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 …
Budget
budget and local aid updates, community preservation act, financial outlook, local aid policy, priorities/requests, resources, revenue, taxes
Transparency Improvements Passed
In April, the House, with leadership support, passed two big steps in the right direction on financial transparency. The Senate, during budget debate, approved roughly the same measures, making their final passage highly likely.
New Stimulus funds for Arlington/Belmont?
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 …
Continue reading “New Stimulus funds for Arlington/Belmont?”
A week of ironies
The House worked on the budget into the evening every day last week, finally finishing relatively early at about 6:30 on Friday night. The financial outlines of the budget remained unchanged — rising health care costs, modest cuts in local aid, deep cuts to many state agencies, no tax cuts and no tax increases.
Overlay Reserve Account Issue
I would support this law change if it were subject to a vote of the people consistent with the spirit of Proposition 2.5. As written right now, there is no such provision for a local electoral vote and I expect to vote against the change. I will make my final decision after listening to debate on the floor.
Questions and Answers about the House Budget
The House begins its Fiscal 2011 budget debate next week. While we will seek to amend the budget in many ways, the major outlines of the budget are unlikely to change. Here are some answers to basic questions about the budget.