SENATE AMENDMENT WILL BE FILED TO INCREASE ABE FUNDING TO $32.6 MILLION 

- The Senate Ways and Means budget for FY17 funds ABE at $30,524,866.

- Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz (D-Boston) will file an amendment to increase funding for ABE line item #7035-0002 to $32.6 million.  

- Although MCAE's budget request has been for $35 million, after consultation with Senator Chang-Diaz's office, it was decided that $32.6 million was more in line with state revenue growth and had a better chance of being successful. 

- Our goal is to have at least 15 of the 40 senators sign on as co-sponsors to Senator Chang-Diaz's amendment, and we need your help to make it happen!  

- Although Senators can sign on to co-sponsor up until the amendment is debated on the senate floor, we're in a stronger position if we have as many co-sponsors as possible when the amendment is filed tomorrow, May 19. 

-  Please call the your senator (the one who represents you where you live).

-  Speak to an aide.

-  Identify yourself and say you are a constituent and registered voter (if you are registered).   

-  Urge your senator to sign on to Senator Chang-Diaz's amendment to fund the ABE line item #7035-0002 at $32.6 million.    

-  To sign on, Senators should email Nathanael Shea at Senator Chang-Diaz's office ([email protected]) by 3:00 p.m. tomorrow, May 19.

-  If the Senator says he/she is part of the leadership and unable to sign on as a co-sponsor, urge the Senator to do everything possible to support the amendment during debate.