Westford's Legislators Vote Yes on Proposed $34 Billion State Budget

Westford’s legislators joined with the majority of their colleagues in approving a new $34 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2014, with the House voting 124-29 and the Senate 36-3 to approve the spending plan last week.

Both State Representative Jim Arciero (D-Westford) and State Senator Eileen Donoghue (D-Lowell) voted for the final version of the bill which left a joint committee of both chambers of legislature on June 30.

Voting occurred largely on party lines, such as was the case with nearby State Representative Sheila Harrington (R-Groton).

The proposed budget includes a $39 million increase in funding for the University of Massachusetts system meant to prevent a tuition hike for in-state students, $25 million more for early education and salary hikes for judges, $21 million in new unrestricted aid spending for cities and towns plus $110 million more for Chapter 70 assistance for public education.

Governor Patrick now has until July 10 to act on the bill, which is expected to have enough support to override a veto if needed.