Plymouth Reps. Announce Additional Funds for Plymouth

April 28th, 2006 - Boston - Representative Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth) and Rep. Thomas O’Brien (D-Kingston) are pleased to announce Plymouth has received a final figure of $18,186,582 in Chapter 70 education funds up from last years total of $16,749,443. In addition to the $1,437,139 in extra Chapter 70 aid Plymouth will receive, they will also get $4,792,155 in Lottery aid which is a $936,115 increase from FY06.

The House budget included over $170 million in additional Chapter 70 funding. These monies will allow school districts in the Commonwealth to maintain spending at or above the foundation level.

“My number one priority in this budget was to fight to increase the Chapter 70 education funding.” said Representative deMacedo. “I am pleased that we in the Legislature were able to successfully increase Chapter 70 funding for Plymouth and bring our numbers closer to where we were in FY02. I am also happy that we were able to lift the Lottery Cap which combined with the increase in Chapter 70 funds mean that Plymouth will receive a total of $2.4 million dollars more than later fiscal year.”

"It was clear from our talks with Plymouth's elected and appointed officials that increased Chapter 70 funds were crucial to the administration of the school system and the town," noted O'Brien. "And, as a staunch advocate of public schools, an increase in Chapter 70 funds was also one of my top budget priorities. Therefore, it is enormously gratifying to report that this year we were able to secure a $1.43 million increase in education aid for the town. I know that these funds will go along way toward ensuring the continued success of the Plymouth school system and excellent opportunities for Plymouth's young people."

Both Representatives were pleased with the work of the whole House in this year’s budget debate and glad that such a strong bi-partisan effort was rewarded with additional Lottery money and Chapter 70 statewide.