Proposed Baker Budget Shorts Aid For Local Governments

MASSACHUSETTS — Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito gave more than 500 local leaders a sneak peek of the Baker administration's proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 at the Massachusetts Municipal Association's annual meeting Friday.

The reception for the budget, which includes just a 2.7 percent increase in local aid, was cool at best. The association's members were expecting more, given the state set a record for revenue collection in fiscal year 2021 and last week released projections for another record in the current fiscal year.

"We...hope it's a starting point," MMA President and Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said, according to the association's Website. "State revenue has grown at record levels the past two years, but municipalities haven't seen that growth. As cities and towns continue to provide critical services, we hope that surplus state revenue can be shared via local aid."

Gov. Charlie Baker is expected to file his spending plan with the state legislature next week. The 2.7 percent increase in local aid amounts to $31.5 million.

"Unfortunately, the local aid funding in the administration’s fiscal 2023 budget is too low," said MMA Executive Director Geoff Beckwith. "State tax revenue growth is through the roof — 22 percent higher than original projections — but aid to cities and towns would remain almost flat under this proposal."

Polito and Baker are not seeking reelection. Polito has addressed the association's annual meeting every year since taking office, and Friday's 25-minute speech was her last as lieutenant governor.

"You have chosen to do these jobs," she said. "Municipal government service is important, meaningful, satisfying, and critical to the success of the Commonwealth...It has been an incredible opportunity to be your partner."