2011 budget

Why are state revenues rising this year?  Are these tax collections sustainable and predictable cashflows?

...the fundamentals of state budgets still look gloomy. That’s partially because other levels of government are putting additional pressure on states. Some of that pressure will come from the debt ceiling agreement, which is likely to cut numerous discretionary programs that give states federal money. [Full Article: Stateline]

At June 30th, the 2011 fiscal year end, revenues exceeded expectation by $723 million.  That amount doesn't cover the $1.9 billion in program cuts that were made in the 2012 fiscal year budget that began July 1st.  There's still much uncertainty in the economy, so the Administration and lawmakers need to be thoughtful about this unexpected surplus.  [Full Article: WBUR]

Governor Patrick resolved a contentious labor issue with Beacon Hill legislative leaders that had been holding up the state budget. He now plans to sign the annual spending plan on Monday, according to a statement released on Friday.  The governor’s statement endorses a plan that makes changes to collective bargaining rights for teachers and other municipal workers.

“Since the Legislature’s vote on the final budget, municipal officials and labor leaders have agreed to a few improvements to strengthen the bill,” Patrick said, without detailing those changes". [Full Article: Boston Globe]

Budget woes led to cuts...there's only so much funds (if increasing revenue is not on the table) and the Town needed to make choices on the cuts in services and jobs in order to balance its budget.

“We have been living very close to the edge of a budget crisis here for several years,’’ said Thomas Guerino, town administrator....The decision to cut the town’s 18 full-time lifeguards, which will save about $75,000, was made as officials sought to keep other jobs. In the end, they had to cut 20 town employees, including administrative personnel in the Police Department, staff at the Department of Natural Resources, and school employees, including at least one teacher. [Full Article: Boston Globe]

Time is running out for Massachusetts lawmakers to take a final vote on the state budget before the new fiscal year starts July 1.  The Massachusetts House and Senate have already approved separate versions of the more than $30 billion spending plan. [Full Article: Boston Globe]

Although the Town approved the latest special assessment of $1.1 million, it's not a slam dunk that the School Department will receive needed funds of $700,000 to address a funding gap.

At a recent School Committee meeting [Superintendent of Schools Richard] Langlois presented potential budget cuts in three tiers that started at $420,000 and rose to $1.2 million. He was forced to take action because the School Department needs an additional $1,613,659 to maintain the current level of services next year — which is less than the total raised by the special assessment.  [Full Article: Wicked Local Saugus]

Lawmakers from both chambers will be chosen to sit on a six-member conference committee. The committee will meet — behind closed doors — to resolve differences between the two spending plans, or, at least, to reach a compromise. [Full Article and Audio: WBUR]
 

The Massachusetts Senate passed its version of the state budget for the next fiscal year on Thursday night. [Full Report: Boston Globe]

Massachusetts state senators are set to begin debate on their proposed $30.5 billion state budget. Debate is scheduled to begin Wednesday. [Full Article: MassLive]