Natick To Receive More Than $16.6 Million In State Budget

NATICK, MA - Natick will receive more than $12.2 million in Chapter 70 funding for its public schools and about $4.4 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.

Natick's share includes $12,218,845 in Chapter 70 aid for the public schools and $4,414,208 in unrestricted general government aid.

School funding rose 17.91% from the $10,362,782 allocated in FY 22, which ended on June 30. Local funding increased 5.4% from $4,188,053 the previous year.

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 Natick initiatives:

• $30,000 for the Veterans Oral History Project at the Morse Institute Library
• $50,000 for A Place to Turn, an emergency food pantry located in Natick serving 20 MetroWest communities for improvements and upgrades to the food pantry facilities
• $25,000 for the Natick 180 Coalition, which provides mental health and substance addiction resources to those in need
• $100,000 to the Town of Natick for costs associated with the development and implementation a West Natick economic development plan
• $100,000 shall be expended for Main Street in Natick Center to advance a design study, including community engagement

Natick 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.