MassBudget: Public Health Implications of Earned Paid Sick Time

Another in the series of publications from MassBudget on Earned Paid Sick Time. Until I did the series on the four statewide ballot questions coming up this November, I had not realized this was one of the questions. Duh! Good thing I determine the success of a day by how much I learn!

Earned Paid Sick Time: Supporting Healthy, Thriving Communities Policies that affect the health of individuals also affect the health of the community. MassBudget's new fact sheet Earned Paid Sick Time: Supporting Healthy, Thriving Communities examines the effects on the general public, families, and the workplace when workers who are sick, or caring for a sick child, are required to go to work. In Massachusetts, about 1 in 3 workers do not have earned paid sick time. The rate is higher for those working in jobs that require frequent contact with the public, such as in the service sector. In fact, over half of workers in the service sector, which includes food and child care workers, do not have earned paid sick time. This fact sheet looks at the evidence about the effects on public health when workers don't have paid sick time to address their own health issues or to care for a sick child. To read the fact sheet please 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

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

"I’m very, very cautious"

The MA Budget discussion began in earnest this week with the publication of the Governor's version. The House and Senate will separately draft their versions and all three will ultimately be reconciled before the Governor gets to sign the final budget before June 30.  Milford Daily News talked with some of the local community officials to get their viewpoint.

Franklin Town Council Chairman Robert Vallee said he is glad Patrick is seeking to invest in transportation infrastructure and education. Vallee said the education aid would be helpful for Franklin as it is the town’s largest expense. 

Valle said he expects Patrick’s plan will likely be embraced by the heavily Democratic Legislature. 

"It’s the right thing to do," he said of supporting education and transportation.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1058237407/Local-officials-cautiously-optimistic-about-governors-budget-plan#ixzz2J4vuCn6T

The Governor's budget can be found here:
http://www.mass.gov/bb/h1/fy14h1/index.html


The MassBudget analysis of the budget can be found here
http://www.massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=budget_monitor_governor_fy14.html

What is in the Legislature's Budget Proposal

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. The Legislature's Budget Proposal Last week, the House and Senate approved a budget for FY 2013. Though the Governor may still veto parts of the proposal, this budget includes most of the provisions that will make up the final budget. There will be no revenue from new taxes in the FY 2013 budget. Instead, as MassBudget's Budget Monitor shows, Massachusetts will fill its roughly $1.3 billion budget gap through a combination of temporary revenue, cuts, and savings. This includes: $615 million in temporary revenue, $350 million of which comes from the "rainy day" fund Significant cuts and savings in Health Care, Homelessness Prevention, Early Education, and elsewhere Our Budget Monitor shows how the Legislature's budget would affect each major area of state government, from health care and education to public safety and the environment--including information on tax revenues. Read The Legislature's Budget for FY 2013 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 people, 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

This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

New Health Care Report and Updated Budget Browser

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Health Care Report & Updated Budget Browser  As part of our ongoing analysis of last week's House Ways and Means Budget proposal, MassBudget has produced a new health care report and updated our online budget browser.* Health Care in the House Ways and Means Budget Proposal describes the initiatives affecting MassHealth (Medicaid) and related health care programs.   Information from the House Ways & Means Committee's Budget has been added to our budget browser, allowing you to compare its proposal with state budgets going back to FY 2001. You can also track spending over that time period for any line-item or any group of line-items. READ THE HEALTH CARE REPORT EXPLORE THE BUDGET BROWSER * The report is the second in a series of budget briefs published by the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI) and produced by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center in partnership with the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute. MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Budget Monitor: Analyzing the House Ways and Means Budget for FY 2013

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

BUDGET MONITOR: The House Ways and Means Budget for FY 2013 Last Wednesday, the House Committee on Ways and Means (HWM) released its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2013. Our Budget Monitor shows how the HWM budget affects each major area of state government, from health care and education to public safety and the environment--including information on tax revenues. It also compares the HWM budget with the Governor's across these same areas. Facing a budget gap of roughly $1.3 billion, the House Ways and Means Committee proposes a combination of one-time revenues and spending reductions, including: Cuts and savings of nearly $600 million, half of it from MassHealth  Temporary revenues worth $685 million--$400 million of which is drawn from the "rainy day" fund.  For further details and analysis, read our BUDGET MONITOR MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

"continue to analyze the House budget"

The Milford Daily News posts reactions from some State legislators on the House Budget proposal released last week. The House is scheduled to discuss and approved their version of the budget by the end of April when it will go to the Senate for their review. The Senate will likely have some changes that both will need to reconcile in a joint committee before the Governor gets to sign off by June 30th.

The budget would increase Chapter 70 education aid by $164 million to cities and towns — $18.5 million over Patrick’s proposal. It would be a 4 percent increase over this year’s, bringing the Chapter 70 funding to $4.15 billion. 

Dempsey said the $164 million increase guarantees each school district a minimum of $40 more per student. 

.... 

The House budget also includes $221.5 million for the special education costs for the state’s school districts — an $8.4 million increase from last year. 

State Rep. Alice Peisch, D-Wellesley, said the funds help school districts provide mandated, high-cost programs for special education students. Many schools pay tuition for those students who require an outside program or facility. 

The House budget also includes $45 million for regional school transportation, a $2 million increase from last year. A new line item in the House proposal provides $11.3 million to reimburse communities for providing special busing services for homeless students.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1963536391/House-budget-proposal-praised#ixzz1sC65eMiM

MassBudget's analysis of the Governor's proposal and the House proposal can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/02/budget-monitor-analyzing-governors-fy.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/massbudget-first-look-house-ways-and.html

Massbudget First Look: The House Ways and Means Budget

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

First Look: The House Ways and Means Budget    Early this afternoon, the House Ways and Means Committee finalised its budget proposal for FY 2013. MassBudget's First Look provides a preliminary analysis of the major initiatives along with the effects on core programs. To address the state's budget deficit, the House Ways and Means budget relies heavily on: Cuts and savings, including reduced funding for Early Education & Care and Public Health. One-time revenue, drawn mostly from the "rainy day" fund. In contrast to the Governor's proposal, which introduced some modest tax initiatives, the House Ways and Means budget does not include any revenue from new taxes. Read A FIRST LOOK: THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS FY 2013 BUDGET MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

MassBudget Update: Revenue Proposals in the FY 2013 Budget Process

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Revenue Proposals in the Governor's Budget   On Wednesday, the House Ways and Means Committee releases its budget proposal for FY 2013. And the fiscal challenge they face is to fill a budget gap of roughly $1.3 billion. To provide some context, MassBudget has updated its Budget Monitor with a fuller analysis of the Governor's proposals to address that same deficit by way of new revenue. Most of the new revenue specified in the Governor's budget is temporary--chiefly from the "rainy day" fund. But a modest amount (roughly $215 million) is ongoing, including An increase in the cigarette tax which would raise $62.5 million.  An end to the sales tax exemption for candy and soda which amounts to $61.5 million. Our analysis covers these and other revenue initiatives in greater detail. We also invite you to use our Budget Monitor more broadly--to compare the forthcoming House Ways and Means budget with the Governor's proposals for health care, education, public safety, and beyond. Our "First Look" review of the House Ways and Means Budget will be available Wednesday and our comprehensive Budget Monitor early next week. READ ABOUT REVENUE PROPOSALS IN THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

"These are not new challenges for Massachusetts"

As we get into the annual budget season, one factor driving up the cost of education is the cost of delivering services for the special education students. The Milford Daily News devotes a long article to a recap of this issue and the state's underfunding of the costs back to the local school districts.

The state funding of special education was raised in a MassBudget report posted here recently
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/03/new-massbudget-video-discusses.html

The Marlborough School Department Finance Director Adam Olivere said that because special education costs have risen so dramatically, there is an underfunding in the foundation budget, which is calculated using the average cost-per-pupil, enrollment, and inflation. Costs are rising at a much greater rate than funding each year. 

“The state uses a percentage around 5 perfect to determine what the increase in costs should be, when in actuality, special education costs are increasing as much as 15 or 20 percent each year,” Olivere said. “The foundation budget underfunds special education costs by about $1 billion, and that affects net school funding.” 

Meanwhile, the federal government has never lived up to a promise 40 years ago to cover 40 percent of the excess cost of educating students with special needs. 

“The brunt of it still is falling on the local schools to fund out of their own resources,” said Rich Robison, executive director of the Federation for Children with Special Needs and a member of the Sudbury School Committee.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x826306718/More-students-complex-needs-higher-costs-in-special-education#ixzz1rRVln8jj


The 2011-2012 School Budget for Franklin highlights special education as one of the factors increasing the cost of education.  Additional information on the FY 2012 Budget for Franklin is collected here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/01/fiscal-year-2012-budget-information.html

What's It Worth: A New MassBudget Report On The Minimum Wage

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

What's it Worth: The Minimum Wage  Over the last four decades, workers earning the minimum wage in Massachusetts have seen a significant decline in the real value of their wages. In What's It Worth? The Value of the Minimum Wage in Massachusetts, we find that: Today's minimum wage is 24% lower than it was in 1968 (adjusted for inflation).   The gap between what minimum wage workers earn and what other workers earn has grown substantially over time--especially at the top of the income spectrum. Without some adjustment, the real value of the minimum wage is projected to fall below $7.00 by the end of this decade.   "What's It Worth" also includes an interactive tool that allows you to compare various options for adjusting the minimum wage--and even to design your own proposal. READ WHAT'S IT WORTH USE THE ONLINE TOOL TO COMPARE OPTIONS MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

New MassBudget Video Discusses Education Funding in Massachusetts

MassBudget has re-done their website and introduced a new report. The report is summarized with an 8 minute video. What has this got to do with Franklin?

Our school budget is half the overall Franklin budget. Over the past several years, the per pupil spending across the categories that the State watches has dropped below the state average. With the proposal for the new high school taking front and center stage for conversation in the last couple of weeks, how Franklin will budget for the schools next year has not been discussed. The "No" voters are worried about the maintenance budget when they probably should be more worried about the overall budget.

The new high school (if approved) may come with 6 more class rooms but if the budget continues to get cut, will there be enough teachers to fill those class rooms?

The point of this video and report from MassBudget is to highlight that the state funding formula that doesn't fully cover the increased costs in health and special ed. Franklin's school budget is directly affected by those factors. You can go back to any of the last several years of budgets and the cost drivers are exactly that.

What does this do to the 'average' student? It reduces their educational opportunity. Those under special education plans are covered with services that by law, Franklin must provide. So when the budget gets tight, the average student and the advanced students will suffer.

"Cutting Class" Video   The new website of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center is more vibrant, easier to navigate, and more multimedia-friendly--in short, a better platform for sharing materials like our new "Cutting Class" video. In this video, education policy analyst Luc Schuster explains why districts across the state are hiring fewer teachers, providing less professional development, and spending less on materials & technology than the state funding formula considers appropriate for a quality education. The video also describes the effects of property wealth on school funding. In the highest-wealth districts, funding shortfalls are often made up with additional local revenues. But in many communities, raising local revenue is extremely difficult. On average, the lowest-wealth districts spend 32 percent less on regular education teachers than is specified in the foundation budget formula.  Watch the Video MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108