What Barnstable Could Get In MA's $56.2 Billion Budget Deal

BARNSTABLE, MA — State lawmakers have agreed on a budget deal that will fund state government operations, plus new initiatives like paid community college tuition, an extension of free school lunches and a plan for using revenue from the new Fair Share tax approved by voters in 2022.

During sessions on Monday, all 39 members of the state Senate voted in favor of the package, while the House approved it 156-2. State Reps. Nicholas Boldyga, R-Southwick, and Marc Lombardo, R-Billerica, were the two "nay" votes.

"The budget represents a major step forward for our Commonwealth, particularly in making higher education more affordable and more accessible to everyone — which is crucial to securing our long-term competitiveness, providing residents with concrete ways to create the futures they dream of, and continuing our state's commitment to education at every level," Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, said Sunday.

Read more: MA $56.2 Billion Budget Deal: What's In 2024 Compromise Plan

This version of the budget includes free meals for every public school student, paid community college and more items that will help folks across the state, but it also includes specific provisions for cities and towns.

That includes Barnstable, who could see state funding on multiple items should Gov. Maura Healey sign off on the budget within the 10-day review period.

Here's what Barnstable could get:

• Not less than $50,000 to hire staff for the town’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• Not less than$70,000 to Calmer Choice, Inc. for the development and support of anti-addiction and mental health programs in school districts including the Monomoy Regional School District, the Mashpee School District, the Barnstable School District, the Nauset Regional School District and the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District
• Not less than $171,688 to Cape Cod Community College for an inter-campus transit program to provide bus service between Cape Cod Community College, Bridgewater State University, Plymouth, Hyannis and the West Barnstable section of Barnstable
• Not less than $18,000 for the installation of an emergency access boat ramp for use by first responders at Sandy Neck Park beach
• Not less than $75,000 shall be expended to employ 2 full-time mental health crisis management counselors at the Barnstable Police Department