Local Aid Includes Substance Abuse Funding For Lynnfield

A release on state aid to Lynnfield from House Minority leader Brad Jones:

BOSTON – The House and Senate have approved a $41.88 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2019 that includes increased local aid for Lynnfield as well as funding for a local substance abuse initiative.

The spending proposal represents a compromise reached by a six-member conference committee that worked to reconcile the differences between earlier versions of the budget passed by the two branches. House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) both supported the final budget, which was sent to Governor Charlie Baker on July 18.

The budget provides a total of $4.9 billion in Chapter 70 education aid for Massachusetts’ school districts, which represents an increase of $148.1 million over last fiscal year’s appropriation. It also includes just under $1.1 billion in Unrestricted General Government Aid to cities and towns, an increase of $37.2 million.

Lynnfield is scheduled to receive a total of $4,338,661 in education aid this year, an increase of $66,600. The town will also receive $1,075,343 in unrestricted state aid, which can be used to fund a variety of municipal priorities. This represents an increase of $36,364 for the town.

In addition to the local aid increase, the budget also includes $50,000 for Lynnfield to hire a coordinator for a new substance abuse committee.

“I’m pleased Senator Crighton and I were able to work together to secure this critical funding piece in the state budget for Lynnfield,” said Representative Jones. “This money will enhance Lynnfield’s efforts to address the public health threat posed by substance abuse, while the additional local aid funding will help the town continue to provide many essential municipal services that benefit all residents.”

“Substance abuse is an issue that touches families throughout the Commonwealth” stated Senator Crighton. “I’m proud to join with Leader Jones to advocate for this important initiative and look forward to continuing our collaborative work with the Lynnfield community.”

Governor Baker has until July 28 to sign the budget.