Saunders discusses state budget

BELCHERTOWN – Speaking to the SelectBoard for the first time since getting elected to as Representative for the 7th Hampden district, Aaron Saunders, of Belchertown, said he’s been visiting municipalities in his district to find out its priorities.

SelectBoard members asked Saunders about the state’s revenue and federal funding for infrastructure projects.

He said he wanted to hear from the board and continue conversations to update the board on its questions.

“The best case scenario is that as we go through this and the session, as you’re hearing from folks, I am a phone call away,” he said. “I’m always happy to have a conversation. To the extent I can lend my voice to being responsive, but also addressing the concerns you have as elected representatives and on behalf of our constituents together.” SelectBoard member Ron

Aponte, who was not present at the meeting but sent a question to Chair Jim Barry to ask, wanted to know if the state’s fiscal 2023 revenue receipts are trending above forecast.

For the first time in 30 months, January’s receipts came in below benchmark, Saunders said.

“The goal of these benchmarks is not to set them artificially low so that the numbers can come up, but it really is to try to budget to caution,” he said.

“I think the worst thing we can do is to assume we’re going to have more money than we have and make appropriations based on forecasted collections,” Saunders added.

Barry asked Saunders about federal funding for bridges and roads, and the state’s plan to distribute infrastructure funding.

Whether it’s through Chapter 90 money, accelerating projects on the Massachusetts State Highway schedule, or funding projects that are in the State.