A little late, but better late than never. Governor Maura Healey signed the state’s budget for Fiscal Year 2025 on July 29 (the fiscal year began on July 1). Let’s look at what this $57.78 billion dollar budget will mean for Lexington. 

Education: 

In a major move for post-secondary education, the budget funds MassEducate, which will eliminate the cost to attend community college, extending the reach of MassReConnect, which made community college free for those over 25 years old.

Of this funding for free community college, Sen. Michael Barrett, who represents Lexington, says it’s “a game changer for a lot of families and young people… one of the most exciting things in the Legislature in recent years.”

Funding for public K-12 education in Massachusetts is up 4% over 2024. To achieve this, more than half of the Fair Share surtax of 4% of income over $1 million is directed to education. Another new funding source is online Massachusetts Lottery games, projected by local legislators to be $100 million in 2025. 

Investment in early education is also a real focus. The budget includes $65 million to increase pay rates for early childhood educators and care providers. There is also an expansion of funding for universal pre-kindergarten. 

Governor Maura Healey advocated for Literacy Launch, a five-year reading instruction initiative to assist students age 3 through third grade using “evidence-based” approaches, including phonics. The program will receive $20 million statewide. Literacy is a hot issue — a recent Boston Globe article highlights  students’ struggle with learning to read, including a case in Lexington Public Schools where dyslexia wasn’t diagnosed until 5th grade. 

Lexington Public Schools will receive $18,321,635 in Chapter 70 funding, the main form of state aid to public schools. Minuteman High School, which serves nine communities including Lexington, will receive $3,046,779. 

Economic Development: 

The state also touts efforts in the budget to make Massachusetts more affordable and to foster a strong employer base, investing $1.15 billion in housing, including rental assistance and emergency shelter. 

As reported this spring, the closing of MCI-Concord prison saves the state $16 million and the site is open for redevelopment. 

To alleviate the housing shortage, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are now legal across the state regardless of zoning.

Transportation: 

The budget allocates $250 million for the Commonwealth Transportation Fund to leverage over $1 billion in borrowing over the next 5 years to invest in infrastructure. $127 million is allocated to doubling operating support for the MBTA. 

Health/Human Services: 

The largest allocation was for MassHealth, at over $20 billion. 

$2.9 billion supports services for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. 

$622 million is allocated to the Department of Mental Health for adult support services. 

$625 million supports nursing facilities for Medicaid patients, including $40 million in additional pay for the nursing facility workforce. 

Of note: You can now have an “X” on your birth certificate or driver’s license to identify as non-binary. 

Climate:

The 2025 budget includes $555 million to fund the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The state House and Senate failed to reach an agreement on a separate major climate bill before the end of the legislative session.

Local funding for Lexington

In a press release from state legislators representing Lexington, Senators Cindy Friedman and Mike Barrett, and Representatives Michelle Ciccolo and Ken Gordon, report Lexington local funding includes: 

  • $1.5 million for a pilot program for Middlesex Community Restoration Center, which seeks to find solutions for people who have mental health issues or substance abuse issues when they encounter law enforcement. 
  • $100K for Food Link, based in Arlington, to address food security in Arlington, Lexington and surrounding towns. 
  • $37,500 for LexSeeHer, Inc. for the monument and community education.
  • $25,000 for purchasing and installation of dishwashers at Harrington Elementary School and Fiske Elementary School.

Rep. Michelle Ciccolo noted, “I was so proud to secure two earmarks for Lexington in the FY25 Budget! These funds will greatly support the ability of SNAP, Inc. to serve more members of our community and will enable LPS (Lexington Public Schools) to pursue grant funding to make our schools more environmentally friendly and less wasteful.”

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