Republican Lawmakers Fight for Cities and Towns

This week, the Massachusetts House of Representatives is slated to take up a Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2010. After reading over the contents of this bill, House Minority Leader Brad Jones and his Republican colleagues grew frustrated by one key provision missing –no money was allocated to cities and towns for reimbursement for special election costs.

While Republican lawmakers believe this legislation may contain important provisions, they are disappointed that it does not contain an appropriation to reimburse our cities and town for the special election which took place on January 19th. We hope it’s not because Democrats are disappointed with the results!
The Governor’s version of this budget, which he filed earlier this year, contained $7.2 million for our cities and towns, and the State Auditor has confirmed that the special election represents an unfunded mandate that must be covered by the state. Therefore, Republican lawmakers will be filing an amendment that will provide the millions of dollars in reimbursements for the Commonwealth’s communities. The Republican caucus is optimistic that their amendment will garner bipartisan support.

To do your part, call your legislator and ask him or her to sign on to this amendment. Tell him or her, your city or town deserves better!