One month late, the Massachusetts State Legislature yesterday approved a $56.2 billion state budget for FY 2024.
The spending plan now is in the hands of Governor Maura Healey, who has ten days to approve the budget in full or make any line item vetoes and amendments. Fall River State Senator Michael Rodrigues led the budget negotiations for the senate in his role as chair of the Committee on Ways and Means. He says the reason the budget deliberations went a month into the new fiscal year was to reach a consensus on the priorities set by the governor, house and senate.
Senator Rodrigues says the state budget increases spending over FY 2023, with cities and towns like Fall River being the beneficiaries.
Fall River will also receive money to support public safety.
The budget also includes a permanent universal free lunch program for local schools and an increased investment in Bristol Community College and other community colleges across the Commonwealth.
The legislature is currently in recess for the month of August. Senator Rodrigues says when it returns in September it will likely take up a series of tax reform measures proposed by Governor Healey earlier this year.
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