Here is the update issued this afternoon (Monday, February 9), titled Situational Awareness Statement #9 – Long Duration Winter Storm with Moderate to Heavy Snow through Late Monday Night. It has updates from the Department of Public Safety, MEMA, MassDOT, and other state agencies.
Budget
budget and local aid updates, community preservation act, financial outlook, local aid policy, priorities/requests, resources, revenue, taxes
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.
The State’s Budget Woes
Unlike previous economic recoveries, revenues aren’t growing as fast as the state has budgeted. For the next couple of years, this will have an impact both on state spending–we have to work very hard to stretch available dollars–and on how revenues are estimated when state budgets are built.
MyRWA’s Clean Water Campaign
Perhaps you heard that the EPA announced the 2013 water quality grade for the Mystic River Watershed last month. Unfortunately, for the fourth year in a row the watershed received a “D” water quality grade based on bacterial contamination. Luckily, there is also good news about efforts to improve water quality throughout the watershed!
Protesters Who Block Major Highways
Protesters who are arrested, charged and convicted of blocking highways should be responsible for repaying the cost of police and fire fighters who respond to the situation, just for starters. Additionally, if any person suffers injury due to inability or delay in accessing appropriate medical attention, protesters should be held criminally and civilly liable.
FY15 Chapter 90 Local Transportation Aid
Yesterday, the administration released an additional $100 million of Chapter 90 funding to the cities and towns of the Commonwealth. Here are the amounts allocated for Belmont, Boston, and Watertown.