(The Center Square) – Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has filed $56.1 billion in budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025, emphasizing education and infrastructure.
The governor said the budget “responsibly controls spending growth,” while critics dub it “irresponsible.”
“Our Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal is balanced, responsible and forward-looking,” said Healey. “It protects taxpayer dollars while making crucial investments to lower costs for people and improve quality of life.”
In addition to spending, Healey says the budget will also aid the next phase of the tax cuts her administration enacted last year.
The budget proposal includes a $1.3 billion investment in revenue generated through the Fair Share surtax, which will support “transformative” investments in education and transportation. This includes her administration’s plan to expand access to pre-K education.
The proposed budget also includes $474 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children grant program, supports universal school meals and continues to fund the MassReconnect program, which provides “no-cost” community college for students 25 and older.