EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Financial Overview

The Fiscal Year 2011 House Ways and Means recommendations for the Commonwealth’s operating budget include appropriations totaling $27.8B.  Despite indications that the Commonwealth is showing signs of economic recovery the Committee has proposed a cautious budget that is mindful of future economic uncertainty and the loss of substantial federal revenues in coming years.

This proposal has been crafted with fiscal prudence amid forecasts of a slow economic recovery while striving to support core government functions.  Once again the Commonwealth is faced with a reality of limited resources being stretched by the increased need for vital programs and services.  In drafting this proposal the Committee has examined the Commonwealth’s core services and produced a balanced budget, funded through existing revenue sources, that is responsible when considering the slow economic growth that is expected in the coming year.  By making these difficult decisions along with targeted investments aimed at encouraging economic growth through job creation, the Committee’s recommendations maintain necessary programs and services while also recognizing that budgetary spending must remain sustainable.

After carefully considering testimony of economic experts, analyzing tax revenue collections, and noting various economic indicators the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means, along with the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, agreed to a consensus revenue estimate of $19.05B in Fiscal Year 2011 tax revenues.  This represents a modest 3.2% increase over Fiscal Year 2010 projected collections.  When transfers for pensions, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and the School Building Authority are taken into account, there will be $16.2B in tax revenue available for Fiscal Year 2011 expenditures.

Although many difficult choices were necessary to produce a balanced budget, the Committee felt it fiscally responsible to resist using reserve funds.  There still remains a very real possibility that stabilization funds will be required to close fiscal year 2010 with a balanced budget.  During Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010, $1.7B was drawn from the Stabilization Fund to prevent budget cuts, underscoring the necessity of retaining a healthy “rainy day” fund balance. 

In addition to tax revenue, $11.7B in revenue will be available from fees, federal reimbursements, and operating transfers.  Federal revenues from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will continue during Fiscal Year 2011, helping avoid more significant cuts in the short-term, but possibly creating the need for budget reductions in future years.  This budget proposal represents many tough decisions that will affect every resident of the Commonwealth; however, these spending recommendations balance the need to maintain core programs and services while preserving fiscal responsibility.

Local Aid

Throughout this recession the legislature has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining local aid funding.  As programs throughout other areas of the budget have seen a steady decline, the legislature has gone through extraordinary efforts to maintain support for our municipalities.  Federal stimulus dollars allowed us to hold Chapter 70 aid harmless in Fiscal Year 2009 and Fiscal Year 2010, unfortunately those funds are nearly expended.  As we enter into Fiscal Year 2011 we ask our partners in municipal government to join with us in shared sacrifice, through a 4% reduction to both Chapter 70 aid and unrestricted general government aid.  Aware of the strain this reduction will have on municipalities, the Committee has sustained funding for other cherry sheet items such Payment in Lieu of Taxes, Regional School Transportation, and funding for local public libraries.

1. Though it is a 4% cut to Chapter 70 aid and SFSF from Fiscal Year 10, the proposed budget provides at least full foundation aid for all schools
2. Level funded Tax Abatements for Veterans, Widows, Blind Persons and the Elderly
3. Level funded Reimbursement to Cities in Lieu of Taxes on State Owned Land
4. Level funded Aid to Public Libraries

Libraries

The Committee realizes that public libraries are an important resource for citizens of the Commonwealth, especially during a recession.  The reality of this economy, though, necessitates reductions in state support.  The $21.1M provided to the Board of Library Commissioners will result in the consolidation of the six regional library systems into one centralized system.  Through a joint effort on the part of this Committee and the Board of Library Commissioners, however, the centralized system will still provide for the transportation of library materials for the inter-library loan service, the most utilized of the library services.  This budget reaffirms our commitment to providing library services to the elderly and disabled by providing for level funding of both the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library and the Worcester Talking Book Library.

1. Level funded the Talking Book Libraries in Worcester and Watertown
2. Level funded library technology and automated resources line item
3. Level funded Public Library Local Aid compared to their Fiscal Year 2010 total available funds

Early Education and Care

The Department of Early Education and Care strives to ignite growth and learning at the most crucial time in a child’s developmental cycle.  The proposed budget supports a variety of services ranging from one-on-one tutoring programs, as provided for by the Parent Child Home Program, to mental health services that ensure all children, regardless of circumstance, have an equal opportunity for success.  Perhaps one of the most important aspects of a child’s educational development is the participation in a structured child care program.  The Committee recognizes the importance of the Department of Early Education and Care’s work to ensure access to affordable child care throughout the Commonwealth.  These recommendations provide full funding for child care for children with open abuse and neglect cases in the Department of Children and Families, as well as for families who receive or recently received transitional assistance.  Though there will still be a waitlist for Income Eligible child care, the Committee provides funding that will allow families who just started receiving child care, as a result of the opening of access, to maintain these services.  Although there is progress to be made, the Committee continues to strive towards providing families with the tools to give their children access to the first step in a life of learning.

1. Increased funding to the EEC administration line item by $163K
2. Level funded grants to Head Start programs
3. Level funded universal pre-kindergarten grants
4. Level funded parenting support programs

K-12 Education

We recognize that the quality of our workforce is a direct result of our education system, and building and maintaining the best workforce in the nation starts with our K-12 education system.  In these times of fiscal austerity, the Committee recognizes the importance of maintaining many of the programs that have made our state’s education system one of the top in the nation.  This budget remains devoted to the goal of providing students from across the Commonwealth the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. The budget provides $428.6M in funding to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which, excluding Chapter 70, is $2.6M above current spending levels.

This funding level will allow us to maintain programs we have invested in that span the educational spectrum.  Understanding the important role of the MCAS in our educational system, the Committee has opted to level fund the MCAS Low-Scoring Student Support line item.  This will preserve our ability to provide educational support to students in need of additional help to pass the MCAS.  The Committee also realizes the importance of reimbursements to schools for Regional School Transportation and the Special Education Circuit Breaker.  Though the Committee does not increase these appropriations to pre-recession levels, we recommend an increase of $2M (5%) for Regional School Transportation and an increase of $1.9M (1.4%) for the Circuit Breaker.  The Committee hopes that, with a rebound in revenues, this can be a first step in reversing the trend of reducing these important reimbursements to our school districts.  In addition to the previously mentioned recommendations, the Committee also attempts to level fund or increase other important programs.

1. Level funded school-to-work connecting activities to give students job-training and promote workforce development
2. Re-established the Jobs for Bay State Youth program, which provides work-based learning for students
3. Level funded Kindergarten Expansion Grants
4. Level funded the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment line item to provide 18-22 year olds with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to take classes at community colleges
5. Level funded After-School and Out-of-School grants

Higher Education

Over the past two fiscal cycles all areas of the budget have felt the strain of the failing economy. Although the institutions of higher education have had to adapt, the availability of federal stimulus dollars to augment state spending has managed to maintain funding at Fiscal Year 2009 levels.  Unfortunately after two years of utilizing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act monies, the federal money has been all but depleted.  This budget provides aggregate state funding for institutions of higher education at $815M, equal to the Fiscal Year 2006 GAA level.  The Committee also anticipates the Governor adding $20.8M from remaining stimulus dollars, pursuant to state fiscal stabilization fund regulations.  The Committee realizes the fiscal pressures are not reserved for the institutions alone, as  many college students across the state struggle to adapt to rising tuition and fees.  For this reason the proposal attempts to ensure access to need-based and merit-based scholarships provided by the Commonwealth.

1. Preserved funding for Foster Care Financial Aid and Adopted and Foster Child Fee Waivers
2. Increased the Nursing and Allied Health Initiative by $252K to increase the number of nursing faculty at public institutes of higher education
3. Preserved $87.4M for the Massachusetts State Scholarship Program

Health and Human Services

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services includes agencies that provide healthcare to low-income families, offer safety net benefits to needy families, and ensure the disabled and mentally ill receive support services.  Stagnant economic growth, both nationally and within the Commonwealth, has led to higher utilization of  many of these programs.  The proposed budget includes funding for these important services while making investments to ensure access to healthcare more efficient amid the fiscal difficulties of the Commonwealth.

• Provided $88M to support information technology costs for the various agencies of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to enhance technological capabilities.  This funding includes personnel and equipment costs designed to provide maximum support for the Executive Office
• Provided $183K for the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Workforce Council that would help recruit new personal care attendants, provide training for these workers, and maintain a registry for PCA services

Healthcare Reform

The recently passed federal Patient Protection and Affordability Act incorporated many elements from Massachusetts’ landmark healthcare reform law, Chapter 58 of the Acts of 2006.  This budget proposal reflects a continued commitment to affordable and quality healthcare for all of the state’s citizens.  Experts and policymakers across the Commonwealth are still uncertain of the long and short term effects of the federal bill; however, the Committee’s funding for programs providing access to health insurance ensures every resident receives the healthcare services they need.

1. Transferred $796M from the General Fund to the Commonwealth Care Trust Fund
2. Provided $838M for Commonwealth Care to provide health services to 170,000 members
3. Provided $60M for the Commonwealth Care Bridge program for health services to Aliens with Special Status (AWSS)
4. Provided $2.5M for enrollment and outreach grants to be funded through the Connector

Office of Medicaid

The Office of Medicaid provides services to our most vulnerable citizens - children, elderly, and the disabled.  As the nation continues to suffer through the current economic downturn the number of people presenting for coverage through Medicaid has seen a significant increase from last fiscal year.  In Fiscal Year 2011, the Committee budgets nearly $9B for healthcare services for 1.2 million enrollees.

• Provided $601M increase in overall spending for MassHealth to fund a 3% increase in enrollment
• Implemented $256M in savings initiatives, including reducing rates for certain providers, restructuring health services, and promoting program integrity measures designed to bend the healthcare cost curve
• Provided $20M to providers through the Essential Community Provider Trust Fund

Elder Affairs

The Committee maintains its respect for Massachusetts’ 1.3 million elders by supporting services that allow elders to age in place safely and with the resources they need.  The budget upholds the valuable programs offered by Executive Office of Elder Affairs, from the Prescription Advantage program that helps elders pay for necessary drugs, to Protective Services that help shield elders from financial and physical abuse.  The Committee also recognizes the importance of Councils on Aging that enable elders to have ready access to information about the services available to them, as it is through these programs that elders can maintain independent living.

1. Increased funding to $8.2M for grants to Councils on Aging
2. Provided $45.8M for Enhanced Home Care Services that serve elders who are eligible for admission to nursing homes, but because of this program can remain independent, even with the higher level of services required for their care
3. Provided $4M for the supportive senior housing initiative that assists low income and disabled elders 24/7 in an independent setting
4. Provided $15.3M for elder protective services to maintain the protection of elders against physical and emotional abuse, self- and caregiver-neglect, and financial exploitation
5. Provided $136K for residential placement for homeless elders
6. Provided $6.3M for the Elderly Nutrition Program, which provides 8.8 million meals per year

Department of Public Health

The budget proposal invests in preventive and educational services that enable Massachusetts citizens most in need achieve their full potential for good health.  The Committee recognizes the importance of reaching out to youth and veterans, and of supporting local health centers in cities and towns across the Commonwealth.  The Department is dedicated to empowering local communities and accomplishing quality health care for Commonwealth residents.  This proposal continues a commitment to these services by promoting programs from substance abuse to domestic violence, and by supporting universal immunization and the critical services provided by public health hospitals.

1. Created a new Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Fund that will receive all revenues generated from the sales tax on alcohol.  This funding provided $75.9M for Substance Abuse Services for community programs to support low-income individuals who would not otherwise receive treatment
2. Provided $1.8M specifically for the expansion of the state’s four public hospitals’ staff by 39 employees, including nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and social workers
3. Restored Fiscal Year 2010 GAA funding of $3.6M for the Suicide Prevention and Intervention Program, which serves Massachusetts residents, including youth and veterans
4. Provided $3.2M for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) to support both adults and children who are victims of sexual assault
5. Provided $34.8M for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and services to prevent the spread of HIV and develop health and support services needed to help individuals with HIV/AIDS live longer, healthier lives - serving approximately 417,000 people
6. Increased funding for family health services to $4.7M to support family planning, the Mass. Birth Defect Monitoring Program, and regional Poison Control Centers
7. Provided $4.9M for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and treatment, including rape crisis centers, crisis hotlines, and GLBT outreach
8. Provided $52.1M for the universal immunization program, which attempts to prevent the occurrence of vaccine-preventable diseases through vaccination of all children in the Commonwealth
9. Provided $786K for pediatric pallative care to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of children with life-limiting illnesses and their families

Department of Youth Services

The Committee values the importance of the Department of Youth Services and their mission to promote positive change for troubled youth.  Although the Committee has made many difficult decisions, programs to protect and positively influence the youth of the Commonwealth remain a priority.  These recommendations include funding for counseling services, a safe living environment, and enhanced salaries for teachers within DYS.  As the juvenile justice agency in Massachusetts, DYS will continue to operate effective programs to protect the public and discourage youth crime. 

1. Provided $21.7M for community-based services for youth in nonresidential care
2. Provided $18.3M for pre-trial programs for youth awaiting trial
3. Provided $96.5M for secure facilities to keep troubled youth off the streets
4. Provided level funding for teacher enhanced salaries to bring their salaries more in line with their public school counterparts at $2.5M

Department of Children and Families

The Department of Children and Families is the state agency primarily charged with the care and protection of children and adolescents throughout the Commonwealth, providing residential, adoption, foster care, and guardianship services, while working towards the ultimate goal of family preservation. This budget recognizes the significance of this goal through the designation of $44M in funding for family support and stabilization services, also maintaining funding for alternative care placements for children and adolescents within the community.

• Provided $249M for adoption, foster, and guardianship services
• Maintained funding for social workers and case management, totaling $155M

Department of Mental Health

Dedicated to ensuring that those suffering from mental illness are given the opportunity to seek treatment with positive outcomes as participants of their own communities, the budget recommendation provides $326M in funding for community-based residential and support services for the agency’s 24,000 adult consumers. Funding for statewide homelessness support services is preserved in the Committee budget, as well, so that the Commonwealth’s mentally ill homeless population can continue to obtain proper housing and treatment.

• Restored $23M in funding for the provision of community-based residential and support services for adults
• Provided $72.2M in funding for child and adolescent mental health services, which includes those provided by the Child Psychiatry Access Project

Department of Developmental Services

The Department of Developmental Services is committed to improving the lives of those with intellectual disabilities by allowing them to remain part of, and contribute to, their communities in a meaningful way.  The Committee includes an additional $24M in the budget for community-based residential homes for the developmentally disabled.  Support for community-based services is also demonstrated through the maintenance of funding for day and work programs, and family respite services.

• Provided $862M for community-based residential homes and services
• Maintained funding for transportation services, so individuals may continue to participate in community programs
• Maintained funding for autism support services, which includes those provided by the autism waiver program
• Maintained funding for transitional support and independent living services provided by the Turning 22 Program

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

The proposed budget strives towards the preservation of programs for the 35,000 legally blind citizens of the Commonwealth.  By providing maintenance funding for the commission, blind individuals will continue to be provided with opportunities to remain independent and fully participate in their communities.

• Maintained funding for the vocational rehabilitation program and community services for the blind
• Level funded assisted living for blind adults

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission provides its consumers with such services as community-based residential supports, vocational training and rehabilitation, education, and advocacy.  The Committee budget provides $46M for the preservation of these services promoting independence for the Commonwealth’s disabled citizens.

• Increased funding for support services for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injury
• Maintained funding for the Housing Registry for the Disabled
• Maintained funding to the Commission’s chapter of the Turning 22 program

Housing

In the economic times in which we find ourselves, where high unemployment levels overlap with the ongoing problems resulting from the mortgage and foreclosure meltdown, the Committee realizes the value and need for the programs operated by the Department of Housing and Community Development and the vital aid they provides to citizens of the Commonwealth.  The Committee’s recommendation demonstrates not only efforts to prevent homelessness, but a sincere interest in reducing the number families and individuals who currently rely upon the shelter system.  In recent years, a growing dependence on shelters has drastically increased the costs associated with operating the shelter system.  The Committee supports an active approach to re-housing those in shelters into more stable, long term housing environments through programs such as Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, Alternative Voucher Housing Program, Home and Healthy for Good, Residential Assistance for Families in Transition, Tenancy Preservation Program, Housing Service Program, and the new Housing Stabilization Initiative. 

• Provided $35.4M to Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program to assist with stable housing
• Provided $4M to Alternative Voucher Housing Program to assist with retaining stable housing
• Provided $113M  for emergency assistance family shelters and services
• Provided $1.2M for the Home and Healthy for Good program to prevent chronic homelessness
• Provided $4M for a new Housing Stabilization Initiative to help move families from the shelter system to more stable housing

Labor

Unemployment and underemployment levels remain high, requiring individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth to struggle to make ends meet on a daily basis.  Acknowledging this statewide problem, the Committee strives to maintain the state’s workforce and employment training capabilities.  This budget recognizes the importance of the agencies located within the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development in providing employment services and promoting fair work environments for the citizens of Massachusetts.  This proposal looks to support programs to help the unemployed find gainful work and also provide grants to employers to help train and keep current employees. 

1. Provided $21M for the Workforce Training Fund which provide grants to be matched by employers to train employees
2. Provided $450K for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership to help small and medium sized business compete for contracts and expand their activity
3. Provided $750K for Individual Training Grants to allow for training grants to employers, employer groups, and labor organizations
4. Provided $20M to the Division of Industrial Accidents to operate the Commonwealth’s workers compensation program
5. Provided nearly $5M to the One Stop Career Centers to promote increasing the Commonwealth’s workforce

Economic Development

It is critical to the state’s long-term interests that Massachusetts businesses are provided with an environment in which to grow and expand.  The Committee recognizes and supports the efforts of the agencies within the state that seek to promote economic and business development.  The Committee seeks to improve the Commonwealth’s economic well-being and quality of life for the citizens by funding programs that promote the recruitment, expansion, and retention of business operations within the Commonwealth. 

• Provided $1.2M for the Small Business Development Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Provided $125K to the Massachusetts International Trade Council which attracts businesses from overseas to come to the Commonwealth

• Provided 250K to the Massachusetts Biotechnology Research Institute   
• Provided $2.25M to local tourists councils to develop tourism plans to promote regions of the Commonwealth
• Provided $137K to the Directors Office for Wireless and Broadband Affairs to work towards the goal of available internet access for residents in all areas of the Commonwealth

Judiciary

The proposed budget recognizes the importance of the judicial branch and remains dedicated to ensuring that every citizen of the Commonwealth is afforded equal access to the justice system without undue delay.  While budgetary constraints necessitate heightened fiscal scrutiny, the Committee believes the integrity of the judicial system in the Commonwealth will be upheld and justice will continue to be delivered.  The proposal supports the state’s constitutional obligation to provide counsel for indigent clients, with $192M in funding.  The Committee also recognizes that in these difficult fiscal times it is important to ensure all citizens are treated equitably by the legal system, and consequently has provided necessary funding in these areas.

1. Provided level funding for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation to continue civil legal aid in the Commonwealth at $9.5M
2. Provided level funding for the Mental Health Legal Advisors to continue to provide legal assistance to adults and children with mental disabilities at $708K
3. Provided $192M for Committee for Public Counsel Services
4. Provided $7.6M for the Supreme Judicial Court
5. Provided $10.5M for the Appeals Court
6. Provided $529M for the Trial Court
7. Provided increased funding of $60K for the Commission on Judicial Conduct

Transportation

This budget proposal reflects the first year of implementation of the landmark transportation reform package passed earlier this legislative session.  By shifting significant spending to the newly created Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the state has created new opportunities for savings through organizational efficiencies and greater accountability.  The Committee authorizes the transfer of $375M in total funding for vital services which many Commonwealth residents rely on every day.  These transfers include:  $200M into the Massachusetts Transportation Trust Fund, $160M for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and $15M for the Regional Transportation Agencies.  This budget lays the foundation for preserving current public transportation services and improving the size, scope, and quality of the Commonwealth’s future transportation infrastructure.

• Fully funded contract assistance payments for the Accelerated Bridge Program, Central Artery, Route 3, and Massachusetts Turnpike Authority
• Enabled MassDOT to have more control over the pace of its expenditures to keep the agency cash flow positive throughout the year
• Provided the MBTA with $160M in additional assistance generated through the recently enacted sales tax increase
• Provided the Regional Transportation Authority with $15M for contract assistance

Business Regulation

The Committee recognizes the importance of consumer confidence in today’s economy.  The Committee believes that a well regulated business environment will help sustain and strengthen that confidence.  Through the Divisions of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation the Commonwealth sees to it that key industries such as insurance, banking, and telecommunications are fairly regulated.  This oversight ensures that every person is receiving services at a fair and reasonable price.  The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation also protects consumers through item pricing inspections and weights and measures enforcement.  The Committee encourages agency efficiency, but realizes that proper funding is needed to offer necessary oversight.

1. Provided $11.5M for the Division of Insurance
2. Provided $15.5M for the Division of Banks
3. Provided $275K to the Division of Standards Item Pricing account to help ensure products are properly priced in stores
4. Provided $5.6M increase to the Department of Telecommunications and Cable

Veterans Affairs

The proposed budget recognizes the sacrifice of the brave men and women of the Commonwealth who have served our country in the Armed Forces.  This budget protects important benefits and services for our veterans in recognition of their contributions to our state and country.  The Committee provides full funding for cash benefit programs for veterans in need of temporary financial assistance, and outreach programs to actively engage those in need of other social services.  This budget also ensures that the state’s two soldier’s homes are able to provide shelter and medical services to veterans in need of assistance.

• Maintained outreach services to female veterans to increase the awareness of their benefit eligibility
• Provided over $45.6M in collective funding for the Chelsea and Holyoke soldiers homes, helping displaced and ailing soldiers
• Provided over $56.8M for benefit payments to needy and disabled veterans and their dependants
• Provided level funding for the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans
• Continued to provide funding mechanisms for the maintenance and operation of the Agawam and Winchendon veterans' cemeteries

Public Safety & Security

Providing every citizen with a safe and secure community remains a top priority of the Committee.  Despite the continued economic decline, the Committee provides funding for the fundamental operations and missions of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and its underlying correctional facilities.  The Committee’s proposal reflects some of the many difficult decisions that were necessary to balance the state budget.

• Provided $3.2M in funding for a new state police class for 2011
• Provided $6.5M in funding for the Gang Prevention Grant program
• Maintained funding for protecting witnesses during investigations and prosecutions
• Continued to provide funding for the distribution of sexual assault kits to emergency rooms of local hospitals
• Provided $227.2M in funding for the Department of the State Police
• Provided $505.2M for the Department of Correction
• Provided $550K for the Department of Correction’s Recidivism Initiative
• Provided $426.1M in funding for the sheriff departments including the sheriffs that were recently transferred to the state accounting system, which include Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk counties

Energy and Environmental Affairs

In Massachusetts we are blessed to have one of the most beautiful and diverse collections of natural resources in the nation.  The proposed budget provides necessary funding levels to ensure that the parks, beaches, and other natural resources of the Commonwealth are adequately protected and preserved for future generations.  The Committee also maintains support for the programs of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs that may have a more direct impact on our citizens.  This budget provides $11.5 million in funding for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program, administered through the Department of Agricultural Resources, to assist residents across the Commonwealth that are looking for food assistance.  To support public safety, this committee also provides operating funds for dam safety and storm water management. 

• Increased funding by $392K for the Department of Public Utilities
• Increased funding by $408K for the Office of Dam Safety
• Increased funding by $552K for the stormwater management program
• Level funded the Emergency Food Assistance Program

1. Level funded the Riverways Protection, Restoration, and Public Access Promotion

• Level funded the Hunger Safety Program
• Level funded the Waterfowl Management Program