Decreases in Local Aid Under State Senate Opponent Are Hurting Our Schools and Towns

This past year, while I was resident of Stow, I served as an Associate Member on  that community's Finance Committee.

In that capacity, I saw first-hand some of the tough decisions that need to be made to balance the books on the local level. And, one of the most important factors we rely on is having a fair stream of state aid to support local services.

Unfortunately for 1 Beacon Hill Incumbent, now that I am back living in Acton, I’ve discovered ALL our cities and towns have lost sizeable chunks of state aid because of a lack of leadership and irresponsible state spending priorities.

I fundamentally disagree with Mr. Jamie Eldridge: We do not have a so-called revenue problem at the State House. We have a growing debt, spending and fraud problem under the Golden Dome. 

The numbers speak for themselves. Communities across the Middlesex and Worcester Senate District have lost almost $10.5 million in local aid payments since Fiscal Year 2009, for an average decrease of over 18% in state aid. All communities in our area have seen their share of unrestricted municipal aid cut by about one-third during this time period.

Having fewer state dollars at our disposal makes it more difficult for communities to deliver essential services like education and public safety. These services have a direct impact on the quality of life for residents and a cost driver for local fee increases.

Decreased state aid also puts pressure on our property tax rates, and depletes local reserve accounts, which will make it more costly for cities and towns to borrow money.

The state and federal governmnet have blown and wasted millions upon millions in public funds since 2008. This is totally unacceptable, and is a sign of systemic failure when there is no debate, little balance or competition on Beacon Hill.

My opponent enthusiastically supported using scarce state resources for failed and risky investments like Evergreen Solar Tax Giveaways, putting those priorities ahead of the basic wants and needs of municipalities.

As a State Senator, I will be an independent fighter for Local Aid. I will draw on my work experiences, and apply it regionally to advocate for each of our communities to receive their fair share. I'll also do this by voting for more disciplined and principled state spending, badly needed government reforms and a robust Jobs Strategy that frees up much needed education dollars locally.

Last week, I spoke about some of these problems in my closing remarks at a the Devens, MA Debate with my opponent.

Please feel free to check out the video to see more. Here's a link: http://t.co/6dDIB6W.