$175K For Reading Schools, Traffic Safety Part Of State Budget

READING, MA — State funding for traffic safety improvements and education-related initiatives in Reading was recently secured as part of the state's $61 billion budget, according to a statement from House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), State Rep. Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn) and State Sen. Jason M. Lewis (D-Winchester).

This funding is still preliminary and needs to be approved by Gov. Maura Healey before any money can be disbursed to the town.

“Working together with Representative Haggerty and Senator Lewis, we were able to successfully secure the resources Reading needs to address some of its top public safety and educational priorities,” Jones said in a statement.

The state spending plan, which is currently under review by the governor, also calls for an increase in both Chapter 70 education aid and Unrestricted General Government Aid for cities and towns, which will be funded statewide at $7.36 billion and $1.323 billion, respectively.

The budget sets the minimum per pupil aid at $150 per student, an increase from the current rate of $104 per student, while also fully funding the fifth year of the Student Opportunity Act.

“I’m proud that this budget, passed with bipartisan support, will deliver critical resources for our public schools and communities," Lewis said in a statement.

The Fiscal Year 2026 budget provides $180 million so local school districts can continue to offer universal free school meals to students for breakfast and lunch, regardless of family income.

Reading’s State House legislative also advocated for the inclusion of a $50,000 earmark in the state budget for traffic intersection improvements. One of the safety upgrades being eyed as part of this initiative is the installation of a smart traffic light system at the intersection of South and West Street, according to the statement.

Another $50,000 has been allocated in the state budget for Reading Memorial High School for equipment purchases to aid student learning. This can include items such as music and lab equipment, with the earmark language worded to offer flexibility for school administrators so the money can be directed where the needs are greatest and would be most helpful to students.

An additional $75,000 earmark will also benefit the Reading school district. Specifically, this funding will be targeted at providing accessible school transportation for local students with special needs.

“The funding for local schools will help Reading Memorial High School acquire equipment that will give our students the tools they need to excel in their education while also providing accessible transportation to all our students, including those with special needs, so they can safely get to school," Haggerty said in the statement.