Latest news with #BrianAshe
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
House budget debate day 1 recap
BOSTON (WWLP) – The State House of Representatives wrapped up their first day of budget negotiation on Monday, working through over a quarter of the bill's amendments, and tacking on $18.4 million in additional spending. Budget debate always begins with tax considerations, and yesterday, tax cuts were shot down by both Democrats and some Republicans. The afternoon was spent in closed-door meetings, before representatives came back to the chamber to pass a mega-amendment, adding $13 million in one unanimous vote. This amendment spans from veteran funding to education to food security. After a dinner break, they passed a second mega-amendment with healthcare and independence and aging appropriations, adding $5 million, before breaking for the evening around 8:30. Longmeadow Representative Brian Ashe says he is happy with how negotiations have gone so far, and explained one of the challenges with creating a balanced budget. 'There are so many legitimate and important requests, but there's only so much money, and there's always the uncertainty of the federal government, whether they are going to pull any of that funding back,' said Ashe. One state representative told 22News that these House negotiations could go into the night, and could potentially be wrapped up before tomorrow. Once the House wraps up, the Senate will create its draft, and the two branches will reconcile their differences before sending a final draft to Healey for her consideration at the beginning of July. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Crumbling foundations homeowners return to the State House
BOSTON (WWLP) – Western and central Massachusetts homeowners in red t-shirts are a common sight in the State House, as they fight for state assistance with their homes, with crumbling foundations. Crumbling foundations are caused by a mineral called pyrrhotite. If a home tests positive for pyrrhotite, the entire foundation needs to be replaced, which can cost around $200, Connecticut homeowners are in the same situation, but their state has a program to help with the costs. One western Massachusetts lawmaker hopes the Bay State can adopt a similar program. 'One way or the other, taxpayers are going to pay for it, because if your neighbor's home is impacted, they can't afford to fix it, they get foreclosed on, property values go down,' said Longmeadow Representative Brian Ashe. Lawmakers say passing funding takes a long time, but Massachusetts homeowners say they are facing a natural disaster, and the process needs to get underway immediately. Many have been fighting for state assistance, which they say is their last resort, for eight years now. 'But these people don't have 10 years. They don't have that kind of time to wait while their house gets ruined,' said Munson homeowner Michelle Loglisci, who has led the movement for state assistance. These advocates have made some significant gains in their nearly 10 years of activism, including getting state funding for testing foundations for pyrrhotite. Over the next few years, crumbling concrete is expected to affect more and more people, and 22News will keep you informed on how the state legislature responds to this crisis. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Spice opens in Longmeadow, offering Indian cuisine
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – Indian cuisine in Longmeadow gathered dozens of people for the grand opening of Royal Spice. The owner hopes the event will share Indian cuisine with more people in the region. They've been open for a while but were happy to use this event to share a complimentary buffet with those interested. Those who wish to stop by in the near future are encouraged to try their chicken tikka masala. 'We are looking forward to introducing our new innovations to the public of Longmeadow.' State Rep. Brian Ashe adds, 'To have a variety like this in Longmeadow is fantastic and to come in here and see it packed at early hours remarkable.' Royal Spice is open seven days a week. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
