Tagged: local aid

The  Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday approved a $33.8 billion state budget that boosts spending on higher education and local aid.

The proposed budget is $ 1 billion less than what Governor Deval Patrick recommended. Committee vice-chair  Democrat Stephen Kulik of Worthington says the only new taxes are the ones approved by the full house earlier this week for transportation.

People shopping for a bargain typically turn to the internet and the same is true for at least one cash strapped city in western Massachusetts. 

   The city of Springfield is projected to save more than $2.6 million dollars on its electric bill in the next fiscal year after participating in an online auction to purchase electricity. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno announced the new energy contract on Friday. He said it was an impressive accomplishment that comes as the city is facing potentially deep budget cuts.

The Patrick Administration’s top budget official warns failure to avert the “fiscal cliff” in Washington will seriously harm the Massachusetts state budget.  WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports

If the country goes over the so-called “ fiscal cliff” Massachusetts could lose $300 million in tax revenue this fiscal year and $1 billion dollars next year. It would also cost the state $200 million in federal funding that helps pay for a variety of programs according to the Massachusetts Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez.

The Massachusetts State Lottery this week reported record sales and net profit. It means more money should be available for future distribution to cash strapped cities and towns across the state.  WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

Murphy’s Pop Shop in Springfield’s East Forest Park neighborhood is one of the top lottery sales agents in Massachusetts.  Owner Patrick Murphy said his business was off  due to the natural disasters that befell Springfield, but he’s not surprised lottery sales statewide during the last  12 months hit a record.