Proposed MA Budget Amendment Could Net Braintree $20K For Substance Abuse Prevention

BRAINTREE, MA — Braintree and area communities could be getting a hand in the fight against substance abuse if a recently proposed amendment to the state budget clears committee.

Sen. Walter Timilty (D-Milton) filed amendments this week to the Fiscal Year 2024 Senate Ways and Means Budget Recommendations that would support substance abuse prevention efforts, mental health services, and public safety improvements in the Town of Braintree.

Timilty is advocating for a $140,000 earmark to be distributed equally among the seven substance abuse prevention coalitions in the Norfolk, Plymouth, and Bristol District. If passed, $20,000 will be distributed locally to the Braintree Community Partnership on Substance Use.

"The communities that I proudly serve continue their steadfast advocacy to combat the deadly epidemic that is raging across our Commonwealth. Moreover, our substance use coalitions are on the front lines fighting back against the monumental dangers of opioid use. These programs provide much-needed resources for individuals and family members, establishing and implementing prevention practices," said Timilty.

"Those who are impacted are our neighbors and our friends, who have needed programs and a community of support. The opioid crisis continues to affect our communities in such a significant way."

Timilty additionally filed an amendment seeking $300,000 for mental health services in the Braintree Public School system, something he said would benefit area kids as they continue to recover emotionally after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The challenges facing our students right now are many. Funding mental health services in the Braintree schools will help to foster both social and emotional well-being,” Timilty said.

The Massachusetts State Senate will begin their FY24 budget debate on May 23.

Timilty's office released a full list of amendments that have been filed on behalf of Braintree. They are listed below:

• $300,000 for the Braintree Police Department’s Family Service Unit. This unit focuses on substance abuse prevention. Specifically, educating youth in Braintree, this unit specializes in the outreach for the prevention of drug and alcohol use, helping post overdose individuals and families, and overall community outreach to create bond between police and citizens.
• $200,000 for environmental and emergency planning for the Fore River area in Braintree.
• $300,000 for Braintree Fire Department equipment.
• $800,000 for improvements and reconstruction of the John Mahar Highway.
• $1,050,000 for the purpose of reconstruction to the Pearl Street, Ivory Street, and John Mahar Highway intersection.
• $300,000 for remediation support to assist students in recapturing lost academic time and to address the gaps in lost learning in the public schools.
• $150,000 for summer and vacation programs for at-risk and low-income students in Braintree Public Schools. _
• $100,000 for Braintree Friends Holiday Inc. located at the Marge Crispin Center.