Baker's Kindergarten Budget Cuts Restored

The Massachusetts House has restored nearly $17.6 million in grants for expansion of kindergarten programs that were vetoed from the state budget by Gov. Charlie Baker.

The 155-0 override vote on Wednesday was the first of dozens expected to be taken by the Democratic-controlled Legislature on line-item vetoes the Republican governor announced when he signed the $38.1 billion spending plan earlier this month.

House leaders said earlier in the day that they hoped to restore $97 million of the $162 million in spending cut by Baker.

The kindergarten grants are aimed at expanding full-day kindergarten programs, with preference given to struggling school districts in low-income communities.

In a letter to lawmakers explaining his vetoes, Baker said he reduced the kindergarten grants appropriation to $1 million because that was the level needed for the program.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us