What Will Patrick’s Budget Mean for Worcester?
Thursday, February 28, 2013
The 400 maps, two for each Senate and House district, display the transportation projects in every community that would be funded under the Governor’s FY14 budget proposal, as well as the additional Chapter 70 education funding and support for public colleges and universities communities can expect to receive under the Governor’s investment plan. are available on the state's website under "Choosing Growth in Our Communities."
"The site will enable everyone to see what we get with these investments," Patrick said. "The conversation is vitally important to have for this generation and the one to come."
He noted that people are hesitant to pay more in taxes, and while they may see the value in paying their fair share, they may also worry whether their money is being spent wisely.
Patrick’s budget plan includes a $1 billion annual investment in the Commonwealth’s transportation system to maintain current transportation assets and initiate several large transportation projects across the state that the Governor maintains will create thousands of jobs and spur economic development across the Bay State. The plan also includes a $550 million investment in education, growing to $1 billion over four years, to provide universal access to high quality early education for children across the state, from birth through age five, fully fund K-12 education and allow for extended school days in high-need schools, make college more affordable and accessible for high school graduates and allow community colleges to expand their efforts to provide students with the knowledge and skill training needed to succeed in the workplace.
The maps are intended to show voters just how the additional revenue generated from an increased income tax rate of 6.25 percent would be used in their own community.
"This is not just about quality of life. It is about growth," Patrick said, adding that investing in transportation and education are proven means of accelerating job growth.
"The case is there to be made. I'm trying to make it."
What's in it for Worcester?
Education: Patrick's proposal would bump up Chapter 70 state aid funding for Worcester Public Schools by $12.85 million, from $210,364,137 in FY13 to $223,217,770 in FY14. Worcester State University would benefit from a system-wide $12.5 million increase in funding to Massachusetts' state universities. Quinsigamond Community College would likewise receive a share of a $20 million system-wide increase for the state's community colleges. The UMass Worcester Medical Center would receive a portion of a $25 million increase to the UMass system across the state.
Transportation: Worcester's share of Chapter 90 funds for the maintenance, repair and improvement of local roads, would see a $2 million increase right away under Patrick's budget, from $4,108,949 in FY13 to $6,163,424 in FY14. Over a 10-year period, the Commonwealth's second-largest city stands to realize a $20.54 million increase in Chapter 90 funds. Specific projects addressed in Patrick's proposals are $1.5 million for Quinsigamond Village and $2.4 million for segment seven of the Blackstone Bikeway. In addition, there would be $2 million for road resurfacing, $9 million for roadway improvements, and $5.8 million and $2.6 million for two separate bridge projects in Worcester.
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