H4348 State Legislature

18.8 million for operation of legislature (H4348) Reply |Howard McGowan to MSAC, Council, Oak, Charles, Howard
show details 10:55 AM (0 minutes ago)


— The House, 125-31, and the Senate, 31-6, overrode Gov. Deval
Patrick's veto of $18.8 million in so-called "prior appropriations
continued" funding for the operation of the Legislature. The $18.8
million is money that was given to the Legislature in prior years but
was not spent. It is carried over year after year as an extra fund
from which the Legislature can spend for its operations. The $18.8
million is in addition to the $53 million in the regular budget that
was given to the Legislature to run its operations this year.

Override supporters said that it is important for the Legislature to
have this money available to operate smoothly and to have on hand for
future needs or emergencies. They argued that the Legislature has cut
its budget by millions through layoffs and furloughs. They noted that
this PAC account recently had some $30 million in it but the
Legislature gave $12 million of if it back to the general fund.

Opponents of the override said that it is outrageous that the
Legislature has an $18.8 million slush fund that has been carried over
because it was not spent in past years. They argued that in light of
the budget deficit and cutbacks in many human service programs and
local aid, the Legislature should give the $18.8 million back to the
general fund. They noted that the Legislature can easily operate on
the other $53 million in funding it received in this year's budget.

A "Yes" vote is for giving the Legislature the $18.8 million.


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Howard McGowan
MaldenSenior