Braintree To Receive $22 Million Under New State Budget

From the Massachusetts House of Representatives:

BOSTON – Representative Mark J. Cusack (D-Braintree) joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass its FY17 budget. Within the budget, Braintree will see nearly $22 million in local aid as well as $150,000 to combat substance abuse and $100,000 to increase public safety in town.

The spending bill, approximately $39.5 billion, highlights the House’s ongoing commitment to balancing fiscal prudence with targeted social service investments, a practice that has resulted in Massachusetts retaining its AA+ bond rating, the highest in the state’s history. The budget includes no new taxes or fees and reduces the Commonwealth’s reliance on one-time revenue sources. For the second year in a row, it does not withdraw any funds from the stabilization fund.

The budget passed by the House of Representatives includes nearly $22 million in direct aid to Braintree. The town will see a 4.3% increase in unrestricted local aid. The $226,831 increase will bring Braintree’s total to $5,501,967 for FY17. Braintree Public Schools will see a significant increase of 6.25% in Chapter 70 education funding. This nearly $1,000,000 increase will bring Braintree’s total state education funding to $16,246,978. In addition, the House budget fully funds the Special Education Circuit Breaker which will further help the town manage increasing special education costs.

“The increase in local aid will help the town fully fund education, public safety, veterans’ services, our public works operation and many other areas that are crucial to continuing to improve our quality of life in Braintree,” said Representative Cusack. “The nearly $1,000,000 increase in education funding will assist the schools in providing the education and resources our students, teachers and staff need to excel.”

Representative Cusack was also successful in securing an amendment of $150,000 to combat substance abuse in Braintree. The money will be used to create an office and full time position focused on the growing substance abuse epidemic, especially opioids. This position will work to increase public knowledge, on prevention and serve as a resource for residents dealing with this growing crisis. In addition, this position will create programs and events to promote public awareness, research best practices and work to secure grants.

“This new position will work across town departments, boards, commissions and organizations to centralize our efforts in combating this deadly scourge,” said Representative Cusack. “It is my hope that with this new position and with the combined efforts of town officials and volunteers, we can take this health crisis head on and act in a proactive way to help those in need and to prevent families from having to suffer through what too many already have.”

Cusack was also able to secure $100,000 to increase public safety in Braintree.

“Our men and women serving in our public safety departments do a tremendous job on our behalf every day. I look forward to working with Mayor Sullivan, Police Chief Jenkins, and Fire Chief O’Brien to put this money to the best use for our town and residents,” said Representative Cusack.

The House budget now moves to the Senate who will take it up later this month. Once the House and Senate work out their differences, the budget will be sent to the Governor.

“I look forward to working with the Senate to make sure these crucial funds are included in their budget as well as working with Governor Baker and his administration to emphasize the importance of this funding for Braintree,” added Representative Cusack.