The Massachusetts State Lottery has always been an important source of much needed local aid for the cities and towns of the commonwealth. After meeting with local officials throughout my district and citizens whose property taxes continue to grow, I understand cities and towns have pressing needs that are not being fulfilled due to budget shortfalls.

When the state "capped" the amount of lottery aid available from fiscal year 2004 to fiscal '06 it forced cities and towns to deplete their local stabilization funds, while the state stabilization fund swelled to over $2 billion. Though the legislation uncapped the lottery revenues beginning in fiscal '07, the revenue collected over the prior three fiscal years is still sitting in the state's coffers. It is now time for the state to fulfill its obligation to the cities and towns who so desperately need these funds.

My Republican colleagues and I have filed legislation that could help send a much needed infusion of cash to 351 communities. This bill, also known as the Massachusetts Municipal Finance Relief Act would distribute approximately $450 million in Lottery revenue to the cities and towns.

The funds would be transferred from the Stabilization or "Rainy Day" Fund to the General Fund within 30 days of passage. Treasurer Timothy Cahill would then be required to distribute the funds as a one-time, non-recurring supplemental local aid payment according to the Lottery distribution system within 30 days of the transfer.

If passed, my district alone would receive $12,230,011 from this legislation. According to the bill, Attleboro would receive $3,417,106; Franklin, $1,480,044; Millis, $472,657; Natick, $1,347,638; Needham, $946,502; Norfolk, $574,414; North Attleboro, $1,723,268; Plainville, $454,420; Sherborn, $119,662; Wayland, $406,508; Wellesley, $729,343; and Wrentham, $558,449. Communities across the state are feeling financial pressure. As legislators, we must return these valuable dollars now. With the Massachusetts Municipal Relief Act, the commonwealth can begin to repay its cities and towns for bearing the burden when it feared a financial downturn. It is my hope that this will be the first step in distributing more funds among local municipalities before the state decides to enact any more bold and expensive new programs. I urge our local officials to use this money for one-time expenses and infrastructure improvements since this money will not be available in this amount again.

SCOTT BROWN, R-Wrentham, is state senator of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, which includes Attleboro Wards 1 and 2 and Precinct 3A, North Attleboro, Plainville, Wrentham and Norfolk. E-mail: sbrown@senate.state.ma.us.