State Representative Denise Garlick, State Senator Mike Rush, and State Senator Rebecca Rausch recently secured funding for Needham
State Representative Denise Garlick (D-Needham), State Senator Mike Rush (D-Norfolk & Suffolk) and State Senator Rebecca Rausch (D-Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex) recently secured funding for the town of Needham in the Fiscal Year 2020 State Budget.
The final state budget included the following items for the town:
- $75,000 shall be expended on a feasibility study to extend the Needham Rail Trail from High Rock street to Needham junction in the town of Needham;
- $100,000 shall be expended for a grant to the town of Needham for security and accessibility improvements at the Center at the Heights;
- $60,000 shall be expended to the town of Needham for streetscape improvements in the Needham Heights area including, but not limited to, pedestrian lighting
Funded at $43.1 billion, the state budget makes major investments in education, housing, substance use disorder services, health care, and other areas while projecting a more than $476 million deposit into the Stabilization Fund – bringing the fund’s balance to more than $3 billion to safeguard the future of vital programs and services.
The budget increases Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) by nearly $30 million and provides $5.17 billion in Chapter 70 education funding as part of a $268 million increase for investments in schools over Fiscal Year 2019, including $345 million for Special Education reimbursement. The town of Needham will receive $10,451,715 in Chapter 70 Education Aid, a 6% increase from FY’19, and will also receive $1,853,722 in unrestricted general government aid.
“The Needham legislative delegation is strong. We have brought attention to the concerns of the communities we represent and to the needs of many individuals we serve. Throughout the budget process, we have been united in representing the individuals, families, older adults and veterans of Needham. This final budget reflects the values and priorities that make our town exceptional, and delivers tangible results that improve our safety and quality of life,” said Representative Denise Garlick.
“A budget is a comprehensive statement of our shared values,” Senator Becca Rausch said. “Especially in my first budget experience, it was a privilege to collaborate with my legislative colleagues to improve local infrastructure, prevent unhealthy behaviors, advance public safety, promote experiential learning for our students, and improve our open spaces and playgrounds. Our teamwork is a real achievement. I am also proud and grateful that this budget contains several of my statewide priorities, including the largest investment in decades to prevent teen sexual assault and domestic violence, full funding for innovative programs supporting our seniors aging in communities of choice, and improved administrative transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness.”
“This budget makes significant investments in K-12 education and continues to make health care, the environment, housing and public safety a top shared priority,” said Senator Mike Rush. “I am also proud to have worked closely with Rep. Garlick and Senator Rausch to secure funds for the town of Needham for various projects that are important to the community.”
The budget was signed into law by the Governor and is officially law as Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2019.
