from the Massachusetts Municipal Association website:
The governor’s budget would increase Chapter 70 aid by just 2.2 percent, providing every city, town and school district with a minimum increase of $20 per student. The budget would continue to implement the “target share” equity provisions enacted in 2007.
The foundation budget calculation would continue modest progress to implement the Foundation Budget Review Commission’s recommendation to use a more realistic factor for the cost of employee health insurance in school systems. The adjustment in the foundation budget, however, is not enough to increase aid to many districts. A high majority of cities, towns and districts would only receive the increase of $20 per student, a below-inflation rate that would force communities to reduce school programs or further shift funds from the municipal side of the budget.
The MMA and local officials will be urging legislators to increase Chapter 70 aid to ensure that all schools receive a suitable and appropriate increase in fiscal 2019, which the MMA believes should be at least $100 per student. The MMA also strongly supports implementation of all of the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission to update the Chapter 70 “foundation budget” minimum spending standards for special education and employee health insurance, and to add to the spending standard a measure of recognition for the cost of services for low-income, English Language Learner and other students who would benefit from more intensive services. The commission recommended phasing in the changes over a four-year period, a position supported by the MMA. Increasing minimum aid and fixing the inadequacies in the foundation formula are essential.
With increasing costs for the majority of expenditures for the Town, plus the soon to be full time Templeton fire department adding to those increased costs; what wil be the approach of the selectmen to maintain their financial policy goal of 5% of the prior year's omnibus budget targeted to free cash?
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Dear Local Officials,
I would like to begin by introducing myself to those who do not know me. I am Senator Gobi’s Legislative Director and General Counsel. I will be the new point person on budgetary matters.
Earlier today, Governor Baker released his Budget Recommendation for the 2019 Fiscal Year, which begins on July 1, 2018. An executive summary of his recommendations, along with the complete text, can be found here: http://budget.digital.mass.gov/bb/h1/fy19h1/.
As a reminder to those who have been involved in the state budget process in the past or to those who are new to it, this is only the first step in the process that will take several months, during which the House of Representatives and the Senate will each craft their own recommendations and individual legislators will have the chance to file amendments. Senator Gobi would like to take this opportunity to reach out to learn about any budget priorities that towns may have. Please send along to me any budget needs of the town, including a summary and cost estimate.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me by email or at our office at (617) 722-1540. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you in the coming months.
Henry Kahn
Legislative Director & General Counsel
Senator Anne M. Gobi
State House, Room 513
Boston, MA 02133
Legislative Director & General Counsel
Senator Anne M. Gobi
State House, Room 513
Boston, MA 02133
Tel. (617) 722-1540
Fax: (617) 722-1078
Fax: (617) 722-1078
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