August Newsletter: Summer Updates

In this newsletter, you'll find updates on: 

• FY2016 Budget
• Local Events
• Green Line Extension

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

Happy summer! I hope you are all enjoying sunny days and the great events that Somerville and Medford have to offer. I recently attended ArtBeat in Somerville and Circle the Square in Medford Square. These kinds of events continue to make me glad that I live and work in such vibrant communities with active citizens. 

I'm excited to share with you an update of goings on at the State House. As always, please contact me at with any updates, issues or suggestions!

Best,
Christine

Budget Roundup

Since I’ve last written, the House and Senate have agreed to what’s called a Conference Committee Budget, or a compromise between the two branches. I’m proud that many of my priorities made it into this budget, which we approved on July 8.
 
Next in the budget process, Governor Baker vetoed funding for a number of key programs. But I'm happy that the legislature voted to override many of these vetoes to restore the compromise budget and fund critical work in our communities. 

A few budget wins:

• Mystic River - The Somerville and Medford delegations were successful in allocating $250,000 for the planning and design of projects to clean up and beautify the Mystic River.
• Programs for youth – We were able to provide funding for the amazing Teen Empowerment and Mass in Motion programs that work with teens in Somerville and Medford.
• Affordable Housing – I am proud that we were able to make strides to reduce homelessness and provide safe, affordable housing options for families and individuals. In particular, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), which subsidizes housing for families, received an increase that creates hundreds of new vouchers.
• Addiction and treatment – There was a clear understanding in this budget that we need to address substance use disorders in our communities. Initiatives like creating a bulk purchasing program to help communities buy Narcan, increased money for stabilization beds after detox and more funds for Recovery High Schools will help this effort.
• Early childhood education -  The budget made significant investments in programs for children, including $18.6 million for kindergarten expansion grants, $12 million to address the child care waitlist, and $9 million to invest in quality and training for early education. We also were successful in overriding Gov. Baker's vetoes of these critical programs.
• Massachusetts Cultural Council – I am proud that our budget increased funding for the arts. And while Gov. Baker vetoed this increase, the legislature restored funding for arts in our communities.

Green Line Extension News


You’ve probably noticed construction in our communities related to GLX infrastructure, and there are a lot of recent updates about the Green Line Extension:
* Gilman Square – the station design for the Winter Hill area is nearly complete. See the model here. 
* Ball Square – This station is also designed. See the station design. 
* College Ave Station – As you may have heard, Tufts University is working with the MBTA to construct a building over the new station at College Ave. The design is being developed, and more information is here. 
* Route 16 – I continue to support the GLX to Route 16 and am working with our communities to keep funding for the project in the state transportation plan.
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City officials and advocates from Somerville Community Corporation recently came to the State House to testify on Somerville's Jobs Trust Actthat will help train and place workers in local jobs.  


In the News 

Funding for Mystic River Master Plan, Aquatic Invasive Species Control Included in State FY2016 Budget
Somerville Times

Read about two crucial appropriations for the Mystic River that were included in the Legislature's final FY2016 Budget. Both requests, $250,000 for the Mystic River Master Plan and $100,000 for Mystic River Aquatic Invasive Species Control, were fully funded. 

Get in touch with Christine

Coming to your neighborhood!
Over the next few weeks, I'll be going door-to-door in different areas of Medford and Somerville to introduce myself and listen to constituent concerns. I hope to see many of you! 
 
Upcoming Office Hours
Medford, Ward 5 (Main St): Cafe Deia
Thursday, September 10th, 9-11AM
    
Somerville, Ward 7: Angelina's
Friday, September 18th, 10AM-12PM

Somerville, Assembly Sq: PAUL
Friday, October 2nd, 10AM-12PM

Medford, Hillside: Danish Pastry
Friday, October 9th, 10AM-12PM

Contact me any time.
Email: Christine.Barber@mahouse.gov
Call the office: (617) 722-2430
Reach me at home: (617) 410-6025

Stop by the State House!
Come by Room 236 to meet my aide, Claire, or email her to make an appointment with me. 


Community Events, Meetings and News

 - National Night Out events promote safety and building relationships in our community. On the evening of August 4, join Somerville at Foss Park and Medford at Mystic Place Apartments.

 - Join Teen Empowerment and the Somerville Police Department in a Walking Dialogue of Ten Hills. August 19, 6-7:30PM at Grimmons Park.

 - The MBTA wants to know what you think about service. A survey, available in a number of languages, is here. 


Christine talking with advocates atMass Senior Action about affordable health care before they traveled to the State House to testify on bills that impact them.