June 24, 2011
By: Bruce Berry
Governor Deval Patrick has signed into law a new spending bill that includes funding to help victims of the tornadoes that ripped through central and western Massachusetts early this month.
The $54 million supplemental budget includes $15 million to cover emergency response costs after three tornadoes killed four residents and led to significant losses to Massachusetts homeowners insurance policies. The bill also makes it easier for cities and towns to borrow money in the event of a similar emergency by reducing the number of requirements they would have to meet in order to be approved. Affected towns will now also be able to adjust their property tax assessments for the 2013 fiscal year based off damage from the storms.
"This emergency funding will help individuals, families and businesses owners across Central and Western Massachusetts begin to rebuild their lives," said Governor Patrick. "I want to thank the legislature for recognizing the urgency of this assistance and for continuing to partner with us as we work to provide resources for recovery efforts."
Home insurance claims as a result of the June 1 storms topped $140 million, according to data from the state's Division of Insurance.
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