Stanley, Lawn Pass Bond Bill to Support State’s IT Infrastructure

[May 26, 2020] – BOSTON – Rep. Tom Stanley and Rep. John Lawn joined their colleagues in the House to pass legislation authorizing up to $1.7 billion in spending for the improvement of information technology equipment and related projects in Massachusetts.

The House voted for the IT financing package – which also contains key funding for food security -- using its remote voting procedures for the COVID-19 emergency.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the importance of our information technology infrastructure,” said Rep. Stanley. "The IT Bond bill contains numerous and necessary upgrades to services that our constituents rely on each and every day.”

“These investments will strengthen the resilience of our state and help provide more equitable access to key services for our residents,” said Rep. Lawn. “By passing this bill, the House is taking an important step in helping our Commonwealth provide those services in the world of COVID-19."

The plan includes $650 million in IT needs, including $40 million in education grants to public schools to enhance remote learning environments and services. It also:

The capital plan also includes the following:

• $30 million in municipal grants for proper safety equipment for first responders;
• $100 million for capital projects at Health and Human Services facilities to better handle providing amenities throughout the pandemic;
• $41 million for food infrastructure and security needs to the most vulnerable populations;
• $10 million for software/hardware upgrades at community health centers;
• $5 million for SNAP Gap development.
• Other highlights include grants to cities and towns for a number of needs, including expanded access to broadband, library construction, ADA compliance, and other generic capital needs our municipalities might have.

The bill will now go to the Senate.