Moran: Over $1 Million for 17th Essex in Economic Bill

Press release from state Rep. Frank Moran:

BOSTON – Faced with an economy buffeted by COVID-19 State Representative Frank A. Moran joined Speaker DeLeo and their colleagues in the House to pass a bill to give a shot in the arm to the state’s economy by legalizing sports gaming, facilitating housing development and providing more than $450 million in state funding to spur growth.

“This comprehensive economic development bill will provide financial relief to our state’s economy, as well as the individual communities within our Commonwealth,” said State Representative Frank A. Moran (D – Lawrence). “I was proud to secure more than $1 million in direct funding for Lawrence, Andover, and Methuen that will equip them with the resources that will bolster and invest within our small business community.”

Representative Moran advocated for the allocation of funds for local organizations in Lawrence, Andover, and Methuen:

• $100,000 for the City of Lawrence to rehabilitate its handball court
• $200,000 for the Andover Senior Center
• $125,000 for Methuen Arlington Neighborhood youth programming
• $50,000 for Methuen Arlington Neighborhood jobs training
• $75,000 for the promotion of local, small businesses in the City of Methuen
• $500,000 for a pedestrian footbridge on the Lawrence Rail Trail

Additionally, the bill pairs initiatives to improve the housing market for buyers while providing protections for tenants. It authorizes the Housing Choice concept, reducing the voting requirement for a range of housing-related zoning changes and special permits at the local level, from a two-thirds threshold to a simple majority. The legislation also creates a local option for the tenant right to purchase/first right of refusal to purchase buildings landlords put up for sale, increases the low-income housing tax credit from $20 million to $40 million, and requires DHCD to notify tenants they have a right to mediation with landlords prior to the eviction process.

The bill establishes the Rural Jobs Tax Credit for businesses that make a capital contribution to a rural growth fund, which will be established within the Office of Business Development. It allows for the creation of Tourism Destination Marketing Districts, which, following local approval, can add an additional 2% surcharge on room occupancy taxes to fund tourism marketing activities within these districts. The legislation also creates a Cultural Council Recovery Commission to review and develop recommendations for the recovery, promotion and continued growth and vitality of the cultural and creative sector in the commonwealth.

The bill initiates a system for legal sports gaming in Massachusetts enabling the independent Massachusetts Gaming Commission to grant in-person licenses to existing casinos and racing facilities. Mobile applications and casinos are also eligible to receive mobile gaming licenses. In addition to licensing fees, the state will receive 15% of all sports betting proceeds -- $50 million annually -- (with an additional 1% for games played in Massachusetts going to a fund to ensure the integrity of the game.) The proceeds will be distributed in the following fashion:

• 40% to a workforce development fund for at-risk youth in low-income/minority communities
• 30% to a Distressed Restaurant Fund that would help over 1,000 restaurants pay for things like rent, payroll, and PPE for a period of two years
• 10% to Youth Development Initiatives (raised to 25% after January 2023), including scholarships and after-School programs
• 10% to Local Aid (raised to 25% after January 2023)
• 9% to Public Health, including Gaming Addiction
• 1% to a Player’s Benevolent fund to pay for local player connected charity foundations.

This press release was produced by Rep. Frank Moran. The views expressed are the author's own.