Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-133

GOV 133

Population Change Study

Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after SECTION _ the following new section:

"SECTION_. The University of Massachusetts shall conduct a study of changes in the population in the commonwealth in the last 10 years, projected changes in the next 10 years, the causes therefore and the impacts thereof, so as to inform the decisions of state government. In conducting said study, the university shall create and advisory panel for the purposes of consultation and  guidance, which shall include the Chancellor or a designee, representatives selected by the governor from the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the Executive Office of Education,  the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the department of revenue,  members of the university faculty with expertise in demographics, economics, health care, education and planning, two representatives of organized labor in the commonwealth, two representatives of employers in the commonwealth, and 3 members representing communities of different sizes in the commonwealth.

Said study shall examine population history and trends, factors impacting population changes such as levels of taxation, the costs of  housing, energy, transportation and education,  climate change and adaptation, and any other relevant factors identified by the advisory panel. The study shall also examine the impacts of foreseeable population changes on the state's economy, housing, environmental protection, energy consumption, environmental protection, municipal and state tax revenue, state and local government spending, and municipalities and school districts. In conducting such study the university shall conduct no less than 3 public hearings in geographically diverse regions of the commonwealth, and shall consult with persons and organizations with relevant expertise.

The university shall file a report detailing the findings of said study with the clerks of the House and  Senate, whom shall post it electronically in a manner available to the public, not later than June 30, 2024.