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Southbridge receives funds in FY 2007 Budget
June 30, 2006 – On the eve of the next fiscal year and a sunny Friday afternoon, Senator Moore and his colleagues passed a FY 2007 budget plan that gives the people of Southbridge a lot more to brighten up their holiday weekend. In addition to receiving money from the Project Bread- Walk for Hunger’s grant program, the town received funds from the state to strengthen important local programs and projects. “The town has worked very hard on improving the quality of life for their residents by providing meaningful programs,” said Moore. “I’m pleased that the conference report included several items that will allow the town to continue their efforts on addressing the needs of their citizens.” Among the budget priorities pertaining to Southbridge that were included in the conference report were: • Massachusetts Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs. $3,000,000 for matching grants to boys’ and girls’ clubs, YMCA and YWCA organizations, nonprofit community centers and youth development programs. • Family Health Services: $5,364,721 to family planning clinics, rape crisis centers and primary care services for women and children. These appropriations will help fund family health services in Southbridge and Milford. • Teen Pregnancy Prevention: $2,022,357 in total funding. The town of Southbridge will receive $50,000 for their teen pregnancy prevention services. • Violence and Hate Crimes Prevention Pilot Program: $150,000 for a pilot program Southbridge for preventing violence and hate crimes in Kindergarten though grade 8. • Registry of Motor Vehicles. Requires the RMV to operate a full-service branch in the towns of Southbridge and Milford. The final version of the budget now goes to the Governor for his consideration. In related announcement, the Southbridge Public Schools and the police department were awarded a total of $32,286 in the form of a Summer Food Service Program Incentive Grant from Project Bread-The Walk for Hunger. In a letter to Senator Moore, Ellen Parker, Executive Director of Project Bread noted that “this grant is part of our efforts to increase the flow of federal dollars into target communities like Southbridge by increasing participation in federally reimbursed food programs. Research shows that the most effective way to protect children from hunger is to ensure that healthy meals are available-without stigma-where children live, learn and play.” The Southbridge Public Schools were awarded $26,617 and the Southbridge Police Department will receive $5,669. For more information on the FY 2007 Senate budget, log onto Senator Moore’s website at www.senatormoore.com/budget |
