Patrick Signs Supplemental Bill; Glen, Pittsfield Get FundsGovernor's Office, State House
04:50PM / Thursday, October 27, 2011 | |
BOSTON – Gov. Deval Patrick on Thursday signed a $169 million supplemental budget bill that provides significant investments in job creation projects across the commonwealth and delivers $65 million in local aid to cities and towns.
The funds include $2.5 million to Pittsfield for improvements to the McKay Street parking garage and $2 million to Adams to construct roads at the Greylock Glen. Berkshire municipalities will also be getting more local aid.
The state is also directing $712 million in surplus resources to bring the rainy day fund balance to nearly $1.4 billion – the third largest balance in the nation.
"These investments will create jobs, protect local aid and help the commonwealth build on its already strong credit rating," said Patrick. "By making these wise investments, we can ensure that Massachusetts continues to recover from the global recession faster and stronger than most states."
The legislation directs $39 million to support MassWorks Infrastructure Program and other infrastructure projects to create hundreds of jobs and economic development opportunities in communities across the state. The bill also provides funding to address cuts in health and human services programs that affect the state's most vulnerable populations.
"Our administration worked with the state Legislature to deliver additional local aid for cities and towns that will support police and fire services, infrastructure improvements and road repairs, as well as other municipal services," said Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray.
This final supplemental budget to close out fiscal 2011 results in a total rainy day fund deposit of $712 million, bringing the year-end balance to nearly $1.4 billion – more than twice the balance at the close of fiscal 2010. In September, Standard and Poor's (S&P) upgraded the credit rating for Massachusetts to AA-plus from AA, signaling a strong vote of confidence in the management of the state's fiscal affairs. The state has ratings of Aa1 from Moody's and AA-plus from Fitch. Taken together, this set of ratings gives Massachusetts its highest credit standing in history.
"Reinvesting in our stabilization fund will help keep our state on a strong financial footing," said House Speaker Robert DeLeo. "This supplemental budget targets funds at job creation and local priorities, those most in need and those whose lives have been disrupted by storms."
Other funding items in the bill include:
• $10 million to cities and towns impacted by the June 1 tornadoes for costs not reimbursed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
• $6.2 million to reimburse cities and towns for a portion of the costs incurred in responding to the December 2008 ice storm;
• $9.5 million to support affordable housing projects;
• $3 million for Adult Basic Education programs administered by the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; and
• $850,000 for adult immunization efforts and vaccines.
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