The Senate budget: where things stand (today)

Yesterday, I finally read in detail the the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's take on the Senate Ways and Means budget, and it confirmed what I knew: there were so many cuts it was hard to know where to start.

Since then (about 15 hours later?) I've learned of significant restorations to many of the programs I was going to tell you about, including Prescription Advantage, MassHealth and Commonwealth Care adult dental, and adult day habilitation. This is because last night, the Senate voted to increase the sales tax and to tax alcohol purchases (which the House did not do) and identify where that revenue would go. Health Care for All has a short blog on this.

So while cutting programs is the most obvious way our government is dealing with the economic downturn, last night's decision by the Senate (which follows similar decisions by the House and Governor) shows us it is not the only way. While many of us would like to see other revenue sources increase as well, the sales tax is a start. By paying 6.25% instead of 5%, we can restore many vital programs. I will be paying $36.66 instead of $36.23 when I buy a $34.50 set of legos for my son—seems fair to me.

It's a crazy year, and I can't predict what will happen next. I do know that health care for legal immigrants is still in danger and I'm certain many that areas of special concern remain for all of us, but what happened last night makes me feel much better, and says to me that calls and visits do make a difference (I was feeling pretty down this morning). What follows are a few updates; I hope you will add information too.

Outreach and Enrollment
The line item for funding hasn’t made it into anyone’s budget for FY2010; but the Senate Ways and Means committee proposed an outside section directing HEFA and the Connector, two agencies that contributed funding to this year’s grants, to continue their current funding at 2.5 million. Also, Senator Downing (Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin) has submitted his bill, "An Act Relative to Healthcare Outreach and Enrollment," as Amendment #459. Both his bill and amendment seek to codify and strengthen the MassHealth Outreach Grant program.

Amendments to restore cut programs
Health Care for All is maintaining an updated list of health-related budget amendments it is supporting, with contact information for each. The list notes which programs have been restored. If you are aware of other amendments that still need support, please tell us by commenting on this blog.

If you wish to call your Senator, either to ask for help or say thank you, click here to find your Senator (once you enter your information at "Where Do I Vote" you will need to scroll down to see the name of your Senator in General Court).

After the amendments: what will come next
The Senate Ways and Means budget should be final by the end of this week; then, the House and Senate will come together in a Conference Committee to determine what the final budget looks like. After a vote on that final budget, it is sent to the Governor. The Governor can simply sign the budget, or he can veto certain lines. The House and Senate can then override the Governor's vetoes if they have the votes and inclination. Click here for a picture of the budget timeline.

Thank you for all of the incredible work you do. Though the sales tax increase will keep some programs from closing, many of us still are wondering how much longer we'll have our jobs. It is downright terrifying to think that the state of Massachusetts may not know what we've got 'til it's gone (insert your song here). We look forward to staying connected with you at upcoming HAN meetings. Though the picture is bleak without more revenue, we are committed to keeping Community Partners open for as long as we can.