By Bob Katzen

The House 151-4, approved a consolidated amendment adding $46.2 in education funding to the $1.3 billion supplemental budget. Much of the funding was for education projects and programs proposed by individual representatives for their local districts.

“This consolidated amendment provides critical funding for a variety of education-related programs and projects at both the state and municipal levels, including $15 million to assist communities with regional school transportation costs,” said Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “These initiatives are funded with excess … surtax revenues, which is in keeping with the will of the voters to use this money to supplement spending for education and transportation-related initiatives.”

Amendment opponents said that the amendment was full of pork barrel spending proposed by representatives for projects in their own district. They noted that the money should be used for education projects for all cities and towns, including fully funding special education costs for all the cities and towns in the state.

(A “Yes” vote is for the $46.2 million. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes