Table of Contents
State Sen. Jason Lewis and Pat Jehlen and state Rep. Michael Day and Michelle Ciccolo are pleased to announce Winchester is receiving $250,249 in state funding for local transportation and infrastructure improvements.
This funding comes from the revenue generated by the new Fair Share Amendment that the state began receiving this year.
In November 2022, Massachusetts voters approved the Fair Share Amendment. Households with annual income exceeding $1 million now pay an additional 4% state income tax on the portion of their income above $1 million. The state may only use this new revenue for education and transportation projects.
As part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget passed this summer, the Legislature appropriated $100 million of Fair Share Amendment revenue for local transportation improvements. This builds upon the annual allocation of $200 million in Chapter 90 funds that the state provides to cities and towns, effectively representing a 50% increase in this vital funding source for local transportation and infrastructure improvements.
“I’m very pleased that Winchester will be receiving these funds from the state to improve roads, sidewalks, intersections, and other critical local infrastructure,” said Lewis. "I was proud to help lead the effort to pass the Fair Share Amendment and it is gratifying to see this new revenue being put to such good use for our communities.”
“This extra funding is important to Winchester and will provide our Public Works Department with more resources as they continue to improve our roads and infrastructure," said Day. "I will continue to work closely with my colleagues, both in the Legislature and in our town offices, to appropriate monies needed to keep our roads and bridges safe."
"I am so happy to see Winchester receive these funds for important improvements in critical road infrastructure," added Jehlen. "Revenue from the fair share amendment is critical to invest in our communities and we could not advance funds like this without it. Thanks to all who advocated and voted for the amendment!"
"The Fair Share Amendment was a critical first step in addressing our budgetary needs in transportation and education and I am thrilled to see these funds being used to better our communities in tangible ways which will have a direct impact on residents,” said Ciccolo. “I am very glad that Winchester is able to receive these funds and make these necessary improvements."
In addition to this funding for local transportation improvements, the Fair Share Amendment revenue is also being used to provide universal free school meals (both breakfast and lunch) for all Massachusetts public K-12 students; significantly increase financial aid to low- and middle-income students attending Massachusetts public colleges and universities; invest in safety, reliability, and service improvements at the MBTA; and more.
