Jones, Tarr deliver $135,000 in funding assistance for North Reading

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester) have secured $135,000 in state funding earmarks for five local initiatives in the Town of North Reading as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget that was enacted on July 31.

The new state budget provides funding support for projects that will benefit North Reading’s seniors, students, first responders and historic district. The budget is now on Governor Maura Healey’s desk awaiting her signature.

Jones and Tarr noted that the local budget earmarks they secured for North Reading include:

• $50,000 to supplement a transportation services pilot program for North Reading seniors and disabled residents to assist them with out-of-town transportation to and from their medical appointments;

• $25,000 for the North Reading Public Schools’ 1:1 school technology initiative to provide students with Chromebooks that can be used at school and at home;
• $25,000 for the modernization of clocks in North Reading’s elementary schools;
• $25,000 for the continuation of a first responders wellness program, which is being offered by the North Reading Police and Fire Departments to provide mental health, fitness and nutrition guidance to all officers, as well as heart health testing for police officers to help detect the early onset of potential health conditions; and
• $10,000 for improvements to properties located in North Reading’s historic district, including preservation and restoration work.

“The final state budget reflects some of North Reading’s top spending priorities and will support programs that will positively impact many of the town’s residents, from school-age children to the elderly,” said Representative Jones. “I’m pleased that Senator Tarr and I were able to once again work collaboratively on the town’s behalf to successfully advocate for this critical funding assistance.”

“Benefits for a community from the state budget can be maximized through collaboration and coordination, and that is the case once again for Fiscal Year 2024 as Representative Jones and I have collaborated with North Reading town officials to identify and respond to some of the community’s most important priorities,” said Senator Tarr. “Together we have directed $135,000 of additional funding to items such as transportation for seniors, Chromebooks for students, support for the first responders who protect us, and improving the town's historic district. Taken together, these investments add up to a better and stronger community, thanks to a team effort that has delivered results.”