Baker Introduces Budget that Includes 4.3% Increase in Local Aid

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Thursday, January 28, 2016

GoLocalWorcester News Team

The Baker-Polito Administration filed its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2017, known as "House 2," on Wednesday and it did not take long for Democrats to criticize it. The Baker budget includes a 4.3% increase to local aid equal to 100% of the consensus revenue growth rate for state tax revenue. 

The plan also recommends investments in education, addressing substance misuse, workforce development, transportation, and the Department of Children and Families, all without raising taxes or fees. 

“This year’s budget sets the table for fiscal responsibility and a strong economic environment, without raising taxes or fees on our hardworking families. Our proposal makes targeted investments in transportation, education, the Department of Children and Families and fulfills our commitment to cities and towns to bolster local aid as we aim to make Massachusetts great in every community," said Governor Baker. 

Overall, the budget invests $39.6 billion in education, workforce development, and local aid without raising taxes; budgets for stabilization fund deposit and significantly reduces reliance on one-time solutions. 

Democrats Claim the Budget Lacks Vision

"Gov. Baker’s barebones budget reflects his barebones vision for Massachusetts, where little to nothing is done to address major issues like income inequality, transportation infrastructure or maintaining our national leadership in clean energy, life sciences and education,” said MassDems Spokesman Pat Beaudry. “The Governor's barebones approach jeopardizes job growth and hard-earned gains made during the last several years, where investments in education, innovation and infrastructure gave us several No. 1 spots and a global reputation for vision and innovation."

In addition, one major arts group has come out swinging. In a release, MASSCreative Executive Director Matt Wilson said its a good start, but not the end. "Baker’s recommendation to fund the state’s investment in arts and culture in FY17 at $14.16 million will fund the Massachusetts Cultural Council at the same level as this past year. We see this as a great starting point, but not the end point. Art and culture is a gateway to economic development, higher achievement in education, and building more connected communities."

“Leaders interested in building communities that support local businesses, attract new residents, and nurture a spirit of civic engagement govern with artists and cultural leaders in mind. Providing a well-rounded education requires inclusion of arts and culture. Fostering creativity is a linchpin to building a talented workforce, and a vibrant arts scene helps businesses, both large and small, attract workers. 

“We urge lawmakers to support a $17 million investment in the arts. This will ensure the ability of arts institutions and local cultural councils across the Commonwealth to provide the diverse array of cultural activities that help the downtowns of our cities be more attractive to residents and visitors alike; promotes educational programming that helps students of all abilities to excel across all academic disciplines; and builds more vibrant, connected and equitable communities.” 

Helping Law Enforcement 

The budget provides funding for new positions at the State Police crime lab, the Sex Offender Registry Board, as well as the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. 

“As chair of the Governor’s Council to address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, I am also pleased to announce new investments to support law enforcement training to strengthen resources and make our communities safer for families across the Commonwealth," said Lt. Governor Polito. 

Additionally, the proposal provides $1.4 million to aid state and local police in the fight against drug traffickers. 

The Fight Against Opioid and Heroin Epidemic 

The Governor's budget is designed to help with the battle against the Opioid and Heroin epidemic, the proposal funds 150 adult residential treatment beds -- just a tiny fraction of the need.

The budget also is putting in more than $140 million to support investments in substance misuse prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services at the Department of Public Health. 

Bill to Return Film Tax 

Along with the announcement of the budget proposal, Governor Baker filed a bill that would mostly return the film tax to its original form by reinstituting a per-project cap and making them not refundable. 

The budget proposes reinvesting the savings from this bill into increasing the supply of affordable and workforce housing and improving the state's economic competitiveness and job growth opportunities. 

For more on the budget, click here. 

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