Here's What Salem Will Get In The Latest State Budget

SALEM, MA — The state budget passed by the legislature Monday includes $7.9 million in unrestricted funding for Salem, as well as $26.18 million in Chapter 70 funding for Salem Public Schools.

The local funding is up 5.40 percent from $7.58 million last year. School funding under the spending plan rose just about one percent from $25.93 million Salem received in the fiscal year ended June 30.

Overall, local funding in the $52.7 billion package rose 5.4 percent to $2.07 billion from $1.96 billion last year. Chapter 70 school funding increased $495 million, or 9 percent, to nearly $600 million. The budget also includes $110 million to continue free, universal school meals for all school children in Massachusetts.

The budget also includes funding for several local projects:

• That not less than $100,000 shall be expended by the city of Salem for improvements to the Winter Island playground.
• For the department of public health to fund a postpartum depression pilot program at community health centers in Salem and other areas of Boston, provided, that should a community health center decline funding, unexpended funds shall be split equally between participating programs at $360,000.
• That not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the restoration of the George Washington arch on Salem common in the city of Salem.
• That not less than $50,000 shall be expended by the city of Salem for improvements to the Salem common as outlined by Friends of the Salem Common, Inc. in the Halverson Report.
• That not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the Salem Family Resource and Welcome Center.
• $55,263,164 or Salem State University
• $200,000 for the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics and Civic Engagement at Salem State University; provided, that the institute shall promote public service and civic engagement through programs, educational opportunities and related events that offer inclusive and first-hand civic learning experiences for students.

The budget was hammered out in a conference committee and unanimously passed both chambers. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has 10 days to sign the budget.