Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford) and Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington) announced today that an agreement between the Legislature and the Governor will ensure increases to local aid and Chapter 70 education funding in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. The agreement will allow cities and towns to avoid significant budget cuts despite the uncertain conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the new agreement, Bedford will receive the following:
Chapter 70 Education Funding (including Federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief grants and Coronavirus Relief Funds)
- Bedford Public School District: $6,250,524, an increase of $655,357 over FY20
- Shawsheen Valley Regional School District: $6,845,246, an increase of $374,735 over FY20
Bedford Unrestricted General Government Aid (Local Aid): $1,218,953
“I’m proud of the commitment this agreement makes to our cities and towns during this uncertain time,” said Representative Gordon. “Now more than ever, it is critical that our cities and towns have the resources they need to continue the services our residents rely on and provide the best possible education for our students”.
“This agreement comes at a time when towns are having to overcome new challenges seemingly every week,” said Senator Barrett. “I’m glad we were able to provide a measure of certainty when so much is still up in the air.”
The agreement provides for funding of unrestricted general government aid (UGGA) at no less than the amount provided in FY20. Also included is an inflation and enrollment increase for Chapter 70 education funding.
Finally, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will distribute emergency resources appropriated by the federal government to help each school district meet the challenges brought on by COVID-19.
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