Legislature Passes Balanced FY2022 Budget

BOSTON – Representative David P. Linsky (D-Natick), along with his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature today passed its Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget, which invests in programs and services across the Commonwealth. Funded at $50.061 billion, the budget aims to address transportation, housing, energy and environmental affairs. The budget also targets economic development in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“I was proud to join my colleagues in the Legislature in passing a comprehensive budget that provides recovery aid to people and businesses who were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic” said Representative Linsky. “I am also happy to report that the Legislature was able to avoid cuts to the budget and even increase local aid for our communities. Natick, Sherborn and Millis will each receive significant increases in funding.”

The Legislature continues to further its commitment to cities and towns by investing $1.168 billion in Local Aid. Continuing the Legislature's support of targeted investments in education, this budget provides $5.503 billion in Chapter 70 education funding, an increase of $2.2 million over Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21).

Representative Linsky secured items for the Fifth Middlesex District:

Chapter 70 Education Funding:

• Dover-Sherborn Regional Schools received $2,413,514, an increase of $50,500.
• Sherborn received $726,817, an increase of $11,610.
• Natick received $10,362,782, an increase of $158,100.

• Millis received $4,862,842, an increase of $31,530.

Local Aid Funding:

• Sherborn received $238,063, an increase of $8,050.
• Natick received $4,188,053, an increase of $141,625.
• Millis received $1,150,669, an increase of $38.912.

Other Fifth Middlesex Funding:

• $30,000 for the Veterans Oral History Project at the Morse Institute Library in Natick, which Rep. Linsky has supported for many years;
• $100,000 to the Natick Community Organic Farm, for the rebuilding of its barn which was destroyed in a fire this year;
• $25,000 for the Natick 180 Coalition in the town of Natick which supports families suffering from drug abuse;
• $350,000 for grants to communities in the Metrowest region, including Natick to address mental health needs in schools;

• $5,000 for Natick is United, Inc. for operating expenses and event planning to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in Natick;
• $64,000 to the town of Millis for a new fire alarm system for the Veterans Memorial Building;
• $52,000 to the Millis public schools for purchase of a transportation vehicle for special education programs;
• $60,000 to the town of Millis for the purchase of a vehicle to provide transportation for seniors in Millis.

Having been passed by the House and Senate, the legislation now goes to Governor Baker for his signature.

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