Education Aid in the Governor’s Budget

The Governor, in his fiscal 2014 budget, has proposed to finally complete the education aid reform initiated in 2006. This is extremely good news for Watertown — Watertown had, for years, been badly short-changed by the failure to fully implement the 2006 reforms. Belmont also benefits, although more modestly, from the reform.The Governor uses a …

Governor expands the options

Last week, the Governor proposed a substantial income tax rate increase, and so focused political attention — positive and negative — on that simple and controversial proposition. In fact, however, he placed before the legislature a broad package which raises three major questions: First, should we make a substantial increase in spending on our transportation …

Community Preservation Act changes incorporated in FY13 Budget

The FY13 budget includes important changes to the Community Preservation Act and, most notably, provides additional funding. The funding from the state level is substantial, but is only a contingent commitment in FY13 and not at all guaranteed in future years. The budget does give municipalities additional flexibility to apply local revenues to CPA purposes.