Increased CPA Funding Included in House Ways & Means Budget

House Ways & Means Chair Michlewitz Announces CPA Funding Increase in House BudgetWe're pleased to report an unprecedented milestone in our efforts to bolster the CPA Trust Fund. The proposed FY2020 state budget released today by the House Committee on Ways and Means includes an increase in funding for the statewide CPA Trust Fund, calling for a $30 increase to the recording fees at the State's Registries of Deeds to provide a higher state match to all CPA communities in November of 2020.

The CPA language in the House budget draws from legislation filed this session by Representative Ferrante and co-sponsored by 104 state representatives. “CPA has been a critical funding source for my hometown of Gloucester,” said Representative Ferrante. “Our parks, historic buildings, conservation lands and housing will all benefit from this increase in CPA funding for years to come.”

We are extremely grateful for the support of Speaker Robert DeLeo, Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, and Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante and their work to increase the state's investment into the CPA program.

Both the Senate and Governor have signaled their support for a CPA Trust Fund increase prior to today's announcement. The Senate voted 38-0 last year to approve Senator Cynthia Stone Creem’s proposal to increase CPA funding by the same amount as today’s House proposal, although the language ultimately did not become law. And speaking to housing executives late last year, Governor Charlie Baker said he would sign a legislative fix to support the Trust Fund. “Eighteen years is a long time. It’s obvious there needs to be an adjustment made... we would support that mechanism being increased,” Baker said.

FY2020 Budget ProcessWhat is the next step in the budget process?

After the House approves a final, amended version of the bill, the budget will then progress into to the Senate. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means examines both the Governor's proposal and the House proposal and releases its own recommendations for the annual budget. The House and Senate will then each appoint three members to a conference committee to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate proposals. The conference committee then reports a final compromise bill to the House and Senate for a final vote of acceptance in each branch.

The Coalition will be providing updates throughout this budget process.

What was included in the House Budget for CPA?

House Ways and Means Outside Sections:

SECTION 12. Section 8 of chapter 44B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 3, 8 and 23, the figure “20” and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following figure:- 50.

SECTION 13. Said section 8 of said chapter 44B, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in lines 10, 14 and 24, the figure “10” and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following figure:- 25.

SECTION 57. Sections 12 and 13 shall take effect on December 31, 2019. The commissioner of revenue shall notify the registers of deeds, the assistant recorders and the joint committee on revenue of the new surcharge amounts established under sections 12 and 13. All documents or instruments received by the registers of deeds and assistant recorders that are postmarked prior to the effective date of said sections 12 and 13 shall be subject to the fee surcharge applicable to section 8 of chapter 44B of the General Laws that was in effect prior to that date.

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