Of the omnibus bill, Senator John Kerry said "this is a victory for crucial economic development projects throughout the region. From transportation to health care to social services to education, this money will help make a difference in the quality of life for those who live and work in the Merrimack Valley. By making these investments in our communities, we are investing in our state's economic future, and that is why Senator Kennedy and Congresswoman Tsongas and I fight each year to secure federal funding for these initiatives that make a real local impact. "In Massachusetts, we're enormously proud of our world-class hospitals, research centers and universities. They lead the nation and the world in improving the lives of our citizens," said Senator Kennedy. "These federal investments are vital to the people of the Merrimack Valley, and our whole Commonwealth, so that Massachusetts will stay at the forefront of the global economy, and future generations can reach their full potential.” Said Tsongas, a former dean at MCC: “This important federal funding makes new investments in Democratic priorities like historic increases in spending for our veterans, more funding for medical research, expanding Pell Grants and other college assistance, and adding critical funding for home heating assistance for low-income families and our seniors. I am also very pleased that two important economic development projects that were included at my request were retained in the final bill. These two projects and the funding for many other valuable projects secured by Senators Kennedy and Kerry as well as former Congressman Meehan, are representative of the great partnerships that can be made between the federal, state and local government,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. In the Commerce, Justice and Science appropriations reports, MCC was awarded nearly $225,000 to continue its regional technology police training program. Since 2005, MCC has partnered with the Northeastern Massachusett Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) and the Massachusetts Association of Crime Analysts (MACA) to provide free technology training to law enforcement personnel. To date, over 600 people have registered for courses, which include basic computer skills, crime mapping, and investigative classes such as cases involving on-line predators or My Space investigations. Within the Labor--HHS report, MCC will receive nearly $200,000 to expand its nursing and health programs, currently one of the most sought-after career fields on campus. "I feel as though our federal delegations has recognized the successes we have achieved with our partners in NEMLEC and MACA, and has seen fit to providing funding for a program that provides a critical support training system for our first responders in law enforcement," Cowan said. "The funding for our nursing program will allow us to expand a program that has seen dramatic enrollment increases in recent years. Both projects allow us to move our college forward in a very exciting and positive way." |