House and Senate Democrats are, in fact, looking to send Governor Charlie Baker of Boston, Massachusetts a bill. That would be as soon as next week. This bill would dedicate $55 million to COVID-19 testing, youth vaccination, and school mask supplies. Plus along with scheduling this year’s state primary for Sept. 6.
House Bill Addressing Pressing Challenges due to Omicron Uptick
The Ways and Means Committee Chair Representative Aaron Michlewitz and Senator Michael Rodrigues said the bill is an effort “to address the urgent challenges. They are bringing upon us due to the Omicron surge and thus boost our continuing COVID-response.” Today, it earned an initial House approval after it emerged from House Ways and Means.
The bill will be considering this week in the House. This is what Michlewitz and Rodrigues said. The Senate will follow “soon thereafter early next week.” Then, Governor Charlie Baker gives his state of the commonwealth address today. Then file his annual budget proposal by Wednesday.
With a sharp surge in mid-winter COVID-19 infections, the legislation is gaining traction. It has left long lines at the testing sites. Then spurred the White House to embark on a nationwide effort to disseminate the tests.
The legislation is gaining traction amidst a sharp surge in mid-winter COVID-19 infections. It has left long lines at testing sites and spurred the White House to embark on a nationwide effort to disseminate tests.
“In the coming days, we look forward to working collaboratively with our colleagues. These would be the respective chambers. Moreover to ensure we can swiftly pass this bill and get it to the Governor’s desk,” the chairmen said.
$30 million is being appropriated by the bill (H 4340). It would be to establish and expand COVID testing sites. There is at least $5 million dedicating to expanding vaccination rates among children ages 5 to 11. Moreover, the youth vaccination efforts would be the focus. It would be on communities that are disproportionately affected by the virus.
Then, there would be another $25 million that would go towards “the acquisition and distribution of high-quality personal protective masks for children. Also in the faculty in elementary and secondary public school districts.”
