MassBudget: What the Governor vetoed from the FY15 budget

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. The FY 2015 Budget and the Governor's Vetoes Today, the Governor signed into law the state budget for FY 2015. The budget is a statement of priorities, describing what we will do together in the coming year, and detailing how we will pay for those things. With the limited revenue available, this budget focuses on a few priorities, including making investments in our transportation systems, continuing the process of restoring deep funding cuts made to the state's higher education system, and funding reforms of the system for paying human service providers. In signing the budget, the Governor also exercised his authority to veto line items or portions of line items. These vetoes are small in the context of the full budget, reflecting a high degree of agreement among the Governor, House, and Senate. The Governor's vetoes are detailed in the table below, many of which are vetoes of specifically earmarked projects. The state budget includes not only funding appropriations but also changes to state law, in what are called "outside sections." The Governor also vetoed some of these policy provisions and proposed that the Legislature adopt amendments to others (details are included HERE). With the Governor's signature, the FY 2015 budget is now law. It is important to note, however, that with a two thirds vote of the House and Senate the Legislature can override any of these vetoes. Please read our recent Budget Monitor for more details on the Legislature's FY 2015 budget, which was enacted on June 30th, prior to these vetoes.   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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MassBudget: Analyzing the Legislature's FY 2015 Budget

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. 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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MassBudget Conference Preview: Comparing the FY 2015 House and Senate Budgets

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. FY 2015 Conference Preview: Comparing the House and Senate Budgets  While there are differences in the FY 2015 House and Senate budget proposals, in many respects they are very similar. MassBudget's Conference Preview Budget Monitor details these differences. Both budgets make modest, well targeted, investments in important initiatives: Supporting substance abuse treatment and prevention;    Improving the capacity of the Department of Children and Families to protect vulnerable children and support families; Investing in higher education.   There are differences in emphasis: the Senate more comprehensively addresses substance abuse issues and the House provides greater funding for higher education. But much is the same: in a budget of about $39.5 billion, the proposals agree on $39.2 billion - more than 99%.   This overlap reflects broad agreement about what we want to achieve together through our government: high quality education for all of our young people; safe, vibrant communities; the transportation infrastructure our economy needs; the security of a safety net for when we fall on hard times; keeping of air and water clean; and doing those other things that we know need to get done that we can do more effectively together than alone. The House and Senate are also operating in the same context: a weak national economy and the ongoing effects of $3 billion in tax cuts from 15 years ago. Even with the modest funding increases proposed for FY 2015, higher education spending would be roughly 22 percent below where it was in FY 2001 (adjusted for inflation). Local aid would be 45 percent below 2001 levels. Public health would be down 19 percent. And early education and care would be down 24 percent. While the House and Senate budget proposals contain no significant tax reforms, ultimately, it would require additional revenue to make the investments that could support sustainable and broadly shared prosperity. To read MassBudget's Conference Preview Budget Monitor click HERE. 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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MassBudget: Analysis of Senate Ways and Means Budget for FY 2015

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. MassBudget Analysis of the Senate Ways and Means Budget for FY 2015 Yesterday (Wednesday), the Senate Ways and Means Committee (SWM) made its budget recommendations for FY 2015. The SWM budget proposes small, smart and well-targeted steps toward addressing big challenges. Like the proposals from the Governor and House, however, it doesn't propose solutions at the scale of the challenges we face. The types of major investments in our people and communities that could substantially expand economic opportunity, help all our children to thrive, and strengthen our economy in the long run, would require significant new tax revenue -- something none of this year's budget proposals call for. The SWM budget does, however, include a number of positive initiatives, including: increasing access to early education and care for children and home visiting programs for young families; strengthening the capacity of DCF to protect and assist children and their families; expanding access to affordable housing; supporting new efforts to help those suffering from addiction. These strategies could immediately help children and adults across the Commonwealth, and ultimately strengthen our economy by allowing more of our people to realize their full potential as individuals and as productive members of our community. Our SWM Budget Monitor describes the major recommendations made by the Senate Ways and Means Committee yesterday. It also describes how SWM recommendations compare to other FY 2015 proposals and historic funding levels. Read the SWM Budget Monitor 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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Analyzing the House Budget for FY 2015

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. The House Budget for FY 2015: Analysis of Amendments Adopted During Debate   During three days of budget debate the House made only modest changes to the budget put forward by the Ways and Means Committee. These changes are detailed in our full Budget Monitor. Overall, the House added $143.9 million in amendments, about a third of one percent of the budget. The final House budget, like the Governor's proposal, makes incremental efforts to address major challenges, but does not make the type of substantial progress in expanding opportunity in all of our communities that could be achieved with new revenue invested effectively. The House adopted amendments affecting most areas of the budget, including the following:  Child Welfare received an additional $7.7 million in funding, mostly to support the hiring of additional social workers. This should allow reductions in the number of cases each worker needs to manage and therefore increase the department's capacity to protect vulnerable children. This is a step forward. But it is only one of many steps that would be needed to support all of our families in crisis, protect all of our vulnerable children, and give them the opportunity to thrive. The final funding level in the House is essentially the same as that proposed by the Governor in January.   Youth Jobs and related programs received $6.2 million in increased funding during floor debate. The total funding level for these programs in the final House budget, however, remains $7.7 million below current funding levels.   MassHealth received an additional $44 million during floor debate, directed to increasing reimbursement for the state's safety net hospitals that serve large numbers of low-income patients, and for nursing homes. The federal government will reimburse Massachusetts for half of this total.  For detail on the most significant changes between the Ways and Means budget proposal and the final House version, please read our full Budget Monitor HERE.   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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Town Council votes for $110 million operating budget

After the second budget hearing on Thursday, the Town Council voted unanimously for the $110,275,241. The vote was via roll call as Councilor Tom Mercer was participating via telephone conference call.

Unlike most recent years where the budget had little real increases in hours or services, this time around there are a few.

• Increase TA staff hours for passports and purchasing
• One custodian for new HS
• One patrol officer/one dispatcher
• Added PT clerical hours at Fire Dept.
• Added staff hours at Senior Center
• Added Sunday hours at Library

The TA (Town Administrator) increase in staff is really a shift of hours from the Town Clerk. Apparently, the Town Clerk can no longer legally process the passports. The Town will continue to provide this service but via the Town Administrators office (not the Town Clerk's office).

The first two pages of the Budget Summary presentation from Wednesday's budget hearing are shown here



(the remaining pages will be posted this weekend as I convert the hard copy to PDF format to share here)

Franklin Municipal Building - the setting for the Town Council meetings

Additional details on the budget can be found on the following links:

Town Administrator's FY 2015 budget file
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/FY%2015%20Budget%20File.pdf

Town Administrator's budget letter (details on the changes to the budget)
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/BudgetLetter.pdf

Copies of this year and prior year budget documents can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/budgets/

Franklin Matters reporting on the Finance Committee's detail review of the budget during their set of budget hearings

Budget hearing #4
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/live-reporting-finance-committee-budget_26.html

Budget hearing #3
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/live-reporting-finance-committee-budget_20.html

Budget hearing #2
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/live-reporting-finance-committee-budget_13.html

Budget hearing #1
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/live-reporting-finance-committee-budget.html

audio version (the meeting was not recorded by Franklin TV)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/fincom-budget-hearing-mar-11-audio.html
Finance Committee - 04/01/14 (Capital budget review, final vote on FY 2015)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 1, 2014 (FY 2015 budget hearing and vote)

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS – This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS
- 7:10 PM Budget: FY 2015 Budget Hearing – 2nd Reading

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-31: Adoption of FY 2015 Budget

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building - 355 East Central St

The documents as released for this agenda can be found on the official Franklin webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/050114.pdf

or here

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Apr 30, 2014

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS – This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS
- 7:10 PM Budget: FY 2015 Budget Hearing – 1st Reading

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-26: Establishment of a Council on Aging Senior Center Activities Program Revolving Account for Fiscal Year 2015.
2. Resolution 14-27 Establishment of a Use of Facilities Account for Fiscal Year 2015
3. Resolution 14-28: Establishment of a Council on Aging Supportive Day Program Revolving Account for Fiscal Year 2015.
4. Resolution 14-29: Establishment of a Fire Department Fire Rescue Training Revolving Account For Fiscal Year 2015.
5. Resolution 14-30: Salary Schedule Full Time Elected Officials

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building - 355 East Central St

The documents released for this meeting agenda can be found on the official Franklin webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/043014.pdf

or here

MassBudget: Analyzing the House Ways and Means Budget for FY 2015

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. MassBudget Analysis of the House Ways and Means Budget for FY 2015  Yesterday (Wednesday), the House Ways and Means Committee (HWM) presented its budget proposal for FY 2015. Our new Budget Monitor shows how this proposal would affect programs across state government, from health care and education to human services and the environment. The HWM proposal does not include significant new revenue, meaning that proposed new investments are relatively modest. They include: Higher education, where funding is increased roughly $60 million over last year and $8 million over the Governor's proposal. Child welfare, where $8.4 million in additional funding is provided to hire additional social workers to begin to reduce caseloads to levels at which children and families could be better protected and supported.   Substance abuse and prevention and treatment, where funding is increased $6.3 million over last year and $3.6 million above the Governor's recommendation. The budget also recommends a number of cuts to existing programs, including a $13.9 million reduction in funding for youth jobs programs. Read our full Budget Monitor HERE. 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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