For a change, there is actually good news to report from Beacon Hill regarding local aid.
Governor Patrick has reversed course and restored plans to cut $18 million in regional school transportation reimbursement as a way to balance the budget.
According to the Worcester Telegram, the reversal is the result of evidence that the decrease in funding would have an adverse impact on student learning in districts that would be unable to make mid-year adjustments to account for the cuts.
I give credit to the Patrick administration for restoring these funds, which are especially important to many school districts across the state.
But, of course, not every town is served by a regional school, so many communities will have to wait to see additional relief from the state.
With that in mind, I hope that the Patrick administration will be equally cognizant of the importance of local aid (especially Chapter 70 aid) when the governor releases his FY2011 budget plan next month. And I still hope that my colleagues in the legislature will take up proposals for municipal cost savings and reform when formal sessions resume in January. I’ve filed several proposals for municipal relief, and there are other bills that address the issue as well. They all deserve prompt consideration to save cities and towns money.
Do you have any ideas for municipal relief? I’d like to know what they are. Please post a comment below to get a discussion started.
