House Minority Leader Brad Jones recently secured $85,000 in preliminary funding that would support three Lynnfield initiatives: $35,000 toward substance abuse education and programming by A Healthy Lynnfield, $25,000 toward the Lynnfield Public Library renovation project, and $25,000 to support preservation efforts by the Historical Commission to repair West Burying Ground and Olde Burying Ground.
Jones advocated for funding of the three initiatives during a three-day House budget debate, ending with a vote of 153-4 on April 26, amidst a budget cycle that saw declining state revenues.
“Our cities and towns are certainly not immune from these trends and are facing the same challenges to balance their municipal budgets, which is why I am pleased to have been able to secure preliminary approval to help fund Lynnfield’s top local priorities in the House budget,” Jones said.
A Healthy Lynnfield is an organization dedicated to promoting a healthier and safer community by preventing substance use and providing residents with access to treatment and recovery resources, and the funding for the Lynnfield Public Library renovation project would go toward design and development costs after voters rejected plans to construct a new library at last year’s Fall Town Meeting.
The West Burying Ground and the Olde Burying Ground are home to the graves of many local veterans, including those who fought in the eve of the American Revolution. According to a statement from Jones’ office, the gravestones and markers at both cemeteries are damaged and in need of repairs, and the monuments are old and fragile. The Lynnfield Historical Commission is conducting the repair work needed and focusing on developing a care plan for carrying out ongoing maintenance at both sites.
“The Lynnfield Historical Commission is thankful for the support of the town as well as Representative Brad Jones in advocating for state funds to assist in the preservation of the Olde Burying Ground and West Burying Ground,” Commission Member Abigail Kilgore said. “We await further news from the Senate as they debate and vote on the budget.”
The budget now heads to the Senate, and they have their own debate the week of May 20. The differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget will be worked out and finalized by a six-person committee, and their final spending plan will be sent to Gov. Maura Healey for her approval.
