Fall River City Councilor to introduce resolution to restore funding for Mae’s Playground, Veteran’s Kitchen, Fall River Council on Aging

A Fall River City Councilor is calling on state lawmakers to reinstate full funding for three key community projects that were cut significantly during the Beacon Hill budget process.

In a resolution, Councilor Michael Canuel highlights requests made by State Representative Alan Silvia for $100,000 to develop a sensory-friendly autism playground; $50,000 to support the Veteran’s Kitchen which provides hot meals and assistance to local veterans; and $25,000 to support the Fall River Council on Aging.

All three requests were reduced to just $10,000 each in the Massachusetts House of Representatives budget with some wondering if its retaliation for Silvia’s support of the Legislative Audit.

While Canuel is encouraged by the community efforts to help fund the sensory-friendly autism playground, he doesn’t believe that local fundraising should replace the state funding that was originally requested.

The Council resolution states the importance of the three initiatives for children with disabilities, veterans, and senior citizens. It also urges the Speaker of the Massachusetts House and the Fall River Legislative Delegation to work together to restore the original funding levels.

“These projects represent important investments in the well-being of Fall River residents,” the resolution states.

The resolution would send a certified copy of the resolution to Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, the House Speaker, and the local legislative delegation.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled to take place at 5:55 p.m. on Tuesday at City Hall or immediately after the Public Works and Transportation meeting (5:30 p.m. start) if it runs past 5:55 p.m.