George Peterson - Precincts 3 and 5
State Rep. Peterson announces reimbursements for special election costs
Republican initiative adopted during supplemental budget debate
State to reimburse cities and towns for special election costs
BOSTON—Representative George Peterson is pleased to announce a critical Republican initiative was adopted during Wednesday’s supplemental budget debate.
The proposal, which was offered as an amendment on the House floor, will appropriate $7.2 million to reimburse cities and towns for the costs related to the special election held earlier this year.
Representative Peterson was surprised this appropriation wasn’t included in the House Ways and Means supplemental budget as the State Auditor had previously confirmed that the special election represents an unfunded mandate that must be covered by the state.
“This was promised to all of our cities and towns after my Democratic colleagues changed the law to fill a vacated US Senate seat, twice”, stated Representative Peterson. “Hopefully the Senate will agree with this change when they take up the supplemental budget. I know how critical every dollar is to our cities and towns. I am happy that we approved this additional money for our communities”.
The Town of Westborough will be receiving $23,240.60 in reimbursement funds. The amendment was nearly adopted unanimously, with all but one lawmaker voting in favor of the amendment.
###
State Rep. George Peterson to Offer Local Aid Resolution
PETERSON TO OFFER LOCAL AID RESOLUTION
Boston – Representative George Peterson today announced his intention to offer a Local Aid Resolution during the House’s next full formal session and hopes his effort will garner bipartisan support.
In an email distributed to House colleagues on behalf of Republican lawmakers, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. said, “As our cities and towns continue to develop their local budgets during these very tough times they need certainty and reliable information more than ever. It is important that we, as legislators, provide some predictability for our districts.”
The resolution proposes the following:
1. Establish a minimum level of Chapter 70 and Unrestricted Local Aid equal the amount proposed by the Governor for FY’11
a. The minimum Chapter 70 appropriation must equal $4,048,324,258 for FY11; and
b. The minimum Unrestricted Local Aid appropriation must equal $936,437,803.
2. Establish a minimum level of funding for each of the following accounts to equal the amount proposed by the Governor for FY’11
a. Reimbursement to Cities in Lieu of Taxes $27.3 million
b. Regional School Transportation $40.5 million
c. Special Education Residential Schools $135 million
This resolution provides among other things flexibility during budget debate, so that the Legislature might further increase local aid appropriations from an established floor. It also provides predictability for municipalities who are already constructing their budgets.
House Republicans have been on the front lines protecting local aid for many years and say it is time Governor Patrick and the Democratic-controlled legislature respect the state’s cities and towns and stop using taxpayer money as their own personal piggy bank.
“It is extremely important that we have the numbers for the communities as they go into their budget cycle,” stated Representative Peterson. “This Local Aid Early Resolution assures those communities of their local aid amounts.”
###
More Articles...
Page 2 of 3
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 Next > End >>Latest in Politics
07 November 2011
2011 GOP Jobs Tour to Make Stop in Westborough Tonight BOSTON— Representatives Matthew Beaton (R-Shrewsbury) and George N. Peterson, Jr. (R-Grafton), in conjunction with Kimberly...