On March 18thish we will all receive a copy of the 2010 Federal Census.  “What should we do with it? ”  Fill it out and send it back!  Its 10 questions that should take about 10 minutes! 

The information the census collects helps to determine how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding each year is spent on infrastructure and services across the nation.

The census helps direct funding and resources to our City for:

• Hospitals
• Job training centers
• Senior centers and community centers
• Streets and infrastructure
• And Firefighters and police to ensure our safety.

This year we have the opportunity to make a difference in Lawrence to ensure that our children have enough resources to succeed in school, our neighbors have the opportunity to take an English class, and our parents can enjoy their golden days by staying connected and active through our senior centers. 

For help filling out the census please contact or visit one of the Be Counted Centers at:

• Lawrence CommunityWorks, 168 Newbury Street – 978-722-2610
• Lawrence Council on Aging, 155 Haverhill Street – 978-620-3540
• Asian Center of the Merrimack Valley, 1 Ballard Way, Lawrence MA 01843
• Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, 136 Water St., Lawrence, MA 01840
• Casa Dominicana Inc., 160 Garden St., Lawrence, MA 01840 – 978-327-5262
• Lazarus House Ministries, 260 Park St., Lawrence, MA 01841
• Neighbors in Need, 276 Essex St., Lawrence, MA 01840
• St. Anthony Maronite Church, 145 Amesbury St., Lawrence, MA 01841
• Fountain of Salvation Pentecostal Church, 165 Haverhill St., Lawrence, MA 01840

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Recently there has been a lot of conversation in and around our fair city of Lawrence.  Many of us have struggled to find clear answers as to,”What is going on?” 

Here is a clip from the PBS show Greater Boston, hosted by Emily Rooney.  It features interviews with Mayor Lantigua, Representative Torissi and Senator Tucker.  The clip addresses many of the conversations that have been happening in and around our city about the deficit borrowing bill.  Check it out!

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In order to meet a 24.5 million dollar budget shortfall in the City of Lawrence the State Legislature will soon be debating and voting on a bill, written by Governor Deval Patrick, which (as stated in the bills introduction):

• Allows the city to borrow into deficit to balance its fiscal year 2010 and 2011 budgets, thus allowing it to generate a steady cash flow, and to meet payroll and other commitments.
• Increases state oversight of city finances by providing for a state designated fiscal overseer working cooperatively with the new mayor and city council.  The overseer will report directly to the Secretary of Administration and Finance.
• Requires the overseer to assess the ability of City government to manage the City’s fiscal challenges and develop a three year financial plan.
• Requires the City to act to move to GIC or a regional health purchasing group if it will save the city money.
• Requires the City to consolidate municipal and school business functions.
• Provides that, if the City is not able to balance its fiscal year 2011 budget before January 31, 2011, the overseer shall report this, as well as the underlying reasons, to the Secretary of Administration and Finance.  At any time after January 31, 2011, if the state overseer shall report this in writing to the Secretary, and the Secretary may appoint a finance control board with extensive powers.

Follow this link to read the complete text of the bill.  An Act PROVIDING FOR THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCE

Also more information can be found by contacting the following State and City Officials. 

Governor Deval Patrick 617.725.4005, 888.870.7770

State Senator Susan Tucker (617) 722-1612, Susan.Tucker@state.ma.usState

State Representative Barry Finegold 617-722-2263 Rep.BarryFinegold@hou.state.ma.us

State Representative William Lantigua 617-722-2810, Rep.WilliamLantigua@hou.state.ma.us

State Representative David Torissi 617-722-2013, 978-682-5644 Rep.DavidTorrisi@hou.state.ma.us

Mayor William Lantigua 978-620-3010

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