Yesterday, the Senate released their fiscal roadmap for 2014. The Senates proposal spends $33.9 billion dollars (an increase of $1.4 billion from 2013) relying on $430 million in new taxes, $800 million in revenue growth and $627 million from the rainy day fund. One interesting difference from the House budget was that local aid was level funded. In the House, there was an increase of $21 million dollars As for items of interest the budget, it establishes a Public Safety Training Fund and uses a $5 surcharge from motor vehicle citations as the revenue stream. If accepted the fund would begin December 1, 2013. The regular municipal training account was funded at $2.5 million which is level funded but less than the House appropriation. The Senate as expected increased funding for Shannon Grants to $6.25 million. This would make it subject to conference committee as the House number was some $2 million less. Municipal Police Training was funded at $2.5 million which is less than the House  Members have until Friday to file amendments with debate beginning next Wednesday.

In closing, we would like to acknowledge all those officers from Massachusetts that attended this weeks activities in Washington. It was wonderful to see such a great showing. I think we all felt the emotion of the ceremonies and the acknowledgement from our brothers and sisters from across the country in response to the marathon bombing tragedy. Until next time, stay safe.

Police week activities officially began with the 25th Candlelight Vigil on Monday night. This moving tribute honors those officers added to the Memorial wall for 2012. Here are a few pictures showing some of the activities which the MPA participates. President Dan Chviruk read the names of officers from Massachusetts that were remembered this year. Special thanks to Cambridge PD for their help in putting our memorial placards throughout the memorial.