BOSTON, MA — Reconvening following an initial set of budget overrides the previous week, Representative Miceli and the House continued debate regarding the final FY18 budget on Wednesday, agreeing to reinstate $225,000 in funding for Tewksbury’s education department. Camp Pohelo, Tewksbury’s long-running special needs camp, is set to receive $25,000 in public funding, with an addition $200,000 slated for repairs to the North Street Elementary School. In addition to budget overrides, Representative Miceli also submitted and cosigned written testimony to protect those in nursing homes over the coming years.
“All three of my requested line-items for my district this year focused on huge issues in our community. My first line-item, for Into Action Recovery, concentrated on additional resources towards combating the opioid crisis. After meeting with the governor, I was pleased to see this went through uncontested by him, but I was sorely disappointed when I initially learned the other two line items I proposed were vetoed,” said Miceli. “I always look to balance the budget, but our committee knows our version was balanced, and this money is important to maintain the quality of education for our town. Along with the police and fire departments, education is practically universally agreed upon by all to be supported publically. I am very pleased that the legislature joined with me in overriding these items to support our communities, as I know the money will be well used.”
Camp Pohelo in the past years has used the funding to maintain staffing levels, help transport students to and from the camp, and purchase equipment needed to help the campers enjoy everything the Camp has to offer. The Camp has been a staple of the region’s special education community for many years, and is looked forward to every year by both attendees and staff.
In addition to overrides earlier in the week Representative Miceli also leant his support to H2072, An Act Relative to Stabilizing the Commonwealth’s Nursing Facilities, which seeks to maintain and invest in the quality of care in nursing homes across the Commonwealth. Aiming to protect the elderly and disabled, H2072 provides support and safeguards against staffing cuts at long-term nursing facilities.
“The elderly and disabled are already a vulnerable population. By ensuring nursing facilities do not have to downsize in the face of a burgeoning population of older folks, we are ensuring those who worked their whole lives, raised families, and helped build our communities are treated with the dignity and grace they planned for and deserve,” said Miceli. “This bill helps support programs already in existence, programs that have allowed over 30% of our nursing homes in Massachusetts to continually train their staff to provide additional medical and elder care. It’s a success, saves lives, and provides help to those who need it most.”
(NOTE: The above press release is from State Rep. Jim Miceli’s Office.)
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