27 April, 2018
BOSTON—Today, the Massachusetts Senate passed a $156.4M supplemental budget to cover increased caseloads and time sensitive deficiencies in Fiscal Year 2018, including additional funding for Regional Transit Authorities, local school districts’ special education costs and programs for Massachusetts children and families.
“This supplemental budget includes investments in regional transportation, education and critical resources for low-income and homeless families,” said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We invest in state and local services in communities across the Commonwealth, working to provide more residents with access to support and opportunities necessary for success.”
“These funds ensure that the Commonwealth can continue to deliver its services to all of its residents,” said Senate President Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester). “I am especially grateful for the vital funds dedicated to regional transit authorities. That funding is desperately needed across Massachusetts to ensure a high standard of living for all of our residents in municipalities big and small.”
Recognizing the financial challenges Regional Transit Authorities across the state face in providing reliable, affordable transportation, the supplemental budget invests an additional $4 million in these services.
The supplemental budget also includes $12.5 million for the Special Education Circuit Breaker, increasing reimbursements to school districts for the high cost of educating students with disabilities.
Additional investments include:
$25.6M for Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) Grants
$21.1M for the operation of the Commonwealth’s county sheriffs
$19.3M for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters
$15.5M for recently ratified collective bargaining agreements
$5.3M for veterans’ benefits
$4.5M to support payroll costs at the Department of Correction payroll and $2M to support payroll costs at the Department of Developmental Services
$2.5M for services for hurricane evacuees residing in Massachusetts
$2.2M for the Healthy Incentives Program to increase access to nutritious foods for low-income residents
$2M for DCF Family Resource Centers to support increased demand for services from hurricane evacuees
· $1M to support the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund
· $150K for the Municipal Naloxone Bulk Purchasing Trust Fund
The bill will now be reconciled with a version passed by the House of Representatives.
