The Governor's mid year budget cuts have spared local aid to municipalities and Chapter 70 school aid. The cuts fell particularly hard upon state employees with some 2000 slated to be laid off. Other cuts fell upon school transportation, special education, early learning and charter schools, as well as social services, such as aid to families, elderly, disabled citizens, the mentally ill, and foster care.
I think that another round of cuts may be needed later in the year, but perhaps the economy will rebound enough. It has to happen quickly to make a difference since tax receipts will lag the upturn.
These reductions in school related spending is an example of the Commonwealth not being able to meet the commitments previously made to localities. These cuts will have to be made up for in local revenue but the municipalities have limited ability to raise it. That is what I was trying to point out in this post.
The cuts to social services fall upon those citizens who are least able to care for themselves, the ill, the disabled, the elderly and children. That's why I think ...
... that the legislature needs to look at increasing state revenues, even though it is not a good time to do so economically. I don't want to pay taxes any more than the next guy but these cuts result in people who have no ability to help themselves not getting help.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Mid year cuts spare local aid and Chapter 70 aid
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2 comments:
More taxes Bill? is that your answer to minimal cuts? I don't seem to recall this rhetoric coming out of your mouth when you were a candidate.
Our government, that means federal, state & local, needs to make the necessary cuts. Stop going after the most needy and cut government spending. Lets see real pension reform. How about cutting out the fat? Useless and unnecessary jobs and agencies. Our state government should spend more time looking for ways to cut spending instead of dreaming up more regulations that only hurt the working people.
It is so much easier to make cuts in the sectors that most people don't really care about like the elderly and the poor instead of doing what is right.
No more taxes. The people have always supported their government. It is time the government starts treating the people with respect and doing what is necessary.
I commend Dartmouth for the progress it has made. We need to see more of this throughout government.
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