Saturday, July 5, 2014

MassBudget: Analyzing the Legislature's FY 2015 Budget



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Analyzing the Legislature's Budget for FY 2015

On June 30th the Legislature enacted the state budget for the fiscal year starting July 1st 2014. While the Governor, House, and Senate had some different priorities and each introduced new initiatives, there was significantly more agreement throughout this year's process than last year. With the limited revenue available, there was a consensus on the need to keep commitments made last year: 
  • to make needed investments in our transportation systems;
  • to  continue restoring some of the deep funding cuts made to the state's higher education system during the 20000's; and
  • to fund reforms of the system for paying human service providers. 

The final budget also reflects a shared commitment to begin to strengthen the capacity of the state Department of Children and Families and to make new investments in substance abuse treatment and prevention.

The Governor now has ten days from the enactment of the budget to sign it and veto any outside sections, line items, or portions of line items. The budget then returns to the Legislature which can either let vetoes stand or override them with a two thirds vote of the House and Senate.

The Budget Monitor at this link describes funding levels and initiatives throughout the state budget and compares them to years past.

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

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