The Massachusetts Legislature wrapped up their session at Midnight on Monday dealing with a flurry of bills.

Included in those bills was legislation was a successful override of a veto which made approximately $650,000 available for some New Bedford institutions including the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center; New Bedford Historical Society; AHA! New Bedford; DennisonMemorial Community Center; Community Boating Center of New Bedford; and the New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks!

State Senator Mark Montigny tells WBSM News that he pushed for this funding because growth in the city's arts community leads to a boost in the entire city's economy.

"That is very, very important, not just for the luxury of culture and quality of life, it's important for job creation downtown because all the private businesses thrive when the theater's full," said Montigny.

Montigny said the legislation also included provisions that these institutions work with local schools to create after school programs that give students access to arts and culture.

"Inner city kids don't have access to any culture if we don't enhance institutions like the Zeitrion Theater, the art museum, community boating, and AHA," said Montigny.

Montigny also praised the passage of a recent wind energy bill saying it will provide that requires utilities to purchase 1,600 MWH of offshore wind enery calling it an economic boost for the region.

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420