BOSTON—House lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved a 4.4 percent increase in aid to cities and towns.
Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi unveiled the proposed $223 million increase on Monday.
They said the increase will bring the total amount of state aid to $5.26 billion for the fiscal year starting July 1.
The increase was approved after a debate in the Massachusetts House. It now heads to the Senate.
The agreement comes nearly four months before the start of the new fiscal year and is intended to help cities and towns craft their budgets.
The increase also comes despite lagging lottery revenues, which are funneled back to cities and towns.
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