BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) announced that the Foundation Budget Review Commission recently issued its final report detailing recommendations on updating foundation budget formulas for public education.

The Commission, which was first established by the Legislature in 1993, was reconstituted last year as part of a provision co-sponsored by Sen. Moore within the 2015 fiscal year budget. The Commission was tasked with reviewing the way in which foundation budgets are calculated, and to determine the educational programs and services necessary to achieve the state’s educational goals.

As part of the review process, the Commission held six hearings across the Commonwealth to gain input from members of the public, municipal officials, teachers and school administrators.

Recommendations cited within the report address key areas including rising costs associated with employee health benefits, educating students with special needs, English language learners and low-income students.

“Changes to the existing Chapter 70 formula are long overdue,” said Sen. Moore. “As a former selectman, and having listened to the concerns of many school committee members across the Second Worcester District, I acknowledge that additional investments in education on an equitable basis are necessary to advance public education in our state, and to provide the necessary financial relief to local communities— which is why I fully support the provisions outlined by the Commission’s report.”

Members of the Senate, including top Senate leaders, have expressed an interest in taking swift action on the recommendations put forward by the Commission which are estimated to cost more than an additional $431 million dollars in state spending. However, many recognize that the implementation timeline may need to be staged over the course of several fiscal years.

>> VIEW A COPY OF THE FINAL FOUNDATION BUDGET REVIEW COMMISSION REPORT BY CLICKING HERE