Will Brownsberger — State Senator, Democrat, 2d Suffolk and Middlesex District

The Governor released local aid numbers last week. Most communities see little change, but a few communities, including Arlington, see substantial Chapter 70 increases.

It appears that surpluses in FY11 state budget line items have been sufficient to allow for a planned distribution of additional local aid to cities and towns.

Some have found the conversation about municipal health care reform confusing. Here is a summary perspective.

The final budget comes in at the high side of expectations as to local aid.

There are several items of local concern in the Senate Ways and Means Draft Budget released yesterday.

I’ll be reporting on budget issues to the Belmont town meeting on May 9.

The House Ways and Means Committee released its budget draft today. It matches the Governor’s local aid numbers.

The legislature today approved final Chapter 90 numbers, increasing aid by roughly 29% for most communities.

Chapter 90 funding for the coming fiscal year is likely to be increased by 29%, which will provide a modest additional amount for each of my communities.

An economist at the Federal Reserve bank of Boston has recently been doing work on the relative need for local aid of communities. Bo Zhao‘s work was the subject of a recent presentation at the state house. Mr. Zhao computes a municipal funding gap per capita based on estimates of local needs per capita — [...]

Arlington has lost aid, but is still getting more aid than most comparable communities.

In a presentation this evening to the Belmont Board of Selectmen, I will be discussing the outlook for local aid. I will also be discussing prospects for legislation on employee benefit costs and on education innovation.

Will, thanks for posting the governor’s numbers in detail…and even in Excel.  Very helpful as we try to forecast FY2012 revenue.

The Governor released his fiscal 2012 budget last week. Proposed local aid cuts are not as bad as many had feared, but the final outcome of the budget process remains very uncertain at this stage.

State revenues have dropped down to a new, lower trend line. We cannot expect to return to pre-recession spending levels.

These funds are flowing directly from the federal government through state executive branch agencies to schools. They are apparently not subject to legislative action at either the state or local level.

We passed the conference committee report this week. It now goes to the Governor’s desk for review.

Recent actions by the United States House of Representatives may result in new cuts in all state accounts, including local aid.

Local aid totals are unchanged for communities in the Senate Ways and Means budget.

Will, I am hearing Massachusetts stands to gain $400m in new Stimulus funds this year specifically for keeping or hiring Teachers. I understand this is part of an amendment to the Iraq/Afghanistan funding Bill and should be voted on soon in the Senate. I know you always thought there would be another round of stimulus [...]