Environmental activists push for climate resiliency fund

Yahoo

2 days ago

BOSTON (WWLP) – Environmental activists and lawmakers held a legislative briefing on Wednesday, pushing for long-term funding to mitigate climate change.
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These advocates spoke about two priority bills. One is dubbed the 'AHEAD Act,' which more than doubles the deeds excise tax on property sales to create revenue for fighting climate change and expanding affordable housing. It would also create tax credits for low-income home sellers and first-time homebuyers.
The second would establish a new fee on real estate property insurance premiums to pay for a climate resiliency fund. This fund is intended to support community-based initiatives.The fund's legislative sponsor says this action is overdue.
'We're falling behind more and more every single day, and there is no plan B for us to make up that time, that funding,' said Everett Senator Sal DiDomenico.
One lawmaker says this work primarily supports low-income communities.
They say those with financial resources can move when the climate becomes intolerable, and those less fortunate will be left behind.
'This work is work rooted in solving inequities and responding to those populations most harmed and most in need of support and services,' said Boston Representative Sam Montaño.
While climate change mitigation is a policy priority in the Bay State, the federal government is focusing its resources elsewhere, which could preclude state and national cooperation on solutions.
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