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BOSTON - State Representative Harold P. Naughton, Jr. and the Massachusetts Legislature on Friday passed a $30.59 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2012 aimed at increasing government efficiency, cutting costs and shielding essential services. The budget reduces the state’s FY12 Stabilization Fund draw by $15 million and closes a $1.9 billion budget gap with funding reductions, ongoing revenue initiatives and one-time revenues. Representative Naughton pressed to ensure that key priorities for the 12th Worcester District, Public Safety and State were not overlooked during the budget process.
“After weeks of tough negotiations, I am pleased that we were able to approve a budget with no new taxes while still providing funding for many critical services,” Representative Naughton said. “This year we were forced to make many hard decisions, but I am optimistic that the choices we made will go far in strengthening our economy and helping the hard working families of this
state.”
“Faced with a sizeable budget gap and limited resources, we have produced a balanced budget that improves government efficiency and preserves essential services,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “Through needed reforms, this responsible budget protects our neediest residents and brings cost savings to state government.”
Representative Naughton was able to successfully advocate for numerous priorities that were included in the final budget. Some budgetary highlights for the 12th Worcester District include:
An increase in funding for Municipal Police Training Counsel, including an increased allocation to the Town of Boylston for the lease of the Training Academy.
A long term funding solution for dam safety and repairs, which includes detailed reports to be filed with the Legislature regarding repairs and replacements needed throughout the Commonwealth. This measure will assist in efforts to secure the Wekepeke Dams and Watershed in Sterling and the Bartlett Pond Dam in Lancaster.
An increase in Chapter 70 (local aid) to municipalities to $3.99 billion, in addition to $80 million for the Special Education Circuit Breaker for an FY12 total of $213 million. The final budget also includes $3 million in funding for Regional School Transportation.
An increase of nearly $2 million for the prevention and management of diseases, including, but not limited to breast cancer prevention, diabetes screening and outreach, ovarian cancer screening, multiple sclerosis screening, and ongoing stroke prevention and education. This measure will give peace of mind to many families in our state as well as lay the foundation for cost savings in the future through prevention now.
Also included is a plan to generate millions in savings within the Committee for Public Counsel Services
(CPCS).
A 10% increase of Veteran Outreach Centers and Veteran Homeless Services.
$20 million for Adult Day Health to maintain current levels of service for 6 months.
Maintains current Department of Mental Health Inpatient Hospital Beds, compared to a closure of 161 beds in the Governor’s proposal.
As House Chairman of the Joint Committee for Public Safety and Homeland Security, Representative Naughton also worked to secure funding for critical public safety budgetary priorities. These budget points include:
Working with area colleagues, a total of $750,000.00 in mitigation monies for towns hosting prisons was appropriated. This measure will result in a significant benefit to the Town of Lancaster, recognizing the burden local correctional facilities place on town services. In addition, the final budget includes an overall increase of $18.7 million for the Department of Corrections.
An increase of $2 million in funding for the Massachusetts State Police which, among other things, will allow for a sorely needed class of new recruits.
An increase of nearly $4 million to the Department of Fire Services.
$1 million increase in funding for the Shannon Grant, which works to prevent gang violence.
5% increase for all district attorneys.
House and Senate negotiators were faced with the most difficult budget since the economy collapsed in 2008. Moving forward without the aid of $1.5 billion in federal stimulus funds, that has provided relief in past years, legislators relied on funding reductions, ongoing revenue initiatives and one-time revenues to find a balanced approach of cuts and revenues. This balanced approach preserved services for the neediest citizens and targeted programs aimed to provide financial assistance to education initiatives, municipalities and families.
The Conference Report ends the year with a stabilization fund balance that exceeds $800 million, an amount greater than the stabilization fund balance entering FY11. The budget plan also marks the smallest year to year spending increase in the past decade, creating a spending plan based on transparency, accountability and performance.
The bill is
currently on the Governor’s desk for his
consideration.
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