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

WALTHAM, 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 Waltham, 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 Waltham could get:

• Not less than $100,000 for the development and design of upgrades to the Hardy Pond outlet weir with automatic controls to improve water quality in the pond and reduce problematic downstream flooding in Waltham
• Not less than $75,000 for the Waltham Partnership for Youth, Inc.
• Not less than $75,000 to maintain patient safety and security at the Community Day Center of Waltham, Inc.
• Not less than $75,000 for the Waltham Tourism Council, Inc.
• Not less than $50,000 for staffing at the Waltham Chamber of Commerce
• Not less $80,000 to support staffing at African Cultural Services, Inc. in Waltham
• Not less than $50,000 for More Than Words Inc. in Waltham to support stipends for participants in its vocational program for system-involved youth