The Democrats in Massachusetts are currently split over the budgets for transportation and education. Disagreements have emerged among Massachusetts Democrats regarding allocating $1 billion in extra revenue generated by the state’s newly implemented “millionaire’s tax.”
Governor Maura Healey (D-MA) and the state’s House of Representatives leadership have proposed two proposals. Next week, the House will reportedly debate the new budget, focusing on allocating funds toward transportation and education policies.
Under Healey’s proposal, the funding would be split in a 51-49 ratio between the state’s education initiatives and transportation projects. The state House Democrats have released a plan that proposes an even distribution of 50/50 between the two.
According to Aaron Michlewitz, the Chairman of the Democratic State House Ways and Means Committee:
“As our revenue growth begins to slow, and as the COVID-19 era federal programs begin to end, we as a commonwealth must determine how to continue to meet the needs of our residents. This budget aims to do that with historic investments in housing, education, and workforce development — all while keeping Massachusetts a competitive economic engine.”
The state House has proposed a $500 million budget for education, which would allocate $161 million toward providing universal school meals. Additionally, $100 million would be set aside for installing and maintaining “clean energy” school infrastructure projects.
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In comparison, $50 million would be dedicated to scholarships for Massachusetts students pursuing “high demand” employment. To participate, individuals must commit to working in their respective fields of study for at least five years.
The latest development in the state’s education sector involves the proposal of a new program called MassReconnect, which aims to cover community college costs for adults over 25 who do not have a degree. The program is set to receive $20 million, as proposed by Healey.
The administration of Healey has proposed a budget that includes a “tuition or fee lock” for in-state undergraduates attending the University of Massachusetts and state universities. This policy would require these institutions to charge students consistently throughout their four-year attendance.
In a recent development, the transportation sector is set to receive a boost with Healey’s plan that allocates $181 million towards capital investments for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Additionally, $12.5 million has been earmarked to enhance stations and enable East-West rail service, while $5 million will be utilized to conduct a study on means-tested fares.
The state House budget has retained the $5 million allocation. However, the proposed station improvements have been removed. As per the Associated Press, an additional $100 million has been allocated to maintain highway bridges.
The Massachusetts State House budget has proposed permitting the state lottery to sell tickets and games online. The revenue generated from online lottery sales would provide stabilizing grants for childcare providers. As per the latest budget allocation, $700 million has been earmarked for environment and climate-related initiatives, which accounts for 1.25% of the overall budget.
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The newest development in the ongoing COVID-19 crisis is the reinstatement of a policy that temporarily halts eviction proceedings for tenants who have applied for emergency rental assistance. The Early Education grant programs have been allocated a budget of $68 million, while $65 million has been set aside for free school meals.
A former teacher and current Democratic state House Speaker, Ron Mariano, has advocated for universal school meals in Massachusetts. If implemented, this would make Massachusetts the fifth state in the US to provide free meals to students at public schools.
The proposed budget is set to undergo a crucial vote in the state House on Monday before it moves on to the state senate for further consideration. Both chambers need to agree for the budget to be signed by the governor. Chambers are required to present a consolidated budget by July 1.
