MBPC: Analyzing the House Ways and Means Budget for FY 2015

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Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee (HWM) presented its budget proposal for FY 2015. Our new Budget Monitor shows how this proposal would affect programs across state government, from health care and education to human services and the environment.

The HWM proposal does not include significant new revenue, meaning that proposed new investments are relatively modest. They include:

• Higher education, where funding is increased roughly $60 million over last year and $8 million over the Governor's proposal.
• Child welfare, where $8.4 million in additional funding is provided to hire additional social workers to begin to reduce caseloads to levels at which children and families could be better protected and supported.
• Substance abuse and prevention and treatment, where funding is increased $6.3 million over last year and $3.6 million above the Governor's recommendation.

The budget also recommends a number of cuts to existing programs, including a $13.9 million reduction in funding for youth jobs programs.

Read our full Budget Monitor HERE.

 

 

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

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