The Governor has proposed to level-fund Ch. 70 (education) and local aid. I say level-fund because that is what is really happening. The "increase" to education funding that will be touted by the administration is not completely accurate. The "increase" is really just a result of shifting the funds from the Federal budget (via Stimulus money) to the State budget.
While I am encouraged by the governor's attempt, I am extremely skeptical about this being possible. Given the shortfall projected in the state's overall budget I will be interested to see what services have been cut to accomodate the increase.
Those who are harmed in the Governor's budget will spend a lot of time lobbying the legislature to restore those cuts...at the expense of local aid.
Let the roller coaster ride that is the state budget process begin.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/patrick_propose_1.html
