House Budget Includes $10 Million for CPA From FY16 surplus
Apr. 27, 2016: The Massachusetts House of Representatives has once again shown their support for CPA as they finalized their FY17 budget proposal. The budget passed by the House this week included an amendment for up to $10 million to be transferred to the CPA Trust Fund from this year's state budget surplus. While we were advocating for $25 million, the large state budget shortfall meant that many state programs received substantially less than requested. If the state does end the year with a surplus, as they normally do, the $10 million would provide a much-needed increase in the predicted 19% first round distribution to be received by CPA communities this fall.
We are grateful to Representative Peter Kocot for filing the successful budget amendment that will provide the CPA funding. The Coalition would also like to thank Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo and the House Committee on Ways and Means, led by Chairman Brian Dempsey and Vice Chair Stephen Kulik, and Minority Leader Brad Jones for their continued support of the Community Preservation Act.
Last week, we listed the 41 state representatives who co-sponsored the CPA budget amendment. Follow the link to check the list of supporters, and if you see the name of your state representative please be sure and thank them, either by email or telephone, for their strong support of CPA.
What's comes next in the budget process?
Much work remains before the budget becomes final. The Senate released their version of the state budget in mid-May and it did not contain funding for the trust fund. Senator Cynthia Stone Creem has filed an amendment to the Senate budget to include funding for CPA, and the full Senate will make a decision on that amendment by May 26th.
What language was included in the House budget for CPA?
SECTION 47B. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, prior to transferring the consolidated net surplus in the budgetary funds to the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund under section 5C of chapter 29 of the General Laws, the comptroller shall dispose of the consolidated net surplus in the budgetary funds for fiscal year 2016 as follows: (i) transfer 1/2 of the surplus, not to exceed $10,000,000, to the Massachusetts Community Preservation Trust Fund established in section 9 of chapter 44B of the General Laws; and (ii) transfer 1/2 of the surplus, not to exceed $10,000,000, to the Massachusetts Life Sciences Investment Fund established in section 6 of chapter 23I of the General Laws.