Holliston To Receive Nearly $10.5 Million In State Budget

HOLLISTON, MA - Holliston will receive more than $8.6 million in Chapter 70 funding for its public schools and about $1.8 million in unrestricted general government aid as part of the state budget passed on Monday by the state legislature.

The state budget includes a 5.4 percent increase in aid for local governments, as well a 9 percent increase in Chapter 70 funding for public school districts over the budget for the fiscal year that ended on June 30.

Holliston's share includes $8,671,139 in Chapter 70 aid for the public schools and $1,793,867 in unrestricted general government aid.

School funding rose nearly 8.2% from the allocation of $8,014,336 last fiscal year, which ended June 30. Local funding grew 5.4% from last fiscal year's amount of $1,701,961.

The $52.7 billion package does not contain any broad-based tax hikes. Tax revenues are actually above previous estimates - leaving a surplus of around $3 billion from fiscal year 2022. The budget also includes $110 million to continue free, universal school meals for all school children in Massachusetts.

Money was earmarked for the following Holliston initiatives:

• $10,000 for renovations to the public restrooms at Goodwill Park
• $25,000 shall be expended for the Holliston Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition
• $10,000 shall be expended to the Town of Holliston for costs associated with a tricentennial celebration
• $75,000 shall be expended to the Town of Holliston for costs associated with the purchase of a bus to provide transportation for students in special education programs

Holliston also was included in $500,000 set aside for MetroWest region communities including Natick, Framingham, Ashland, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton and Medway to address mental health needs in schools.

Gov. Charlie Baker has 10 days to sign the budget into law.