Keeping the Conversation Going

Jeffrey Simon

Director, MA Recovery & Reinvestment Office

View Jeffrey's Bio

Recently, I participated in the Governor’s effort to engage those with the biggest stake in state government – its citizens -- in one of the most crucial aspects of governing: developing the state budget.

Budget forums are being held across the state to ensure that you have a say in how money gets spent here in Massachusetts.  My first forum was held in Framingham and we talked about the Commonwealth’s projected budget shortfall of nearly $3 billion for 2011. I noted that despite the crisis, in 2010, a record $4 billion was allocated for education funding, an all-time high. The Governor also preserved $970 million in funding for state colleges and universities and was able to ensure that over 97% of Massachusetts citizens have health insurance. When faced with having to make tough choices, this administration is determined to always make those decisions based on what is best for the citizens of this state.

Framigham Town Manager, Julian M. Suso at the Forum

Of course, the Recovery Act has been a critical factor in managing the Commonwealth’s budget. (And I’m not just saying that because I run the state’s Recovery office…) Over $4 billion has been awarded so far and more than $1.5 billion has been spent on direct benefits while over $609 million has been spent on programs and infrastructure projects through state agencies.

When I talked about the Governor’s commitment to what he calls “Choices Based on Values,” the theme seemed to resonate in a way that I would not have predicted.  I was struck by the degree to which the people in the audience wanted to talk not just about the decisions that we make but also about how we make these decisions and what kinds of values these decisions will reflect. 

Don’t get me wrong – not everybody agreed on everything, which is fine.  There was lively discussion, some debate, some strong disagreements.  But everyone was engaged in a very respectful discussion of some really tough choices. I was thrilled to hear from many involved citizens who had questions on  Recovery Act funding for low-income housing (there is, by the way) and small businesses (there are three new loan programs through the federal Small Business Administration).

I heard about concerns that wages are falling and that there needs to be more federal funding for special education. One person was worried that too many small business jobs are moving out of the state. He wanted to see the state invest more in small businesses.

Every complaint, every recommendation and even every criticism was duly noted. I conducted this forum to give citizens a voice and I want you to know that not only were you heard but your words are also compelling many of us in state government to do better, take action and serve you better.

Of course, I couldn’t end the session without pointing out the local Recovery Act projects. The South Middlesex Vocational Technical School received $399k in funding while $12.5 million in Recovery funds went to the Route 9 resurfacing project. The Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly’s Morton and Etta Shillman House received $2.9 million in Recovery funds.

But enough about my department -- I want to hear from you. Let me know what areas you think are important to preserve and what state services you would be willing to do without.  Use the comments section and feel free to ask me questions about the Recovery Act, or let me know how you think we in state government can do our job better. After all, as I said, no one has a bigger stake in all this than you.

Comments

[Tom]

Every bodies ox is going to get gored in the future. With the economy the way it is there is an ever shrinking tax base (tax payers) and the more you tax to make up for the short fall the more people will leave the state, just look at New York and all of the wealth that has moved out of there.

[Jeffrey Simon]

Jeffrey Simon responds:

Jennifer,
Thanks for your comment. I understand that school districts are having a hard time and that cutting funds for transportation for regional districts creates a difficult situation. I served on the Ipswich School Committee for 9 years and had to grapple with similar issues. But our current situation is due to the severe drop in state revenues. When predicted state revenues dropped by $600 million, Governor Patrick had to make some very painful choices in order to balance the budget. And that’s what this is all about – hard choices among very worthy and important undertakings. The Governor did his best by focusing on core services such as early literacy, supports to close the achievement gap and Chapter 70 aid to cities and towns, as well as other critical programs such as school breakfast and early childhood mental health. Underlying all of this was his decision to protect the main education funding program, Chapter 70 aid. Having said all of that, I am sure that this is not much comfort to you. But when we simply don’t have enough funds to pay for everything that we might want and even need, difficult choices must be made and someone always is deprived of a needed service. Hopefully Governor Patrick’s commitment to preserve core education funding will help out.
Jeffrey

[Jeffrey Simon]

Jeffrey Simon responds:

Joe,
Thanks for your inquiry. I completely understand your point but please keep in mind that SNAP is a Federal Government program and the state provides administrative support for which it is reimbursed. Therefore, the program criteria is determined by the Federal Government, not the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is actively working to enroll families that are eligible to receive food stamps to ensure that those most in need receive the benefit. The income eligibility criteria is less than $30,000 a year for a family of four. Assets are not included in the eligibility determinations since people with assets, like a house, may still need some temporary help. In particular, many senior citizens utilize food stamps, live off a fixed income, and own their homes. As you note, there has not been wide spread abuse, but again, I understand your point.
Jeffrey

[Jennifer Parker]

I recently became aware of budget cuts for transportation for regional school systems. This is of course causing teacher cuts within the school districts. Balancing the state budget is important, but cuts to the school systems is unwise. I am very disappointed by this and would like to understand the rational. It seems to me there were promises of no cuts in public school funding.

[Joe Smith]

While participating in volunteer reporting meetings, I am struck by the number of times I hear of benefits available from the State based on income, but not on assets. Although it may not be widely abused, why should those with exceptional assets qualify for things like Prescription Advantage and SNAP (food stamps). With limited funds available, those that receive benefits without true need only sap funds that may be available to those truly in need.