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

NATICK, 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 Natick, 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 Natick could get:

• Not less than $30,000 for the Veterans Oral History Project in Natick
• Not less than $250,000 for a study of the Charles River, including, but not limited to, flooding mitigation impacts and fish passage improvements as it relates to the potential removal of state-owned dams from Watertown to Natick
• Not less than $100,000 for design work to make accessibility improvements along the Cochituate Aqueduct Trail
• Not less than $15,000 for costs associated with a feasibility study for extending the Sudbury Aqueduct Trail
• Not less than $25,000 for the Natick 180 Coalition
• Not less than $25,000 for pedestrian walking beacons
• Not less than $50,000 for busing needs for after-school programs in Natick
• Not less than $50,000 for Natick public schools for staff development to support the profile of Natick educator competencies
• 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 to Natick Public Schools for the continued provision of online tutoring services
• Not less than $25,000 for additional personal protective equipment for the Natick Fire Department