BOSTON – The $58 billion fiscal 2025 budget recently signed by Gov. Maura Healey includes funds for local programs.
Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) said the budget provides for a statewide total of $6.9 billion in Chapter 70 education aid, an increase of more than $319 million over last fiscal year, with minimum per pupil aid set at $104. It also provides for $1.3 billion in Unrestricted General Government Aid to support a wide range of municipal services, which represents a one-year increase of more than $38 million.
“Every budget is an opportunity to direct investments into local priorities, regional initiatives and statewide programs that will make a material difference in the lives of everyday Bay Staters,” said Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m also pleased to share that I secured 14 earmarks, including funds for each and every community in the Second Worcester District. I am proud of the work the Legislature has done on this budget, and I look forward to seeing these funds go to work in the coming year.”
Local earmarks from Moore include $50,000 for Flint Pond patrols to increase public safety and reduce public nuisance around the Flint Pond area of Lake Quinsigamond; $44,000 to Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School for the purchase and installation of new heating, ventilation and air conditioning units and $50,000 for the removal of invasive plants in Grafton to protect local ecosystems.
Earmarks to the budget secured by Rep. David Muradian (R-Grafton) included $25,000 to the town of Grafton to improve public safety.
“Securing funding for the Ninth Worcester District is always my top priority, and I am proud to have advocated for unprecedented levels of local aid funding for our towns, our schools and our residents,” said Muradian. “Furthermore, securing public safety funding for all three towns highlights the strong work all of our public safety personnel do on a daily basis to keep us safe.”
During the initial House budget debate in April, Kane successfully advocated for the inclusion of several local initiatives for her district, including $50,000 for Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services; $10,000 for accessibility improvements at Dean Park; and $10,000 to restore the gazebo in the Shrewsbury Town Common.
In addition, Kane and Rep. Kate Donaghue (D-Westborough) secured $27,000 to modernize radios in Westborough’s ambulances.
Funds for Northborough and Southborough
Donaghue, along with state Rep. Meg Kilcoyne (D-Clinton), state Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) and state Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester), secured funding for the following programs in Northborough and Southborough:
– $10,000 to the town of Northborough for a law enforcement officers wellness program.
– $30,000 to the town of Northborough in support of enhancements in its downtown district.
– $50,000 to the town of Northborough for the design of a drainage repair project in Assabet Hill.
– $25,000 to the town of Southborough in support of implementing recommendations to improve municipal property relative to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“I am excited that I and my colleagues have been able to get funding for these important local initiatives,” said Donaghue. “This funding will be a help for public safety, accessibility, economic development and more.”
Funds for Marlborough and Hudson
Marlborough is slated to receive:
– $25,000 for a replacement boiler at Marlborough City Hall.
– $30,000 for security cameras for the Marlborough Housing Authority.
– $35,000 for a dog park in the city of Marlborough.
– $35,000 for a pavilion in Ghiloni Park in the city of Marlborough.
– $50,000 to assist the city of Marlborough in purchasing an outreach vehicle.
– $75,000 for temporary speed bumps and signage for the city of Marlborough.
– $200,000 for the Marlborough Economic Development Council’s commuter shuttle service.
“I am proud to announce the passage of the FY25 Conference Committee Budget, which reflects the legislature’s commitment to the future of the Commonwealth through critical investments in education, public transportation, affordable housing and other areas. This budget continues to fund essential programs and services while making new landmark investments including free community college and free bus service on our Regional Transportation Authorities,” said Rep. Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury).
According to state Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow), Hudson will receive:
– $50,000 for Hudson’s Business Improvement District (BID) for programming to support local economic development projects and small business in Hudson.
– $75,000 to Fresh Start Furniture Bank to provide free furniture and home goods to those in need, including women and children escaping domestic abuse and victims of fires, floods and natural disasters, as well as refugees and immigrants.
– $50,000 to the MetroWest Food System Collaborative for maintaining and expanding programs that bring fresh foods to those in need.
– 30,000 to the OARS watershed organization to assist stewards of the Assabet River with funds for water quality monitoring.