Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget

One of the top priorities for the Legislature each year is to pass a budget for the operational expenses of the Commonwealth. That process originates in the House of Representatives, and at that, it starts with the Ways and Means Committee. I was pleased to take part in this process as a new member of the Committee this year and to attend a series of hearings about our state’s finances and fiscal needs. Many of these hearings were held in locations across Massachusetts, which gave me an interesting perspective how needs differ across different areas of the state.

At the conclusion of these hearings, the House considered its version of the Budget, which eventually resulted in a compromise with the Senate that was enacted into law. I am particularly pleased that the Budget funded Chapter 70 education aid at $6.59 billion, which represents an increase of $604 million over Fiscal Year 2023 levels, while doubling minimum per pupil aid from $30 to $60. It also provides for $1.27 billion in Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) to support a wide range of municipal services, which is $39.4 million more than last fiscal year’s appropriation. This funding provides Sandwich with $7,508,068 in direct education aid and $1,347,427 in unrestricted state aid; Bourne will receive $5,472,583 in direct education aid and $1,752,446 in unrestricted aid; and Barnstable will receive $24,752,053 in direct education aid and $2,514,581 in unrestricted aid for Fiscal Year 2024.

I addition to this funding, I am pleased to have sponsored several additional measures to support local projects in the 5th Barnstable District, including budget earmarks for:

  • $18,000 for the installation of an emergency access boat ramp for use by first responders at Sandy Neck Park beach in Barnstable;
  • $25,000 for recreational improvements to the Henry T. Wing housing complex in Sandwich; and,
  • $25,000 for the purchase of a trailer to serve as a temporary fire station for firefighters in Bourne.

I also co-sponsored measures to provide:

  • $150,000 for shellfish propagation in Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties;
  • $50,000 for the Buzzards Bay Coalition, Inc. to conduct a coastal water quality and natural resource monitoring program in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound; and,
  • $300,000 to dredge 17,000 cubic yards from Cotuit Bay entrance and embayment channels.