Sherborn Selectmen DeRensis On Conference Call With President Obama

Sherborn Selectmen Paul DeRensis had the opportunity, as President of the Massachusetts Selectmen’s Association, to take part in a conference call with President Barack Obama, last Friday, concerning the financial position of the country, the state and its municipalities.

“I must say, when his staff said, ‘Here is the President of the United States’, there was a rush of adrenaline and wonder for me,” DeRensis said. When the president came on the phone DeRensis stood up.

DeRensis said the conference call consisted of the president giving a speech on federally funded programs that will be coming to Massachusetts.

DeRensis said Obama gave some good news, “Massachusetts is doing better than the rest of nation.”

He reported a 7.6 percent unemployment rate, versus the national average 9.1 percent, as well as 4 percent growth, versus the national average of 1.4 percent growth.

“Fiscal year 2012, two month’s figures in, the revenues are exceeding forecasts by $46 million,” DeRensis said.

Fiscal year 2011 saw a $720 million surplus. DeRensis said they will be, “receiving $300 million to state's reserves rainy day fund, bringing that to over $1 billion, putting Massachusetts fourth in the nation for reserves."

He added that, “$35 million of this surplus is committed for infrastructure improvements available to cities and towns.”

DeRensis said that although it is very good news, “There is a crisis at the federal level.”

He said they are predicting 200,000 jobs lost in the public sector and another, “much larger loss” later in the year.

DeRensis said there would be $65 million in federal aid coming to Massachusetts by the end of the month.

After it is dealt out, Sherborn’s portion - which has not yet been determined - will have to be accepted at Town Meeting.

DeRensis also noted that a federal highway program called SAFETEA-LU will no longer be funded after Sept. 30 and $580 million in aid will be cut from Massachusetts.

DeRensis said the Massachusetts Department of Transportation would shut down their highway projects, “just leaving cones behind.”

DeRensis said the state selectmen’s association created a signed letter to congress that should adopt the president’s new jobs act, create more grants for state infrastructure, and vote to fund SAFETEA-LU.