In case you missed it, the Boston Globe ran an editorial today basically calling it as we see it! As you know, the House enacted the so-called “Municipal Relief” bill yesterday and the Democrats in the Legislature are touting it as a way for municipalities to move forward. Unfortunately, the bill neglects to address the single most expensive issue facing cities and towns and that’s health care costs. The Boston Globe says that not only does this bill miss the mark, but it may actually end up costing communities money.
Click here to read the editorial in its entirety.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Governor Patrick all for a no-bid deal on Cape Wind
Governor Patrick got himself into a bit of a pickle recently after saying putting slots at each racetrack in the state would effectively be a “no-bid” deal for track owners. Well, Conor Yunits of Liberty Square Group capitalized on that slip today saying, “The Governor called this a no-bid handout last week. He doesn’t seem to be taking bids on Cape Wind, and that doesn’t have the immediate revenue or job benefits a gaming and entertainment venue (at Rayhnam Park) offers.” We couldn’t have said that better ourselves! Kudos to Yunits for calling out the Governor on yet another one of his many double standards.
Governor Patrick’s all for taking “handouts” from the Federal Government but apparently he’s got to be choosy when handing them out himself! After all, it is an election year!
Governor Patrick’s all for taking “handouts” from the Federal Government but apparently he’s got to be choosy when handing them out himself! After all, it is an election year!
Municipal Relief Conference Committee Report another Missed Opportunity
BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement today in response to what he dubbed a modest conference committee report that misses the mark.
The so-called “Municipal Relief” bill that came out of the conference committee doesn’t do one thing to address the single biggest cost issue facing our cities and towns.
Municipalities are practically begging the Legislature to give them the tools they need to better handle their budgets and tackle the rising cost of employee health care. Unfortunately, their requests have gone unanswered and once again the wants and demands of powerful unions are put before the needs of hardworking taxpayers of the Commonwealth. The irony is several public employees have or will lose their job because of the failure to make any progress on this issue.
During the House debate, we were prepared to offer two amendments that would provide substantial relief to already struggling municipalities. Those two initiatives include plan design with a local option as well as giving municipalities a better opportunity of moving employees into the General Insurance Commission. Those ideas were put on the back burner as Democratic leadership insisted they were working out a deal with unions and municipalities that would be announced by June 11. Well, today is July 14 and with only a little over two weeks to go, I am doubtful any progress will be made.
The modest proposals in this bill do not offset the fact that we will have done nothing in two years to address the municipal health care issue. The Democratic-controlled Legislature has done nothing to relieve the burden they have placed on cities and towns, all of whom have faced significant cuts to local aid. Once again, the majority of rank and file Democratic members has relinquished its power blindly to their leaders banking on the idea they would deliver relief to their municipalities.
There is a reason that no one is willing to commit to an amount anticipated to be saved. It’s because there aren’t any real savings. I will be voting against this conference committee report today. I hope other members will join me in saying we can and should have done more to help our communities.
The so-called “Municipal Relief” bill that came out of the conference committee doesn’t do one thing to address the single biggest cost issue facing our cities and towns.
Municipalities are practically begging the Legislature to give them the tools they need to better handle their budgets and tackle the rising cost of employee health care. Unfortunately, their requests have gone unanswered and once again the wants and demands of powerful unions are put before the needs of hardworking taxpayers of the Commonwealth. The irony is several public employees have or will lose their job because of the failure to make any progress on this issue.
During the House debate, we were prepared to offer two amendments that would provide substantial relief to already struggling municipalities. Those two initiatives include plan design with a local option as well as giving municipalities a better opportunity of moving employees into the General Insurance Commission. Those ideas were put on the back burner as Democratic leadership insisted they were working out a deal with unions and municipalities that would be announced by June 11. Well, today is July 14 and with only a little over two weeks to go, I am doubtful any progress will be made.
The modest proposals in this bill do not offset the fact that we will have done nothing in two years to address the municipal health care issue. The Democratic-controlled Legislature has done nothing to relieve the burden they have placed on cities and towns, all of whom have faced significant cuts to local aid. Once again, the majority of rank and file Democratic members has relinquished its power blindly to their leaders banking on the idea they would deliver relief to their municipalities.
There is a reason that no one is willing to commit to an amount anticipated to be saved. It’s because there aren’t any real savings. I will be voting against this conference committee report today. I hope other members will join me in saying we can and should have done more to help our communities.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Vermont's Republican Governor chats with Republican Leadership
As you know, the National Governors Association is in Boston this week for their summer meeting. A group of Governors gave a press conference to the local press corps this morning. Governor Jim Douglas of Vermont was among those in attendance today. House Minority Leader Brad Jones and Assistant Minority Leader George Peterson had the opportunity to spend a few minutes chatting with the Governor from the neighboring state.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Patrick’s trouble with the truth
In case you missed it, the Boston Herald editorial page ran a great piece today highlighting what we’d like to call Governor Patrick’s trouble with the truth. As you know, UMass-Boston is set to embark on a $750 million dollar building project and all the work will be done by union workers only. Governor Patrick claims that project is the only project labor agreement in the state but as the Boston Herald reports – that’s not exactly the case.Click here to read the editorial in its entirety.
Sales tax holiday amendment adopted in the House
BOSTON—Saying the citizens of Massachusetts need tax relief now more than ever, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. today said he was pleased that his colleagues across the aisle would join him and the Republican caucus in providing temporary tax relief to the citizens of Massachusetts with a sales tax holiday weekend in August.
The tax holiday began as a one day event in 2004, but expanded to a two day holiday in 2005. The taxpayers of Massachusetts were not granted relief last year as Democratic leaders on Beacon Hill claimed the state couldn’t afford the lost revenue.
“While I am pleased the taxpayers will feel a tiny bit of relief, we still need to do much more to make the Commonwealth of Massachusetts a more cost-friendly place to live and work,” said Representative Jones, the sponsor of the amendment. “Massachusetts businesses are at a severe disadvantage and the taxpayers of the Bay State have seen their taxes raised substantially over the last several years. This is the least the Democratic-controlled Legislature can do to make things a little easier for residents here in Massachusetts.”
The amendment passed while the House debated a piece of legislation relative to economic development. Only 13 members voted against the amendment.
If signed into law, the holiday weekend will take place on August 14 and 15. Retailers will waive the sales tax on products costing under $2,500, including computers and home appliances. Some items are still taxed during the holiday, including motorboats, meals and tobacco.
The tax holiday began as a one day event in 2004, but expanded to a two day holiday in 2005. The taxpayers of Massachusetts were not granted relief last year as Democratic leaders on Beacon Hill claimed the state couldn’t afford the lost revenue.
“While I am pleased the taxpayers will feel a tiny bit of relief, we still need to do much more to make the Commonwealth of Massachusetts a more cost-friendly place to live and work,” said Representative Jones, the sponsor of the amendment. “Massachusetts businesses are at a severe disadvantage and the taxpayers of the Bay State have seen their taxes raised substantially over the last several years. This is the least the Democratic-controlled Legislature can do to make things a little easier for residents here in Massachusetts.”
The amendment passed while the House debated a piece of legislation relative to economic development. Only 13 members voted against the amendment.
If signed into law, the holiday weekend will take place on August 14 and 15. Retailers will waive the sales tax on products costing under $2,500, including computers and home appliances. Some items are still taxed during the holiday, including motorboats, meals and tobacco.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Sales Tax Holiday needed now more than ever!
It’s been nearly two years since the taxpayers of Massachusetts felt any relief – and even that was temporary! In case you forgot, back in 2008 and in other years past, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had a sales tax holiday weekend. We were unable to do it last year because Democrats on Beacon Hill said the state couldn’t afford the loss of revenue. Well, since then, tax and spend Democrats have forced upon you, the taxpayer, more than $1 billion in new taxes. That’s why, we in the Republican caucus are pushing for a sales tax holiday this summer because we know you need tax relief and you need it now!
The House is taking up an Economic Development bill tomorrow and the Republican caucus has filed an amendment to provide you with a sales tax holiday weekend on August 21 and 22. If signed into law, retailers will waive the sales tax on products costing under $2,500, including computers and home appliances. Some items are still taxed during the holiday, including motorboats, meals and tobacco.
We can’t get this done without you though…we need your help. Call your legislator, call the Governor’s office. Tell them you’ve had enough and need a break!
Even if we can wrangle up enough Democrats to join us and if the Governor signs it, don’t forget that they deprived you of this opportunity last year saying it would cost the state too much money. Nothing’s changed from last year except for one big thing – it’s an election year.
The House is taking up an Economic Development bill tomorrow and the Republican caucus has filed an amendment to provide you with a sales tax holiday weekend on August 21 and 22. If signed into law, retailers will waive the sales tax on products costing under $2,500, including computers and home appliances. Some items are still taxed during the holiday, including motorboats, meals and tobacco.
We can’t get this done without you though…we need your help. Call your legislator, call the Governor’s office. Tell them you’ve had enough and need a break!
Even if we can wrangle up enough Democrats to join us and if the Governor signs it, don’t forget that they deprived you of this opportunity last year saying it would cost the state too much money. Nothing’s changed from last year except for one big thing – it’s an election year.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Happy Fourth of July from The Capitol View
From all of us at The Capitol View, we hope you and your family have a safe and happy holiday weekend. And on this day that celebrates the birth of our country, please be sure to keep our servicemen and women in your thoughts and prayers as thousands of Americans continue to fight for the very freedoms that our forefathers once envisioned for our country.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Massachusetts can’t afford four more years of Patrick Administration
Yesterday, House Minority Leader Brad Jones commented on the signing of the Fiscal Year 2011 budget. Jones said Governor Patrick’s inability to reject the idea of increasing taxes is further proof and perhaps the final nail in the coffin that Massachusetts cannot afford four more years under his watch.
The Republican leader went on to say, “From the out of control spending to the irresponsible budgeting, the outrageous borrowing and increased taxes, the people of Massachusetts have suffered enough. Governor Patrick would rather raise taxes and throw his tab on a charge card than roll up his sleeves and make the reforms necessary to making the Commonwealth run more efficiently. That is not change we can believe in – in fact, that’s what I’d like to call the status quo.”
Today, the Salem News wished all Massachusetts residents and visitors alike a very unhappy anniversary as just two days ago marked the one year anniversary since the sales tax increase was signed into law. The Salem News went on to ask a number of thought provoking questions. “How's that working out for Massachusetts? Have we taxed our way to prosperity? Is the economy now humming along? Are we moving to full employment? Are crucial state services being preserved thanks to another $900 million being sucked out of the pockets of struggling taxpayers?”
To see the answers to these questions, click here.
The Republican leader went on to say, “From the out of control spending to the irresponsible budgeting, the outrageous borrowing and increased taxes, the people of Massachusetts have suffered enough. Governor Patrick would rather raise taxes and throw his tab on a charge card than roll up his sleeves and make the reforms necessary to making the Commonwealth run more efficiently. That is not change we can believe in – in fact, that’s what I’d like to call the status quo.”
Today, the Salem News wished all Massachusetts residents and visitors alike a very unhappy anniversary as just two days ago marked the one year anniversary since the sales tax increase was signed into law. The Salem News went on to ask a number of thought provoking questions. “How's that working out for Massachusetts? Have we taxed our way to prosperity? Is the economy now humming along? Are we moving to full employment? Are crucial state services being preserved thanks to another $900 million being sucked out of the pockets of struggling taxpayers?”
To see the answers to these questions, click here.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Republican Leaders’ Statement on FY2011 Budget Signing
BOSTON – Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei and House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. released the following statement regarding Governor Deval Patrick’s signing of the Fiscal Year 2011 state budget:
“The Fiscal Year 2011 budget signed by Governor Patrick today is a testament to yet another missed opportunity by the Legislature and the Corner Office to implement real reforms in the way state government operates.
Once again, the budget relies heavily on the use of one-time revenues, including federal stimulus funding that will no longer be available next year. Governor Patrick has also failed to address the $160 million hole that has been created by Social Security reimbursements that have yet to be paid to the state, or to account for the $300 million hole created by a debt restructuring plan that is still waiting authorization by the Senate. In doing so, the Governor has simply pushed off the day of reckoning and has failed to address the serious financial crisis Massachusetts is now facing.
The state is facing a structural deficit of between $2 billion and $3 billion in Fiscal Year 2011. By taking a band-aid approach, the Governor and the Legislature continue to avoid making the tough decisions and adopting the fiscal discipline needed to rein in spending and dig the state out of its fiscal mess. This budget may be on time, but it is certainly not balanced and is anything but responsible.”
“The Fiscal Year 2011 budget signed by Governor Patrick today is a testament to yet another missed opportunity by the Legislature and the Corner Office to implement real reforms in the way state government operates.
Once again, the budget relies heavily on the use of one-time revenues, including federal stimulus funding that will no longer be available next year. Governor Patrick has also failed to address the $160 million hole that has been created by Social Security reimbursements that have yet to be paid to the state, or to account for the $300 million hole created by a debt restructuring plan that is still waiting authorization by the Senate. In doing so, the Governor has simply pushed off the day of reckoning and has failed to address the serious financial crisis Massachusetts is now facing.
The state is facing a structural deficit of between $2 billion and $3 billion in Fiscal Year 2011. By taking a band-aid approach, the Governor and the Legislature continue to avoid making the tough decisions and adopting the fiscal discipline needed to rein in spending and dig the state out of its fiscal mess. This budget may be on time, but it is certainly not balanced and is anything but responsible.”
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