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

FRAMINGHAM, 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 Framingham, 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 Framingham could get:

• Not less than $25,000 for a mitigation study on the contamination at Beaver Dam Brook in Framingham
• Not less than $25,000 for Framingham Public Schools for a multilingual family assistance caseworker to assist immigrant families and children with navigating and accessing resources that are essential to meeting their basic needs, including mental health and medical services
• Not less than $125,000 for city park improvements
• Not less than $25,000 for a feasibility study of a new community center located on the south side of the city
• Not less than $25,000 for the diversity, equity and inclusion internship pilot program
• Not less than $200,000 for the SMART and Eureka programs for the Framingham, Holyoke, Lowell, Lynn, Pittsfield and Worcester chapters of Girls Inc.
• Not less than $600,000 to communities in the Metrowest region, including Framingham, Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway and Natick to address mental health needs in schools
• Not less than $100,000 for the Framingham Public Library’s Literacy Unlimited area
• Not less than $100,000 shall be expended for Raymond J. Callahan Center in Framingham to replace its fire alarm system and to support other renovations and safety improvements