By Bob Katzen
Senate 6-31, rejected an amendment that would provide local cities and towns with $300 million in education aid for public elementary and secondary education, including “programs, services, operations, supports and improvements that advance educational quality, equity, access and student success in the commonwealth.”
Amendment supporters said that the $300 million will help cities and towns across the state fund and improve their K-12 education. They noted that communities are struggling to make ends meet and this $300 million would be welcomed by every community.
Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated attempts by BHRC asking him why he filed and supported the amendment.
Amendment opponents said the amendment is well-intentioned but noted the bill is designed to invest in deferred maintenance of colleges, not in K-12 education funding for local cities and towns. They noted that the overall state budget already includes $760 million for local education aid.
Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), the chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, did not respond to repeated attempts by BHRC asking him why he opposed the amendment.
(A “Yes” vote is for the $300 million. A “No” vote is against it.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen No
The lottery was supposed to fund the schools. What happened to the lottery profits? Oh yeah, there’s no audit that the voters said yes.
This is an arrogant state government as well as local governments that do what they want, not what their constituents which is what they crooked politicians are supposed to do. Bunch of back stabbing liars.