FY2011 Budget Hearings and Forums

Like the spring Community Forums on Choices and Priorities (see highlights below), this fall the Patrick/Murray Administration is hosting a series of FY 2011 Budget Hearings and Forums to discuss the state our of economy, our budget, what it means for the critical services we provide, and how the decisions we must make will affect us all.

From November 23rd to December 18th the Administration will host 19 public hearings and forums across the Commonwealth to ensure that all feedback can be taken into account in developing the Governor’s budget recommendations, which are due in late January. If you have any questions, please contact us at Grassroots.Governance@state.ma.us.

What’s the difference between a Hearing and a Forum?

A Budget Hearing provides an opportunity for interested parties to submit formal testimony (both written and verbal) as part of the Fiscal Year 2011 recommendation process. Open to the public, hearings generally attract stakeholders with specific comments and recommendations. Most will be held in state office buildings.

A Budget Forum provides an opportunity for everyone to participate in an open conversation about the Commonwealth’s budget. While each host will tailor his/her presentation to their respective secretariat, the conversations are generally less technical, encourage greater dialogue and will address the budget as a whole. Like the Community Forums of the spring, these forums will take place in public, easily accessible locations in cities and towns across the Commonwealth.