School Spending Up, Municipal Aid Flat in Governor's Budget
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The administration's fiscal 2013 budget will include a total of $4.1 billion for K-12 education, the most spent on education in the state's history. Local aid represents approximately 16 percent of the annual state budget, which will be filed by Gov. Deval Patrick next week.
Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray anounced the figures Friday morning during his keynote speech to the Massachusetts Municipal Association's 33rd annual meeting.
"Massachusetts is leading the nation out of the global economic recession thanks to our targeted investments and strong partnerships with cities and towns," he said. "Governor Patrick and I are proud to support our municipal partners with these investments in local aid and education, which continue to provide municipalities with tools needed to improve the delivery and efficiency of local services and help cities and towns thrive into the future."
The increase in Chapter 70 aid will fund school districts at foundation levels; school districts will be at least level-funded and some may see an increase.
Murray said more than $60 million has been saved because of municipal health reform passed last year. More than 50 communities have been able to initiate savings through traditional bargaining, using the reform's new decision-making process, adopting local options or scheduling votes. Half of the savings was realized by nine communities.
Unrestricted General Government Aid will be funded at $833.9 million and consistent with the fiscal 2012 budget. An additional payment of $65 million will be made should sufficient surplus funds be available, which would bring the line item to fiscal 2011 levels.
Other funding in the proposed budget includes
- Reimbursement for homeless shelters for veterans from 75 percent to 100
- $7 million for Community Innovation Challenge grants. The program, launched in November 2011, provides funding for municipalities to improve performance in management, technology and energy, and to develop regional collaboration.
- Chapter 90 Local Road Program: $200 million
- Special Education Circuit Breaker: $213 million
- State Owned Land PILOT: $26.3 million
- Regional School Transportation: $43.5 million
- Charter School Reimbursement: $71.5 million
- School Food Services Program: $5.4 million
- Municipal Library Aid: $6.8 million
- Regional Library Local Aid: $9.1 million
Tags: fiscal 2013, state budget,
