COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133

Senator Joan B. Lovely
State Senator
2nd Essex District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 31, 2020

Senate Passes Sen. Lovely & Rep. Tucker Bill to Allow Salem to Provide Scholarships to Needy Students 

BOSTON – Yesterday, the Senate passed H4041, An Act authorizing the Salem scholarship and education committee to provide scholarships from funds set aside for educational purposes. The Senate action followed similar action the prior day by the House of Representatives. 

“As Senate Vice Chair of the Education Committee, I am gratified that this session we have passed major statewide legislation in the Student Opportunity Act and a vital local bill to help Salem students continue their academic careers in college,” said Senator Joan B. Lovely. “The economic impacts of the pandemic have exacerbated the challenges families face in helping their children with their educational pursuits, so I am pleased that this bill will allow the Salem Scholarship and Education Committee the flexibility to assist students.”  

Sen. Lovely and Rep. Tucker introduced this bill following a 9-0 July 18 Salem City Council vote for a Home Rule Petition on the scholarships.  

“I was pleased to work with the City of Salem officials including Mayor Driscoll and Sen. Lovely to file legislation supporting scholarships for needy students,” said Representative Paul F. Tucker. “Thanks to Mayor Driscoll and the City Council for making this a reality and Gov. Baker for deciding whether to sign our legislation into law.” 

The passage of H4041 will enable the Salem scholarship and education committee to fulfill its mission by maximizing the resources devoted to needy and worthy students. 

“I’m grateful to Rep. Tucker and Sen. Lovely for their support in advancing this legislation. I also would like to thank the members of the Scholarship and Education Committee, who first proposed this measure and have advocated for its adoption,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. “This law will give the committee more options in order to fund scholarships for deserving Salem students going on to college.” 

Salem residents are invited to donate to the Salem Scholarship Fund by clicking on the donate button at www.salem.com/scholarship. 

The bill has gone to Gov. Baker for his consideration.  

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