Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4935

Introduced

7/29/24

Caption

So much of the message from Her Excellency the Governor returning the General Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2025 (see House, No. 4800) as relates to Attachments B and C, for items returned with disapproval of wording under the provisions of Section 5 of Article LXIII and sections returned with recommendations of amendments under the provisions of Article LVI of the Amendments to the Constitution (House, No. 4935). July 29, 2024

Impact

The enactment of H4935 will greatly affect various state laws and programs, particularly in education where it fully supports the implementation of the Student Opportunity Act. The budget includes substantial allocations for K-12 education, early education, and higher education scholarships, which aim to enhance educational access and quality. Moreover, it provides significant funding for affordable housing initiatives and emergency assistance programs, reflecting the administration's emphasis on social equity and community welfare.

Summary

House Bill H4935 is a comprehensive measure focusing on the General Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2025, totaling $57.78 billion. It outlines significant investments in key areas such as education, transportation, and health services while aiming to ensure fiscal responsibility amid post-COVID economic recovery. The bill represents a 3.1 percent increase over the previous fiscal year and incorporates $1.3 billion from the surtax revenue, demonstrating a commitment to aligning state spending with inflation rates and community needs.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding H4935 lies in the balance between fiscal prudence and the need for robust social investments. The administration has proposed withholding approximately $317 million in spending across various items to maintain a balanced budget, which some advocates argue could hinder crucial public services. Critics express concern regarding the potential negative impact these cuts could have on vulnerable populations, particularly in areas like child care and housing assistance. This tension illustrates the ongoing debate in Massachusetts about how best to allocate resources while ensuring equitable outcomes.

Notable_points

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for environmental protection, dedicating a portion of the budget towards disaster relief and resilience programs in response to climate change. It aims to support community endeavors and improve infrastructure which has been affected by recent climate-related events. The proposal to make community college free for all students stands out as a progressive initiative aimed at expanding educational opportunities and workforce development, reinforcing the state's goals of economic growth and competitiveness.

Latest H4935 Activity

Companion Bills

MA S2482

Similar To To provide for competitiveness and infrastructure investment in Massachusetts

MA H4459

Similar To Relative to strengthening Massachusetts' economic leadership

MA H4636

Similar To Providing for the terms of certain bonds to be issued by the Commonwealth

MA H4759

Similar To Authorizing the town of Weston to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises

MA H4789

Similar To Relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership

MA H4800

Replaced by Making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements

Previously Filed As

MA H4250

So much of the message from Her Excellency the Governor returning the General Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2026 (see House, No. 4240) as relates to Attachments B and C, for items returned with disapproval of wording under the provisions of Section 5 of Article LXIII and sections returned with recommendations of amendments under the provisions of Article LVI of the Amendments to the Constitution (House, No. 4250). July 4, 2025

MA H4055

So much of the message from Her Excellency the Governor returning the General Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2024 (see House, No. 4040) as relates to Attachments A through G, for items returned with disapproval of wording under the provisions of Section 5 of Article LXIII and sections returned with recommendations of amendments under the provisions of Article LVI of the Amendments to the Constitution (House, No. 4055). August 9, 2023

MA H5112

Message from Her Excellency the Governor returning with recommendation of amendment of sections 221, 222 and 223 of the engrossed Bill relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership (House, No. 5100)

MA H4386

Message from the Governor — Bill Returned with Recommendation of Amendment

MA S5

Message from Her Excellency the Governor relative to the general concerns of the Commonwealth

MA HB7

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (Items #1, 2, 7, and 14) (EN DECREASE RV See Note)

MA HB2024

Budget Bill, making appropriations of public money out of the treasury in accordance with section fifty-one, article six of the Constitution

MA HB4023

Budget Bill, making appropriations of public money out of the treasury in accordance with section fifty-one, article six of the Constitution

MA S2378

Majority Report on the Governor’s Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 2023 (submitted by the Governor under the provisions of Article LXXXVII of the Amendments to the Constitution) relative to creating the executive office of housing and livable communities and to rename the Executive Office of Economic Development (House, No. 43)

MA HB472

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (OR -$139,000,000 GF RV See Note)