Legislature Sends Final FY19 Budget to Governor Baker

Submitted on behalf of Senator Michael Barrett and Representative Ken Gordon

Senator Michael Barrett (D-Lexington) and Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford) joined their colleagues in the Legislature to send a final version of the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) budget to the Governor on Wednesday following a conference committee report submitted on Wednesday morning. In addition to funding important programs and services throughout the Commonwealth, the House FY19 budget included important local aid and Chapter 70 Education funding increases for the Town of Bedford, as well as $517,000 for the education of the children of military families who live at Hanscom Air Force Base.

Bedford received $4,832,310, a $207,668 increase over FY18.  Shawsheen Valley Technical High School, which educates Bedford students, received $6,431,361, a $40,110 increase over FY18.  In addition, Bedford received $1,186,907, a $40,137 increase over FY18.

“I’m delighted that the Commonwealth has maintained its commitment to Bedford’s residents,” said Gordon.  “This budget shows a continued commitment to our state’s priorities and to our cities and towns.”

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For the fifth consecutive year, the legislature will contribute to the expenses of the education of students who attend Bedford High School and live at Hanscom.  The expenses for these students are not otherwise covered by town taxes.  The budget item was a priority for Sen. Barrett, who made sure the commitment was reflected in the Senate budget, and to Rep. Gordon, who filed a successful amendment to the House budget to add the funding.  The line item also appears in the governor’s budget, giving the legislators a reason for confidence that it will remain in the FY19 budget.

“In properly reimbursing Bedford for educating the children who live on base,” Senator Barrett said, “the Legislature is acknowledging and strengthening the connection between local public education and military families.  We should do no less”.

“I am thrilled that funds were included in the FY19 budget to support so that Bedford can continue to provide a fantastic education to our military students, without the town residents bearing the full financial impact,” said Rep. Gordon.

The FY19 Budget now goes before Governor Baker for his consideration.

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