Over the next few weeks, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will finalize the data underlying the Chapter 70 education aid distribution for next year and begin to explore options for tweaking the distribution formula. Over the past few years, I’ve been particularly concerned to influence the Chapter 70 formula to address the shortfall that Watertown has experienced.
Budget and Local Aid Updates
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MA Legislature passes FY16 state budget
We share this press release from the Senate President’s office on the passage of the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget as enacted by H3650. You may also view Conference Committee Highlights and Conference Summary budget graphics.
Senate Press Release on the Budget
The Senate completed its budget process last night. The next step is conference with the House to reconcile differences with their budget. It was a good process under the new leadership of Senate President Stan Rosenberg and Ways and Means Chair Karen Spilka — a lot of collegiality and openness in the process. I was most pleased by our successful efforts to reach consensus on a big part of the Governor’s MBTA reform package.
Realism in the State Budget
I was heartened by Governor Baker’s effort to budget honestly for the costs that are hard to control in the state budget.
Senate Passes FY2015 Supplemental Budget
We share this press release from the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Senator Brownsberger offered the amendments adopted to bill S.21 related to Committee for Public Counsel Services and statewide grand juries.
Senior Housing in Belmont
It should be possible for a percentage of Senior Housing to be set aside for working poor and the middle class. Presently people are transferring assets to their children to qualify for a place in senior housing. If the rules are not changed, I fear the Democrats will lose the support of the working class base.