Sen. Jehlen, Medford Reps to Hold Budget Forum

The following is an announcement from State Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville, Medford):

Why is the state budget in crisis? How will the federal stimulus impact Massachusetts? How can we protect the services we care about? Senator Patricia Jehlen and Representatives Paul Donato, Carl Sciortino and Sean Garballey invite Medford residents to attend a forum on the Massachusetts State Budget on Wednesday, April 1, 7:00-9:00pm at Century Bank, 400 Mystic Ave, Medford.

“This forum is designed to help residents understand the budget process and get answers to their questions about the fiscal crisis,” said Senator Jehlen. “This is a great opportunity to learn more state budget from experts in the field.”

“I am pleased to co-sponsor this budget forum which will allow our constituents to express their views and concerns regarding the Fiscal Year 2010 State Budget,” said Representative Paul Donato.

“We’re faced with tough choices this year. I welcome feedback from the community on what our budget and revenue priorities should be,” said Representative Carl Sciortino.

“The economic situation in the Commonwealth is a dire one. We are facing more than a 4 billion dollar budget gap as a result of declining tax revenues and failed tax policies enacted in the late 1990’s. This forum will give us the information necessary so that members of the legislature and the public can unite to advocate for essential services for our communities and residents throughout the Commonwealth,” said Representative Sean Garballey.

Speakers include:
· David Sullivan, Esq. Legal Counsel, Governor’s Office of Administration and Finance;
· Noah Berger, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center;
· Judy Meredith, Executive Director of the Public Policy Institute and Outreach Director of One Massachusetts.

This forum will help residents understand the budget crisis, how and why it is occurring, and what possible solutions are. There will be time for questions and discussion. Refreshments have been kindly donated by the new Whole Foods in Medford.

For more information, please visit Senator Jehlen’s website at www.patjehlen.org or call Senator Jehlen’s office at (617) 722-1578.