All over but the conference report

The state Senate completed work on their version of the FY10 budget last night. The Blue Mass Group post about that result is here. The budget will now go to conference with the House, the reconciled bill will be voted in the House and Senate and sent to the Governor. He can veto line items and then the General Court will have a chance to override his vetoes. Final result, the state budget.
As the budget goes through this legislative process,...

... it is very difficult to keep track of the changes and particular expenditures. Once it is final, we will have a better idea of the effects on our town. There are several measures which may survive that will help municipalities. Telecommunications property, poles wires and conduits will be taxable, and the local option meal and lodging tax was passed. Both will add to Dartmouth's revenues. The sales tax increase will allow the Commonwealth to maintain more local and transportation aid. I think they income tax rate should have been raised instead, but that was a non starter from the beginnning at the General Court.