MA House FY19 Budget Includes Local Aid Boosts to 5th Middlesex

BOSTON- Representative David P. Linsky (D-Natick) joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing its budget for the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) last night, which included significant increases to local aid across the Fifth Middlesex District. In addition to local aid, the over $41.065 billion spending bill targets areas such as education, health and human services, housing and homelessness, and veteran services.

“My colleagues and I worked together to craft a budget that is both fiscally sound and preserves the state’s most essential services,” said Representative Linsky. “I am proud of the responsible and thoughtful budget we were able to pass, which included necessary local aid funding to keep our cities and towns, and public schools, running to the highest of standards.”

In addition to funding important programs and services throughout the Commonwealth, Representative Linsky also secured items for the Fifth Middlesex District:

Chapter 70 Education Funding:

• Millis received $4,396,932, which is a $35,310 increase over FY18.
• Natick received $9,714,854 which is a $433,029 increase over FY18.
• Sherborn received $680,379, which is a $17,658 increase over FY18.
• Dover-Sherborn Regional High School received $2,177,424, a $129,701 increase over FY18.
• Tri-County Regional High School received $5,687,408, a $28,140 increase over FY18.
• Joseph P. Keefe Technical High School received $4,749,354, a $341,713 increase over FY18.

Unrestricted General Government Aid (Local Aid):

• Millis received $1,082,529, a $36,607 increase over FY18.
• Natick received $3,940,047, a $133,238 increase over FY18.
• Sherborn received $223,966, a $7,574 increase over FY18.

Other 5th Middlesex Funding Included:

• Natick Veteran’s Oral History Project received $30,000.
• Natick’s Camp Arrowhead received $75,000 to provide recreational programs for individuals with disabilities.
• Millis received $50,000 for the purchase of a new senior transportation van.

“I am particularly pleased that I was able to secure funds for Camp Arrowhead and for Millis to purchase a new senior van,” said Representative Linsky. “Camp Arrowhead is an incredible opportunity for children with disabilities, allowing them to expand their horizons and gain independence. And, with the funds secured for Millis, the town will be able to ensure transportation for our senior population.”

The FY19 budget proposal now goes to the Massachusetts State Senate, where debate begins in May.

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For More Information: Abigail Silverman (617) 722-2575