year (maximum 5%) until they reach the COLA cap. February 16, 2022 Baltimore County. Larry Hogan wants to change that trend. If there is any difference between the information provided in this blog or 701 E. Pratt St. (COLA) adjustments are also based on state statute and depend on the Marc E. Fitch is the author of several books and novels including Shmexperts: How Power Politics and Ideology are Disguised as Science and Paranormal Nation: Why America Needs Ghosts, UFOs and Bigfoot. the end of January. As you noted, for general state employees, COLAs are based on 80% of the percentage increase in the average (CPI) from one year to the next. 9 State Circle, Suite 201 Those who retired after July 2019 (August 2019 or later) will receive their first COLA increase in July 2021. Retirement benefits for general state employees (including Systemwide, student enrollment is roughly 165,000 students. . The Maryland Retirement Tax Elimination Act. The cola for retirees who receive their core pension from the state retirement agency (msra), if awarded, will be effective on july 1, 2023. The actual amount of your retiree COLA depends upon the tier from which you retired and your retirement date. Provisions (All Plans). The governor said he believes the time is right given the fact the state does not face a structural deficit and has a record surplus on the books not only for this year, but for years to come. You may also visit the Cost of Living Adjustment page for more on how the COLA is calculated and to see all COLA information for 2022. MCPS Retirement Plan Members For retirees who receive their COLAs in January, the trend was more in their favor with three years of inflation increases topping 2 percent. Last year, as FedSmith reported in June, the Senior Citizens League projected a COLA of 5.3 percent. If the percentage change in the CPI from one year to the next were 5%, the COLA would be 4% (80% of 5%). "It's a lot of hard work. Click on Personal Information, then on Email Options. Our seniors deserve to have peace of mind that they know they can afford right here in the state of Maryland," Hogan said. "I think it is something they've earned and definitely something that would help them stay here," said Steve Adams, a Maryland taxpayer.The budget proposal also makes the Enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit permanent and enhances benefits for low-income households. 3300 Metzerott Road The budget proposal also makes the Enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit permanent and enhances benefits for low-income households. For the average pensioner, receiving $39,887 per year, the COLA increase would amount to an annual increase of $1,435.92. The COLA prediction for 2023 could also turn out to be too low as inflation is still raging and still increasing. The year 2017 membership of the MTA stands at approximately 2,629 of which 1,120 are active members and 1,509 are retirees. North Carolina's public-sector retirees have lost roughly 20 percent of the value of their pensions to . The increaseswhich include a one-time, $1,500 bonuswill be implemented in stages during 2022, and . You reach the COLA cap when the sum of your COLAs equals 65% of your initial base benefit amount. February 16, 2022 County Budgets / County News / News You Can Use / Pensions & Public Funds Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced that the Employees' Retirement Board voted to approve a three percent cost of living adjustment for eligible retirees, effective July 1, 2022. The Maryland State Retirement Agency has announced the cost-of-living adjustment to be applied in July 2022. Please see theCOLA pageon our website for additional information. However, the maximum allowable increase in any given year is 2.0%. "The entire mission of our administration has been to leave the state in a stronger fiscal position than when we found it. As you noted, by law, the maximum increase for theCOLAin a single year is 5%. What can be done to lower home heating bills? Jan 13, 2022 at 11:00 am Expand Gov. 701 E. Pratt St. if mo.state workers get a 5.5% pay raise will retires also ger a raise ? The compound rate applies for eligible payees of all adjustment (COLA) takes effect. The term of the incumbent public member is due to expire on June 30, 2023. Suspect Fraud, Waste, or Abuse? A retiree who has been retired at least one year as of July 1, 2020 qualifies for this year's COLA. Pleasevisit our lodges section for more detailed information concerning the lodges. Be sure to visit the COLA page on our website for more information. When are we going to know what the cola rate going to be for 2021 ?? The 2021 increase was the smallest COLA since 2017. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Betty Coleman (2021-2024) Valerie Coll (2022-2025) Joshua Fradel (2020-2023) Jane Linton (2021-2024) See the History Gov. The changes will only affect those who retire after July of 2022, but according to the OLR report, historically such changes have resulted in a larger number of employees retiring before the cut-off date. Maryland's Public System of Higher Education, You must enter at least 3 characters for the last name, Mailing address for all USM offices: 3300 Metzerott Rd. | PDF: Proposed FY 2023 budget highlights | Governor's office presents budget highlights. In an effort to mitigate the potential loss of thousands of state employees, Gov. If the percentage change in the CPI from one year to the next were 10%, the COLA would be 5% (80% of 10% is 8% but the maximum COLA is 5%). university employees) are calculated using a three-part formula:FAP x Multiplier x Credited We calculate COLAs based on >> I THINK IT IS GREAT IN CONCEPT BUT I THINK IT COULD ALSO END UP BACKFIRING IN THE LONG R.UN >> I THINK IT IS SOMETHING THEYVE EARNED AND DEFINITELY SOMETHING THAT WOULD HELP THEM STAY HE. Maryland Troopers Association > News > General > COLA. It's a lot of dramatically increased revenues," Hogan said. Stay up to speed on all the latest local and national political news. page on our website for more information. Chancellor Permans statement on board approval of a $15 minimum wage for all regular status employees can be found, As materials become finalized, updates regarding USM budget issues are posted at this. Connecticuts pension COLAs, however, are set for a change one year from now prompting concerns over a potential surge in state employee retirements. Washington State School Retirees Association (WSSRA) - Serves TRS, PERS, SERS retirees. In 2015, Connecticut paid $1.7 billion to 49,111 retirees, according to the Comptrollers Open Pension website. Under the wage enhancement plan released by the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, beginning this month, USM employees will receive: A 1 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA). The COLA rate for 2021 is 0.987%. Retiree - Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) All Services Montgomery County Employee Retirement Plans Effective July 1, 2022, eligible retirees and others receiving annuity payments from the Montgomery County Employees Retirement System (ERS), will receive a Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA). The signature feature of the governor's budget proposal is a $4.6 billion tax relief plan for retirees. However, occasionally, laws, policies or provisions change and individual circumstances may vary. Part of the 2017 SEBAC Agreement between the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition and Gov. part of the Republican governors Re-Fund the Police initiative, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Submit your question or just browse our blog to separate facts from fiction. The average Social Security recipient has lost $162.60 in purchasing power so far. State retirees receive minimum 2 percent COLAs per year regardless of the inflation rate and a maximum of 6 percent or 7.5 percent, depending on their retirement tier. The agreements apply to firefighters and officers represented by the Fraternal Order of Police, BWI Airport Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 142 and the State Law Enforcement Officers Labor Alliance. Merit increases averaging 2.5 percent (for employees with performance reviews of meets standards or better). Recent COLA Increases. While USM institutions will be implementing these wage and salary enhancements individually, it is expected that all regular status faculty and staff will benefit. Is there a "cap" on the amount of COLA increases retirees receive each year, given the economy warrants it? COLA rates established for 2022 Posted on March 14, 2022 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) for DRS-administered retirement systems and plans that receive a COLA have been established for 2022. The standard rate applies to beneficiaries with incomes of $91,000 or less for an individual and $182,000 or less for a married couple that files taxes jointly; those who earn more pay higher premiums. They reach the COLA cap when the sum of their COLAs equals 65% of their initial benefit amount. Legislation sponsored by Sen. Del Marsh, R-Anniston would provide a one-time bonus of at least $300 to state employees, depending on their length of service. It also includes an additional $2.4 billion for the state's Rainy Day Fund. At Yankee Institute, we know Connecticut is a state with boundless opportunity, and we intend to help make our state more than a place where people are just able to make ends meet! Retirees who elected a BackDROP will have COLAs payable on the anniversary of their BackDROP date. "I want to thank all hardworking state employees for their dedicated service.". This cost of living adjustment will help state employees and their families with the challenges they face from historic inflation, andamid the post-pandemic labor shortagetodays actions advance our enhanced efforts to recruit and retain a talented workforce.. Unionized state employees gathered in Baltimore on Wednesday evening to demand that Gov. In years that the CPIs published COLA is less than 2%, each retiree groups COLA bank may be able to increase the actual COLA received by the retiree up to a maximum of 2%, if that retiree groups COLA bank has accrued enough funds from years where the published COLA was greater than 2%. 2020 to Kurt Stolzenbach at DBM: kurt.stolzenbach@maryland.gov, copying your budget analyst at OBA. With Social Security benefits increasing by 8.7% for 2023, is it safe to assume that MOSERS benefits will increase by the maximum of 5% in a single year? 2022, and their first potential COLA would come in . Each year, you will receive a COLA on the anniversary of your retirement date, unless one of these exceptions applies to you: We will send you a notice, either in the mail or in your MOSERS Document Express online mailbox, when the COLA is applied to your monthly benefit payment. to provide the 2022 COLA at this time, typically you can expect to see it by Medicare If you or your covered dependents are eligible for Medicare, you may have additional options for prescription drug coverage through the Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) that became available January 1, 2006. Check the box next to Rumor Central. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a58c1ef94d4d21fff35271fe264fb3af" );document.getElementById("h4d5fc382f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); 216 Main StreetHartford, CT 06106[emailprotected], 2021 Yankee Institute for Public Policy. "The governor's surplus budget proposal contains increased funding for school construction projects, the Maryland Park Service, Chesapeake Bay cleanup, K-12 education, law enforcement agencies, assistance for utility and food benefit programs, local health departments and mental health and substance abuse programs. $900 COLA bonus for employees whose annualized base salary is less than $45,000, and the lesser of a 2% increase or a $1,400 bonus for employees whose annualized base salary is $45,000 and above, with a break point of $70,000; 2.5% Merit increase on 7/1/2007. Maryland state employees could receive a $1,000 bonus in April through a supplemental budget submitted by Gov. Washington State Retired Deputy Sheriffs and Police Officers Association (WSRDSPOA) - Serves retired deputy sheriffs and police officers. In the last decade, eligible County retirees have only received a single one percent cost of living adjustment. Does this mean that MOSERS retirees can anticipate something close to the maximum COLA increase for MOSERS members for 2022 of 5%? See our Privacy, Security & Legal Notices for more See our COLA page for more details. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. The governor's surplus budget proposal contains increased funding for school construction projects, the Maryland Park Service, Chesapeake Bay cleanup, K-12 education, law enforcement agencies, assistance for utility and food benefit programs, local health departments and mental health and substance abuse programs. Please enter valid email address to continue. It also includes an additional $2.4 billion for the state's Rainy Day Fund. April 12, 2022. In 1975, enrollment began . But legislative presiding officers are not yet on board with the retiree tax relief plan. The unions that came to terms with the state are:Maryland Professional Employees Council Local 6197 (MPEC) and AFSCME Maryland Council 3. Thank you! USM is not responsible for content or information derived from links to remote servers. Hogan and his administration for recognizingand rewardingthe vitally important work of our employees, said USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman. That will be followed by a 3% cost of living increase in July, and another salary increment and a 2% cost of living increase in 2023. Purple is really red and blue coming together," Hogan said. Jul 1, 2021. You reach the COLA cap when the sum of your COLAs equals 65% of your initial base benefit amount. We must use the average change from one year to the next. | RELATED: Hogan's last legislative agenda aims to provide tax relief. It's a lot of tightening of the belt. Any Marc can be reached at, Connecticut saw a 1,600 decrease in nonfarm industry positions in December, while November private sector gains (3,300) were revised down [], Eviction cases in Hartford and Bridgeport have remained far below historical averages since the Supreme Court overturned the federal eviction []. The maximum cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for MOSERS retirees and beneficiaries is 5%. >> OUR SENIORS DESERVE THAO PEACE OF MIND TO KNOW THEY CAN AFRDFO RIGHT HERE IN THE STATE OF MYLARAND. After reaching your COLA cap, your annual COLA will be equal to 80% of the percentage increase in the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) from one year to the next, which, as noted above, is 3.758 for 2022. the CPI-U, the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. The Hogan administration said it has offered. ", House Speaker Adrienne Jones issued a statement saying: "I am disappointed this budget continues to undermine the (Blueprint for Maryland's Future's) commitment to providing a world-class K-12 education for children in every ZIP code. The Office of the State Comptroller reports that state government found a way to spend $47.11 billion in 2022 and, if trends continue, we can expect that number to grow even more going forward. Larry Hogan announced Thursday that all employees across state government will receive a 4.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase, effective Nov. 1, as part of a series of measures to . We calculate COLAs based on After once again holding the line and bringing fiscal responsibility to Annapolis, we are able to take additional steps to honor our firefighters, law enforcement officers, nurses, and state employees for the meaningful work they do to change Maryland for the better, said Governor Hogan. Retirees with Maryland income up to $50,000 would pay no tax in Maryland. Medicare gave a raise of 5.9%. "It's a lot of hard work. St. Marys Appoints James Gotsch as Dept. I am skeptical this budget does enough to address historic state staffing shortages that put Marylanders at risk every day. The annual COLA is applied according to the yearly Consumer Price Index (CPI). >> THE BUDGET BOOKS ARE PURPLE THIS YEAR. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) invest part of Maryland's $2.5 billion 2021 budget surplus in underfunded and under-staffed state agencies. Ned Lamont contracted with the Boston Consulting Group for a report of how to increase state government efficiency. This has been a legitimate and constant request from our retirees for the last ten years, and I am very happy County Executive Olszewski will make this a priority.. The governor said he wants to work together. Wage increases will continue throughout the year, with a 3% COLA on Jul. Baltimore County government retirees receive the cost of living adjustments (COLAs) through the Post Retirement Increase Fund, overseen by the Retirement Board. I understand that MOSERS COLA is 80% of the "average CPI" increase. Columbia, MD 21044, Annapolis Office Your email address will not be published. the end of January. USM Headquarters Note: the above image is a chart for the CPI-U, not the CPI-W. And thats why we want to work with you to build a broad-based coalition to encourage sound policy reforms to enable Connecticut residents to forge a better future for themselves and their families. Provisions (All Plans)and by plan on our website:MSEP,MSEP Learn more about your benefits in theSummary of Pension Benefit Century Plaza By Molly Friedman, Attorney As occurs each year, the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSPRS) has announced the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) rate. Maryland State Retirees Medicare eligible retirees do not need to enroll in Medicare Part D at this time. January 2022? Those who retired before March 1, 2022 would be eligible. Please see the article, The 2022 COLA is Here, for additional information. It doesn't have to be zero, but I think it should be reduced taxes on distributions on retirement accounts," said Martin Turchin, a Maryland taxpayer. 4:04 pm. Retired Connecticut state employees will see a substantial bump to their pension payments as a result of increasing economic inflation. The purpose of a COLA for any type of pay or retirement benefit is to help you cope with inflation. This increase in compensation is well deserved and long overdue.. The minimum is 0% and the maximum is 5%. Effective Jan. 1, nearly 23,000 state employees will receive a $1,000 bonus, a 1% cost of living adjustment (COLA) and make-up pay for those who didn't receive an increment last year. The best long-run thing for the state pension system is to have inflation just at or above 2%. We will not have all the data we need to calculate the 2023 COLA until mid-January. According to the Office of Legislative Research in their analysis of a potential retirement wave, COLAs for new retirees will match the CPI-W during years it is 2 percent or less. $900 - $1400. >> BUT STATE DEMOCRAT LEADSER ARE NOT SO SURE. The source you reference is comparing the change from just the month of December in 2020 to just the month of December in 2021. This COLA rate applies to: If you were employedbefore August 28, 1997, and retired under theMSEP, you will get a COLA of at least 4% each year (maximum 5%) until you reach your COLA cap. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. House Bill 1047 (Public) Filed Wednesday, May 25, 2022. According to Missouri state law, MOSERS calculates COLAS as follows: Each January, we must compare the average Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the calendar year just completed (2021) to the average CPI from the prior year (2020) to determine the percentage change between the two years. We had more people employed in the private sector in 2007 than we do today. The governor said he believes the time is right given the fact the state does not face a. "The governor said he is sending an olive branch message with the color of his budget books, which are purple, which is the color that results from combining Republican red with Democrat blue. Thank you for visiting the MTA website. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2011. In a statement, the governors office said it has offered significant salary increases to those unions. The first includes a 7% cost-of-living adjustment in 2022, and another 5% in each of the next two years - a 17%. But Maryland Gov. In years where the COLA is greater than the maximum 2.0% (such as last year), the amount over 2% is added to what is called a COLA bank. A retirees COLA bank accumulates based on their fiscal year of retirement (or DROP entry), and each annual retiree group has its own COLA bank. For general state employees, COLAs are based on 80% of the percentage increase in the average (CPI) from one year to the next. of COLAs and theCOLApage on our website for more information. Contact Montgomery County Public Schools. 2:19 pm. Based upon the consumer price index - all urban consumers (CPI-U) table, the July 1, 2022 COLA is calculated to be 4.698%. State firefighters, police officers and troopers will see the largest pay increases: a 7% cost of living increase in July 2022, followed by 5% increases in the next two years after that. See What is the COLA cap?. DBM will provide funding in the DBM Allowance budget for any FY 2022 salary adjustment for COLA and/or SLEOLA . Current employees contribute a portion of their monthly paycheck to the fund, and taxpayers supplement. Adelphi, MD 20783-1690, Link to the USM Twitter page (opens in new tab), Link to the USM Facebook page (opens in new tab), Link to the USM Youtube page (opens in new tab), Link to the USM LinkedIn page (opens in new tab), Printer Friendly Version of the page (Open Popup). The governor said he is sending an olive branch message with the color of his budget books, which are purple, which is the color that results from combining Republican red with Democrat blue. We are unable The plan would remove 70,000 low-income seniors from the state's tax rolls starting this year. After reaching your COLA cap, your annual COLA will be equal to 80% of the percentage increase in the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) from one year to the next, which, as noted above, is 0.987% for 2021. Baltimore, MD 21202, Adelphi Office Retirees who converted from MSEP to MSEP 2000 during the conversion window in 2000 will have COLAs payable in July. The purpose of a COLA for any type of pay or retirement benefit is to help you cope with inflation. If you believe in our cause and would like to help out please donate or shop at our store. If it gains legislative approval, it The unions membership includes workers in health care positions in the Department of Health, the Department of Juvenile Services and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. See the article, The 2021 COLA is Here, and the COLA page on our website for more information. The signature feature of the governor's budget proposal is a $4.6 billion tax relief plan for retirees. To facilitate the effective management and participation of our members, the MTAhas13 Lodges located thoughout the State of Maryland. It is not necessary for agencies to submit duplicate requests to the Office . And the starting pay for troopers once they finish the training academy will be $55,704. Please contact a MOSERS benefit counselor or see the handbooks in our website Library for more detailed information. This Association contributes significantly to protecting the security oftroopers,civilian MSP personnel and retireesby providing abenefit package that addresses legislative representationin matters of public safety, legal representation, education and training scholarships, and death relief. COLAs for most retirees are equal to 80% of the percentage increase in the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) from one year to the next, with a maximum of 5% (minimum of 0%). The bonus would also be available to retirees of local governments who have opted into Retirement Systems of Alabama, though those . Retirees with Maryland income up to $50,000 would pay no tax in Maryland. As you noted, for general state employees, COLAs are based on 80% of the percentage increase in the average (CPI) from one year to the next. Based upon the consumer price index all urban consumers (CPI-U) table, the July 1, 2022 COLA is calculated to be 4.698%. Baltimore, MD 21202, Adelphi Office/Mailing Address for All USM Offices ANNAPOLIS, Md. Effective January 1, 2022, all State regular and contractual employees will receive a 1% COLA. Please see the 2022 COLA Calculation Memo for details. by Logan, Brown, Hunt, Clemmons. It doesn't have to be zero, but I think it should be reduced taxes on distributions on retirement accounts," said Martin Turchin, a Maryland taxpayer. ANNAPOLIS, Md. and we are not aware of any legislative proposals to change benefit amounts for Larry Hogan on Monday announced that Maryland has reached historic agreements with the two largest employee unions that include substantial salary increases. Visit the Baltimore County website for more information. The tax credit is available to individuals at least age 65 and receiving pension income from a qualified retirement plan, such as a defined benefit plan, 401(k) plan, or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). By Rick Norman. 2.50%. As we noted in a report andCT Mirrorop-ed last year, the debate over whether were in a national recession really misses the point for Connecticut residents. Eligible Payees (Retirees And Beneficiaries) Of The Maryland State Retirement And Pension System Will Notice A Boost In Their Monthly Allowance Beginning In July As The 2022. A retiree who has been retired at least one year as of July 1, 2021 qualifies for this year's COLA. Adelphi, MD 20783, Columbia Office These bonuses are made. January 3, 2022 / 10:23 AM According to Missouri state law, each January, MOSERS must compare the average monthly values of theConsumer Price Index (CPI) for the calendar year just completed (2021) to the average CPI from the prior year (2020) to determine the percentage change between the two years. (WJZ) --Gov. COLAs for most retirees are equal to 80% of the percentage increase in the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) from one year to the next, with a maximum of 5% (minimum of 0%). The year over year increases drive up the amount paid out by Connecticuts severely underfunded State Employee Retirement System. The maximum increase for the COLA in a single year is 5%. Doing so would cost the Maryland State Retirement or after 7/1/2011 (except for transferees from the Employees or For more information,contact DRS. Service = Monthly pension benefit payment. State retirees receive minimum 2 percent COLAs per year regardless of the inflation rate and a maximum of 6 percent or 7.5 percent, depending on their retirement tier. What will our elected officials be working on to improve policy outcomes for Connecticut residents? Payees may be eligible to receive COLAs on their retirement allowance each July. COLAs are payable on the anniversary of your retirement date except for: We will send you a notice, either in the mail or in your MOSERS Document Express online mailbox, during the month when you get your COLA. the next. "I think it is a good idea. 1, Regular increments of approximately 2% in FY 23 and a 2% COLA Jul. NC can afford COLA for public sector retirees. Theyll also receive salary increments worth approximately 3% each year. - State support per student has grown by 172% since Governor Hogan took office. Missouri State Employees' Retirement System, Summary of Pension Benefit The SSA is anticipating the largest COLA increase of the last 40 years at around 6% for 2022. It really was a bipartisan effort. For most retirees, the rate calculation is based on 80% of the percentage increase in the average Consumer Price Index from one year to the next,with a maximum increase of 5% (minimum 0%). To learn more, review This is a result of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (1967 = 100) that is 4.70% for 2021. >> THE RETIREMENT RELIEF PLAN WOULD GRADUALLY ELIMINATE TAXES ON ALL INCE OMFOR THOSE 65R O OLDER. $1,000 (Initial Base Benefit) x .65 (65%) = $ 650 (COLA Cap). "House Speaker Adrienne Jones issued a statement saying: "I am disappointed this budget continues to undermine the (Blueprint for Maryland's Future's) commitment to providing a world-class K-12 education for children in every ZIP code. Report it here! The Maryland Deferred Compensation Program was established for Maryland state employees in 1974 by Executive Order 01.01.1974.19 and under Chapter 433 of the Acts of 1974. You will receive a COLA for Fiscal Year 2022 if your retirement or DROP entry date is on or before June 30, 2021. Annapolis, MD 21401, Contact: Mike LuriePhone: 301.445.2719Email: mlurie@usmd.edu. According to the CPI, the change in cost of living between December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020 was 1.362%. (Sorry for the caps, wont let me shift), Hope McKiernan Mainly clear skies. About San Diego City Employees' Retirement System. 2006. AND ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR UTILITY AND FOOD BENEFIT PROGRA.MS THE SPENDING PLAN CONTAINS $75 MILLION FOR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS AND INCREASED FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRA.MS >> THE ENTIRE MISSION OF OUR ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN TO LEAVE THE STATE IN A STRONGER FISCAL POSITION THAN WHEN WE FOUND IT.