House Budget Does Not Include CPA Trust Fund Amendment

Apr. 27, 2018: Earlier this week, the House put the wraps on their version of the state budget. In an effort to include more money for the CPA Trust Fund in the budget debate, Representatives Aaron Michlewitz of Boston and Kate Hogan of Stow submitted an amendment calling for an increase in the state's deeds recording fees. The Coalition rallied support for the amendment, and with the combined efforts of CPA advocates from across the state, the amendment had a total of 87 co-sponsors. It was an incredibly strong showing of support in the House.

In the end, however, the House decided to pull all budget amendments that would change the level of state taxes or fees. So the amendment, along with many others, was not included in the final budget.

Despite this disappointing outcome in the House, the Coalition already making plans with our sponsors to file a similar amendment during the upcoming Senate budget debate. It only takes passage by one branch for our amendment to be considered by the Conference Committee that reconciles the two versions of the budget, so with the Senate budget debate coming in May, there's still a chance for the amendment to be included in the final FY19 budget.

We're grateful to Representatives Michlewitz and Hogan, the 87 co-sponsors, and to the many advocates who urged those Representatives to support the CPA amendment.

See the final list of House Co-Sponsors by clicking here.