[Massachusetts-NFB] FY24 Budget Update

[Massachusetts Commission for the Blind]

A Message From Acting Commissioner John Oliveira  FY24 Budget Update Dear MCB Community Partners and Stakeholders, Without a full-year budget, Massachusetts began fiscal 2024 on July 1 with a $6.66 billion interim budget in place. The spending plan, which Governor Maura Healey recommended, is intended to maintain state operations through July as conference committee talks continue. In May, the Senate passed a budget proposal which is $2.45M more than the Governor's proposal and the House’s proposal which fund MCB at $27.1M. The Senate’s proposal included two earmarks: $1.1M for the Massachusetts Audio Information Network affiliates and $1.1M for independent living, including $500,000 for The Carroll Center for the Blind and $300,000 for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The Senate also passed a $250,000 amendment filed by Senator Cynthia Creem for MCB to hire additional social workers, rehabilitation teachers, and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS). The conference committee will report a final compromise bill to the House and Senate for a final vote of acceptance in each branch. Following any legislative overrides to the Governor's actions, the budget will be finalized and referred to as the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY24. We anticipate the Governor to sign the FY24 budget by the end of the month. Thank you for your continued support of our mission at MCB to provide access to employment opportunities and social rehabilitation with the goal of increasing independence and full community participation. We are pleased to be in a positive financial position and are optimistic for FY24. Sincerely, John Oliveira Acting Commissioner Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Website ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Massachusetts Commission for the Blind | 600 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111 Unsubscribe massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by mcbinfo at mass.gov
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