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Senate and House approve local aid $5.26 billion budgeted; cities and towns held harmless despite revenue shortfall March 20, 2008 ... During today’s formal session, the Senate approved and finalized an increase in state aid to cities and towns in the FY09 budget, according to Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge. The increase of $223 million represents an increase of 4.43 percent over last year’s budget in the three major categories of local aid – Chapter 70 funding for public schools, lottery aid and additional assistance. Passage of a local aid resolution nearly four months before the start of the fiscal year will help cities and towns craft local budgets with greater confidence and accuracy. “By passing this resolution early on in the budget process, we are making a clear commitment to the municipalities across the Commonwealth,” said Moore. “Across the Commonwealth and certainly on Beacon Hill, leaders are struggling to make difficult choices. This decision was not difficult, it must remain a priority in the Commonwealth to give our towns the resources they need to protect and educate.” The resolution guarantees cities and towns will receive $935 million in unrestricted local aid, $811 million of which is generated by the Massachusetts Lottery and $124 million of which is allocated from the Commonwealth’s General Fund. Since the Lottery was “uncapped” by the Legislature in Fiscal Year 2007, all revenue other than prize money and a small amount for administration goes to municipalities. In FY09, however, only $811 million is projected to be generated—$124 million less than was allocated last year. The Legislature’s budget will ensure the additional $124 million is distributed and that cities and towns are held harmless to last year’s allotment. The local aid resolution also maintains a commitment made by the Legislature three years ago by increasing Chapter 70 allocations by $223 million to $3.95 billion. The increase comes as part of a five year plan to move individual school districts toward their target-aid contribution level. Under the Legislature’s plan, each school district would see an increase in Chapter 70 funding over last year. Listed below are the total amounts of FY 2009 Chapter 70 Education Aid for the communities and regional schools of the Worcester and Norfolk District.
In addition to aid for public education, the Senate-House agreement also includes funding for general government expenses at the local level that is derived from Lottery revenues. Below are the total amounts of FY 2009 Lottery aid for the communities of the Worcester and Norfolk District.
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