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MCOA Membership:
The Senate Ways and Means just released its version of the FY21 (this year’s) Budget Proposal and it level funds both our line items as we requested.
  • The $17m for 9110-9002/local aid to COAs allows for full funding of the Service Incentive Grant Program and more importantly a $12/elder Formula Grant.
  • The $800,000 for 9110-1640/ Behavioral Health fully funds the existing 7 projects but does not add the additional $200,000 that the House provided.
9110-1640: For the geriatric mental health program, including outreach, counseling, resource management and system navigation for community-dwelling elders with mental health needs; provided, that funds may support program adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services…………………………………………………………………………………………..$800,000
9110-9002: For grants to the councils on aging and for grants to or contracts with nonpublic entities which that are consortia or associations of councils on aging; provided, that notwithstanding the former preceding proviso, all funds appropriated in this item shall be expended under the distribution schedules for formula and incentive
grants established by the secretary of elder affairs; provided further, that the formula grant portion of this item shall be $12 per-elder; and provided further, that not later than February 15, 2021, the distribution schedules shall be submitted to the house and senate committees on ways and means…………………………………………………….$17,000,000
Given the projected shortfall in FY21 revenues of 10-15% we thought this request was prudent and extremely pleased the SWM concurred.
***The next stage, after the full Senate considers floor amendments and finalizes this proposal; will be the Conference Committee to reconcile any differences between the House and Senate versions. As we move into that stage we may ask you to take action.***
Thus there is no action to take at this point except sending thank you notes to your Senator(s). This is truly great news! https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Members/Senate
Dave
David P. Stevens
Executive Director
Massachusetts Councils on Aging
Cell: 413.539.0565

Massachusetts Councils
on Aging

116 Pleasant Street, Suite 306
Easthampton, MA 01027
 
Telephone: 413-527-6425
Fax: 413-527-7138