Representative James Arena-DeRosa Supports
$58 billion FY25 State Budget
BOSTON – Representative James Arena-DeRosa of the 8th Middlesex District (Holliston, Hopkinton, Sherborn, and precincts two and three of Millis), voted in favor of the state’s $58 billion-dollar budget, which passed the legislature on July 19th. The final FY25 budget, which reconciled differences between earlier House and Senate versions, focused on reducing costs for Bay Staters in an effort to make Massachusetts more competitive, affordable, and sustainable.
“This budget is a fiscally responsible approach to investing in key areas such as food security, education, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and workforce development” said Representative Arena-DeRosa. “Renewing universal school meals and the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grants, as well as making community college and regional busses free for all Bay Staters are targeted investments that will help support the families and workforce of Massachusetts.”
Representative Arena-DeRosa was particularly proud to support initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity. “I was thrilled to see the Hunger-Free Campus program receive $500,000 and want to thank Representative Andy Vargas and Senator Joan Lovely for their tireless work in helping this high-need population. I was also happy to see the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program funded at $15 million and the renewal of universal school meals, which both represent a continued commitment by this legislature to combating hunger in Massachusetts.”
Representative Arena-DeRosa also successfully advocated for $50,000 for the study of options for a new Senior Center in Millis, and $25,000 for updates to the lighting and security features of the Woodhaven Elderly Housing in Sherborn.
Representative Arena-DeRosa was also thankful to Senate President Karen Spilka for her advocacy for two local initiatives he had also advocated for in the House debate, and that were included in the final version of the budget. This included $50,000 for cultural proficiency programs in Hopkinton public schools and $75,000 Project Just Because, a regional food bank and essential resource provider.
Local school districts benefited greatly from the increased Chapter 70 funding in this budget, with the minimum per pupil aid increasing from $30 to $104. In total over $28 million in Chapter 70 funding was secured for schools in the 8th Middlesex District and $4.4 million in unrestricted general government aid was secured for local town services.
Representative Arena-DeRosa also thanked the entire legislative delegation of the towns of the 8th Middlesex District, which includes Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Becca Rausch, and Representative Marcus Vaughn. “It takes a team of legislators, municipal officials, and local advocates to successfully support the needs of our towns. I am proud to work alongside these dedicated officials who ensure we are well equipped to advocate for the interests of our communities on Beacon Hill”. He also thanked the Speaker of the House Ron Mariano, Chair of House Ways and Means Aaron Michlewitz, and all of the staff who worked on the FY25 budget.
Please contact jeffrey.meyers@mahouse.gov with any questions.
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