Budget and Local Aid briefing with Senator Richard T. Moore of Uxbridge
April 5, 2011 - On Monday, I travelled to Northbridge to speak at Senator Richard T. Moore's annual municipal leaders briefing to discuss the Commonwealth's budget and Local Aid to municipalities. Senator Moore represents the Wocester and Norfolk District, consisting of the town of Bellingham in Norfolk County; and Blackstone, Douglas, Dudley, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville, Northbridge, Oxford, Southbridge, Sutton, Uxbridge, and Webster in Worcester County.
Similar to the state, municipalities have scraped to maintain services; vital programs have been reduced or outright eliminated at all levels of government; health care costs continue to rise at alarming rates; and local businesses have struggled to keep their bottom lines in the black. Despite the grim projects that seem to have grown with each passing fiscal year, the numbers reflect a light at the end of the tunnel: Massachusetts is beginning to see signs of economic recovery.
While this may be promising, the reality of the present day may be harsher and less pleasant than what report offers for the future. Fiscal Year 2012 relflects this sentiment, and will require new and resourceful solutions in constructing the upcoming budget. According to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, FY2012 tax revenues will grow by $923 million (+4.7%). However, despite almost a billion dollars in revenue growth, the Commonwealth still faced a shortfall of almost $1.8 billion with no federal stimulus dolloars on their way and limited state reserves.
As the budget process continues, I look forward to addressing the important policy issues that will affect our state: creating jobs, growing the economy, and balancing our state budget in a fiscally responsible manner.
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