Neighbor News
Barrett adds funds for Waltham non-profits
Mike Barrett represents the towns of Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lincoln, Waltham, Weston, large parts of Lexington and Sudbury.
During recent debate on a spending bill related to COVID-19, Waltham’s State Senator offered successful amendments to provide funds to three non-profits that are supporting city residents during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Barrett says he filed measures that provide support in a “comprehensive way,” touching on health care, housing, and food security.
The first amendment offered by Barrett provides $126,000 to the Charles River Community Health Center in order for Charles River to hire two nurses: one to assist with COVID testing and another to manage pediatric vaccinations that were missed due to the pandemic.
Find out what's happening in Walthamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Barrett then added a $75,000 measure to boost funding for food, rent, and utility assistance offered by WATCH CDC. Barrett gave a “tip of the hat” to the organization for playing a coordinating role among non-profits in the city during the pandemic.
“WATCH CDC is on the ground getting help to vulnerable families day-in, day-out,” Barrett said. “This is a tough time for so many and they’ve really stepped up.”
Find out what's happening in Walthamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In addition, thanks to a Barrett initiative, the Senate bill includes $50,000 for the Waltham Boys & Girls Club for the purchase and distribution of food and supplies to local families.
The spending bill passed by the Senate will be reimbursed by Congress thanks to the Federal CARES Act, which requires states to expend funds on items related to COVID-19 for federal reimbursement.
The Senate bill now must be reconciled with the version passed by the House of Representatives.
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