Apropos for the day that taxes are due, the Massachusetts House is will release its version of the state budget, which promises cuts and more cuts. Shortly after 5:00 PM yesterday, municipal officials got a one page press release from the Lt. Governor outlining the administrations intended actions to meet the latest revenue shortfall. A reduction in local aid wasn't in the package but its certainly been hinted at with the House budget.
The Statehouse News Service (SNS) reports a contentious meeting of the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) yesterday. The LGAC is made up of a variety of municipal officials, including selectmen and town administrators (not the usual Patrick administration mayoral tilt) and its members were not happy with the budget situation and the unwillingness of the power that be to give towns other revenue options and some flexibility to manage. Melrose mayor Robert Dolan voiced the opinion that “reluctance to pass the local-option taxes stemmed from a 'self-preservationist attitude' and describing the sentiment among local governments as having 'almost a revolutionary feel.' He said, 'The insulation of Beacon Hill has never been worse.'” (no link)
SNS also notes the planned release, next week, of the Municipal Relief Commission which is co-chaired by Stan Rosenberg. Knowing the care that Stan brings to his work, I'm certain the commission has worked things through carefully. But this thing has to pass which inevitably means compromises will be made and promising ideas will be left on the table. The report is overdue, in part because of the complexity of the situation and in part because of leadership changes in the House as the budget process was gearing up. Details of the package aren't available but it appears to be a combination of local option taxes, health insurance changes, regulatory reforms and a push toward regionalization.
May you live in interesting times is a curse, indeed.
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