Archived Information

DOE Budget

STATE BUDGET UPDATE

January 30, 2003

The Governor today announced a series of reductions in state-funded programs to address the Commonwealth's expected FY03 budget deficit.

Several Department of Education grant programs are affected by these reductions:

• Early childhood programs (account 7030-1000): $10.0 million reduction to the Mass. Family Network and Community Partnership grants.

• Early literacy programs (account 7030-1003): $11.8 million reduction.

• School breakfast programs (account 7053-1927): $3.1 million reduction in universal feeding grants.

The Governor did not make any reductions in the Chapter 70, school transportation, or school construction accounts. For the Chapter 70 program, the previously-issued net school spending requirements remain unchanged.

School officials should be aware that two other local aid programs (lottery aid and additional assistance) were reduced by 9.35%. Both of these programs provide general, unrestricted revenues for cities and towns.

Please keep in mind that these budget actions are for FY03 only. Additional significant cutbacks in state spending will be required in FY04. The Governor is scheduled to release his FY04 budget recommendations on February 26.