Legislators tell Winchester of record per‑pupil boost and local earmarks as FY27 budget nears final votes

Sen. Lewis and Representative Mike Day briefed the Winchester Select Board on the status of the fiscal 2027 state budget and a package of town earmarks during the board—iled meeting on June 9.

Sen. Lewis opened with an overview of the conference‑committee process and said the Senate and House both backed a substantial increase to the per‑pupil minimum that they described as unprecedented. Representative Day later summarized the delegation—stimate that Winchester is projected to receive a little more than $14.1 million in direct state funding for FY27, with chapter 70 (school aid) accounting for roughly $12 million of that total.

The delegation credited a higher per‑pupil minimum — reported at $160 per pupil in both chambers—ills — for much of the chapter 70 increase Winchester will see. "That $160 is a per‑pupil amount multiplied by enrollment," Sen. Lewis said, explaining how the line‑item produced the town's roughly $696,000 year‑over‑year boost in school aid.

Representative Day listed locally targeted funding that would flow to Winchester if the conference recommendations hold and the governor signs the budget. Among items he cited: $150,000 for first‑responder and dispatch communications equipment; roughly $750,000 in Chapter 90 transportation funds plus $200,000 in supplemental road and bridge funding; $50,000 to support literacy curriculum changes in schools; and earmarks for HVAC work in Winchester schools and EV charging infrastructure.

Both legislators said the budget is on a tight timeline: conference work is concluding, the legislature plans votes in midweek and the FY27 cycle requires the new appropriations to be resolved before July 1 or else a short stopgap (a "112th" budget) will temporarily maintain funding. They also warned that federal funding changes could force later state corrections or supplemental budgets.

Why it matters: Winchester's larger chapter 70 allocation reduces pressure on the school budget, while earmarks and grants can offset capital and operational expenses for public safety, schools and roads. The delegation urged the town to move promptly on state grants that require local match or timely expenditure to avoid losing available funds.

Board reaction and next steps: Members thanked the delegation and asked staff to coordinate with the representatives on any outstanding grant paperwork. Town Manager Chris Senior was asked to provide a list of locally prioritized capital projects that might be matched with the earmarks when the final budget is published.