REPRESENTATIVE ELDRIDGE INCORPORATES AMENDMENTS INTO THE SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET ADDRESSING THE RISING COST OF FUEL AND ITS EFFECT ON THE SCHOOL BUDGET

BOSTON- Representative James B. Eldridge (D-Acton) has included three amendments in the Supplemental Budget in order to defray the cost of fuel for school districts and help maintain school district budgets. These amendments will direct more state money to towns and cities when their fuel costs increase significantly. Amendment 7035-0006
“an increase in funds to offset the impact of high fuel costs on the transportation of pupils in regional school districts” has been introduced in the amount of $5 million. Amendment 7035-0007 “an increase in funds to offset the impact of high fuel costs on the transportation of nonresident pupils to any approved vocational-technical program” offers $100,000 in aid, and amendment 7061-0011 offers $1 million to contribute to the Pothole Fund, which offers financial relief to schools in the event that an unexpected expenses arises.

The aforementioned amendments have not been included in the present Supplemental Budget. They will be addressed in January’s Supplemental Budget which will specifically concentrate on fuel costs.

“With the inclusion of these amendments, the burden on school district budgets to provide the funds needed to accommodate the rise in fuel costs will be alleviated. I feel these amendments are especially important with the colder winter months fast approaching.”

“I am aware of the strain that has recently been placed on school budgets due to the unexpected events the have occurred on the Gulf Coast, and have therefore made it a priority to do everything I can to provide additional funds for our schools. Our community has done so much for the victims of these terrible natural disasters, and I believe we now need to focus on our own community to ensure that our children and schools can be provided for in the most efficient way possible.”