Budget Cuts

By The Boston University Statehouse Program

 

A package of stories examining aspects of the $1 billion in state budget cuts ordered last month by Governor Deval Patrick.

 

MWRA Helps the State Dodge Bigger Cuts

BOSTON – Gov. Deval Patrick’s budget cuts could have been much worse for homeowners, farmers and others who benefit from the state’s environmental programs.

Thanks to what is being called a unique innovation, more than half the $38 million in program cuts won’t be felt because of the governor’s efforts to get agencies outside state government, such as the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, to cover the cuts.  

(By Kathryn Eident and Nannan Zhong)

 

Focus on New Spending, Outside Contributions Minimizes Impact

When Gov. Deval Patrick ordered a list of spending cuts to balance sinking state revenues last month, he reminded citizens “state government is only doing its version of what individuals and families are having to do – figure out how in tough times to get by with less.”

The somber Patrick likened his decisions to a family cinching its belt for hard times. But a closer look at the budget cuts suggests the belt hasn’t been tightened to the point of pain – yet.

(Evan Lips, Kaili Xu and Naoko Yoshida)

 

Impact Will Hit Programs New to this Year

BOSTON - Gov. Deval Patrick’s budget cuts to the Department of Education have stunted long-range ambitions for the state’s education system. But the various budgets, from pre-school to higher education, will remain at the same level as last year with the 4 percent in cuts largely eliminating new programs that have yet to start.

(By Jessica Collier and Jeff Elliott)

 

Cut Hit Education and Employment Counseling

After struggling with depression for two years Michelle Loomis is preparing for a new life by applying to Bunker Hill Community College to pursue a career as a social worker. She said she could not have done it without help from the state’s Department of Mental Health programs.

“I’m kind of hopeful because I’m going back to school and doing something with my life again,” the 20-year-old Revere resident said. “Because of my depression-anxiety, I have trouble going places and putting myself out there, talking to people and asking questions.”

(By Kelsey Abbruzzese)

 

Fewer Cops, But Departments Make Do For Now

BOSTON - Gov. Deval Patrick made public safety a campaign issue in his 2006 run for governor, pledging to put another thousand cops on Massachusetts’ streets. Now, with the state budget in crisis, he is making cuts that will eliminate some of the police officers he promised.

Last month Patrick abolished his $4 million municipal police grants and cut $5 million or 24 percent of funding for community policing, a program he expanded since he took office.

(By Lyle Moran and Tait Militana)

 

Outside Agencies Come to the Rescue

BOSTON - A quick reading of Gov. Deval Patrick’s $11.5 million in cuts to state housing programs appear grim.

A mortgage subsidy program for affordable housing was cut completely; another program thathelps low-to-moderate income first-time homebuyers was cut by over one-third.

(By Lisa Przystup)