The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Update on FY 2017 State Education Budget

To:

Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

From:

Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner

Date:

May 13, 2016

The Commonwealth's budget process continues to move forward. On April 13, the House Ways & Means Committee (HWM) released its recommendations for the FY17 state budget. HWM recommended a total state spending of $39.5 billion, representing a $1.5 billion (3.9%), increase over FY16 spending. On April 27, the House of Representatives approved its recommendations for the FY17 state budget year. The Department's recommended appropriations totaled $5.216 billion, which represents an increase of $8.78 million (1.93%), over FY16 spending, and $15.5 million (.03%) above the Governor's FY17 request.

We expect the Senate Ways and Means Committee to release its version of the FY 2017 Budget on May 17th, and full debate on the Senate floor to occur the week of May 23rd. In June, the House and Senate budgets are sent to the Conference Committee for concurrence. The Conference Committee budget is then passed by the House and Senate and sent to the Governor for his approval.

Deputy Commissioner Jeff Wulfson and Associate Commissioner and Chief Financial Officer Bill Bell will be at the Board meeting on May 24 to provide an update and to answer your questions.