Page 6 DIDOMENICO | FROM PAGE 2 supporting increased investments in education, this budget makes a significant down payment on the work of the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC), and funds Chapter 70 at its highest level ever: $5.176 billion, an increase of $268.4 million over FY 2019. Everett will receive more than $75 million in Chapter 70 education funding, a $6 million increase THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, June 14, 2019 over the previous fiscal year. “With this budget, we are making it clear that we are serious about securing more funding for our K-12 public schools and reforming our state’s outdated education funding formula,” said Senator DiDomenico. “This has been – and continues to be – my top education priority, and I am proud that my district will receive the additional funds that they deserve in the Senate budget.” Other top priority items for Senator DiDomenico that were included in the budget and will benefit Everett residents are as follows: • $4.8 million for the state’s pediatric palliative care network – a $1 million increase over FY19 – to ensure there is no wait list for these critical services so children and their families have the extra care and support that they need • $350 per child clothing allowance to help low-income families meet their basic needs • $12 million for grants to the Head Start program to maintain access to early education services for low-income families • $6.5 million for Youth-AtRisk Matching grants, including support for YWCAs, YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs The Senate’s budget also invests in programs and policies Award-Winning Landscaping Servicing the North Shore for over 38 Years to educate, train and prepare Massachusetts workers in order to provide them with opportunities to grow and succeed. Opportunity investments include the following: • $38.5 million for adult basic education services to improve access to skills and tools necessary to join the workforce • $15.6 million for summer jobs and work-readiness training for at-risk youths, after adding $1.2 million on the floor • $7 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to connect unemployed and under-employed workers with higher paying jobs The Senate’s budget maintains the Senate’s commitment to increasing access to quality, affordable housing and investing in low-income housing and homelessness services and supports. Housing investments include the following: • $178.7 million for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters • $110 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) • $48.3 million for assistance for homeless individuals • $30.8 million for the HomeBASE diversion and rapid rehousing programs • $21 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), including $3 million to continue expanding eligibility for individuals in need, including persons with disabilities, seniors and unaccompanied youths • $5 million for housing and supportive services for unaccompanied homeless youths The FY20 budget furthers regional equity and supports cities and towns by directing significant resources to local and regional aid. Local investments include the following: • $1.129 billion for unrestricted general government aid to support community investments in education, health care, public safety and roads and bridges • $18 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture and creative economy initiatives • $18.1 million for local Councils on Aging to strengthen programs and services in senior centers in communities across the state • $11 million for Shannon Grants, which are distributed to municipalities for youth gang violence–prevention A Conference Committee will now convene to reconcile the differences between the Senate budget and the version passed by the House of Representatives in April. FY20 begins on July 1. NOW BOOKING NEW CUSTOMERS! DON’T WAIT! Call 781-321-2074 Pavers * Walkways * Patios * Driveways * Pool Decks Planting * Perennials * Shrubs * Trees New Lawns * Sod * Hydroseed Flowers/Annuals/Mums * Conventional Seeding * Synthetic Complete Maintenance * Cleanups (Spring & Fall) * Lawn Cutting, Edging & Weeding * Lawn Fertilizer Programs * Trim & Prune Shrubs * Mulching, Thatching Interlock Block * Fire Pits * Sitting Walls * Pillers Landscape Lighting * Design * Install * Repair * Night Illumination
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