Action Alert:
FY23 House Budget Priorities
On Wednesday, the Massachusetts House of Representative’s Ways and Means Committee released their FY23 budget bill. MAPC is incredibly grateful for the Committee for the work put into assembling this budget, and we look forward to working with our representatives to make it even better! The proposal provides funding for two of MAPC’s top priorities, but funds these priorities at levels below the amount that MAPC is seeking.
We’re grateful to Representatives Paul Donato and Adrian Madaro for filing amendments to increase funding for District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) and the Charles E. Shannon Community Safety Initiative. But they need your support! Contact your representative today to tell them to support the amendments in the final House budget.
Please act today: Take two minutes to email your state representative to ask them to support our budget priorities.
About These Budget Priorities
District Local Technical Assistance, or DLTA, is critical to supporting municipal needs in our region and across the Commonwealth. Amendment #339, filed by Representative Donato, increases funding for DLTA to $4 million.
At least half of Massachusetts communities don’t have professional planners to help shape their future economic development, transportation, housing, green spaces, and town facilities. Thirteen regional planning agencies (RPAs) in Massachusetts use DLTA funding to help the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns with these essential tasks, providing technical assistance on everything from updating stormwater guidelines to managing data to preparing economic development plans.
This funding helps cities and towns throughout the state expand what they can do, enabling them to take on projects they don’t have the capacity to complete on their own and unlocking federal and state funding opportunities. Click here to learn more about DLTA.
The Charles E. Shannon Community Safety Initiative provides funds for municipalities to address youth gang violence prevention. Amendment #541, filed by Representative Madaro, increases funding to $13 million. This program is nationally recognized for deterring youth violence, gang violence and substance abuse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has offered much-needed support and connection for youth at risk. “Shannon Grant” funds have been used to support regional law enforcement operations, hire outreach workers, fund job training programs, and support after school programs. Click here to learn more about the Shannon Grant.
Other Amendments MAPC Supports
Community Preservation Act Surplus Transfer, Amendment #1105, filed by Representative Domb
The CPA program has now been adopted in over 50 percent of Massachusetts cities and towns. CPA funding has provided participating communities with a vital financing tool to protect open space, create affordable housing, and preserve our historic and natural resources. Rep. Domb's Amendment #1105 transfers $10 million in FY22 surplus funds to the Massachusetts Community Preservation Trust Fund. The transfer is critical to maintaining the Commonwealth's commitment to match a portion of locally-raised CPA revenue.
In addition to DLTA, Shannon, and CPA top priorities, MAPC is also supportive of:
- Amendment #13: DCR, filed by Representative Pignatelli
- Amendment #399: Improvement to HomeBASE, filed by Representative Barber
- Amendment #596: Flood Risk Protection Program, filed by Representative Peake
- Amendment #861: Local and Regional Public Health Excellence Grants, filed by Representative Kane
- Amendment #881: Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), filed by Representative Madaro
- Amendments #1068 & #1070: Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), filed by Representative Peake
- Amendment #1268: Housing Protections, filed by Representative Moran
- Amendment #1371: Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), filed by Representative Decker
The House will begin debate on the proposal on Monday, April 25. After the House approves a budget, the Senate will debate its own version in May, and then a conference committee will negotiate the differences between the versions drafted by each branch. The fiscal year begins on July 1, so the final bill will likely be signed into law by that date or soon after.
Questions? Contact Leah Robins at [email protected].