Quarterly Policy Updates

Green Budget: In January, the Governor released his proposed FY23 state operating budget (H2). The Green Budget Coalition is advocating for the following increases: DCR State Parks and Recreation line item (2810-0100): $60M plus retained revenue from $50M in FY22; H2 is $73.5M (but includes retained revenue). MassDEP Administration…

In March 2021, Congress sent $3.4 billion to Massachusetts cities and towns, and an additional $5.3 billion to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to invest in economic growth, jobs, and resilience. At the time of the writing of this update, the MA…

The Governor has signed into law the FY22 State Operating Budget, and all the Green Budget Coalition priorities were included, as well as earmarks for implementing the new climate law (we hope to get more money for this next year): DEP: $33,434,358 plus pull through from last year...

Since the last MLTC Steering Committee meeting on March 5th, Governor Baker signed the Next-Gen Climate Policy bill into law! The law is one of the strongest in the nation setting a net zero emissions goal and requiring a
transition plan to decarbonize our economy by decreasing our use of…

In January, 19 new legislators (2 senators and 17 representatives) joined our friends on Beacon Hill for the new legislative session. The House and Senate released leadership and committee assignments, including some key changes. There is a new House Speaker, Representative Ronald Mariano (D-Quincy); and Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative…

Meet Your New Legislators: In January, 19 new legislators (two senators and 17 representatives) will join our friends on Beacon Hill for the 2021-2022 session. If a new legislator will be representing your service area, now is the time to start reaching out to introduce yourself and begin building a…

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) is now law, guaranteeing $900 million in Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF) every year and providing over $9 billion in deferred maintenance on federally owned lands and historic and cultural assets over the next 5 years. LWCF is funded by a small portion…

Just this week (Wednesday, June 16), the Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) 73-25! This bill includes both full funding for LWCF and funds to address the maintenance backlog on public lands. Both Senators Warren and Markey were in support. This is a historic victory! A companion bill…

For FY21, the Green Budget Coalition (led by ELM, TNC, The Trustees, Mass Audubon, MassRivers, AMC and MOSES) is advocating for increased funding for four programs: Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) state parks and recreation, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) administration, the Division of Ecological Restoration, and the Division…

For fiscal year 2021, the Green Budget Coalition (led by ELM, MassRivers, AMC, TNC, Mass Audubon, MOSES and The Trustees) is advocating for increased funding for four line items: Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) state parks and recreation, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) administration, the Division of Ecological Restoration…