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May 15, 2008 ... The Senate Committee on Ways and Means released its recommendations for the fiscal year 2009 budget yesterday, according to Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge. The $28.04 billion proposal works within the fiscal constraints of the lackluster economy to make targeted investments that will benefit the people of the Commonwealth. 

“I think the Senate has managed to invest in the Commonwealth given our extremely limited resources,” said Moore. “It is no secret that the economy is weak, and with projections for next year appearing just as bad if not worse, we must conserve where possible and spend prudently. This budget does so while still addressing the Commonwealth’s most critical needs, such as health care, local aid, public safety, housing and education. Undoubtedly, there will be some additional adjustments as the Senate considers the budget during debate in the coming days.”

The Committee’s budget recommendations focus on providing the residents of Massachusetts with services that they need to live safe, healthy, productive lives. 

As residents struggle with the increasing cost of health care, the recommendations continue to move the cost-containment phase of health care introduced by Sen. Moore and Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth, forward by providing the funding necessary to implement cost saving measures, such as electronic medical records and access to primary care. 

With these investments, it is the Senate’s goal to facilitate measures that will rein in the cost of health care for consumers and continue the success of the Commonwealth’s health care reform. In addition to investments in health care reform, the recommendations also bring the issue of substance abuse to the forefront of public health with a $6.5 million investment to focus on the treatment and prevention of substance abuse.

With the increase in violence across Massachusetts, the safety and security of Massachusetts residents remains a top priority for the Senate. These recommendations show that commitment by funding the Community Policing Grants, providing $4 million in Municipal Police Grants, and including $3 million for youth violence prevention grants. 

Additionally, to continue the battle against gang violence, the recommendations provide $13 million for the Shannon anti-gang violence grants – the first time the Shannon grants have been included in the operating budget. 

Knowing that our most vulnerable citizens are being hit the hardest by the economy, the Senate has recommended continued funding for preventative care from the earliest stages through to adulthood, an 8.1 percent increase in housing programs, an additional $1 million to allow seniors to choose to receive care without leaving their communities, and funding for the prescription advantage program. In addition, $12 million in funding is included for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program.

Rising energy costs are another factor stretching the budgets of Massachusetts families. In an effort to provide greener energy resources, the Senate included a $687,000 increase in the Division of Energy Resources to develop and implement cost efficient energy strategies. The recommendations also include a $3 million increase for the Department of Public Utilities to ensure that consumers are provided with the most reliable service at the lowest price. 

The Senate has also continued its commitment to Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns, making an early commitment with the House of Representatives to provide a 4.43 percent increase in local aid. This increase includes $223 million more in Chapter 70 education funding, fulfilling year three of the 5-year reform plan. The Legislature also committed to level funding the full $935 million municipalities receive from lottery sales despite a $124 million shortfall.

In addition to Chapter 70, the recommendations focus on education and development from the earliest stages through to college. This includes an increase of $5 million in universal pre-kindergarten, an additional $6 million for the special education circuit breaker, and an increase in Extended Learning Time by $4.5 million which will allow for an additional 3,000 students to expand their school day or year in FY 2009. 

Taking into account the economic situation for the 2009 fiscal year and beyond, the Committee level funds 224 line items, makes cuts in 79 items and funds nearly all of the administrative accounts at a maximum of two percent growth.

The Senate will begin debate on the recommendations next week. The 2009 fiscal year begins July 1st. 

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