Politics & Government

Sen. Lewis Announces FY15 State Budget Successes Chapter 70

Sen. Lewis also secured $250,000 for the Mass in Motion program.

Education Foundation Budget Review Commission an Important Step toward More Adequate and Equitable Funding BOSTON – With the Massachusetts Legislature having overwhelmingly passed the state budget for the 2015 fiscal year, State Senator Jason Lewis is proud to announce a number of successes.
Senator Lewis played a lead role in achieving one of his top priorities for the budget: inclusion of the proposal for a Chapter 70 Education Foundation Budget Review Commission, which will enable a careful and thorough examination of current educational needs and best practices, an important step toward achieving more adequate and equitable funding for our public schools.

“In recent years, strong fiscal management and consistently on-time and balanced budgets have led to one of the largest rainy day funds in the nation and the highest bond rating in our Commonwealth’s history,” said Senator Lewis. “I’m pleased that this budget continues on that path. I’m also pleased that provisions I championed, including strengthening our Chapter 70 education aid through the Foundation Budget Review Commission, were included in the budget.”

Sen. Lewis also secured $250,000 for the Mass in Motion program that promotes opportunities for healthier eating and more active living in our communities, strengthening our public health. Currently, Malden, Melrose, and Wakefield are Mass in Motion communities.

“The Mass in Motion program has been an invaluable resource for communities seeking to affect positive change regarding choices residents make to eat, feel, and live healthier,” said Kara Showers, Mass in Motion Grant Coordinator and Wake-Up Youth Coordinator for the City of Melrose & Town of Wakefield Health Departments. “We thank Senator Lewis for his forward-thinking leadership in securing these important public health resources. Together we can make the healthy choice the easy choice!”

Further, Senator Lewis helped achieve a $3.9 million appropriation for Zoo New England, the non-profit that operates Stoneham’s Stone Zoo. John Linehan, President and CEO of Zoo New England, said, “Senator Lewis has worked tirelessly in both the House and the Senate to advance the Zoos. We are incredibly grateful to him for all of his support, and for recognizing the value that the Zoos bring to community and the Commonwealth.” Now that the Legislature has passed the FY15 budget, it moves to Governor Deval Patrick’s desk for his signature.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here