Economic development, public health bills on the move

Members of the House Ways and Means Committee over the holiday weekend were advancing land bills affecting Revere, South Boston and Chicopee as well as a major economic development bill and legislation dealing with older adults, regional public health and simulcasting.

In addition to its funding provisions, including $500 million for the MassWorks infrastructure program, the economic development bill (H 4413) includes a rider creating a commission to study all aspects of fantasy contests, including taxation and implications for existing gaming; sections dealing with on-site sales at farmer-breweries; sections affecting smart growth and starter home zoning; lengthy sections affecting the Economic Development Incentive Program, and a $107.5 million item to "mitigate or contribute toward any costs associated with or arising out or improvements to the Conley Terminal in South Boston, including, but not limited to, berth construction and crane procurement."