State Senate President Karen Spilka and Rep. James Arena-DeRosa appeared before the Select Board on Tuesday to discuss the state budget and their legislative wins for Hopkinton constituents.

Spilka explained that the state budget is facing “a difficult year.” The House submits its budget in April, while the Senate does its budget in May. They work out a compromise package before sending it to Gov. Maura Healey’s desk in June.

Although the state revenue is higher than what had previously been projected, the state will bear the brunt of federal funding reductions of approximately $4 billion.

“I do want to say that the Trump administration’s cuts to services and to grants have had a devastating and a significant impact on the Massachusetts revenue outlook,” said Spilka.

They impact everything from health care subsidies to education to food programs, she added. Federal funding that existed “for decades” is no longer available for “critical programs.”

In contrast, Spilka noted that the Legislature during its last legislative session passed “the largest tax cut in over a generation.”

Education, road funding jump from FY 20

Despite this bleak outlook, Spilka noted that Hopkinton has received substantial increases over previous years, although she did not cite specific amounts. Comparing the current fiscal year to FY 20, she said Chapter 70 funding for schools increased by almost 55%.

Over that same period, circuit breaker funding for special education has “more than tripled,” added Spilka.

“I’m looking forward to working with you, the town manager and the School Committee to hear what are some of the specific needs that maybe we can plug in for Hopkinton,” the Senate president said.

In addition, Hopkinton’s Chapter 90 funding for road and bridge projects has “more than doubled.”

Advocacy efforts win funding for projects

Spilka said she was happy to secure $60,000 for accessibility improvements for the Hopkinton Public Library. The library and Commission on Disability advocated jointly for this funding.

Also, the town received a $100,000 grant for mental health funding, she noted.

Working with Arena-DeRosa, Spilka said she pursued money for the MetroWest Transit Authority.

Said Spilka: “It’s really been amazing to see it grow and continue to knit the fabric of our communities together in a way that did not exist before.”

She also was able to get $850,000 toward a new YMCA building. There will be a groundbreaking ceremony in the fall.

Constituent services is a vital to both legislators. Spilka said she had more than 4,000 calls over the past year. She noted that they both can help “cut down or cut out the red tape.”

Arena-DeRosa addresses energy costs, immigration

Arena-DeRosa added what he called “color commentary” to Spilka’s remarks, focusing on the issues his office has tackled.

“I’ve gotten a lot of calls on the high cost of energy,” he said. “People are literally sending me their bills.”

The state only has limited control over energy bills, he noted. The impact the war in Iran has already affected gas prices.

While he stressed the need to transition to clean energy, the state rep said the state has “lost billions of dollars in subsidies.”

Immigration has been a key area of concern, Arena-DeRosa added.

“People should be treated with dignity and respect,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of discussion at the State House on what we can do to protect people’s rights and stop some of the things that are happening with lack of due process.”

Added Arena-DeRosa: “There’s moral outrage out there, and we need to speak out.”

Other areas of focus are working with the Sustainable Green Committee, getting funding to improve the Senior Center and addressing water quality issues in town.

“It means a lot to the residents when you can come and speak and share this insight with everyone,” said chair Joe Clark.

Vice chair Shahidul Mannan called this conversation “a source of hope.”

“I trust these two 1,000% to represent the interests of Hopkinton and the people of Hopkinton and MetroWest” added Brian Herr, noting that trust in government is a key issue.

Senior Car Parade approved 4-1

After discussion, the board voted 4-1 to approve the Hopkinton High School Senior Car Parade. Matthew Kizner voted against it after pointing out concerns expressed to him by residents.

The parade will start and end at Hopkinton High School on June 6 at 10 a.m. There are no road closures requested.

“This is a COVID hangover, from my perspective,” said Kizner.

He stressed that it was a “novel and creative” way for graduates to celebrate during the pandemic after experiencing isolation.

Kizner said residents have told him that the parade is disruptive, clogging up the main intersections in town. He cautioned that many residents forget about the parade and get caught in traffic.

Parade co-chair Allison Murphy applied for the permit on behalf of the Class of 2026. She countered that residents experienced far more traffic disruption during the years of the Main Street Corridor Project that will be completed later this year.

She added that “kids come out in droves” to celebrate with the seniors. The expected run time for the parade has narrowed over the past few years to about 25 minutes.

Board members disagreed with Kizner’s stance. Mannan said it has become a town tradition that many anticipate.

“But overall, I think we are a marathon town,” he added. “We can endure it, and we should.”

Amy Ritterbusch noted that it “may eventually die out” if it does not have an organizer like Murphy in future years.

Board approves several warrant articles

The board unanimously approved several routine warrant articles for the May 2 Annual Town Meeting. These articles appear every year and are noncontroversial.

It also approved draft articles 35, 36 and 37 in a 5-0 vote. They relate to a driveway and utility easements for the new Charleswood School at 145-147 Hayden Rowe Street.

In addition, draft Article 12 was approved in a 4-0 vote. It recommended a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement for the Frankland Road solar farm. Herr, who works in the solar industry, recused himself from the discussion.

Draft articles that will generate further discussion include one on civil fingerprinting of business owners and managers and a proposal for speed limits for e-bikes. This will occur at the next meeting on April 7.

The acceptance of three private ways as town roadways also will be discussed. They include Auciello Drive, Linden Road and Whisper Way.