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Sen. Moore laments “state budget calamity”
May 22, 2009 ... “The most disappointing state budget in recent memory,” was the way Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, described the Senate’s version of the FY10 state budget as he left the Senate Chamber following the final vote. The $ 27.35 billion budget bill, approved by the Senate, now goes to a House-Senate Conference Committee for resolution of differences. Some lawmakers have speculated that if state revenues continue to decline, the final budget could actually be smaller than the versions approved by either branch or than the one initially filed by the Governor in January. “I think that the vote to raise the sales tax [which Sen. Moore opposed] was a mistake and will further harm the economy in communities along state borders such as those I represent,” he explained. “Even with the estimated additional revenue from the sales tax, we weren’t able to do enough for local aid,” he added. Sen. Moore dismissed a sales tax veto threat by Governor Deval Patrick who complained that the Legislature has yet to enact reforms in pensions, ethics and transportation. “I hope he does veto the tax hike,” Moore said, but noted that both branches of the Legislature have approved reforms and the final versions are expected to reach the Governor’s desk before the final budget arrives in the corner office. While he supported many of the programs that were partially restored during budget debate, Sen. Moore noted that, “The cuts in state and local services are very serious and will leave too many disabled, elderly and children without needed support services.” He also expressed concern that local aid cuts, while necessitated by the steep drop in state revenues, would still pose real problems at the local level. Sen. Moore has emphasized the severity of this economic crisis: in this past year, there has been a $4.4 billion reduction in goods and services purchases; capital gains losses have decreased by $797 million; and income tax collections have decreased $1.6 billion. “This is a pretty dire picture of what’s happening in our economy, and unfortunately, this is going to continue for a while,” Moore concluded. The Senate budget also contains a proposal to help sustain and improve the state transportation system as major transportation reform legislation is expected to emerge soon from a Legislative conference committee. The proposal establishes the Transportation Investment Fund that will receive $275 million annually for use by transportation authorities and agencies in all areas of the Commonwealth. This transfer will avoid the need for any devastating increases to the Turnpike tolls, MBTA fares or the gas tax in fiscal year 2010. The Senate also passed budget amendments to restrict the use of cell phones while operating motor vehicles; to provide $35 million for local aid and $10 million for the Quinn Bill; to pull back the so-called Pacheco Law restrictions on private contractors; and to allow Massachusetts to participate in the popular multi-state Powerball lottery game which would bring in additional money for cities and towns. “Unfortunately,” Sen. Moore said, “the budget reflects the effects of a serious national recession. State and local government, like families and small businesses, must tighten their belts and find new ways to address the problems created by the poor economy and rising unemployment. This budget is just the first of many challenges.” Sen. Moore, who is Senate Chairman of the Committee on Health Care Financing, said he was disappointed that many of the state’s investments in health quality improvement and cost containment had to be watered down in the proposed budget. “These are really investments in better care and real savings for those in need of care, and it will take longer to achieve our quality and cost goals,” he remarked. “If there’s a bright side,” Moore noted, “state and local government will have to refocus on core services of government like education, health care, public safety and transportation.” During debate, the Senator supported amendments to promote greater budget transparency and serious examination of state programs to find efficiencies in state government, but several of those he favored were not embraced by the majority. “Given the continuing decline in revenue, we need to keep looking for ways to provide state and local services more efficiently and even shelve some programs until a better day,” he explained. |
