House Overrides Governor's Veto of Funding for Stoughton's State Theatre

In going through the state legislature's FY14 budget, Governor Deval Patrick vetoed an amendment to provide some funding to help restore Stoughton's State Theatre, but the Massachusetts House of Representatives overrode the Governor's veto, once again putting the Theatre in line to receive $50,000.

If the State Senate also overrides the Governor's veto, the funding will be fully restored, according to a press release.

Located on Washington Street in Stoughton Center, the State Theatre opened in 1927 and closed as the Stoughton Cinema Pub in 2007. It has been vacant since.

Former Selectman John Stagnone is leading the efforts to restore the Theatre. He and his wife, Roberta, have entered into a long-term 20-year lease of the building, and formed a 501c3 non-profit corporation, Friends of the State Theatre, to help with this renovation process.

Stagnone has said more than $1 million will need to be invested.

The following is a press release from the offices of Stoughton's two State Representatives, Louis Kafka (D-Stoughton) and William C. Galvin (D-Canton), explaining the override:

Representatives William C. Galvin (D-Canton) and Louis L. Kafka (D-Stoughton) announced that Wednesday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives overrode Governor Patrick’s veto of $50,000 in restoration funding for the State Theatre in downtown Stoughton.

The funding, included as part of the budget for the Massachusetts Historical Commission (line item 0526-0100), was originally included by Galvin and Kafka through the amendment process to the House budget in April.

After making it through the Senate and conference committee, Governor Patrick deemed the spending unnecessary and vetoed it early last week.

“I strongly disagreed with the Governor’s decision, as this funding will help one of the cornerstone properties of Stoughton center,” said Rep. Kafka. “Time and time again, residents and experts alike have come to the conclusion that a revitalized downtown is necessary for a strong and vibrant Stoughton. I’m glad we overrode the veto and hope the Senate will follow suit.”

“A restored State Theatre will attract new businesses and consumers to the area, which would revitalize downtown Stoughton and greatly benefit the community.  I am grateful to my colleagues for seeing the value in this project and overriding the Governor’s veto,” stated Representative Galvin.

The State Senate must now take up the override in order for the funding to be fully restored; a vote could come as early as Thursday.