Koczera Says Local Aid Will Remain Despite Budget Cuts

Leaders on Beacon Hill are casting votes and finalizing details on a budget as the 2016 fiscal year comes to a close.

Rep. Robert Koczera told WBSM's Barry Richard that legislators originally anticipated a 4 percent increase in revenues for the upcoming year.

However, the most recent figures have saw a decrease in revenues.

"We had to revise our revenue forecasts downward because we've experienced a downturn in the current fiscal year and expect that to continue into the new year," said Koczera.

When it became apparent that there would actually be a decline in revenues some cuts were made.

As for how the cuts will be made Koczera says that he expects most departments to remain level funded although some will experience cuts.

He also said that less money will be available for grants provided through the Senator Charles E. Shannon, Jr. Community Safety Initiative which help communities address gang violence.

However, Koczera says that, despite the cuts, some local funding will remain in place.

"We have preserved increases in local aid, Chapter 70 school aid of some ...$116 Million and then another $42 million in unrestricted local aid to cities and towns," said Koczera.

Koczera also says that more than 23 million dollars for opioid abuse treatment.

"Part of that would provide for some 125 residential beds because alot of these people need treatment," said Koczera "part of the problem is that we need to expand services so that we can address their needs better."

The $39 billion budget plan was approved by the House and is now headed to the Senate before it goes to Gov. Charlie Baker for his signature.