More than 1,100 amendments, many COVID-related, filed in Massachusetts House’s fiscal 2022 budget proposal
Updated 6:43 AM;
Massachusetts lawmakers filed more than 1,100 amendments ahead of next week’s debate over the House’s fiscal 2022 budget proposal, many of them in efforts to lessen the blow COVID-19 dealt to public education, social services and the economy.
House lawmakers proposed funding increases for community centers, hospitals, volunteers and nonprofits who have helped Western Massachusetts residents navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other proposals suggest relief to farmers and other businesses hit hard by the economic downturn.
“That’s where our focus is going to be, getting people back to work, making sure they’re safe, making sure they’re protected,” said Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, a Lenox Democrat.