Governor Baker Vetoes Cape and Islands Funding in FY18 Budget

TRURO – Governor Charlie Baker signed the budget for Fiscal Year 2018 on Monday, but he vetoed $490,000 in local funding for Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

The money includes $100,000 cut from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to help residents on the islands with travel expenses for health services that are off-island.

Also, $100,000 was cut for capital expenses and training equipment needed for the Barnstable County Fire and Rescue Training Academy and $25,000 for services helping Cape Codders who are losing their sight.

“I am disheartened by these cuts to critical local priorities,” said Senator Julian Cyr. “Communities on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket need this funding for services to help the homeless, aid firefighting training, help those who are vision impaired and provide transportation services for residents of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket so that they can access necessary health services off-island.”

Baker vetoed about $320 million from the $39 billion budget, including $42 million in local priorities across the Commonwealth.

Cuts to the Cape and Islands also include $30,000 for Route 6 traffic enforcement in Orleans and Eastham, $100,000 for the Homeless Prevention Council of Lower Cape Cod and $85,000 for Housing Assistance Corporation.

Baker signed version of the budget will now be sent back to the Massachusetts legislature where it will be viewed by the House and Senate.

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