Massachusetts

What Are the Budget Issues Facing Massachusetts?

In 2009, Massachusetts faces a $3.6 billion budget gap representing 12.7% of the general fund. In 2010, Massachusetts is looking at another $3.1 billion shortfall, 11.0% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in Massachusetts

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $3,090,000,000 in relief for Massachusetts’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $813,300,000 in relief to the state of Massachusetts to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $216,500,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $288,200,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $50,700,000 for other education programs in Massachusetts’s schools.
• $317,000,000 in food stamps for 575,000 Massachusetts men, women, and children.
• $44,800,000 in emergency shelter grants for 6,200 households.
• 167,000 Massachusetts children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $23,966,940 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 2,470 Massachusetts children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 503,369 Massachusetts families.
• $20,000,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $25,100,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have Massachusetts’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
Edward Kennedy (D)

John Kerry (D)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information