Will Brownsberger — State Senator, Democrat, 2d Suffolk and Middlesex District

Will, thanks for posting the governor’s numbers in detail…and even in Excel.  Very helpful as we try to forecast FY2012 revenue.

The Governor released his fiscal 2012 budget last week. Proposed local aid cuts are not as bad as many had feared, but the final outcome of the budget process remains very uncertain at this stage.

I can’t help but view the recent riots in England and Greece in the same way as I do a child creating a ruckus in Whole Foods’ after learning he won’t be getting a chocolate candy after all.  While there may be many explanations for the behavior of the rioters and the child, I contend [...]

The conference committee negotiating a municipal relief package reported a bill last night and the House accepted the report on what turned out to be straight party line vote.

Hi Will – you may remember that the state has been through bad times before and there were lots of creative ways of saving money. I was reminded of one way today in a discussion with a colleague from Canada — it’s quite simple — you can cut upwards of $2mm from the budget by eliminating [...]

The state’s stabilization (or “rainy day”) fund is designed to buoy the state through tough economic times, and it has certainly been used in the recent recession.  This post will examine the set-up of the fund, the recent history of its use, and its future in getting the state through the Great Recession. The stabilization [...]

Recent actions by the United States House of Representatives may result in new cuts in all state accounts, including local aid.

Local aid totals are unchanged for communities in the Senate Ways and Means budget.

Will, I am hearing Massachusetts stands to gain $400m in new Stimulus funds this year specifically for keeping or hiring Teachers. I understand this is part of an amendment to the Iraq/Afghanistan funding Bill and should be voted on soon in the Senate. I know you always thought there would be another round of stimulus [...]

Jeff Perry’s amendment on immigration issues wouldn’t have changed much in practice.

Will, As you well know many Towns and Cities are in crisis mode dealing with budget shortfalls. In Belmont we are looking at approx a $3.2m deficit assuming a $300k transfer from free cash is applied.  An Override is on the table but it is uncertain it will pass and the consequences of passing it [...]

The flash news in the Governor’s state of the state address was that he intends to file a budget (due next week) that preserves local aid at last year’s level.

My name is Bill Knowlton and I live in Belmont. I have worked with homeless individuals for over 15 yrs. I want to request your help as my elected Representative to have Governor Patrick rethink and rescind the budget reduction to 7004-0102. This item targeted for homeless unaccompanied adult men and women is money that goes [...]

Will, I am a Belmont resident and animal lover.  I don’t see the point of having two ailing zoos that get by on minimal funding.  I have never been to the Franklin or Stone Zoo, but I have read about the funding controversy in the Globe.  I have also read a comment posted by another [...]

Hi Will, Was wondering if there is anything we can do to prevent the buyout of Grabauskas’s contract for the ridiculous $300K+ value yet still see him depart?  I do not understand why the state must digest this payoff.

Where do you stand on reestablishing the funding for legal immigrants’ healthcare insurance?

As one whose driving is very limited, I am extremely disturbed by the prospect of yet more service cuts. The T needs to employ prudent fiscal management rather than place the burden squarely on the shoulders of riders and other taxpayers.  That well is running dry!  Thank you, Rep. Brownsberger, for informing us about the [...]

This is a question from the former director of public art in Cambridge: might you support state funding for the arts through a one-percent-for-art law, by which one percent of capital funding for a particular building project goes to a site-relevant public art work?

The state’s dropping of health care for legal immigrants hit home for me, and I find it completely unjust. My family immigrated here about two decades ago. Although most of us are naturalized by now, and we anyways have private health care, I was horrified by my state’s decision to cut care for legal immigrants [...]

Table of notable FY10 budget line items, updated with finalized numbers for the fy10 budget as determined by the joint House and Senate Conference Committee.