The House Ways and Means Committee released their FY2020 state budget proposal on Wednesday, April 10. The proposal provides funding for two of MAPC's top priorities, but funds those priorities at levels below the amount MAPC is seeking.

The District Local Technical Assistance program (DTLA), which provides technical assistance to cities and towns, was funded at $2.8 million, the same amount as last year. We had been seeking an increase to $3.4 million. The Shannon Grant, which provides funds for municipalities to address youth gang violence prevention, saw a slight increase but did not get to the $10 million requested for the program. These funds are critical in supporting municipal needs in our region and across the Commonwealth.

The House Ways and Means budget includes, for the first time, an increase to the Community Preservation Act Trust Fund state match by increasing the surcharge on deeds recording fees. The budget calls for a $50 recording fee for most documents, up from $20, and $25 for municipal lien certificates, up from $10. It's estimated that those increased fees will generate an additional $36 million for the CPA Trust Fund. If passed, this would be the first update to the funding mechanism since 2000.

MAPC thanks House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Vice Chair Denise Garlick, and Assistant Vice Chair Liz Malia for their commitment to these important resources in our communities.

Representatives have until Friday, April 12 to file amendments to the budget proposal. The House will begin debate on the proposal on Monday, April 22. The Senate will then debate its own state budget proposal in May. More information on how MAPC's smart growth and regional planning priorities fared in the House proposal is available below: