Representative Don Humason



For Immediate Release Contact: Rep. Don Humason, Jr. March 9, 2009\| (413) 568-1366 HUMASON CO-SPONSORS MUNICIPAL AID LEGISLATION Don Humason, Jr., Westfield's State Representative is please to announce that he has co-sponsored legislation that will assist Westfield with managing snow & ice costs. The legislation, An Act Relative to Aiding Cities and Towns with Unfunded Obligations Associated with Snow and Ice Control, will allow cities and towns, like Westfield, to use state-appropriated roadway improvements funds, known as Chapter 90 funds, to offset their snow removal budget. This winter’s above average snowfall, coupled with the rising cost of de-icing materials, has forced many cities and towns to deficit spend their snow and ice budget. “My colleagues and I in the Republican caucus realize how much of a strain there is on our city and town budgets,” Humason said. “So anything we can do to help municipalities during this economic downturn is important to do.” Currently, state law permits a municipality to deficit spend for snow and ice removal provided that the town’s governing body approves expenditures in excess of the appropriated amount; however, the community must make up the deficit from other available funds. Under this legislation, Westfield can decide whether or not to adopt this provision. This option is only available for the current fiscal year. The Commonwealth has authorized $150 million in Chapter 90 funds in Fiscal Year 2009 and while some of that money has already been spent by cities and towns, there is approximately $90 million left to be provided to communities. * * * Representative Humason and his Legislative Aide Jonelle Gingrich may be reached at his State House office, Room 542. Boston, MA 02133. (617) 722-2803. Representative Humason and his Chief of Staff Sarah Latour may be reached at his Westfield district office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085. (413) 568-1366. Representative Don Humason’s website is www.DonHumason.org
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Rep. Don Humason, Jr.
March 9, 2009|
(413) 568-1366

HUMASON CO-SPONSORS MUNICIPAL AID LEGISLATION

Don Humason, Jr., Westfield's State Representative is please to announce that he has co-sponsored legislation that will assist Westfield with managing snow & ice costs.

The legislation, An Act Relative to Aiding Cities and Towns with Unfunded Obligations Associated with Snow and Ice Control, will allow cities and towns, like Westfield, to use state-appropriated roadway improvements funds, known as Chapter 90 funds, to offset their snow removal budget. This winter’s above average snowfall, coupled with the rising cost of de-icing materials, has forced many cities and towns to deficit spend their snow and ice budget.

“My colleagues and I in the Republican caucus realize how much of a strain there is on our city and town budgets,” Humason said. “So anything we can do to help municipalities during this economic downturn is important to do.”

Currently, state law permits a municipality to deficit spend for snow and ice removal provided that the town’s governing body approves expenditures in excess of the appropriated amount; however, the community must make up the deficit from other available funds. Under this legislation, Westfield can decide whether or not to adopt this provision. This option is only available for the current fiscal year.

The Commonwealth has authorized $150 million in Chapter 90 funds in Fiscal Year 2009 and while some of that money has already been spent by cities and towns, there is approximately $90 million left to be provided to communities.

* * *

Representative Humason and his Legislative Aide Jonelle Gingrich may be reached at his State House office, Room 542. Boston, MA 02133. (617) 722-2803.
Representative Humason and his Chief of Staff Sarah Latour may be reached at his Westfield district office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085. (413) 568-1366.
Representative Don Humason’s website is www.DonHumason.org