Rep. Stanley announces House budget highlights
Rep. Stanley announces House budget highlights
Rep. Stanley is pleased to announce that the fiscal year 2025 House Ways and Means budget includes $24,311,937 for Waltham 70 education funding, which is state aid to public elementary and secondary schools. Waltham will also receive $11,594,740 in unrestricted general government aid (UGGA) which provides essential funding for vital municipal and school services. Both funding levels exceed those of fiscal year 2024.
In addition, the HWM Budget for the upcoming fiscal year brings several notable highlights across various sectors. In education, significant allocations include $190 million to sustain free school meals for all students, continuing the momentum of the Student Opportunity Act with $6.86 billion in Chapter 70 education funding, and an additional $37 million for K-12 schools, aiming to increase state aid per pupil by $44 compared to the previous fiscal year. Additionally, $475 million is designated towards the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grant program, ensuring support for early education and care providers’ operational and workforce needs, with the HWM budget solidifying C3’s permanence. Notably, Massachusetts stands out as one of the few states to sustain funding for the C3 program, originally launched during the pandemic using federal funds and now continued through state allocations.
In transportation, the budget reflects a commitment to enhancing MBTA services and infrastructure resilience. Notable allocations include $314 million for MBTA operations, $75 million for capital projects, $40 million for the establishment of an “MBTA Academy” to bolster the MBTA workforce, and $35 million for a new “Resilient Rides” program aimed at adapting MBTA infrastructure to climate change impacts. With these allocations, combined with existing funding streams, over $1.6 billion is directed towards the MBTA in FY25, signaling a concerted effort towards transportation improvement and climate resilience.
Lastly, in housing, the HWM Budget prioritizes programs crucial for facilitating access to affordable housing. Allocations include $219 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), $197.4 million for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program, and $57.3 million for the HomeBase program. These initiatives serve as vital pillars in assisting individuals and families in securing long-term housing stability. Additionally, $2.5 million is designated to provide legal counsel for low-income tenants and homeowners facing eviction proceedings, underscoring the commitment to housing justice and support for vulnerable populations.