January 7, 2010 — Press Release
BOSTON - After intensive lobbying from state representatives in the Regional School Caucus, including Representative Jennifer Benson (D-Lunenburg), as well as school and teachers advocates, Governor Patrick has fulfilled his promise to restore cuts he made three months ago to regional school transportation. Last week, the Governor had announced his intention to come up with a plan to restore the funds; yesterday his office announced he had followed through and restored the full $18 million.
Benson joined a bipartisan group of 63 members of the General Court in co-signing a letter to Governor Patrick asking him to reconsider his 9c cut to Regional School Transportation Reimbursement. The account was cut nearly 50% by the Governor and represented a 63% reduction in regional school district aid since Fiscal Year 2009.
The letter stated that since regional schools are required by law to provide transportation, must travel greater distances than municipal school districts, and, unlike municipal districts, cannot go back to member towns for additional funds after the cut, this cut represented a significant reducation in local aid to regional school districts.
"I was thrilled to hear that the Governor decided to rescind his cut to regional transportation aid," said Benson. "This cut disproportionately impacted regional school districts which were facing layoffs and furloughs without this money."
The Patrick Administration was able to fill the cut after recent revenue estimates came in above projected benchmarks. Since October 15th, the state has collected $181 million more than expected, allowing the Governor to restore the cut he had made.
