Budget expansion

IF THE Senate Ways and Means budget becomes law, cities and towns across the state would make good use of the extra education aid that it proposes. The question for the Legislature as a whole is whether the state can afford any increases in education and other programs without comparable increases in tax revenue.

ADVERTISEMENT

In Melrose, where class sizes have increased from 19-20 students to 23-27 over five years because of cuts in state aid, Mayor Robert J. Dolan would use the extra money for new teachers. Northampton Mayor Claire Higgins would restore library aides in elementary schools and reduce class sizes in the high school. Framingham has been partially buffered from state cuts by a property tax override in 2002, but it is drawing down cash reserves to maintain services. Town manager George P. King's first priority would be to put $600,000 back in these accounts.

The budget proposed by the Senate Ways and Means Committee this week favors immediate improvements in services over an increase in the state's own reserves. Who can blame the committee for wanting to restore $160 million for education aid? Massachusetts has far to go to fulfill the spirit of the 1993 education reform law, which gave state government the responsibility for guaranteeing that all students receive a quality education.

The committee also would increase spending on worthwhile healthcare programs. One example is the restoration of Medicaid dental benefits to pregnant women and new mothers, to ensure that they do not pass mouth disease on to their children.

Still, the Ways and Means Committee relies on one-time revenue sources, especially the state rainy day fund, and an unexpected surplus in Medicaid to provide extra services that are not proposed either in Governor Romney's budget or the House plan. But the Medicaid money is a windfall, and as the Senate budget writers noted, it is uncertain whether Massachusetts can rely on a continuing high level of federal support for this program. With state tax revenue last month up 11.2 percent over April 2004, a prudent government would be making sure the rainy day fund is amply funded.

The Senate plan joins the House in authorizing pay raises for legislative staff members. Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom leapt upon the item as proof that there is room in the budget for a tax cut. That $3.24 million item is tiny compared to unmet needs in health and education. If class sizes are to go down in Melrose, Northampton, and other communities, state government will need more, not less, revenue.