Keenan amendments include funds for local programs & providing naloxone at Red Line stations 

For Immediate Release: 5-26-23 

Contact: Peter Jasinski | peter.jasinski@masenate.gov 

BOSTON – The Senate voted May 25 to approve a $55.8 billion FY24 budget, which included 12 amendments filed by Senator John F. Keenan to provide crucial funding to initiatives and programs in each of the six communities of the Norfolk & Plymouth District, as well as resources impacting the region and the Commonwealth. 

“While continuing to prioritize funding improvements to education, health care, transportation and housing, I am pleased that the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes some unique provisions that reflect a year of conversations with constituents, advocates, and other concerned citizens who shared with me their hopes for a better Massachusetts and their suggestions for how to accomplish that,” said Sen. Keenan. 

The budget reflects substantial increases in local funding over the FY23 budget, both in unrestricted general government aid (UGGA) and funding for public schools (Chapter 70). In total, the FY24 budget approved by the Senate allocates a total of $39.4 million in UGGA and $116.8 million in Chapter 70 funding for the Norfolk & Plymouth District. 

“I am pleased that this budget makes major investments that will both help municipalities address pressing local needs and continue to strengthen our schools,” said Sen. Keenan. 

Many of the budget amendments filed by Sen. Keenan reflect projects and programs within the district that need additional funding, including $50,000 to help increase patient access at Quincy’s Manet Community Health Center. The City of Quincy will also benefit from a $50,000 line item to upgrade the Quincy Fire Department’s emergency communications equipment. Sen. Keenan was also able to secure an additional support for the Quincy Multicultural Festival with an amendment for $5,000. 

Quincy, Milton and Dorchester will benefit from a $100,000 investment in the Neponset River Watershed to help with costs associated with preserving the river’s estuary and protecting its native marine life. 

Other community-specific projects include $11,000 for new early-learning computers at the Holbrook Public Library and $80,000 for the VFW Drive and Weymouth Street corridor improvement project in Rockland. 

Regionally, Sen. Keenan filed an amendment providing $115,000 for elder care services in the communities of Abington, Braintree, Hanover, Holbrook, and Rockland. Sen. Keenan also collaborated with Senators Michael Brady, Susan Moran, Patrick O’Connor, and Walter F. Timilty to secure $100,000 for Plymouth County Fire Chiefs Association to pay for emergency communications systems as well as mass casualty training. 

The Senate approved an amendment filed by Sen. Keenan requesting $95,000 to make naloxone readily available at all Red Line Stations, including those located in Quincy and Braintree. This life-saving medicine is used to resuscitate individuals in the event of an opioid overdose. 

Sen. Keenan also successfully advocated for increasing funding by $1 million for supportive housing for individuals in recovery as well as an additional $500,000 for the Commonwealth’s tobacco cessation program, which helps municipal boards of health enforce the flavored tobacco ban. 

Sen. Keenan also advocated for an additional $500,000 to augment the state’s resources for treating problem gambling. The money will also fund a study to examine the effects of compulsive gambling. 

Local Unrestricted General Government Aid and Chapter 70 funding:  

Abington 

  • UGGA: $2,351,673 
  • Chap. 70: $14,183,120 

Braintree 

  • UGGA: $6,840,770 
  • Chap. 70: $20,652,576 

Hanover 

  • UGGA: $2,532,409 
  • Chap. 70: $7,458,443  

Holbrook 

  • UGGA: $1,763,904 
  • Chap. 70: $10,881,907 

Quincy 

  • UGGA: $22,827,125 
  • Chap. 70: $45,107,807 

Rockland 

  • UGGA: $3,160,320 
  • Chap. 70: $18,537,536 

Now that the Senate and Massachusetts House of Representatives have passed their respective budget proposals, both branches will appoint a conference committee to reconcile the differences between the two budgets as the next step in getting a consensus budget to the Governor.