Amendment #472 to H3400

Establishing a Commission to Study Local Aid

[Sponsors] Representative Garballey of Arlington moves that the bill be amended by inserting the following section:- SECTION XX. There shall be a special commission to evaluate local aid formulas consisting of the following members: the secretary of administration and finance, or his designee; the president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association or his designee; the president of the MetroMayors Coalition or his designee; 4 members of the general court, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the house minority leader; 1 of whom shall be appointed by the senate president and 1 of whom shall be appointed by the senate minority leader; and 5 members to be appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a private citizen who shall serve as chair of the commission, 2 of whom shall have professional experience in local government economics and policy and 2 of whom shall be local officials. Each member shall serve without compensation. The commission shall review the general government unrestricted local aid formula and make recommendations for any changes or new formula approaches, beginning with the “Partnership Aid” proposal of the Hamill Commission’s Municipal Finance Task Force. The commission shall report in writing to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, including its recommendations for legislation, not later than November 15, 2012.