BOSTON — The final version of the Massachusetts state legislature’s budget for fiscal year 2022 includes investments in Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Nahant, Saugus, Swampscott and other local communities, among statewide investments.
The $48.07 billion balanced budget passed the state Senate last Friday and was submitted to Gov. Charlie Baker for approval.
“I was proud to vote for this budget, which provides critical funding and support for those who were hit especially hard by the pandemic,” said state Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn). “This budget makes major investments in housing, mental health, education and workforce training among many other crucial areas.”
In Lynn, budget items include $90,000 for the New American Association of Massachusetts, which provides resources to refugees and immigrants on the North Shore; $250,000 for Roca, which offers services for young parents experiencing trauma, violence and incarceration; $100,000 for Lynn Community Health Center’s Recuperative Care Center; and $175,000 for Self Esteem Boston, a nonprofit that helps women in Lynn facing homelessness, domestic violence and addiction successfully move forward with their lives.
“This budget will bring historic funding levels to the City of Lynn in the areas of public education, housing and social services,” said state Rep. Daniel Cahill (D-Lynn). “As we emerge from the impacts of COVID-19, it is imperative we provide the residents and businesses of Lynn with the necessary tools to get back on their feet, which this budget supports.”
The budget also includes $55,000 for maintenance of Red Rock Park, $20,000 for maintenance and removal of invasive pond vegetation in the city, $30,000 for Lynn Main Streets, $75,000 for the E-Team Machinist Training Program, $150,000 for the Lynn Police Department’s behavioral health unit, $150,000 for the water and sewer commission and $50,000 for the removal of algae from King’s Beach.
The algae removal is part of a $900,000 budget line for the metropolitan beaches in Lynn, Nahant, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy and Hull to be maintained and seasonally staffed.
In Lynnfield, the budget provides $50,000 for the construction of a veterans’ war memorial and $50,000 for improvements to the town common.
“Senator Crighton and I had advocated for these two projects on Lynnfield’s behalf, and I’m pleased we were able to work together to ensure that they were both retained in the final spending bill,” said House Minority Leader Bradley Jones, who represents the town.
Swampscott received $100,000 for the creation of a racial equity municipal action plan, as well as $50,000 for projects outlined in the town’s harbor and waterfront plan.
“I have been happy to support local leaders with $100,000 for a Racial Equity Municipal Action Plan to begin a dialogue on ensuring that best practices, tools and resources are utilized to help build and sustain a community of inclusiveness,” said state Rep. Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead).
In Saugus, budget lines include $25,000 for an animal control vehicle, as well as $89,950 and $75,000 for the police and fire departments, respectively, to purchase portable radios.
Investments in Nahant include $10,000 to fund the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall that Heals, $50,000 for municipal fiber optic network improvements and $25,000 for communications network improvements.
Marblehead received $50,000 for facility updates and improvements and $50,000 for renovations to the public restrooms and surrounding property at the State Street landing.
“I am very pleased the legislature came together to pass a budget that will make investments into healthcare, education and infrastructure while continuing to support working families and vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth,” said state Rep. Peter Capano (D-Lynn).
