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| By Erin O'Connor Staff Writer AGAWAM- City Councilor George Bitzas of Agawam has put forth a resolution opposing further cuts to Chapter 70, local aid to cities and towns. Copies of the resolution have been sent out to Governor Mitt Romney, Senator Stephen Buoniconti, and Speaker of the House Salvatore Dimasi. "A resolution is the strong voice of the people," Bitzas said. "It says that we are not going to lie down and play dead." The Governor's proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2006 increases Chapter 70 funds available to cities and towns for education; however, the House Ways and Means Committee has proposed a budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 that will decrease the Governor's proposed amount of Chapter 70 education aid by $72 million. "Education is the foundation for success in any nation," Bitzas said. "The continued cuts will put greater burden on cities and towns and make it difficult for them to plan their budgets," he said. The resolution is meant to send a message to Boston, Bitzas said. "We must put politics aside to look for the good of our country," he stated. Parents, members of the community, members of the school committees, and superintendents were urged by Bitzas to become active in this current budget proposal for the July 2006 Fiscal Year. "Let your legislators know how you feel about these education cuts," Bitzas said. Over the past four years there have been substantial cuts to Chapter 70 funds available to cities and towns. |