements to Summer Street, including placemaking, streetscaping and artistic design
• $250,000 for renovations to public parks in the city
• $200,000 for the maintenance of the Northern Strand Community Trail in Malden
• $200,000 to complete planning and economic development studies

  “After lengthy negotiations on this economic bill, I am delighted to see the Legislature reaching a compromise together to help ease the financial strain on families and communities who are feeling the monumental impacts of rising energy costs, rent, groceries and other basic necessities,” said Representative Ultrino. “This bill successfully addresses critical needs throughout the Commonwealth, and I am grateful for the efforts of all my colleagues from House and Senate who helped ensure our communities will receive much-needed assistance. Once again, I am honored to have worked closely with the Malden delegation to obtain key investments for local priorities and programs that will continue to help Malden grow and strengthen our local economy.”

  “It’s good news that the House and Senate reached final agreement on this major economic development legislation that will help struggling families and bolster economic growth in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Lewis. “I was very pleased to work closely with the Malden delegation to secure funds for local projects, including improvements for parks, bike paths, and Summer Street.”

  “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 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 Malden delegation successfully advocated for nearly $1 million in earmarks for the City of Malden’s infrastructure priorities.”

  “Massachusetts is going to see great community benefits as a result of the Economic Development Bill,” said Representative Donato. “The legislation includes funding for projects that will benefit everyone across the Commonwealth such as MBTA improvements, improved low-income housing, and energy assistance. But Malden will also see the positive effects of the spending bill directly with new walking and biking trails, park renovations, Malden Hospital Construction, and more. It’s always excellent to work with the rest of the Malden Delegation to make sure that we are listening to and delivering on the needs of our constituents.”

  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 for 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