Continuing my commitment of working to ensure that much-needed state funding continues to be passed down to our cities, towns and local school districts, I proudly joined with my colleagues last night in an effort to restore $234 million to the state’s local aid budget. Unfortunately, the amendment, offered by Representative Bradley Jones (R-North Reading), failed on a 40 to 113 vote.

The proposal would have level-funded major local-aid accounts—including Chapter 70 assistance—at amounts approved for the current fiscal year.

As a former member of the Brockton School Committee, I know firsthand the importance of state aid in preparing our students for success in our ever-evolving global economy, being able to recruit quality teachers, and continuing to supplement funding for our police and fire departments, libraries, roads, Councils on Aging and other essential services.

There’s no doubt times are tough; we all know that. However, we cannot merely cut and run from every accomplishment that we’ve made. Instead, we need to refocus our priorities and take a careful and thoughtful look at line-items, like local aid accounts, that have a enormous impact on our communities and so many of the services that we all depend on.

Because of the cuts in local aid, I voted against this year’s proposed House budget. The bill, however, now heads to the Senate where debate is expected in mid-to-late May.