Latest news with #ElementaryandSecondarySchoolEmergencyRelief
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chicopee budget up 6% on personnel, police costs; mayor proposes $3M to defray taxes
CHICOPEE — Mayor John L. Vieau's proposed budget for fiscal 2026 is up 6% from last year's plan, he announced Monday. Vieau also announced plans to use $3 million from the city's fee cash account — money raised in taxes from the previous year but not spent — to defray taxes in the next year. The budget now goes to the County Council. Cities set tax rates in the fall. The cost of health insurance drove a $3.4 million increase in the human resources budget, Vieau said. The police budget went up $3.4 million, as well, because of the cost of technology and to pay for increases in collective bargaining contracts. The new school budget reflects the minimum net school spending requirement of $123 million and the cost of the lease for the school administration building of $280,200. Additional funding coming from the Stabilization Fund for Educational Purposes. Vieau said this budget represents a transition from pandemic-era programs like American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, often called ESSER. 'I commend our school Superintendent Dr. Marcus Ware for his difficult task of being creative about how to still deliver top-tier education to our students while also dealing with the reality that ESSER funds are gone,' Vieau said. 'Dr. Ware, myself and our mutual finance teams also recognize that the current federal administration has taken and may continue to take away funding that we have relied on in the past.' Residential retrofitting program turns on high-speed internet for Bay Meadow Apts. in Springfield ICE takes two into custody in Amherst in crackdown on 'sanctuary' communities With cannabis industry struggling, Western Mass. sellers and growers seek relief from high court Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Department of Education yanks back $5.6M from JD Vance's hometown school district
Middletown's school district ‒ where Vice President JD Vance was a student ‒ stands to lose millions of promised federal dollars after a funding recall from the U.S. Department of Education, the district said. The Department of Education is recalling roughly $15 million across 18 Ohio school districts, Dan Wohler, the Middletown City Schools spokesperson, told The Enquirer. The funds were previously awarded to districts through two COVID-era relief programs: the American Rescue Plan, and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief. Middletown City Schools stands to lose $5.6 million in funds, which the district planned to use to build a new transportation center. The district was approved to receive $6.76 million toward the project in February, and had already received $1.2 million. The total cost is $10 million. The Enquirer called the U.S. Department of Education, which President Donald Trump has vowed to dismantle, but its media relations phone line was temporarily closed. The spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce did not immediately return The Enquirer's call. Construction on Middletown schools' transportation center is almost half-done. The new facility will house an updated school bus garage, fueling station and space to perform bus maintenance. School buses are currently being parked at a temporary facility, the lease for which expires this fall, Wohler said. "The new facility is designed to address aging transportation infrastructure and consolidate maintenance operations to better serve MCSD students and families," a statement from the district read. "A $5.6 million shortfall would stall construction indefinitely and risk losing the investments already made." Three local Republican lawmakers wrote letters to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. Middletown schools provided the content of them to The Enquirer, in support of the district. "As a fiscal conservative, I fully understand the need to cut unnecessary funding and applaud the efforts to eliminate excessive covid-era spending. However, there are certain projects, such as Middletown School's transportation construction project, that deserve flexibility given the investment they have made," U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson wrote. Davidson co-sponsored a bill that would terminate the Department of Education at the end of next year. But the letter to McMahon signals the second time Davidson has gone against the Trump administration in recent weeks. The congressman, who is a staunch Trump supporter, was one of two House Republicans to vote against a major tax and immigration bill, prompting White House officials to say Trump would like to see Davidson primaried. Ohio Rep. Thomas Hall and state Sen. George Lang also wrote letters to McMahon asking the department to release the funds to Middletown schools. "I strongly believe it is unfair for a school to receive approval, begin construction after receiving a portion of the funds, and then be notified they will not be receiving the remainder ‒ nobody can conduct business in this manner," Lang wrote. Wohler, the district spokesperson, said Middletown schools also reached out to Vance. The Middletown native held his first rally as a vice presidential candidate at Middletown High School, his alma mater, last July. The Enquirer also asked Vance's spokesperson for comment, but has not yet received a response. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: School district in JD Vance's hometown to lose $5.6M in federal funds
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
With billions on the line, New NM federal funding legislative subcommittee meets for the first time
New Mexico ranks first among U.S. states for its share of federal dollars, with billions at risk pending Congress' budget decisions (Photos by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom and Danielle Prokop/Source NM) Members of the recently created Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee met for the first time Wednesday for briefings on how federal funding is funneled into New Mexico and how current and future cuts might impact the state The subcommittee formed in response to the loss of funds and threats of cuts from the Trump administration to programs that affect state residents, including Medicaid, federal nutrition programs and programs run by the various state agencies. Lawmakers started with an overall look at where federal funding is allocated throughout the state. New Mexico Department of Finance Secretary Wayne Propst explained to the committee that according to a Federal Funds Information for States report released last week, New Mexico is the top state receiving federal funds. The report is based on data from fiscal year 2023. 'The study confirmed that New Mexico is number one in terms of federal funding coming into the state,' Propst said. 'For every $1 in taxes that we send to the federal government, we receive approximately $3.21 back in New Mexico. That includes those direct payments, but it also includes the funding for our military bases, our national labs and other items.' He said the state's overall budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is $33.16 billion, with 43.5%, $14.44 billion, funded by federal money. The Health Care Authority receives the most federal money — more than $11 million, which makes up about 74% of its annual budget this fiscal year. Propst also noted that if Congress ends up passing the budget bill — which made its way out of the U.S. House of Representatives last week and will now be considered by the Senate — New Mexico will see impacts to Medicaid; a $290 billion reduction in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; and a reduction in the federal oil and gas royalty rate from 16.67% to 12.5%. NM reps say GOP bill will gut Medicaid and also reduce oil money that could help state save it Eric Chenier, principal analyst for the Legislative Finance Committee, further broke down federal funding by state agencies, including the Early Childhood Education and Care Department, Higher Education Department, Department of Transportation and Department of Health. Chenier noted that as of May, the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology reported losing $36 million, $27.2 million and $2.5 million in federal grant revenue respectively. Legislative Education Finance Committee Director John Sena delved into how federal funds are used for public education in New Mexico. He explained that the state is aware of several areas that have lost federal funding, including $12.3 million for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, which was awarded to the state during the COVID-19 pandemic; $5.1 million for the Teacher Quality Partnership Program, which funded residency programs and mentoring for 68 people; and $5 million for school-based mental health services, which supported programs in Silver City and the Central Region Educational Cooperative and puts 18 positions at risk. AG Torrez joins lawsuit over federal education funds Sen. Bill Soules (D-Las Cruces), co-chair of the subcommittee, added that he wants to see flexibility from the group as more changes are announced from the Trump administration. 'There are going to be things that come up that we haven't thought about. For instance, we're getting into fire season and lots of the fire response often comes from the federal government. That's somewhat more in question now. Is the state going to be responsible to uphold all of those? That could be a major budget area,' Soules said. 'There also, I think, are areas where already we're seeing some of our small businesses, because of tariffs, are closing down, pulling back, have lower amounts and stuff, which means that's less revenue coming in on the state level as those businesses close or have to lay off workers or things of that sort.' The next subcommittee meeting is scheduled for July 1 and 2 in Santa Fe. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
County sends BOE back to balance its budget
Cumberland County's budget committee requested the Cumberland County Board of Education to balance its fiscal year 2025-'26 budget and return for further consideration. The BOE is tentatively scheduled to return June 17. The BOE requested $2.56 million of additional, one-time funding for several capital projects included in its budget. The county's budget committee met last week and saw the BOE's proposed budget is a little over $6.5 million in the red. If the one-time funding was approved by the county, it would still leave a deficit of $4 million. Prior to voting on awarding the $2.56 million in capital projects, Darrell Threet, 3rd District commissioner, said, 'I'd rather see their cuts [in their budget] before I start giving away money. Have them come back and see where they're at.' For its 2025-'26 fiscal year budget the BOE lists $76,355,099 in proposed revenue and a total of expenditures at $82,878,206, leaving a shortfall of $6,523,107. The state's required maintenance of effort, required funding from Cumberland County to contribute toward the school system, is $19 million for 2025-'26. Capital projects included in the BOE's budget are: • Electrical phase II project at Martin Elementary at $420,000. • Fire alarm system work at South Cumberland Elementary at $400,000. • Drainage system at Martin Elementary at $250,000. • Replace gym floor at South Cumberland at $300,000. • Replace track at Stone Memorial High School at $790,000. • Electrical work at Homestead Elementary at $400,000. The total of those projects is $2.56 million. Other increases in the BOE's budget for 2025-'26 include 10% for classified staff working less than 260 days; an estimated 3.5% in insurance costs; student information service person from 220 to 240 days per year; two new assistant principal positions, one for Homestead and one for Stone Elementary schools; 10 extra work days added for elementary and Phoenix School secretaries for additional assistance to principals during summer; Mastery Connect software purchase that was previously purchased through federal funds through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds. Cumberland County Finance Director Jennifer Turner reminded commissioners and the BOE's Chief Operations Officer, Kim Bray, that the BOE would not spend all of its $78 million current year estimated expenditures before June 30, which is the end of the fiscal year. 'Those funds will rollover into the [BOE's] fund balance,' Turner said. Wiley Potter, 1st District commissioner, said, 'I've heard so many different numbers. How much is you're asking from the county?' Bray said they were requesting an additional $2.5 million for the capital projects. 'That's above the [maintenance of effort] of $19 million [required of the county],' Bray said. Tom Isham, 2nd District commissioner, asked about the track at Stone Memorial High School and if it is repairable. Bray said it is not and has to be replaced. She said they have repaired it and resurfaced it previously. She said two different groups had looked at the track and it is beyond repair. 'So, if the track isn't funded, what would be the work around for that?' Colleen Mall, 9th District commissioner asked. 'Well, they won't have any track meets at Stone Memorial; they will just use it as a walk around for the visitor's side of the stadium,' Bray said. She asked about the track at Cumberland County High School. Bray said it has been repaired before and is usable. Mall asked how long they were unable to use the track at Stone and Bray said for one year. 'So, maybe the world is not going to collapse if that track doesn't get replaced. They'll still have track?' Mall asked. 'We will have to have track at other places. They will not be hosting anything,' Bray said. After a brief discussion, Terry Lowe, 5th District commissioner and budget committee chairman, said, 'The children of Cumberland County are the most important asset we've got … They are the future of Cumberland County … I think these ladies have done an exceptional job on working this up. I don't have a problem with helping them out. I'm going to call for a vote …' Lowe then motioned to award the BOE the $2.56 million for capital projects. Deborah Holbrook, 8th District commissioner, supported the motion. Threet said he would like to see the cuts, and Potter agreed. In a roll call vote, the motion failed in a 8-3 vote. Voting in favor of Lowe's motion were Lowe, Holbrook; and 6th District commissioner Wendell Wilson. Voting against the motion were Potter; Isham; Threet; Mark Baldwin, 7th District commissioner; and Mall. Mall said, 'I agree with Darrell. We have call back dates … we want to support, but I don't think we have enough information. Enough solid information about the total costs …' After the vote, a call back date of June 17 was scheduled. 'So, let me make sure I'm clear in understanding you want us to come back and show that we have cut $4 million and make the budget balanced? Is that what you all are asking for? Because we just asked for the maintenance of effort plus the additional capital projects. That's what we asked for, but you're wanting to see how we're going to cut to make the budget balanced? Am I understanding that's what you're wanting?' Rebecca Farley, interim director of schools, said. Lowe said to show the committee where they were going to cut the $4 million. Holbrook said they weren't saying they wouldn't fund the request but the committee wanted more information. Mall said that maybe by June 17 they would have a better understanding of where the BOE was in terms of its fund balance. The group also briefly discussed a new requirement by the county that was recommended by the state comptroller of the BOE maintaining a 17% of its budget fund balance. Currently the requirement is 3%. Bray said they had the current 3% but it would not be possible to do the 17% this year. When the county's budget committee approved the new fund balance policy a couple of months ago it was made clear the BOE would be unable to do so this year and that they would need to submit a plan on how they would work toward doing it in the future. Farley included a handout to the committee that projected an early planning of the BOE's budget next fiscal year with an approved budget by April after finalizing insurance costs. The BOE is scheduled to come back to the county budget committee and meet at 4:30 p.m. in the Cumberland Room at the Art Circle Public Library.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Baltimore City school board approves $1.87B budget
The Board of School Commissioners voted unanimously at Tuesday's meeting to approve the proposed $1.87 billion Baltimore City Public Schools budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The budget proposal represents a 5% increase from the 2025 fiscal year's $1.78 billion budget, giving rise to concerns about its viability in the current economic climate and amid threats to funding at all levels from the Trump administration. Mark Parker, councilmember for District 1 and vice-chair of the council's Education, Youth and Older Adults Committee, addressed the school board meeting Tuesday night, highlighting the uncertainty around the state and city budget caused by dire decisions being made in Washington. 'It's a significant task to pass a budget [these days],' Parker told the board. One of the most consequential of these actions was the recission of federal grants to schools to aid in COVID-19 pandemic recovery, including $48 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding from Baltimore City Public Schools. However, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's efforts to revoke ESSER funds in 15 states, including Maryland. On Monday, state officials told schools to submit requests for ESSER reimbursements by the end of the day, which Baltimore schools did. This may allow the city school system to recoup some of the ESSER funds that were poised to be lost to the Trump administration's cuts, according to a slide presentation at Tuesday's meeting. The presentation also warned that even 'with a potentially positive outcome on this issue, significant and serious uncertainty remains about federal funding going forward, underscoring the need for prudence in our approach to FY26.' Have a news tip? Contact Mathew Schumer at mschumer@ 443-890-7423 and on X as @mmmschumer.
