BOSTON–Representative Geraldo Alicea (D-Charlton) recently announced that Governor Patrick has fulfilled his promise to restore cuts he made three months ago to regional school transportation. Last week the Governor had announced his intention to come up with a plan to restore the funds; yesterday his office announced he had followed through and restored the full $18 million.

Representative Alicea joined a number of his colleagues in the legislature in co-signing a letter, drafted by Representative Cleon Turner (D-Dennis), to Governor Patrick asking him to reconsider his 9c cut to Regional School Transportation Reimbursement. The account was cut nearly 50% by the Governor and represented a 63% reduction in regional school district aid since Fiscal Year 2009.

The bi-partisan group of legislators said at the time that since regional schools are required by law to provide transportation, must travel greater distances than municipal school districts, and cannot go back to member towns for additional funds after the cut, this cut represented a significant cut in local aid to regional school districts. 

“I am thrilled that Governor Patrick has responded favorably to our expressed concerns with respect to this cut and has realized the immense problems that regional schools would have faced as a result”, said Representative Alicea. 

The Patrick Administration was able to fill the cut after recent revenue estimates came in above projected benchmarks. Since October 15th, the state has collected $181 million more than expected, allowing the Governor to restore the cut he had made.

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