Beacon Hill continues to pump tax dollars into the struggling late-pandemic economy as it tries to make it easier for restaurants to turn a profit. House lawmakers Wednesday sent a $1.6 billion spending bill to the Senate that allows extended outdoor dining and the sale of alcohol through takeout until next April.
It's potentially the last pandemic-era supplemental budget from Beacon Hill leaders, with the further costs of vaccination and testing becoming part of everyday business from here on.
The bill would also spend $700 million on COVID-19 programs, including over $400 million for testing, $72 million for treatment and $25 million to buy more personal protective equipment.
House lawmakers also put aside another $100 million for emergency rental assistance as renters affected by the pandemic still struggle to pay for housing in one of the most expensive states in the country.
Ukrainian refugees coming to Massachusetts would receive $10 million in aid for resettlement costs if the budget becomes law, though Democratic leaders and Gov. Charlie Baker have said more would be available for refugees if there's demand.
During debate, House Democrats also defeated amendments sponsored by Republicans to suspend or adjust the state's 24-cent gas tax while fuel prices remain high. Conservatives like Rep. Peter Durant from Spencer said drivers in Massachusetts deserve some relief from high prices at the pump. Transportation Chairman William Straus led the opposition to Durant's amendment, arguing that restricting the revenue flow from the gas tax would threaten the state's ability to pay its debts and jeopardize its standing with credit ratings agencies.
