MA State Rep Bob Spellane

In early May, Bob joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass a $26.9 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2008 that targets aid to cities and towns, provides additional funding for public safety initiatives, and places the Bay State on solid fiscal footing. Moreover, the House budget rejected burdensome tax increases that would hinder business growth and the ability to create jobs and raise wages.

The budget contains historic increases in Chapter 70 public education funding to communities and increases funding for anti-crime and police training efforts. The budget also includes funds to keep water and sewer rate increases down, and increases salaries for the lowest paid direct-care service providers who tend to our most ill and disabled.

In addition to funding important programs throughout Massachusetts, Bob also secured important funding for local initiatives, such as the

Central Mass. Housing Alliance's Donations Clearinghouse
Foley Stadium renovations
Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center
Family Health Center
The Molly Bish Center at Anna Maria College
The Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Greenhill Park
YMCA
Eagle Hill
Junior Achievement.

"Rep. Spellane's diligent efforts and dedication to his district and to the entire Bay State played a major role in ensuring we passed a pragmatic and thoughtful budget," stated House Committee on Ways and Means chairman Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). "Despite real and unique challenges, Rep. Spellane and our colleagues together crafted a budget that is both fiscally sound and directs limited resources to where they can most benefit the people of Worcester and Paxton and all corners of Massachusetts."
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The conference committee budget was submitted to Gov. Patrick who returned his vetoes - totaling some $41 million on July 12. The budget is now back before the Legislature, which is preparing to take up veto override votes. For a concise description of the budgetary process with links to the most updated version of the budget, follow this link>>>