Rep. Jones Offers Local Aid Resolution

N0te: The following is a press release from the office of House Republican Leader Bradley Jones:

Representative Brad Jones (R-North Reading) today announced that he, along with the entire Republican caucus, offered a local aid resolution during the House’s full formal session.

In an email distributed to House colleagues, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr., who drafted the resolution, said, “As our cities and towns continue to develop their local budgets during these very tough times they need certainty and reliable information more than ever.   It is important that we, as legislators, provide some predictability for our districts.”

The resolution proposes the following:

1.      Establish a minimum level of Chapter 70 and Unrestricted Local Aid equal the amount proposed by the Governor for FY’12

a.      The minimum Chapter 70 appropriation must equal $3.99 billion for FY’12; and

b.      The minimum Unrestricted Local Aid appropriation must equal $899 million.

2.      Establish a minimum level of funding for each of the following accounts to equal the amount proposed by the Governor for FY’12

a.   Reimbursement to Cities in Lieu of Taxes - $25.3 million

 b.   Regional School Transportation - $40.5 million

 c.   Special Education Residential Schools - $213 million

“As a former local official, I appreciate and understand the need for a strong set of local aid numbers.” Representative Jones went on to say, “Knowing firsthand the current struggle of cities and towns, I am confident that along with my Republican colleagues, we presented a strong set of numbers to be considered. I am disappointed that this was not taken up for debate, as many towns within the Commonwealth are anxiously awaiting the release of local aid.”

This resolution would provide among other things, flexibility during budget debate so that the Legislature might further increase local aid appropriations from an established floor. 

It also provides predictability for municipalities who are already constructing their budgets. With one single objection, the resolution was referred to the House Committee on Rules without any opportunity for debate.