House Adopts Balanced FY'13 Budget

I joined my colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives yesterday in passing a balanced FY ’13 budget aimed at increasing government efficiency, cutting costs and preserving essential services across the Commonwealth. The budget, which passed with bipartisan support, closes a projected $790 million budget gap without including any new taxes, makes a significant investment in Local Aid and Chapter 70 education aid, and includes funding for programs specifically benefiting the 37^th Middlesex District. 

I was proud to secure funding for towns hosting prison facilities, and aid for newly formed regional school districts. The House also adopted an amendment that would double the money allocated last year for cities and towns hosting state prisons, bringing the funding to $1,000,000. Additionally, I was able to get an amendment included appropriating over $250,000 to newly formed regional school districts. Both of these amendments will have a significant impact in our district. I am grateful to Speaker DeLeo, House Ways and Means Chairman Brian Dempsey, and my colleagues for recognizing the importance of these programs.

The budget places a high priority on local aid, offering assistance to cities and towns still recovering from the economic downturn. This budget fully funds the Unrestricted General Government Aid that municipalities rely on to balance their budgets each fiscal year, and increases Chapter 70, special education circuit breaker, and regional transportation funding. Furthermore, the House adopted an amendment co-sponsored by Benson strengthening the Community Preservation Act. Over the past decade, the CPA has promoted cost savings and job creation. This legislation diversifies the allowable sources that cities and towns can use to boost their local CPA bank, and increases the state’s matching funds.

As co-chair of the House Elder Caucus, I also pushed for, and received, increased funding for the elder protective services program, elder nutrition, enhanced home care services, and local councils on aging. An amendment I sponsored securing the personal needs allowance for nursing home residents was also adopted.

This was another tough budget year and a lot of work went into creating this budget. I believe this proposal demonstrates the House’s commitment to supporting our cities and towns and maintaining a positive quality of life for our residents. The budget now heads to the State Senate which will debate their proposal at the end of May.