Dear Neighbor,
Last week, the Senate approved a $57.999 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025, after adopting over 400 amendments. A fire alarm Thursday night delayed the final vote till shortly after midnight on Friday.
There were 43 roll call votes, most of which were unanimous.
Here's more about the budget process, including the Ways and Means proposal and the fate of 1000 amendments,.
MassBudget, as always, has a good summary of the Ways and Means proposed budget. The Mass. Municipal Association summarized local aid accounts.
THANKS TO THE FAIR SHARE AMENDMENT!
Thanks to the voters of Massachusetts and the thousands of people who campaigned for the Fair Share Amendment in 2022, the budget includes $1.3 billion in revenue from that surtax, all dedicated to education and transportation. It is likely, based on higher-than-expected April returns, that more Fair Share money will be available in December for one-time investments, also in education and transportation. People have asked me how those funds will be spent. This is what's in the Senate budget
Notable Fair Share education investments include:
$170 million for Universal School Meals.
$150 million for grants to early education and care programs, matched with $325 million in other funds for a total of $475 million
$117.5 million for free community college
$105 million to expand financial aid programs for in-state students attending state universities
$80 million for childcare affordability, creating more than 4,000 new subsidized childcare seats and expanding access to subsidized childcare to families making 85% of the state median income.
$65 million for early education and care rate increases, to increase pay, recruitment and retention of early educators
$15 million for the Pre-K Initiative, matching $17.5 million in general funds for a total of $32.5M to support expansion of universal pre-kindergarten
$10 million for wraparound supports to boost community college and state university student persistence, matched with the $18 million in general funds, for a total of $28 million.
$10 million for early literacy initiatives.
$7.5 million for school-based mental health supports and wraparound services.
$5 million for Early College and Innovation Pathways.
Notable Fair Share transportation investments include:
· $127 million to double operating support for the MBTA
· $63 million in debt service to leverage additional borrowing capacity
· $60 million in operating support for MassDOT.
· $125 million for Roads and Bridges Supplemental Aid for cities and towns
· $120 million for Regional Transit Authorities
· $4 million for expanded mobility options for the elderly and people with disabilities.
· $24.5 million for Commuter Rail capital improvements.
· $23 million for low-income fares at the MBTA.
- $15 million for municipal small bridges and culverts
· $7.5 million for ferry transportation
MY AMENDMENTS
The budget includes funding for fare-free buses at Regional Transit Authorities, and for a low-income fare for the T. My amendment requires the T to study the feasibility of fare free bus pilots in MBTA communities. This seems fair. I've written about the value and affordability of fare-free buses.
My amendment increased funding for Jumpstart, which pays college students to work in pre-school programs, helping programs like HeadStart and Elizabeth Peabody House in our district, and encourages students to consider careers in early education.
My amendment provides $300,000 for Dementia Care Coordination to help over 1000 families and reduce hospitalizations, emergency department visits and delay long-term care placements.
Another amendment provides $100,000 for the Building Pathways training program, which helps recruit, retain and promote under-represented groups in the building trades
Local earmarks include:
$75,000 for the Community Action Agency of Somerville
$75,000 for maintenance and upgrades at Torbert MacDonald State Park in Medford
$75,000 for Teen Empowerment
$75,000 for Mobile Homeless Outreach Teams in Medford, Malden, and Everett
$50,000 for safety improvements and access to local businesses at Route 38 & Billings Ave in Medford
$100,000 to fund a program in Somerville to help older adults waiting for housing assistance to afford their rent
$50,000 for the Somerville Homeless Coalition
The Senate budget now moves to the Conference Committee. which will resolve differences between the House and Senate versions before it moves to the Governor.
Stay in touch,
Pat Jehlen