Chafee’s Budget: $25 Million More in Aid to Cities and Towns
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Governor Lincoln Chafee also wants to bump up state aid to local communities by as much as $25 million—reversing a trend of declining state aid, which has totaled $195 million over the last four years.
“If we do not want additional cities and towns to face the problems confronting Providence and Central Falls, we must take action now,” Chafee said.
Chafee’s plan would increase aid to “distressed” communities by $5 million.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHe also proposed the creation of a new $20 million fund, known as the Municipal Accountability, Stability, and Transparency program, or MAST. Money from that fund will be given to cities and towns that “pursue sound financial planning and budgeting practices.”
“Under this program, the state will be able to work more closely with cities and towns to understand their challenges at an early state and avoid crisis,” Chafee said. “The state should encourage municipalities to get their finances in order, and we must set a good example by demonstrating our own commitment to fiscal responsibility.”
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