Massachusetts' Efforts To Help Its Cash-strapped Cities

Massachusetts state legislature proposes a bill to assist localities in managing recent budget cuts.

1 minute read

July 9, 2003, 8:00 AM PDT

By Connie Chung


As the state of Massachusetts slashed aid to its cities and towns by nearly $300 million in the fiscal year--the "deepest cuts in state aid in more than a decade"--members of the state legislature are proposing a bill that will impose fees that mostly target cars and parking. With little possibility for implementing alternatives, such as local option taxes, many hope the bill will be the "first step in a long-term, ongoing effort for municipal relief."

Thanks to Connie Chung

Tuesday, July 8, 2003 in The Boston Globe

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