In case you missed it, Representative Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica) made an appearance on the FOX-25 Morning News’ Zip Trip in Billerica today. Representative Lombardo joined VB and Gene Lavanchy for the “Let it Rip” segment. Click on the video below for more.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
New Tool Highlights Municipal Health Care Costs
In case you missed it, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation recently launched an interactive analysis of the potential financial impact of municipal health care reform on local cities and towns.
The community-by-community analysis of municipal health care reform helps illustrate the amount of savings that would have been achieved if the community joined GIC over the past ten fiscal years. In a press release, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation said, “according to analysis, cities and towns in the state have sacrificed hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs in the last decade because local officials have had limited authority to manage their exploding growth in health insurance costs.”
The interactive analysis allows users to enter their city or town, as well as their Senate district, to view the potential cost savings and job growth by switching to the state run GIC or plan design. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation determined that “more than $3 billion in savings could have been achieved statewide had municipalities been granted plan design authority in 2001, equivalent to approximately 6,500 municipal jobs statewide (at $50,000 per job per year).”
In an economy where cities and towns are struggling to operate under a fiscally responsible budget, and jobs are hard to come by, this interactive tool is a sobering asset. It is our hope that this online resource is yet another tool in allowing resident to fully understand the financial impacts of municipal healthcare.
The community-by-community analysis of municipal health care reform helps illustrate the amount of savings that would have been achieved if the community joined GIC over the past ten fiscal years. In a press release, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation said, “according to analysis, cities and towns in the state have sacrificed hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs in the last decade because local officials have had limited authority to manage their exploding growth in health insurance costs.”
The interactive analysis allows users to enter their city or town, as well as their Senate district, to view the potential cost savings and job growth by switching to the state run GIC or plan design. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation determined that “more than $3 billion in savings could have been achieved statewide had municipalities been granted plan design authority in 2001, equivalent to approximately 6,500 municipal jobs statewide (at $50,000 per job per year).”
In an economy where cities and towns are struggling to operate under a fiscally responsible budget, and jobs are hard to come by, this interactive tool is a sobering asset. It is our hope that this online resource is yet another tool in allowing resident to fully understand the financial impacts of municipal healthcare.
Peter Durant Prevails…
In case you missed it, Peter Durant won the special election run-off in the 6th Worcester District yesterday against incumbent, Representative Geraldo Alicea. Peter Durant’s victory is a testament to his passion, perseverance, and principles. For these reasons, we would like to congratulate Representative-elect Durant. We look forward to welcoming him to the Republican caucus, and working with him on not only issues that face the 6th Worcester District, but those that face the Commonwealth as a whole.
Additionally, we would like to commend Jim Dixon and his hard fought and valiant effort in the race for the 10th Middlesex District. Jim did a great job in spreading his ideas for Beacon Hill and the 10th Middlesex district. We are grateful for the campaign he ran. We extend our congratulations to Representative-elect John Lawn, who won, and look forward to working with him in the Legislature.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
It’s That Time of Year…
In case you missed it, the House of Representatives will meet in a joint full formal session with the State Senate on Wednesday in order to debate and vote on amendments to the Constitution of Massachusetts.
This year, Republicans will be offering a variety of amendments to the Constitution that are fiscally minded, “good government” proposals. Republican amendments range from preventing eminent domain takings for any non-public use, to establishing a two-year budget cycle to help state and local leaders make more accurate financial plans for the use of resources over time. Other fiscally backed Republican proposals include a call for the repeal of automatic increases in compensation for members of the General Court.
If adopted, an amendment is then taken up for further consideration at the next Constitutional Convention in two years.
This year, Republicans will be offering a variety of amendments to the Constitution that are fiscally minded, “good government” proposals. Republican amendments range from preventing eminent domain takings for any non-public use, to establishing a two-year budget cycle to help state and local leaders make more accurate financial plans for the use of resources over time. Other fiscally backed Republican proposals include a call for the repeal of automatic increases in compensation for members of the General Court.
If adopted, an amendment is then taken up for further consideration at the next Constitutional Convention in two years.
Special Elections
In case you forgot, today marks two special elections for seats in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
In the race for the 6th Worcester District, Democratic incumbent Geraldo Alicea is facing off against Republican challenger Peter Durant. As you may recall, a judge ruled that this race ended in a tie last November.
The other special election is in the 10th Middlesex District to fill the seat left vacant when Peter Koutoujian was appointed Middlesex County Sherriff. This race is between Republican James Dixon of Waltham and Democrat John Lawn of Watertown.
In the race for the 6th Worcester District, Democratic incumbent Geraldo Alicea is facing off against Republican challenger Peter Durant. As you may recall, a judge ruled that this race ended in a tie last November.
The other special election is in the 10th Middlesex District to fill the seat left vacant when Peter Koutoujian was appointed Middlesex County Sherriff. This race is between Republican James Dixon of Waltham and Democrat John Lawn of Watertown.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Neither The Time, Nor The Place…
In case you missed it, the Democratic Party’s reoccurring theme of being out of touch with the people of Massachusetts continues. This latest “episode” finds the Democrats looking to raise, among other things, the income and capital gains tax.
During a public hearing at the State House yesterday, the Joint Committee on Revenue heard testimony surrounding House Bill 2553/Senate Bill 1416. Filed by Representative O’Day and Senator Chang-Diaz, these bills look to raise the state’s income tax rate to 5.95% from the current 5.3% and increase the long-term capital gains tax to 8.95% from the current 5.3%.
In an economy where the unemployment rate stands at 8% and people are facing a $4 a gallon price tag at the pump, lawmakers need to remain focused on trying to put money back into the pockets of the taxpayers rather than taking money away. With the recent passage of the House FY’12 budget, which was free of any tax hikes, this most recent attempt to raise taxes in the Commonwealth is both ill advised and poorly timed.
During a public hearing at the State House yesterday, the Joint Committee on Revenue heard testimony surrounding House Bill 2553/Senate Bill 1416. Filed by Representative O’Day and Senator Chang-Diaz, these bills look to raise the state’s income tax rate to 5.95% from the current 5.3% and increase the long-term capital gains tax to 8.95% from the current 5.3%.
In an economy where the unemployment rate stands at 8% and people are facing a $4 a gallon price tag at the pump, lawmakers need to remain focused on trying to put money back into the pockets of the taxpayers rather than taking money away. With the recent passage of the House FY’12 budget, which was free of any tax hikes, this most recent attempt to raise taxes in the Commonwealth is both ill advised and poorly timed.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Representative Beaton to Make Media Appearance
Representative Matt Beaton (R-Shrewsbury) will be on the FOX-25 News Zip Trip to Shrewsbury tomorrow morning. Representative Beaton will be appearing on the “Meet the Peeps” segment at 8:50am. The segment will cover the issues and people in and around Shrewsbury. Be sure to check out Representative Beaton. In case you miss it, we'll be sure to post his appearance on www.thecapitolviewlive.com tomorrow.
Friday, April 29, 2011
House Minority Leader’s Statement on Adoption of Fiscal Year ’12 Budget
BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement today in response to the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2012 budget by the House of Representatives:
I am pleased to have cast my vote in support of adopting the Fiscal Year 2012 budget. This piece of legislation is the result of a collaborative effort, and I commend the Chairman of Way and Means for working with the Republican caucus in delivering a fiscally reasonable budget. I look forward to the continuation of an open and transparent debate when this budget comes before the Senate. I am hopeful that the final budget is similar to that of the House budget.
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011
House Minority Leader’s Statement on Attempt to Repeal Suffolk County Holidays
BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement today in response to the attempt to repeal the Suffolk County holidays:
I am discouraged by the House’s unwillingness to adopt a bi-partisan amendment seeking to repeal the paid holidays for state and municipal personnel in Suffolk County. The potential savings surrounding this long overdue reform would have been a cost savings initiative benefitting the taxpayers of the Commonwealth. Despite this setback, we will continue to push good public policy and transparency.
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House Minority Leader’s Statement on Release of President Obama’s Birth Certificate
BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement today in response to the release of President Obama’s birth certificate:
I am pleased that the President has chosen to release a copy of his Certificate of Live Birth. My hope with the release of this document is that the long-standing debate will now come to a close. I am glad that we are able to now put this distraction behind us, and move on to pertinent issues that face the citizens of the United States of America.
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