Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 17, 2024 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Sen. DiDomenico priorities included in Senate Budget L ast week the Senate Committee on Ways and Means released a $57.9 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) that refl ects the Senate’s vision of creating a more aff ordable, equitable and competitive Massachusetts by investing in residents and communities across every district of the Commonwealth while continuing to be fi scally responsible and chart a sustainable path forward. Senator Sal DiDomenico was successful in securing historic investments for his priorities and programs that will benefi t people in Cambridge, Charlestown, Chelsea, Everett and throughout the Commonwealth. DiDomenico celebrated the inclusion of programs he championed, such as, Universal School Meals funding, expanded support for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program, resources for our most vulnerable residents, early intervention services and healthcare for our children, and historic investments in education from early ed, to K-12 schools, to comCelebrating Our 52nd Year Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! MAJOR BRANDS AT DISCOUNT PRICES! Singles * Tins * Bundles * Boxes * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES Don’t Wait! Get What You Smoke NOW! Buy Your Smokes by the Box & SAVE!! Join Our Rewards Program & SAVE Even More! HOURS: OPEN DAILY 7 DAYS A WEEK, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Humidor Specials! Starting as LOW as $99. Complete with Accessories R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! Green Label Cigar Sale! Buy 2 Cigars, Get One FREE! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 Chris 2024 Sal DiDomenico State Senator pletely free community college for every Massachusetts student. Senator DiDomenico will fi le amendments to include funding for more priorities and local initiatives, and the Senate will then debate the FY25 budget proposal in formal session beginning Tuesday, May 21, 2024. “Budgets reflect our government’s priorities, and I am proud to support this proposal which demonstrates our commitment to uplifting our children and families, workers, and people most in need throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator DiDomenico, who is Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “I am thrilled that so many of my priorities have been included in the Senate budget and through these investments, we will expand access to nutritious foods, quality education from pre-K through community college, resources for our most vulnerable residents, as well as, healthcare and housing. I want to thank Senate President Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, for pulling together a budget that will make our state more equitable and affordable for people from every corner of the state.” The Committee’s budget recommends a total of $57.9 billion in spending, a $1.8 billion increase over the FY24 General Appropriations Act (GAA). This sensible spending recommendation is based on a tax revenue estimate of $41.5 billion for FY25, which is $208 million less than revenues assumed in the FY24 GAA. This represents nearly fl at growth, as agreed upon during the Consensus Revenue process in January, plus $1.3 billion in revenue generated from the Fair Share surtax. As the Commonwealth adjusts to a changing economic landscape and ongoing tax revenue volatility, the Committee’s FY25 budget adheres to disciplined and responsible fi scal stewardship. It does not raise taxes, nor does it draw down available reserves from the Stabilization Fund or the Transitional Escrow Fund; at the same time it judicially utilizes one-time resources to maintain balance. The Senate’s budget continues responsible and sustainable planning for the future by continuing to grow the Rainy-Day Fund, already at a historic high of over $8 billion. The Senate’s proposal would build the Commonwealth’s reserves to a healthy balance in excess of $9 billion at the close of FY25. Fair Share Investments: Consistent with the consensus revenue agreement reached with the Administration and House of Representatives in January, the Senate’s FY25 budget includes $1.3 billion in revenues generated from the Fair Share surtax of 4% on annual income above $1 million. As FY25 represents the second year where this source of revenue is available, the Committee’s budget invests these Fair Share revenues into an array of important initiatives to further strengthen our state’s economy by expanding access to quality public education and improving the state’s transportation infrastructure. Education: The Senate Ways and Means FY25 budget proposal implements the Senate’s Student Opportunity Plan by shaping polices to make high-quality education more accessible and by making significant investments in the education system, from our youngest learners to adults reentering the higher education system. Recognizing that investing in our EEC system directly supports the underlying economic competitiveness of the Commonwealth, the Senate’s budget makes a $1.58 billion investment in EEC. The FY25 budget will maintain operational support for providers, support the EEC workforce and prioritize accessibility and aff ordability throughout our EEC system. Building off the Senate’s unanimous passage of the comprehensive EARLY ED Act in March, the Committee’s FY25 budget codifi es several provisions of the Act, transforming the state’s relationship with the early education sector by improving affordability and access for families, increasing pay for educators and ensuring the sustainability and quality of EEC programs. In K-12 education, the Senate follows through on the commitment PRIORITIES | SEE PAGE 8
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