>From Debbie Blumer: -- steveo at syslang dot net TMMP1 http://frambors.syslang.net/
---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2003 15:24:10 -0400 From: "Blumer, Deborah - Rep. (HOU)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Norma Shulman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Framingham State College MERC program Norma, you had asked what might be done to support restoration of funds for the MetroWest Economic Research Center at Framingham State College in light of the Governor's $160,000 reduction and elimination of specific language in the college budget. Folks can contact: House Ways and Means Chair John Rogers - 617-722-2990 - [EMAIL PROTECTED] Speaker Thomas Finneran - 617-722-2500 - The Speaker does not use email directly; you can send email to his attention via [EMAIL PROTECTED] I would suggest copying me, Karen Spilka, David Magnani so that we are aware of the interest and can underscore your efforts in addition to our own. The following is a copy of a letter I sent individually -- please feel free to use what ever is useful. Debby ======================================================================================== The Honorable Thomas M. Finneran, Speaker of the House The Honorable John Rogers, House Chair, Ways and Means Committee State House Boston, MA 02133 Dear Speaker Finneran and Chairman Rogers: We seek your support to override Governor Romney?s $160,000 reduction in line item 7112-0100, which eliminated specific funding of the regional economic research center located at Framingham State College. The Framingham State College budget had already been reduced by $3.3 Million (15%) from FY03 and the Metrowest Economic Research Center (MERC) earmark had been reduced from $200,000 too $160,000 (20%). The Governor?s added cut is an unjustified and disproportionate cut to this college. MERC center has expanded its work from the original 5 town Framingham area to include the Greater Marlborough/Hudson to Franklin I495 belt and the Norfolk County/South Shore region at no added cost to the state. The Metrowest/I-495 region ranks 3rd in total payroll in the state ? a crittical part of the economic engine. This region, has been hard hit in job losses during the current recession and its leaders are working diligently to retain companies and workers. The economic research center provides sub-regional economic analysis to area businesses and local governments that is simply not available elsewhere. Businesses seeking to locate in Massachusetts use these analyses to assess the availability of skilled labor in various fields, infrastructure, transportation, salary levels, housing costs and trends. Representatives of several Chambers of Commerce, local and state government and private business leaders have first hand knowledge of the center through service on the center?s Advisory Board. Faculty members at Framingham State College provide supervision and instruction to students who conduct, evaluate and present their analyses of the region?s economy. Students have invaluable opportunities to conduct research that is important to regional economic stabilization and future development. The assoication with area business brings opportunities for internships during college and good jobs after graduation. With a relatively small amount of money, the MERC center has been able to show that state government, state colleges and our students are valuable partners in the economic future of this region and the state. MERC has earned our respect and continued support. To unsubscribe, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with body "unsubscribe frambors" (the subject is ignored).
