The legislature balanced the Fiscal 2010 budget primarily through program cuts and cost-savings, with important help from the federal government and with limited reliance on new revenues and rainy day fund usage.
Budget and Local Aid Updates
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Pleas to the Budget Conference Committee
I’ve been hearing recently from dozens of people who are concerned about possible cuts in valuable state programs. I’ve also heard from many who are concerned about possible tax increases.
Cuts at the Boston Medical Center
Many have been in touch with me regarding a large cut to state funding for the Boston Medical Center. I have researched this issue and communicated concern to legislators involved in the negotiations (which relate to a supplemental budget, not the FY2010 budget).
FY10 budget line item updates
Table of the actions taken by the House on particular line items that I have been contacted about by constituents. For local aid issues, the Quinn Bill and employee health contributions, please dedicated posts on those issues.
Quinn bill — police educational incentives
I have been contacted by a number of folks about the Quinn bill — the police education incentive — on both sides of the issue. Today the House voted to compromise and to fund the incentive, but at a reduced state contribution level. I supported the compromise.
Voting for a sales tax increase
Even with the sales tax increase, the budget will sustain deep cuts and Massachusetts will have a roughly average tax burden compared to other states. The increase will fund local aid, Big Dig debt and limited restorations of key programs.