Legislative Links
|
What's Going on at the State House
| 10/08 |
GOVERNOR USES 9CS TO CUT BUDGET; DSA COMPLETELY ELIMINATED
Governor Patrick issued sweeping mid-year 9C cuts to the state budget plan last week after months of waning state tax revenues. His cuts were aimed at reducing a reported $1.4 billion deficit. Governor Patrick eliminated all $20 million from the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund, in addition to cuts that spanned state agencies and health and human services. Sewer Rate Relief is a state wide program that directly mitigates the impact of rising sewer bills due to debt service; over 100 communities and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) draw from the fund. The impact of losing Debt Service Assistance will result in difficult budgetary decisions for the Authority. The MWRA, in conjunction with the Board of Directors and the Advisory Board, will work to make operating cuts to avoid a mid-year rate increase.
|
| 07/08 |
STATE BUDGET SIGNED; LEGISLATURE RESTORES DSA FUNDING TO $20 MIL AFTER OVERRIDING GOV’S VETO
The State Budget process raced toward conclusion in July after the Governor signed the $33 billion state spending plan. Before signing the budget, Governor Patrick used a line item veto to cut $5 million of the $20 million appropriation from the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund, otherwise known as Debt Service Assistance. Fortunately, both the House and the Senate voted to override the sewer rate relief veto, reinstating the $20 million appropriation. The restoration of the $5 million in sewer rate relief could further reduce community water and sewer assessments from 4.5% to 3.7%.
The MWRA Advisory Board thanks the leadership of the House and Senate as well as the efforts of the entire MWRA Caucus for their advocacy in providing funding for rate relief.
|
| 02/08 |
Governor Patrick unveiled H.2, his $28.2 billion budget bill for Fy09. He included $15 million for the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund which provides over 100 cities and towns with debt service assistance.
|
|
Other Links
|
