On Wednesday, January 26, 2022 the Massachusetts State Senate passed S.2622, a supplemental budget for fiscal Year 2022. The bill provides a $50 million investment to further encourage usage and increase the availability of both testing and vaccination throughout the Commonwealth. S2622 includes:
- $7 million to assist community organizations in disproportionately impacted communities promoting vaccine awareness and education.
- $5 million to expand the testing and vaccine capacity of community health centers, including funding to hire additional staff.
- $5 million has been specifically allocated for increasing vaccination rates among 5 through 11-year-olds, an age group now eligible to be vaccinated but whose vaccination rates remain low when compared to older residents.
- $25 million has been allocated for the state to purchase and distribute high-quality masks in Massachusetts, with priority given to education and health care workers.
This legislation also establishes a grant program, in consultation with the Massachusetts Cultural Council, for cultural institutions to help promote vaccine awareness and education.
Many of the COVID-19 emergency measures adopted earlier in the pandemic have been extended by this bill, such as:
- Liability protections for health care providers and remote notaries,
- Measures relating to health services in assisted living facilities,
- Flexibility for local governments and non-profits to hold meetings virtually
- Outdoor dining and beer, wine and cocktails to-go
S.2622 also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a vaccine equity plan and directs the Department of Public Health to publicly post guidance on effective mask usage and recommended testing, quarantine, and isolation periods.
Lastly, Tuesday, September 6, 2022 has been set as the date for the state primary election by this bill.
The House of Representatives passed their version of the supplemental budget, H4345 on January 19, 2022. Both the Senate and House of Representatives will now work together to reconcile their versions of the legislation.