Lewis and Brodeur Secure Funding For Wakefield Priorities

A release from the office of State Senator Jason Lewis:

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

Under this budget, Wakefield will receive a total of $6,362,891 in Chapter 70 education funding this year, an increase of $131,903 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 $3,483,333 in unrestricted aid, which can be used to fund a variety of municipal priorities. This represents an increase of $117,794 for the town.

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

 $100,000 in funding for accessibility improvements at the Albion Cultural Exchange in order to ensure ease of access for elderly patrons and visitors
 $125,000 for various improvements to the Americal Civic Center, Wakefield’s historic and vibrant multi-purpose community center
 $50,000 for other public safety improvements in the Town

“I’m proud that this year’s budget delivers record levels of funding to Wakefield 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, including investments in community spaces like the Albion Cultural Exchange and the Americal Civic Center.”

“Securing adequate funding for our schools is always a priority,” said Representative Paul Brodeur. “I’m glad that we have been able to provide funding for crucial improvements to our public safety building, the Americal Civic Center as well as the Albion Cultural Exchange building.”

The budget now awaits the signature of Governor Charlie Baker.