“A Boston Resident Isn’t Worth More” Kennedy Calls for Budget Reform
State Budget, Housing and ICE Debate Take Center Stage with Sen. Kennedy
By-Hank Stolz
Photo-Submitted
Boston, MA- State Senator Robyn Kennedy stopped by the Talk of the Commonwealth to talk about the upcoming state budget and other legislative priorities, “my real focus is on regional equity and making sure that regions outside of the city of Boston receive their fair share in funding, which historically has not been the case…”
The Senator emphasized her focus on achieving regional equity in state funding, particularly through reforming the distribution of Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), “a Boston resident isn’t worth more than a Bolton resident when again, it’s unrestricted.” She wants the Chapter 70 school funding formula to better support municipalities outside of Boston saying the funding formula is outdated and in need of a review commission to address funding gaps for things like transportation, rural schools, and special education.
What is Chapter 70 School Funding?
Chapter 70 is Massachusetts’ primary program for funding public K-12 education.
The formula determines how much aid each school district receives from the state, based on factors like enrollment, local property wealth and income levels.
Many policymakers, including Senator Kennedy, argue the formula is outdated and does not fully account for rising costs such as transportation, special education and the unique challenges facing rural or smaller districts.
A proposed review commission would re-evaluate the formula to better reflect current economic realities.
Sources
- Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 70 (Massachusetts Legislature)
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