Hinds, Blais highlight benefits for Hilltowns in state budget "> Published: 7/27/2021 8:55:40 PM The $47.6 billion fiscal 2022 state budget contains a number of items of importance to the Hilltowns as outlined by two lawmakers for the region, Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, and Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Sunderland. “I think we work really effectively together in terms of tag-teaming in the State House,” Blais said. The budget, for the fiscal year that began July 1, was signed into law July 16 by Gov. Charlie Baker. “We go about budgets and every policy debate with a real eye on rural communities,” said Hinds said, noting that the western Massachusetts delegation works together as a team.