Representative David K. Muradian, Jr. (R-Grafton), joined his colleagues Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer) Senator Ryan Fattman (R-Webster), Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury), Representative Kim Ferguson (R-Holden), and Representative John Fernandes (D-Milford) in calling on newly sworn in Attorney General Maura Healy to issue an opinion as to whether Governor Patrick’s reduction of regional school transportation, under the 9C cuts he made before leaving office, were legal.
“The cuts made by Governor Patrick on regional school transportation should not stand; the 2010 law clearly states that any cuts to school transportation shall not be higher than those cuts made to chapter 70 local aid payments,” stated Representative Muradian. “This means that the Governor could not cut school transportation at all, due to the fact that there were no cuts made to chapter 70.”
“This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. I hope the Attorney General will address this problem as it is not fair to balance the budget on the backs of our students,” said Senator Fattman.
As part of Governor Patrick’s $329 million in 9C cuts, $18,730,563 were reductions made to regional school transportation funding chapter 70 local aid.
“It is fiscally irresponsible for the administration to cut any direct funding to municipal services midway through the fiscal year,” said Senator Moore. “Cuts would devastate local school and municipal budgets which are already strained and I am hopeful the Attorney General will issue an opinion in line with the very clear language that transportation cuts may only be made when cuts to Chapter 70 have been made.”
The Legislators now await Attorney General Healy’s opinion on the regional school transportation funds.
UPTON DAILY 