The Senate on Thursday passed a $33.99 billion balanced budget for the 2014 fiscal year, closing a $1.2 billion budget gap with funding reductions, ongoing revenue initiatives and one-time revenues, Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said.
Included in the budget is $125,000 for the Plymouth 400th Committee, with the requirement of an equal match in private funding, to support the commemoration of the town of Plymouth’s 400th anniversary in 2020.
“The Plymouth 400th anniversary celebration planning is well underway,” Murray said. “2020 will be here before we know it, and the Committee is dedicated to planning a truly memorable celebration for America’s Hometown. This is a unique opportunity to show all that Plymouth has to offer to the Commonwealth and the world. We applaud the Committee’s efforts and I hope can all lend them our support.”
“This funding for the 400th Celebration is vitally important to build on the base that we were able to allocate last year,” Representative Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth) said. “It helps us ensure that we honor what happened here some 400 years ago when the foundation was laid for the greatest nation on earth. This continues to be a priority for the Plymouth Delegation and, with the matching component it encourages our private partners to assist us as well.”
“2020’s 400th birthday party for America’s Hometown presents a great opportunity to generate tourism in Plymouth and the surrounding region,” said Rep. Randy Hunt (R-Sandwich). “It’s for this reason that the matching grant through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism makes sense for all involved. A dollar invested in tourism generates $5 in additional economic activity.”
“Although the cost and time of planning an event of this magnitude is great, it ultimately pays off by creating jobs and boosting the economy,” said Rep. Tom Calter (D-Kingston). “A well planned event will ensure that people continue to visit Plymouth and will benefit the Commonwealth well after 2020. I applaud the hard working dedicated people planning the event and am pleased that the state is able to assist with needed funding.”
The budget will now move to a conference committee with the House to produce a final budget that will go to Governor Deval Patrick for his consideration. The new fiscal year begins July 1.
For more information on the FY 2014 budget, visit http://www.malegislature.gov/Budget/FY2014/Senate
Release from Senate President Therese Murray’s office.
By Casey Meserve, May 27, 2013
