Lawmakers passed a $1.67 billion supplemental budget, which includes $10 million to prepare for a slice of the 100,000 Ukrainian refugees expected to arrive shortly in the Bay State.
“In addition to critical investments in health care, education, transportation infrastructure and housing, this package also includes funding for the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees here in Massachusetts, ensuring that we do our part in the global effort to help those suffering from the war,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano, D-Quincy.
The $10 million will be directed to the state’s Office of Immigrants and Refugees to support the resettlement of international evacuees, including Ukrainian evacuees. That office assists with refugee employment, financial literacy, case management and more.
The budget also requires the Commonwealth’s Pension Reserves Investment Management (PRIM) Board to divest any holdings from companies officially sanctioned by the Biden administration or incorporated in Russia.
Other line items include $700 million for COVID-19 provisions like on-site testing, vaccinations, treatment, and public health staffing, and funds for tenant protections, mental health treatment, and education staffing needs.
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