“The Commonwealth’s budget for fiscal year 2025 agreed to by the Legislature provides for a high level of quality for the programs that our municipalities and residents rely on,” said Friedman (D-Arlington), vice chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
“This is a budget that balances fiscal constraints with targeted, impactful investments that ensure statewide stability and regional equity. As we grapple with rising costs and access challenges within the Massachusetts health-care system, I am especially proud that this budget utilizes tools to maximize our health-care dollars for the facilities and providers that serve our most vulnerable residents. I am excited by this robust final budget that will benefit all of Massachusetts and bring significant funding for local projects in the 4th Middlesex district.”
Local representatives weigh in
“I am proud of the legislature for delivering a budget to Gov. Healey’s desk that provides historic levels of investment in housing, education, public higher education, transportation and health care,” said Garballey (D-Arlington), chair of the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change.
“I am particularly pleased,” Garballey added, “that items I championed in the House budget deliberations have been included in the conference committee report, including universal school meals to all students free of charge, [more than] $400 million in new investment in the MBTA, a historic $1.15 billion for housing and $5 million for inclusive concurrent enrollment, which helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities access higher- education opportunities. I am also proud of the strong partnership with Sen. Cindy Friedman and Rep. Dave Rogers to secure critical local aid and investments for Arlington.”
“By enacting the 2025 state budget, we fund important spending priorities and also accomplish key policy goals,” said Rogers (D-Cambridge), House chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “With this budget, we are leading the way in higher education – guaranteeing free community college for all and increasing overall scholarship funding for our public universities. We are taking strategic steps to enhance our public transportation system – building up the MBTA’s staff training program and safety reserve. We are also putting more money into our local communities, including here in Arlington. I am excited to see these investments pay off.”
The $58 billion FY25 budget represents a $2 billion increase over the FY24 General Appropriations Act (GAA). It does not raise taxes nor draw down available reserves from the stabilization fund or the transitional escrow fund, while at the same time judicially utilizing one-time resources to maintain balance, the news release said. The FY25 budget continues to grow the Rainy Day Fund, already at a historic high of [more than] $8 billion, to an anticipated balance of roughly $9 billion at the close of FY25.
Town groups getting money for mental health, parks, more
“The FY25 budget further demonstrates the Legislature’s commitment to dedicating meaningful resources that meet the needs of communities across the Commonwealth. This includes $1.3 billion in funding for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), an increase of $38 million over [the budget for] FY24, to support additional resources for cities and towns.”
Arlington is to receive $19,329,593 in Chapter 70 education funding, $9,341,579 in UGGA funding and $1,852,500 in Arlington local project funding, including the following:
- $1,500,000 for the continuation of the Middlesex County Restoration Center pilot program
- $137,500 for Arlington Youth Counseling Center to provide youth mental health support in Arlington
- $100,000 for Food Link, Inc. to address food security in Arlington, Billerica, Burlington, Lexington and Woburn
- $50,000 for Parallel Park in Arlington
- $50,000 for the Arlington Chamber of Commerce in Arlington
- $15,000 for the Arlington Community Orchard in Arlington
‘Fair Share’ investments intended to grow economy
The FY25 budget includes $1.3 billion in revenues generated from the Fair Share surtax of 4 percent on annual income above $1 million and invests these public dollars to improve the state’s education and transportation sectors.
Education is to receive 59 percent of Fair Share revenues, including full funding of universal free school meals for every public school student; monthly grants to the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program, for early education and care programs; and free community college across the commonwealth.
Transportation is to receive 41 percent of Fair Share revenues, including doubling operational support for the MBTA, more MBTA capital investments and funding for roads and bridges.
Other major components of new budget
The budget includes significant additional investments in education at all levels from early education through K-12 and higher education.
Health, mental health and family care are to receive funding including the single highest budget expenditure — $20.36 billion for MassHealth.
Housing needs are to get $1.15 billion, with resources dedicated to housing stability, residential assistance, emergency shelter services and homelessness assistance programs.
The budget also includes a 10 percent increase to Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) benefit levels, compared to June 2024.
July 3, 2024: State Senate approves $5.4B housing bill in bid to put home ownership, affordable units in reach
This announcement was published Tuesday, July 30, 2024, based on information in a joint news release from Stephen Acosta of the office of Sen. Cindy Friedman; Derek Keenan of the office of Rep. Sean Garballey; and Carly Pierce of the office of Rep. David Rogers. It was prepared for publication by longtime YourArlington volunteer Kim Haase. It was updated Aug. 1, to add WBUR link; and Aug. 2, to add MASSterList link.
