On Thursday, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed a supplemental appropriations bill aimed at assisting municipalities across the Commonwealth and investing in programs to propel economic growth.
“While we have been doing great work to help rebuild our economy, many people and communities are still facing tough economic times,” said Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “With these additional funds, we are giving our partners at the municipal level more tools to meet the fiscal challenges we all face as our economy recovers.”
Since state revenue has continued to stay strong, cities and towns across the Commonwealth will be receiving an additional $65 million in local aid for Fiscal Year 2012. These additions ensure that in 2012, no city or town will receive less local aid than they received in Fiscal Year 2011.
Additional Local Aid Figures for 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District:
- $82,702 for the Town of Ashland
- $608,442 for the Town of Framingham
- $151,114 for the Town of Franklin
- $94,706 for the Town of Holliston
- $48,041 for the Town of Hopkinton
- $74,612 for the Town of Medway
- $233,044 for the Town of Natick
“Local aid is always a focus when it comes to drafting the budget. My colleagues and I understand how important it is that we maintain, to the best of our abilities, the highest level of funding for our schools and municipalities,” said Spilka. “And even during a time of economic hardship, we were able to level fund local aid for Fiscal Year 2012 with this addition.”
Highlights of the Supplemental Budget Include:
- $37.95 million in infrastructure development grants that will support shovel ready projects throughout the state that create jobs and spur economic development
- $6 million to ensure that the state maintains its 10 day bed hold policy for MassHealth nursing home patients
- $500,000 to support higher education fee waivers for foster care and adopted students
- $8.2 million to ensure the full $150 clothing allowance for children of families receiving Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
- $800,000 for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership to help train workers, adding to the manufacturing workforce pipeline and creating jobs
- $500,000 for the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Pipeline (in addition to the $500,000 already secured by Senator Spilka’s amendment in the FY12 Budget)
- $107,000 for Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) to help seniors connected to their communities
The additional local aid will be made available to towns by October 31, 2011. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for approval.