EDC Legislative Update

From the EDC (May 12 2011)

1. The Massachusetts House of Representatives wrapped up its work on the State budget last week, after four intense days of debate. During that debate, the EDC weighed in on three specific issues that were voted on by our Board of Directors. We were successful with two of them.

   Municipal Health Plan Design. This issue was a priority item for the area Mayors that serve on the EDC board. The changes contained in the House version of the budget would give town and city leaders more tools to deal with the benefits contained in their health plans without having to negotiate with all unions. The proposed process would mirror what is already in place for state employees. The EDC and its affiliate, the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, sent letters of support for this language to all area Representatives and we are pleased to report that the language was adopted and included on the budget that passed.

   Tourism Funding. The original House Ways and Means Budget funded Regional Tourism Councils, including the EDC-affiliated Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, at $ 1 million. Just four years ago the state funding level was $ 9 million. An amendment was filed to the budget to bring the level up to $ 6 million and the EDC communicated its strong support to our area legislators. The $ 6 million figure was adopted in the final budget.

   Funding of Regional Economic Development Agencies. The supplemental budget for FY 2011, passed a few months ago, provided $ 800,000 for competitive marketing grants. The EDC of Western Massachusetts applied for, and received, one of the biggest grants. But similar funding was not contained in the House Ways and Means budget for FY 2012. At the request of the EDC, several of our area legislators included an amendment to the budget to add another $ 800,000 for this purpose. That amendment did not pass, so there are no EDC funds for the upcoming fiscal year in the House budget. Our attention will now turn to the Senate.

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