(Boston, MA) Governor Healey’s $734 million supplemental budget was filed Friday and includes an extension of the universal free school meal program through the 2023-2024 school year.
“In our Supplemental Budget, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and I are proposing additional investments that will move us forward on our goals of increasing affordability, competitiveness and equity in Massachusetts,” said Governor Healey. “The universal school meals program has proven to be a success in expanding access to nutritious meals for all students, and it’s essential that we keep it running and evaluate our options for the future. We also know that workforce shortages are fueling the serious service issues at the MBTA, which is why we are proposing dedicated funding for hiring and retention. And this funding will play a key role in supporting our efforts to tackle the climate crisis and make Massachusetts a global leader in the clean energy economy.”
The extension of the state-funded school meal program would cost an additional $171 million. Previously, the Healey-Driscll Administration requested additional funding to continue this program through the end of the current school year.
“This supplemental budget will provide the funding needed to make sure critical programs that Massachusetts residents rely on are continued and expanded,” saidLieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We look forward to working with our partners in the Legislature to advance universal school meals, clean energy and technology, and hiring at the MBTA, as well as ensure we are adequately supporting our health care workforce as the COVID-19 public health emergency comes to an end.”
Also included in the $734 million supplemental budget request is $75 million to offset “extraditionary increases” in tuition costs for special education programs and $60 million to support staffing at the Department of Transitional Assistance. To read the full supplemental budget request visit this page.