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State budget signed at $63 billion without new taxes or vetoes
Officials approved a $63 billion spending plan that increases outlays by 4 percent from the prior year. The measure adds new laws on school funding and sexual assault protections while leaving tax and fee rates unchanged.
Jul 9, 3:26 PM·1m read1 source
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Officials signed a $63 billion state budget on Thursday that raises spending 4 percent above the amount approved a year earlier. The plan covers the fiscal year that began more than a week ago and contains no new taxes or fees. The measure creates a panel to review local school funding formulas and eliminates the statute of limitations for rape kits containing DNA evidence.
It also makes it illegal for mandated reporters such as teachers, coaches, or police officers to have sex with 16- or 17-year-olds.
Additional policy provisions The budget establishes a program to address wrong-way driving incidents and extends an affordable health care pilot through 2027. It sustains coverage for HIV prevention medication and extends a commission examining a rehabilitation hospital for children into 2027.
In response to a deadly fire at an assisted living facility last year, the plan allocates $500,000 for safety upgrades at similar facilities statewide. It also replaces $36 million in federal food assistance cuts and adds $4 million for English-language learners.
Spending allocations The plan directs roughly $300 million more in Chapter 70 aid to local schools and $40 million more in direct local aid to cities and towns. It includes $465 million in direct aid to the MBTA on top of $595 million provided in a separate spring bill.
A temporary spending measure passed last month is set to run through the end of July if needed. The state has now passed its budget late for 16 consecutive years.
