Local rep. helps pass state budget

Local state Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez recently joined his colleagues in passing a $36 billion state budget that included a number of initiatives that he advocated, including improving public health practices and ensuring youth safety, according to a press release.

Gov. Deval Patrick signed the state budget into law on July 11.

The state budget has more than $19 million for the state Department of Public Health’s critical operations, including increased funding for reducing disparities in health care and monitoring and inspecting nursing homes, food safety and water quality. Sánchez is the co-chair of the Joint Committee of Public Health.

Sánchez also advocated for increased funding for youth services, including $10 million for the YouthWorks Teen job program. That program places at-risk youths in government and non-profit summer jobs.

“The YouthWorks program is essential for young people to support themselves and their families, as well as keep them off the streets,” said Sánchez, according to the press release. “I am proud to work with my colleagues in supporting this valuable resource.”

The representative also pushed for increased funding for a gang-suppression program run by the police. That program received $8.25 million in the budget.

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