MA Senate Budget Proposal Includes Increases for Enviro Agencies

On May 12, the Massachusetts Senate Ways & Means Committee released its proposal for the fiscal year 2022 budget. Thank you to Chair Rodrigues, Vice Chair Friedman, Senate President Spilka, and members of the Senate Ways & Means Committee for prioritizing our state's environmental agencies. Particularly, Mass Rivers is thankful for the proposed increases for the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.

Here's the breakdown:

Department of Environmental Protection operating budget:

Senate proposal - $40 million

House proposal - $40 million

Governor's proposal - $33 million

Department of Conservation and Recreation State Parks:

Senate proposal - $50 million

House proposal - $50 million

Governor's proposal - $47 million

Division of Ecological Restoration:

Senate proposal - $3 million + $250,000 earmark

House proposal - $2.675 million

Governor's proposal - $2 million

MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program:

Senate proposal - $500,000

House proposal - $1 million

Governor's proposal - $154,222

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Climate Preparedness and Adaptation:

Senate proposal - $500,000

House proposal - $1 million

Governor's proposal - $2.2 million

Now, Senators will file amendments to increase spending on certain line items which will be debated by the whole chamber. We'll keep you posted with amendment numbers so you too can ask your Senator to cosponsor.

Thanks for your help in advocating for the continued protection of our natural resources!