Friday, April 12, 2013

MassBudget: Analyzing the House Ways & Means Budget

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Analyzing the House Ways & Means Budget

On Wednesday, the House Ways & Means Committee released its budget proposal for FY 2014--its blueprint for what we should do together through state government over the coming year.

Our new Budget Monitor describes how the proposal would affect core programs, from Health Care and Education to Youth Employment and the Environment--including information on how it would raise the necessary revenue. It also compares the new proposal with prior years and the Governor's earlier proposal.

The House Ways & Means budget includes some limited new funding for Higher Education, Local Aid, and Transportation, but it doesn't include the broader investments that the Governor had proposed to improve the long-term economic prospects of our Commonwealth by strengthening our pre-K and K-12 education systems.

While the Governor's plan would greatly expand access to high-quality Early Education & Care programs, the House Ways & Means budget actually cuts funding for those programs.

To support his broader investments in our schools, our transportation systems, and our economic future, the Governor proposed a revenue plan that would ultimately raise $1.9 billion per year. The House Ways & Means plan includes much less new tax revenue, roughly $500 million.

Read our BUDGET MONITOR

See all of our BUDGET RESOURCES

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.

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Reminder: Trash pick ups delayed one day

Patriots' Day is observed April 15th trash and recycling will be delayed a day for the week.

If your normal pick up day is Friday, it will be picked up Saturday.
Large item pick up will stay the same for Thursday.

trash bins or totters

In the News: casino regulations, FHS track teams

Gaming commission may tweak regulations

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) may adjust its protocol and allow host communities to decide on a casino agreement before it finishes vetting the applicants.

Franklin boys, girls sweep Milford on track

The Panther boys and girls squads both got their first wins of the year with clean sweeps of an extremely undermanned Milford squad. Franklin’s boys won their meet 91-44 while the girls’ had a bit more of tough time, coming up with an 86-50 win.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

"this will revive it"

The Milford Daily News has an article on the new sculpture park being built at the old town pool.

The park’s grand opening will take place in the fall, Kabat said. Depending on available space, the center would like to display between 10 and 15 sculptures, rotating new ones in whenever possible.

"Some of the sculptures will have containment areas, and some we are going to hide in the trees," said Kabat, adding that the center will accept art from students and professional artists.