Both of Bedford’s legislators, State Representative Ken Gordon and State Senator Michael Barrett, checked in with The Citizen earlier this week:
From Ken Gordon’s April 15 Newsletter
Our hard work is paying off. Last week the House of Representatives released its FY 2014 budget. Local aid for roads and bridges nd local school aid has not only been protected, it has actually increased.
Funding to support the town’s roads and bridges increased overall in the region by more than $1 million. Bedford will see an increase of $446,465 in state funding, while Wilmington will see an additional $410,943 in state aid. Burlington will see its aid increased from approximately $5.27 million to $5.42 million.
The budget must be approved by the full House next week and then will be sent to the Senate for further amendment. The final version will be sent to the governor for approval. The House version spends approximately $1 billion less than the governor’s proposed budget.
Under the House plan, all the district towns’ schools will see an increase. Local aid in Bedford went up by $313,744 and in Burlington school support increased by $529,388. Wilmington’s school assistance was increased by $382,623.
When I took office I went on a “listening tour” of local government leaders to find out the priorities of those who administer our towns. I learned that the most important areas for Burlington and Wilmington, was to protect state support for roads and bridges, and that support was not only protected, but it was increased.
In Bedford, the priority was to protect the reimbursement the town has received from the state for the last three years for education of the children of military families. This assistance has traditionally not appeared in the initial House budget. But I am working hard to protect that funding and I believe we will see it shortly.
My efforts have not stopped with the needs of local government. We have a significant problem on our hands regarding the needs of seniors. One program that was cut in the House budget was a program that provides funds for support so that seniors can remain in their homes, rather than rely on nursing home care. I co-sponsored an amendment to return that funding to the program.
We also have a great need to improve transportation in the region and in the state. I worked hard with leadership to communicate the needs of our business community and our residents. This resulted in a plan that Leadership feels addresses some of our needs, but does not unfairly burden the taxpayer. I eventually joined with Leadership in its transportation plan. The fight is not over, but I want to protect the gains we made, while controlling any rising tax that may frustrate our residents.
Barrett Tallies Opinions from Constituents
State Sen. Mike Barrett says he’s heard “from constituents across the district who are calling, emailing and writing to voice their opinion on the various tax plans proposed by Governor Patrick and House and Senate leadership.”
The tax issue has been predictably hot, Barrett says, but the final tallies have been unexpected. 315 constituents support raising new revenue to invest in transportation and education. Conversely 42 have written or called against any tax increase.
“Many phoned my office immediately after the Governor announced his plan,” Barrett continues, “but even more have sent postcards in response to later proposals.” In the past two weeks 76 residents have emailed or called to support the Governor’s larger plan as opposed to the smaller package passed by the House.
Issues not making headlines, such as election reform and direct wine shipping, have also prompted constituents to write in. Barrett says he’s received 46 emails in favor of election law reform, including absentee voting without an excuse. People have also been reaching out in favor of direct wine shipping. 21 wine lovers have advocated for a bill that would allow them to buy a limited number of bottles directly from out-of-state wineries.
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