Lewis and Day Secure State Funding For Stoneham Priorities

A release from the office of State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representative Michael Day:

BOSTON — Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Michael Day are pleased that the recently passed state budget includes major investments in the Town of Stoneham and its fiscal priorities.

Under this budget, Stoneham will receive a total of $4,421,709 in Chapter 70 education funding this year, an increase of $151,902 over the last year’s budget. Crucially, the budget fully funds the state’s Special Education Circuit Breaker program, meaning that the program will reimburse districts for high special education costs up to the full 75%, as stipulated in statute. The town will also receive $3,842,756 in unrestricted aid, which can be used to fund a variety of municipal priorities. This represents an increase of $129,948 for the town.

Senator Lewis and Representative Day fought successfully to secure funding for several additional local priorities, including:

 $50,000 for much-needed accessibility improvements to the Stoneham Public Library, ensuring ADA compliance and ease of access for all patrons
 $75,000 for specialty fire equipment for the Stoneham Fire Department, potentially including diving equipment, more modern radio systems, or an all-terrain response vehicle capable of traversing the Middlesex Fells

“I’m proud that this year’s budget delivers record levels of funding to Stoneham for local schools and other municipal services,” said Senator Jason Lewis. “I’m particularly pleased that we were also able to secure funding for important local priorities, such as much-needed specialty equipment for the Fire Department.”

“This budget reflects our shared priorities in delivering a balanced budget for the State that prioritizes increased local aid to our community, increases our Stabilization Fund deposits, and makes record level investments in our future,” said Representative Michael Day. “In addition to including our local initiatives, this budget makes important investments in mental health and substance use treatment and takes huge steps forward in funding our public education system.”

The budget now awaits the signature of Governor Charlie Baker.