Legislature Approves $46,385,000 for Adult Basic Education
Final budget bill now headed to Governor Baker
This week the Joint Conference Committee concluded its negotiations and the final budget bill for FY2021 was approved by the Legislature, with the total amount for Adult Basic Education (line item #7035-0002) set at $46,385,000.
This huge win for ABE represents a 13% increase over FY20, and continues a three-year upward trend for state ABE funding.
The ABE line item is part of the $46.2 billion total FY2021 state budget, which draws $1.7 billion from the state's Rainy Day fund to help cover revenue losses due to COVID-19.
What's next?
The budget is now sent to Governor Charlie Baker for final review. The Governor has 10 days to review the budget and take action to either approve or veto the budget. The Governor may approve or veto the entire budget, veto or reduce specific line items, or submit changes as an amendment to the budget for further consideration by the Legislature.
The Legislature could choose to override any veto by the Governor with a 2/3 vote.
If the Governor takes no action within 10 days, the bill automatically becomes law.
Please thank your legislators!
Please take a moment this week to thank your state representative and senator for their support of adult basic education. Without their support, this much-needed and much-appreciated increase would not have been possible.
Thank you for advocating for ABE!
As always, none of these successes would be possible without your efforts. Every call, every email, every visit, every contact you made throughout this tumultuous year made all the difference. We know how busy you are and appreciate the time you spent raising your voice for adult basic education. Together, we are a powerful force for adult education and will continue to be with your help. Thank you!
