Healey Administration Signs FY24 Budget into Law

Last week, the Healey Administration signed into law the budget passed by the legislature. The final budget has many changes to early education and care as well as funding for more school meals for all students. Here are some of the major line items we highlight in the final budget.

ASOST Grant 

The Afterschool and Out-of-School Time (ASOST) grant was funded at $10.9 million, a small increase over last year. The ASOST grant funds quality improvements and access to afterschool programs. It is the dedicated state funding line item for afterschool programs.  

Reimbursement Rates 

The state funded several line items to increase overall rate reserve for the next fiscal year. These reserves will go towards increases in rates paid to programs that serve subsidized students. The state funded an additional $20 million from line item in the general reserve line item (3000-1042), $25 million from the Fair Share Fund (line item 1596-2434), and another $25 million from FY23 EEC caseload reversion (stated as “unexpected funds from FY23 line items 3000-3060 and 3000-4060.) In all, this amounts to $70 million in new reimbursement funds for FY24. 

C3 Grants 

The new budget includes $475 million to child care providers through the C3 grant, the state funded the C3 line item (3000-1045). This grant is a continuation of the federal funds received in FY21 and FY22 to stabilize the child care fields.  

Universal Free School Meals Program 

Massachusetts joins in becoming another state to offer universal free school lunch! Many after school and summer learning programs act as sites for children and youth to access nutritious meals and snack options. With this provision approved, it’ll help alleviate the food burden costs on families and ensure all children and youth have access to healthy meals during afterschool, and during the school day.