Newton Could Get $34 Million From State For FY2020

NEWTON, MA — Massachusetts lawmakers this week approved a $43.1 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2020, which includes state aid, earmarks and general spending that Newton will benefit from. Newton could receive more than $33.3 million to support education and transportation next year if the governor gives the green light.

Legislators approved the final budget for FY2020 on July 22. Gov. Charlie Baker has until the end of the week to approve or exercise his line-item veto authority over the budget.

In addition to line items such as unrestricted aid and aid in the form of Chapter 70 education funding and Chapter 90 transportation funding, the budget includes earmarks for several local organizations. Each state budget includes general spending by government can and is spent in Newton:

When it comes to aid, Newton is looking at $33,346,383, including:

• Chapter 70 $24,814,496
• Unrestricted $6,241,334
• Chapter 90 $2,291,553

The earmarks include almost $1 million in funding for:

• $250,000 for assistive technology and independent-living skills for newly blind adults as provided by the Carroll Center;
• $20,000 for Historic Newton, Inc.;
• $25,000 for the Silent Spring Institute to study environmental hazards in water supplies; and
• $15,000 for Newton at Home to assist seniors
• $350,000 for the eradication of invasive water chestnuts in the Charles River Lakes District and other waterways;
• $50,000 to study improved access to the parkland abutting Quinobequin Road;
• $50,000 for upgrades to Lyon's Field;
• $60,000 for the Charles River Greenway link;
• $50,000 for the Stone Building at Hemlock Gorge; and
• $50,000 toward a Crystal Lake master plan.

"I believe that the budget passed for FY20 reflects our mandate to help our residents and communities in need because we chose to invest in everyone," said Rep. Kay Khan in a statement. "We approved crucial funding for environmental programs and many health and human service agencies and providers."

Read more from the delegation:

State Delegation Secure $1 Million For Newton In State Budget

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).