Both of Haverhill’s state senators are touting local benefits and advantages—including city and town infrastructure, small business and culture—contained in the Senate’s proposed $2.86 billion economic development bill passed Thursday.
Senate President Karen E. Spilka, praising Sen. Barry R. Finegold, Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies and others, said the bill builds on “the diverse and thriving economic ecosystem that enables people to stay in our state to build careers and families.”
“Massachusetts is home to great talent, industry and education, but we must act now to remain competitive in a changing global and national economy,” said Finegold. “This economic development bill bolsters our state’s competitiveness by strengthening sectors we already excel in and creating pathways to secure the lead in emerging fields.”
The bill, which still must be reconciled with a House version and signed by the governor, authorizes $400 million for MassWorks public infrastructure projects. Haverhill, for example, has used this money in the past to complete the Rep. Brian S. Dempsey Boardwalk.
Sen. Pavel M. Payano said the bill includes his proposal to allocate $10 million toward social enterprise capital grant programs to pay for job skills training and paid employment opportunities to low-income individuals, prioritizing those from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Among other things, the legislation also provides $200 million for the Clean Energy Investment Fund to encourage research and development, commercialization and deployment of climate technologies; $200 million to support the growth of the offshore wind industry; $150 million for capital grants for public libraries, $50 million for the Cultural Facilities Fund; $40 million for Destination Development grants to support tourist site improvements; and $8 million for historical preservation grants.
Amendments would also as “Raise the Age,” to designate 18-year-olds as juveniles instead of adults when charged with certain crimes; allow communities to opt-in and allow bars and restaurants in the community to offer happy-hour drink discounts; allow local breweries and distilleries to sell products alongside local wineries at farmers markets; and provide consumers more rights to seek repair of cell phones without having to seek service from the original manufacturer.