By Michael P. Norton
July 30, 2023 … Legislative negotiators on Sunday night put forward a $56.2 billion annual state budget compromise, pledging key education, transportation and health policy measures and expenditures into the fiscal 2024 accord. The bill is expected to be approved by the House and Senate on Monday.
House and Senate Democrats failed to reach agreement on the bill, which included many of the ideas lawmakers had been promoting in early 2022, although the tax cut bill had been working in tandem with the budget. Budget negotiators have set aside $581 million for this tax cut. And allocated $1 billion in revenue from new surcharges in states with more than $1 million in annual income. Of that, $523 million will go to education and $477 million to transportation.
According to House and Senate officials, the deal includes tuition fees at public colleges in Massachusetts and state financial aid for students who attended high school in Massachusetts without legal immigration status. It includes a Senate action to recognize the eligibility. At least 3+ years or here she’s got her GED.
In the area of higher education, the budget also includes $50 million to support free campus-wide community colleges by fall 2024, including students aged 25 and older who will begin nursing degrees in the fall. Includes $38 million in free community college programs for students. in 2023.
The plan also includes a House-backed effort to require schools to provide free school meals to all students. The program was started with federal funding during the pandemic and has been continued by states due to its popularity. The program will cost approximately $172 million.
In the area of early education and care, negotiators agreed to pay $475 million for Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grants, but budget analysts say the level of funding is historic. said it represents an effort. The initiative is funded from three sources: the State General Fund ($270 million), the Transitional Escrow Fund ($102.5 million), and the Early Education Trust Fund ($102.5 million). increase.
The House of Representatives backed measures to allow the online sale of lottery tickets to fund early education and childcare subsidies. Senate negotiators disagreed with the idea.
According to budget analysts, the Congressional Commission bill sets aside $6.59 billion for Chapter 70’s K-12 public education funding, an increase of $604 million after 2023, and a The minimum aid level for Chapter 70 will also double from $30 to $60 per student.
The government’s unrestricted general aid to cities and towns has been compromised at $1.27 billion, an increase of $39.4 million.
In the healthcare sector, ConnectorCare eligibility will be extended for a two-year pilot to individuals up to 500% of the federal poverty level, or $73,000 in annual personal income. Supporters say between 47,000 and 70,000 residents will be eligible for new, more affordable insurance.
This budget provides state agencies with standard pre-hospital care protocols related to evaluation, treatment, and transportation of stroke patients to public health service-designated hospitals for stroke patient care by emergency medical service providers. I am also asking you to
State employees may also take advantage of another option that allows them to enroll in health insurance on the day they join the company or on the first day of their first full month of employment.
The budget, which revives the “free calling” initiative that nearly passed the last session, requires the Department of Corrections and county sheriffs to provide free voice communication services to people in prison.
The budget will also allow schools that signed contracts for construction projects before the COVID-19 pandemic, or that are working towards signing contracts, to “catch up” with inflation costs. To do so, it raises spending caps and allocates state funds.
According to information provided to the News Service on Sunday night, the breakdown of the surcharge of $1 billion for education and transportation is as follows:
• $69 million for universal school meals.
• $100 million in capital support for the Massachusetts Department of School Construction.
• $84 million in expanded financial assistance.
• $50 million for the Green School Works initiative.
• $50 million for higher education capital projects.
• $25 million for “high demand” scholarships.
• $40 million for early education initiatives.
• $20 million for the MassReconnect Community College Program.
• $205 million for MBTA.
• $70 million for station repairs.
• $50 million for bridge maintenance.
• $30 million for track and power repairs.
• $20 million for MBTA safety and workforce needs.
• $100 million for local road and bridge funds.
• $90 million for local transportation.
• $50 million to repair highway bridges.
• $5 million for water transportation.
Once the budget reaches Gov. Maura Healy’s desk, she will be given 10 days to consider it. The governor announces budget vetoes and amendments when the bill is signed.
