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FY21 budget updates

November 12, 2020

Legislative Alert

To: AICUM Government Relations VPs/Directors

From: Brad Freeman, Vice President of Government Relations

Re: FY21 Budget Updates

Dear AICUM Government Relations VPs/Directors:

This afternoon, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released a nearly $46 billion FY21 budget proposal, while the House continues to debate the over 700 amendments filed to the House Ways and Means FY21 budget proposal unveiled last week.

On the House side, we are pleased to report that the House rejected an amendment filed by Rep. Markey that sought to prohibit low-income students attending certain institutions with large endowments from accessing state scholarship funding. The House still has a number of amendments to go through, but it is expected to wrap up debate this week.

The Senate budget relies heavily on one-time federal funds, accelerated sales tax collection and a significant withdrawal ($1.5 billion) from the Commonwealth’s rainy day fund. The Senate budget also includes a recommended $105.6 million for the Massachusetts financial aid line-item (7070-0065), which is level funding from FY20 and, more importantly, less than the recommendations put forward by both Governor Baker and the House. AICUM is assessing next steps to advocate for increased funding and the inclusion of the dedicated MassGrant and Gilbert Grant language that was crafted by the House budget writers.

We are continuing to review the Senate budget and will let you know of any other items of note for higher education. Amendments are due by 8 pm tomorrow and the Senate is expected to begin debate on the budget proposal next week.

Thank you and please let us know if you have any questions.

Legislative updates

December 09, 2020