FY14 Budget House Amendments

The House last night had a number of amendments to the House Ways and Means budget proposed. Ones that are of particular interest to Worcester are:

• Amendment 323, filed by Rep. Peisch (D-Wellesley), and Amendment 860,
  filed by Rep. Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge). Increase funding for
  income-eligible children for preschools to FY13 levels.

• Amendments 627, 628 and 633, filed by Rep. Tony Cabral (D-New Bedford).
  Provide additional funds to schools in Gateway Cities for early literacy,
  English language learners and career academies.
  
• Amendment 465, filed by Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley). Revive the
  Foundation Budget Review Commission to determine the adequacy of
  educational programs necessary to achieve state education standards and to
  assess how resources can be used most effectively.

(That last is our perennial favorite, the adequacy study!)

The first two are of direct budgetary interest to Worcester; they're an attempt to try to make some of the additions that Governor Patrick had proposed in his budget. They would, if funded, make a real difference to the Worcester budget.
I'm going to be contacting our delegation today to urge them to support these. I'd ask that you do the same. And do it SOON: these will be moving!