Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) Legislative Update
by Adrienne Núñez, MMA Legislative Analyst – ANunez@mma.org
Hello MHA members!
I’m writing this on a cool autumn day, enjoying the last of the dazzling fall foliage from my office in western Massachusetts. I hope each of you are well and warm as winter inches closer and we look to a new year and new legislative session!
The past few months have remained busy at the state house. Despite the legislature’s best efforts, many priority bills were left on the table at the close of the formal legislative session this year (July 31). However, the 193rd General Court does not come to an official close until the end of the calendar year and legislators are making full use of the informal session that typically sees limited legislative action (August – December). Much has been accomplished in this session and more is still to come.
A $57.8 billion budget was approved for fiscal 2025. Included is a 3% increase in Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) over FY24. Also, schools will receive an increase to Chapter 70 minimum aid from $30 per pupil in FY24 to $104 per pupil this year. The budget also established a disaster relief fund to aid municipalities impacted by extreme weather events.
In transportation funding, the FY25 budget will provide a $45 million supplemental investment in the Chapter 90 program. This support will be distributed based on the Chapter 90 formula and is funded through surtax revenues that must be used for education or transportation. Although less than was provided in FY24 ($100m), we appreciate that the legislature and governor remain committed to supporting cities and towns in maintaining local roads and bridges.
In addition to the FY25 budget, this year’s transportation bond bill also included additional aid for cities and towns. The FY25 transportation bond bill moved swiftly through the legislative process, authorizing $200 million for the Chapter 90 program. This is consistent with what we have seen authorized for Chapter 90 for the past 12 years. Also included in the bond bill were $25 million authorizations for 7 transportation-related accounts including the Municipal Pavement Program, the Small Bridge Program, Complete Streets, two accounts intended to fund grants for transit access and infrastructure, one account to support municipal and RTA fleet electrification, and a reauthorization of the Rural Roadway Funding Program.
The Rural Roadway program provides supplemental funding to the Chapter 90 account through a formula that favors rural communities. We are delighted to see the reauthorization of the Rural Roadway Funding Program. However, MassDOT has indicated that the funding will be distributed through $5 million disbursements over the course of 5 years. We would like to see this funding delivered in its entirety in FY25 as was provided in FY24 and we will continue to advocate for such action.
2024 MHA Scholarship winners announced
The Massachusetts Highway Association Trust Fund Trustees are pleased to announce the winners of college scholarships for Massachusetts Highway Association members and the children or grandchildren of MHA members.
The Massachusetts Highway Association awarded 36 scholarships in 2024. We were able to honor these hard-working students in person at our Annual Meeting. The MHA Trustees did their work to evaluate all of the applicants and recommend the awards to the following students:
Marissa Borgesi, Jennifer, Bouchard, Emma Breen, Anthony Breen, Vivian Burr, Dillon Burr, Amelia Cantoreggi, Carlson Cantoreggi, Madison Carreiro, Tyler Charpentier, Joshua Colby, Elizabeth Collins, Abigail Colson, Connor Crane, Adrianna Crisafulli, Joseph Deluca, Lois Divoll, Ryan Field, Yvonne Haines, Benjamin Haines, Haden Hale, Ava Hale, Siri Hale, Tyler Halnon, Ella Hanlon, Hannah Johnson, Richard Kelly. James Langley, Alexandra Lavenia, Hailey Magaldi, Meagan McGonagle, Tyler Nason, Danica Poirier, Cameron Shave, Jenna Stencel, Emily Woodsmall
Scholarship Criteria:
Members as well as children and grandchildren of active, life, and associate members of the MHA may be eligible. Members who have belonged to the MHA for a minimum of three (3) consecutive years prior to the closing date for scholarship applications and who are in good standing with the MHA shall be eligible to file applications for scholarships. Members having the same aforementioned eligibility may sponsor their children and / or grandchildren for a scholarship during the application process.
Additionally, applicants shall be enrolled at either a four-year or a two-year accredited degree granting college or graduate school.
The scholarship award program is under the direction of the Massachusetts Highway Association Trust Fund Trustees who are responsible for screening the applicants to determine their eligibility. The Trustees establish the total amount of money to be awarded for scholarships for each yearly period and shall set the amount that may be awarded to each applicant.
Click here to learn more.
MHA Annual Meeting 2024
The MHA Annual Meeting was held on May 2nd at the Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton. The event was well attended with many members on hand for the excellent program and Scholarship and Awards presentations.
New officers elected were:
President – Scott Crisafulli, Milford;
1st Vice President – Roby Whitehouse, Yarmouth;
2nd Vice President – Robert Colson, West Springfield.
Representing Berkshire County – Jamie Boyer, West Stockbridge. President Crisafulli appointed Jennifer Tetreault-Mannarino from HazCommpliance as the new Vendor Director to replace the three-year term of Jason Page from ATG.
Appointed in June to fill Director vacancies representing NBM – James McGonagle, Newton; and Tri-County – Allison McMordie, Westfield.
Awards were presented to the following recipients: The Grainger Award to Sean Divoll, Worcester Water and Sewer; The John Kiley Award to Catherine Schoenenberger of Stay Safe Traffic Products; and the Recognition Award to Curt Wilton, West Stockbridge DPW Director, and Jason Page of Advantage Truck Group (ATG).