BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — State lawmakers cleared a hurdle on Monday, in the effort to build a new soldier's home in Holyoke and the measure is expected to be voted on and pass the house soon.
On Beacon Hill Monday, the house approved a compromise version that would pay for a new Holyoke Soldier's Home after negotiators reached a deal at the end of last week.
The bill would borrow $400 million to re-build one of the state's two soldier's home and put another $200 million towards long-term care for veterans across the state.
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It comes after the deaths of 77 people at the Holyoke Soldiers Home because of the pandemic. The bill sponsors hope the updates will greatly impove the standard of care in Massachusetts for veterans.
However, there's concern over the cost of the bill. The four Democrats at the negotiating table last week approved it, while the two Republicans did not.
Administrators hope to secure a federal grant to cover most of the cost. The house is back in full formal session on Tuesday.
WBZ NewsRadio's Madison Rogers (@madisonwbz) Reports:
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