Leominster, MA – Leominster Credit Union will hold a Shred-A-Thon at its 910 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA location on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 9:00AM – Noon.
Members and non-members can get rid of old, sensitive documents by shredding and recycling them at the Shred-A-Thon. All items will be shred on site by a secure shredding service, New England Security Shredders.
Members of the community can bring up to three legal size file boxes or three 13-gallon kitchen trash bags to be shred for free. However, we will be accepting donations for Habitat for Humanity during the event. The Shred-A-Thon helps raise awareness about recycling and of course the importance of shredding personal documents to protect against identity theft.
Important documents to bring to the Shred-A-Thon include bank statements, tax returns, medical bills, credit card statements and other personal documents.
For more information contact Joanne Lattanzi, AVP/Marketing 978-466-7240 or .
Funding will be utilized to support marketing efforts, and increased inventory and capital to grow the business surrounding the company’s newest product, the Wonder Plunger.
Founded in 2016 by Michelle Salas out of her desire to keep her home, and especially her bathroom, clean, Salas invented the Wonder Plunger. Wonder Plunger is a unique toilet plunger designed to shrink down for storage or expand for use with its patented one hand design and a ventilated base to prevent water build up following use.
“With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, we will be able to expand our product reach through creative marketing efforts while also increasing our inventory and capital to bring consumers a unique plunger that provides a collapsible concept, aesthetically pleasing colors and a one-handed operational format to make our bathrooms cleaner.”
While the business has grown via word of mouth, the Wonder Plunger is sold at www.wonderplunger.com and via various online retail outlets. Small Business Development Center at Clark University assisted Michelle with her business plan and projections.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
With a proud heritage dating back more than 20 years, current owners of Paula Meola Dance & Performing Arts, Mary Elizabeth Tinervin and Matthew Kooyomjian are pleased to announce that as of August 24th, 2022 we have rebranded our business as MEM Dance Theatre “Sharing the Arts Together”
We have added a tagline of “Sharing the Arts Together” to succinctly encapsulate our primary mission of offering an accessible and inclusive environment for everyone; regardless of whether you enjoy taking an occasional class and performing or you love competing as a member of our Dance Company. The goal is to support each other and appreciate the differences and gifts we share.
We encourage students to participate in all classes and performances throughout their journey at our School. Starting with the initial exposure to Dance and the Theatre Arts, students continue to learn about the many Cultural Differences within the United States and in other countries; which often mark key Historical Milestones through the choreography depicted in performances. Mary Elizabeth and Matthew’s academic, performing and teaching credentials as described on the MEM Dance Theatre website, www.memdancetheatre.com provide families and their children through the teenage years, and adult students a safe, fun and skilled experience in studying dance and the theatre arts. In doing so to continue to help harness and empower young minds, cultivate a broad base of community relationships, and sustain a successful business model which will continue to provide ample and enriching resources.
We are always welcoming new students to our School, and please join us at our upcoming Open House on August 24th as well as our other performances throughout the year!
Mary Elizabeth Tinervin, Owner, Artistic Director and Ballet Mistress
Matthew M. Kooyomjian, Owner and Executive Directo
Fitchburg, MA — Making Opportunity Count (MOC), the North Central region’s community action agency dedicated to fighting poverty, has announced Dr. Paul S. MacKinnon as its new Board President. MacKinnon, who has been with the board since 2018, succeeds Oscar O’Connor who retired from the board after 18 years of service.
“It’s been an honor to serve as President of MOC’s Board of Directors,” said O’Connor. “I’m proud of our many accomplishments over the past years and I’m confident MOC has a bright future under Paul’s leadership as they continue to grow and expand their impact in the community.”
MacKinnon is an accomplished executive leader and is currently the Corporate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer at Health Alliance Clinton Hospital. MacKinnon received his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Medical School – Graduate School of Nursing and has held key leadership positions at Saint Vincent Hospital, UMass Memorial Medical Center and Steward Health Care. As a Registered Nurse for over three decades and Family Nurse Practitioner for over two, he has been a member of numerous healthcare associations, local boards and community organizations. MacKinnon most recently served as MOC’s Board Treasurer for the past three years.
“MOC’s mission to empower families to achieve economic stability is as critical as ever,” said MacKinnon. “For years, I’ve witnessed staff and leadership live MOC’s mission in everything they do. I’m honored and humbled to play a role in this inspiring work, and look forward to leading this effort with our experienced and dedicated board of directors.”
The change occurs at a time of strength and growth for MOC as the organization has increasingly worked toward integrating access to healthcare into their human service portfolio.
“I’m deeply grateful to Oscar for his leadership, vision and dedication to our mission that helped us to grow and broaden our impact in the community over the past decade,” stated Kevin Reed, executive director of MOC. “I’m equally excited for our future under Paul’s leadership. His wealth of experience and advocacy are perfectly aligned with MOC’s vision for our future as we rise to meet the growing demand for services that bring wellness to our clients and community.”
About Making Opportunity Count
Making Opportunity Count, Inc. (MOC) was established in 1966 for the primary purpose of promoting the well-being of low-income people in the cities and towns of North Central Massachusetts. The MOC service area encompasses 30 cities and towns (Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Barre, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hardwick, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, New Braintree, Pepperell, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Sterling, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster, and Winchendon). MOC’s mission is to empower families to achieve economic security by eliminating barriers and creating opportunities. MOC works to fulfill this purpose by providing direct services, collaborating with other public and private entities and by applying comprehensive strategies that help to address the complex issues of poverty. Core programs include Child Care & Head Start, North Central WIC, Family Resource Center, Meals on Wheels, The Counseling Center at MOC, healthcare programs, and more. For a full list of programs and services, visit www.mocinc.org
Grants Distributed to 44 agencies through Community Impact Fund and After School and Out-Of-School Time Program
FITCHBURG, MA: August 16, 2022 — United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has distributed $1,151,063 in funds to 44 local agencies through two grant programs. The grants will support programs that target pressing community needs and offer after school and out-of-school time activities for children and youth.
Through its Community Impact Fund for 2022-23, UWNCM awarded $599,663 to 30 organizations, funding 40 programs. The Community Impact Fund is a long-standing UWNCM initiative that supports programs that address the region’s highest priorities in the areas of Early Education and Youth Development, Basic Needs and Economic Opportunity/Financial Literacy.
This year’s grants are expected to create positive impacts for nearly 70,000 people, spanning the entire North Central Massachusetts region. Recipients range from Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Devens to the Wendell Clark YMCA in Winchendon. Donna Bulger, Vice President of grant recipient Clear Path for Veterans New England, says she appreciates the grant as well as on-going assistance from UWNCM.
“Clear Path is pleased to have the support of UWNCM, which includes funding that helps us extend the impact we have in the community, serving a population that includes elders, disabled veterans, children and families,” says Bulger. “What has meant the most to us is the spirit of collaboration we have with UWNCM staff. They reach out frequently with opportunities to supplement our materials, partner with other nonprofits and just to check in with us.”
UWNCM also recently distributed $551,400 to 17 agencies through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) After School and Out-of-School Time (ASOST) program. Funds were made available through a $4.5 million grant awarded by DESE to a regional effort of United Ways located in Central, North Central and South-Central Massachusetts with the goal of helping after school and out-of-school time programs rebound from impacts of COVID-19.
Through the program, UWNCM previously distributed $398,800 in funding to 18 local agencies for 2022 spring and summer programs at non-profit organizations, public school systems and towns and municipalities. The latest round funds 2022 school-year programs ranging from camping opportunities for disabled youth to teaching young people about film making and media production.
Kelli Feigley, Founder and Managing Director/Executive Producer of grant recipient Fresh Films, says, “Thanks to this grant, Fresh Films is able to continue helping transform the lives of underserved diverse youth at Fitchburg High School and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Fitchburg and Leominster. This amazing grant funds our weekly after school film program that teaches filmmaking fundamentals as part of our year-round career pathway for training youth to enter the fast-growing and very lucrative media and entertainment industry. Our expanded learning programs are critical while students are still in high school, so they can have equal access to college and career opportunities.”
Speaking about both recent grant distributions, UWNCM President Kory Eng adds, “We appreciate the opportunity to support these critical programs through our Community Impact Fund. We are further appreciative of our expanded partnerships with DESE and Central Massachusetts United Way, which have enabled us to nearly double our investments in community programs when the demand for services is at an all-time high. We thank our volunteers, donors, and community partners for their dedication and look forward to our continued work together to support those most in need.”
United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Pepperell, Lunenburg, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.
Community Impact Fund Recipients
Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts
Athol Area YMCA
Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg & Leominster
Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester
Clear Path for Veterans New England
Community Health Connections, Inc.
Gardner Community Action Committee
Ginny’s Helping Hands, Inc.
Girls Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts
Growing Places Garden Project, Inc.
House of Peace & Education, Inc.
L.U.K. Crisis Center, Inc.
Literacy Volunteers of Athol – Orange
Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry
Making Opportunities Count, Inc.
Mass 2-1-1
New Vue Communities
North Star Family Services
Our Father’s House
Pathways to Change
Spanish American Center, Inc.
The Arc of Opportunity, Inc.
The Salvation Army of Athol
The Salvation Army of Fitchburg
United Way of North Central Mass – Footsteps2Brilliance
Wendell P. Clark YMCA
YMCA of Central Massachusetts
YWCA of Central Massachusetts
After School and Out-Of-School Time Program
Boy Scouts of America
City of Leominster
Fresh Films
Girl Scouts of Central & Western Mass
Girls On The Run
Growing Places Garden Project
Innovation Learning Center
Just Understand My Potential, Inc.
LUK Crisis Center, Inc.
Mass Audubon Society, Inc.
Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc.
Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation, Inc.
Spanish American Center, Inc.
St. Bernard’s High School
The Shine Initiative, Inc.
Town of Littleton Parks, Recreation and Community Education
Townsend Recreation Dept.
The United Way Day of Caring is an amazing event that mobilizes the power of volunteers from local companies and community residents. Last year, over 450 volunteers united to complete 43 projects at 37 local agencies! Join us for 27th Annual United Way Day of Caring and make a difference in North Central Massachusetts!
This year, Day of Caring is being held on Friday, September 16, 2022. A kick-off Breakfast will be held from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg
Projects will be completed from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. followed by a Thank You Barbecue from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Location to be determined. UWNCM will monitor the COVID-19 situation and make adjustments to DOC activities and project requirements as necessary.
Grant supports the Façade Improvement Program to revitalize the city’s downtown area
North Central Mass.—The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it has provided $25,000 in funding to help support the City of Leominster’s Façade Improvement Program. The program, which provides an opportunity for downtown property owners and businesses to upgrade their building’s exterior, aims to help the city retain and attract businesses, strengthen the downtown area, increase utilization of existing busineses, and enhance property values.
Managed by the city’s Façade Grant Design Committee under the direction of the Mayor’s Office and the Economic Development Coordinator, the program offers funding for exterior improvements on building facades intended to improve the building’s aesthetic appearance. Six businesses are currently approved for the façade program, including Tavern 13 and Medical Arts Hearing Instruments.
“We are making significant investments in the downtown area, from Monoosnock Brook to supporting the façade project for our property and business owners,” said Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella, City of Leominster. “With just about every square foot of commercial space filled in our downtown area, this program will help enhance the unique buildings that make up our downtown while maintaining the small town feel people have come to experience in Leominster.”
“Our recent Regional Economic Development Plan identified one of the critical factors for our region’s growth is focusing on our downtown areas,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “With this grant, downtown Leominster-based businesses have the opportunity to enhance the city’s image and ability to attract new residents and investment in the community.”
The funding came from a competitive regional economic development grant secured by the NCMDC from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.
Property or business owners interested in applying for improvement grants should contact the City of Leominster Economic Development Office to discuss the potential project prior to submitting an application.
Established in 1974, The Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts (ASNCM) has paved new opportunities for the older adult community through passion, heart, and a collective hive mind to provide new and improved support services to older adults.
In 2021, the agency changed its name from Montachusett Home Care (MHCC) to better reflect its mission. ASNCM is a private non-profit with a volunteer Board of Directors that is made up of representatives from the local Councils on Aging and people aged sixty and older who live in the communities they serve.
ASNCM is one of 24 Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs) across the Commonwealth and are regulated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
The overall mission of ASNCM is to provide comprehensive information and quality services so older people and their families are empowered to make personalized choices to ensure a life of dignity, safety, and respect.
“Part of who we are is that we try to empower people to stay safely at home for as long as possible,” said Lori Richardson, CEO of ASNCM. “I entered the field of aging services because I was a caregiver for my mother-in-law, Joyce, who had Alzheimer’s. My husband Jeff and I walked the walk of caregiving for seven years; we were overwhelmed, we felt alone, and we did not know where to find the answers, because we were unsure of what were the right questions to ask. Joyce died at ‘home.’ She remains an inspiration to me of that human spirit, dignity, and respect.”
Before we realize it, in a blink of an eye, you may have noticed your mother, your father, or a beloved relative, friend, or neighbor in need of additional support. This is where ASNCM provides a plethora of services, resources, and support to families throughout Central Massachusetts.
This support could include basic tasks that could be taken for granted such as cooking, cleaning, driving, laundry, or managing finances. Sometimes the needs for support for a loved one can include eating, dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, taking a bath or shower.
The heart of ASNCM’s mission is one family member at a time, including their caregiver support program. This program provides you the support and services you need to make life easier for yourself and the individual you’re caring for.
The staff dedicated exclusively at ASNCM provides comprehensive information and options counseling. Additionally, the case managers and nurses assess the individual needs of older adults and develop a personalized comprehensive service plan to meet the needs.
“Needs change. We are partners in supporting the changing needs,” Richardson stated.
ASNCM has a provider network of direct care professionals who deliver the services into the home. Each provider must meet established policies, insurance coverage, training, background checks and quality metrics.
“Because of COVID, we needed to pause as a community and think about, ‘where were we?’ So, we embraced technology throughout the change,” said Richardson.
A case worker could be in the car or a lobby, and see the consumer’s face, apartment/home, and have that interaction if there was any concern for abuse or neglect. This kept everyone safe, healthy, and protected.
The inclusion of technology into adult protective services has made its impact in Los Angeles County, CA and throughout the Commonwealth of MA. The L.A. County will now be implementing ASNCM’s plan for this technology. ASNCM is working together to help them with the technology for protective services in California.
“We are all connected, and we can all learn from each other. I could have the best cell phone, the best gadgets in the world, but if I don’t have the heart, I’m nowhere. Add the technology, add the heart, and we can make a positive difference in the world,” she said.
She also discussed the economic work force challenges. “We continue to recruit for case managers and nurses. Our provider agencies that deliver services in the homes are challenged by vacancies as well. This is not just in North Central Massachusetts, but across the Commonwealth and entire nation. Prior to the pandemic, ASNCM averaged thirty consumers waiting for services; now the numbers are in the hundreds. We are relentless in our work to meet the needs of every single consumer, while being honest and transparent as to the challenges.”
ASNCM continues to change the stigma about aging through their Age Well Expo on Sept. 29th, 2022, at the Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, Ma.
The Age Well Expo is for older adults and family members to discover what their further interests are. Vendors at this expo will be from the local community and covering a variety of interests, whether it is yoga, meditation, health screenings, money management, caregiving, and more.
“Everyone that walks through the expo will absolutely leave with something to think or gain some knowledge about,” she said. “This is our first expo after [the pandemic], so we are excited to show everyone that getting older doesn’t mean that you’re stuck.”
Richardson is grateful to the North Central Chamber of Commerce for facilitating avenues for increased partnerships and development.
“ASNCM recently had two employees participate in and graduate from the Chamber’s Leadership Training Institute. The positive impact LTI had on our employees was incredible; relationships built and fostered is a win-win for our employees and our mission.”
ASNCM is partnering with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce by sponsoring its Young Professionals group next year.
“On a daily basis we strive to make a positive difference for older adults through our people, programs, providers and our community partnerships. It is worthwhile and honorable to do so,” stated Richardson.
You can learn more about the Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts by visiting www.agingservicesma.org.
Founded in 2004, Lucy’s Furniture and Upholstery is owned by Wilson and Patricia Arrua. Services provided include furniture repair, upholstery and the manufacture of custom furniture.
“I learned the craft of furniture repair while living in Uruguay from an Italian upholsterer before I immigrated to the United States as a young adult,” said Wilson Arrua. “With this funding and support from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I am able to purchase quality fabrics for my customers and establish my business for future growth as the local leader in furniture repair and upholstery.”
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
Funding to support purchase of equipment, renovations to facility
North Central Mass.—The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $50,000 loan to VP Auto Repair and Mechanical, located at 39 Pleasant Street in Leominster. The loan will fund the purchase of two vehicle lifts, a hydraulic bender station, a truck diagnostic kit, and the installation of an epoxy floor.
Owned and operated by Victor Perez since 2018, VP Auto Repair and Mechanical provides various repairs for vehicles, including auto mechanic repair, brakes, oil changes, and auto body repair and paint.
“As a small business owner in Leominster looking to grow my business, the funding from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation will go a long way toward achieving my goals,” said Victor Perez.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
More than $22 million in Skills Capital grants awarded to educational institutions to modernize equipment and $10 million awarded to high schools to expand Career Technical Initiative
The Baker-Polito Administration awarded more than $32 million in grants to modernize equipment at career technical programs and expand training opportunities for young people and adults as part of the administration’s multi-year effort to address skills gaps so more residents can pursue careers in growing industries and employers can hire qualified workers to grow their businesses.
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, along with Secretary of Education James Peyser, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta, and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy, visited Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Lexington to meet with middle school students who are exploring different career technical programs this summer.
The Governor announced $22 million in Skills Capital grants awarded to 70 educational institutions, and an additional $10 million awarded to 23 vocational schools to expand programs for both young people and adults as part of the Career Technical Initiative (CTI). This round of CTI grants will help train more than 1,600 people for new careers in construction, manufacturing and other trades with growing workforce demands.
“Since our administration launched these critically important programs, high schools, colleges and other educational institutions throughout the Commonwealth have created and expanded numerous training programs with Skills Capital Grants and developed new training opportunities for young people and adults with the Career Technical Initiative,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are very proud of the lasting impact these grants will have on the Massachusetts workforce and the future of the Commonwealth as they prepare the next generation of innovative leaders in cutting-edge industries.”
“Skills Capital grants and the Career Technical Initiative have enabled more young people and adults to pursue rewarding careers they may not have had opportunities to pursue and have helped break down barriers to entry and success,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Importantly, these significant investments have changed the career trajectory for many adults seeking employment or credentials by providing training and skills in industries that may not have existed when they were in school.”
Skills Capital grants and Career Technical Initiative grants are awarded by Governor Baker’s Workforce Skills Cabinet, which was created in 2015 to bring together the Secretariats of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, and Housing and Economic Development to align education, economic development and workforce policies to strategize around how to meet employers’ demand for skilled workers in every region of the Commonwealth.
“Skills Capital grants fund technology and equipment that reflect what students will see in the workplace, giving them hands-on applied learning experiences that are valuable to them and employers,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “Students gain knowledge and confidence in growing industries and employers are able to hire employees ready to be productive from the day they start.”
More recently, Skills Capital grants have focused on the launch and expansion of the Career Technical Initiative, which enables vocational-technical schools to expand their impact by operating programs in the afternoons for local high school students and in the evenings for workers and adult learners.
“The goal of CTI is to meet the needs of both jobseekers and employers, by training young students and adults for careers in high-demand and high-growth sectors,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta. “CTI helps create career pathways for people from underserved and underrepresented populations, which is critical in our efforts to address and help close equity gaps.”
“Employers across the Commonwealth are looking for skilled workers in order to grow their business, and career technical programs have proven key to positioning our students to pursue jobs in in-demand industries and hit the ground running on day one,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Today’s grants will expand these important programs to both grow our workforce and create economic opportunity for young people and residents of all backgrounds.”
“Minuteman is tremendously grateful for the $2.6 million of support we have received from Governor Baker’s Workforce Skills Cabinet since 2020,” said Dr. Kathleen A. Dawson, Superintendent-Director of the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District. “This funding is invaluable if we are to be leaders in the fourth industrial revolution. Our students are gaining highly technical skills necessary to meet the demands of the labor market and setting them and their families on a trajectory for economic mobility.”
Skills Capital Grants
As part of today’s announcement, 70 educational institutions received $22 million in Skills Capital grants to update equipment and expand student enrollment in programs that provide career education.
The Skills Capital grant program was originally launched in 2015 with the goal of replacing outdated equipment and technology, mainly at vocational technical high schools and community colleges. Since then, the program has evolved into a crucial component of local workforce training efforts by expanding the number of young people and adults trained and experienced with the newest technologies used by local employers.
Since 2015, 477 grants totaling approximately $129 million have been awarded to 194 different schools and educational institutions across the Commonwealth, with many organizations receiving multiple grants over the years. Approximately 50,000 students across the Commonwealth have directly benefitted from Skills Capital grants. The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with local businesses, as well as align curriculum and credentials with industry demand to maximize hiring opportunities in each region of the state.
In 2020, the Administration began awarding larger multi-year grants, allowing educational institutions to apply for either one or two years of funding. In the awards announced today,Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) in Boston received $1,286,348 to launch a new healthcare and life sciences career institute at the site of the former Boston Center for Adult Education.
Click here to see full list of Skills Capital grant awards.
Career Technical Initiative
Initially launched in 2020, the Career Technical Initiative aims to train an additional 20,000 skilled workers over the next four years to help close skills gaps and meet the needs of businesses across the Commonwealth. The program provides more Massachusetts residents access to career technical training by using the state’s existing resources at vocational high schools, while simultaneously helping businesses grow by increasing the population of skilled workers able to be employed in trade and construction jobs.
The $10 million in grants announced today will fund new CTI programs or expand existing programs at vocational high schools in partnership with MassHire Career Centers and Workforce Boards. Each school awarded funds was required to include at least three Massachusetts-based employers that would potentially employ graduates. The grant funds were included in the Fiscal Year 2022 state budget passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor.
Click here to see the full list of Career Technical Initiative awards.
Top House and Senate Democrats early Sunday evening filed a compromise $52.7 billion annual budget that is expected to win approvals in both branches on Monday.
The six-member conference committee’s accord (H 5050) arrived in the House clerk’s office at 6:50 p.m., 17 days into the new fiscal year, and with state government operating on an interim budget for July to prevent any disruption in government services.
The deal was signed off on by all of the negotiators – four Democrats, led by Reps. Aaron Michlewitz of Boston and Sen. Michael Rodrigues of Westport, and two Republicans. Ahead of Monday’s vote, lawmakers and special interest groups will pore over the bill to gauge how it meets their district needs and whether spending and policy priorities survived the panel’s private talks.
With a significant fiscal 2022 budget surplus, budget negotiators marked up their estimate of available tax revenue for fiscal 2023 by $2.66 billion and then spread the additional revenue through their bill, which is based on the House budget approved in April and the Senate budget that passed in May.
The House budget proposed a $31.5 million or 2.7 percent increase in the unrestricted general government aid to cities and towns, while the Senate doubled that increase to $63.1 million, for a total $1.23 billion. Budget negotiators agreed to the Senate’s approach.
The biggest pot of local aid – Chapter 70 school aid – would rise to nearly $6 billion under the budget agreement, with regional school aid accounting for $819 million of that total.
Negotiators also settled on the much larger $115 million House plan for school meals, and embraced the Senate’s more generous plan to infuse the early education and care system with $250 million in sector stabilization grants.
The budget deal arrives as Gov. Charlie Baker plans to spend the early part of this week in Colorado at meetings to talk politics with Republican governors as they look to hold on to seats and gain new ones in the 2022 elections.
Once he receives the bill, Baker, who plans to return to Massachusetts on Wednesday night, will get up to ten days to review it before signing it and returning any amendments and vetoes. With formal sessions set to end for the year on July 31, the late budget means House and Senate Democrats are leaving themselves with a short window to field any budget measures returned by the governor.
The bottom line spending total that lawmakers assigned to the bill is up substantially from the nearly $50 billion proposals that cleared each branch, and also does not reflect off-budget funds transfers for state employee pensions and to the MBTA, for example. The bill lists the “grand total” of funds available for the budget at $54.87 billion.
The conference committee’s budget is based on a fiscal 2023 tax revenue estimate of $39.575 billion, and the bill factors in about $14 billion in federal reimbursements.
A summary of the conference agreement was not available Sunday night and the conferees were not available to comment.
