If It's Bad News, It Must Be Friday

Last October, the State House News Service observed that the Patrick-Murray Administration seems to have a "mildly pathological fixation" with dumping bad news on a Friday afternoon in an attempt to minimize the need for PR damage control.

The Administration was at it again late yesterday, disclosing not one but two pieces of bad news. First, Governor Patrick announced that his embattled nominee to the Middlesex Family and Probate Court, Attorney David Aptaker, had withdrawn his name from consideration in the wake of growing opposition to his candidacy. The Senate Republican Caucus called for Aptaker's resignation two weeks ago, following revelations that he had failed to disclose hundreds of dollars in questionable campaign contributions on his judicial application.

But the bad news didn't end there. Word also leaked out late yesterday afternoon that the Patrick-Murray Administration is poised to dump the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Systems (MCAS) test and replace it with what is sure to be a less-rigorous and watered-down national standard. This would represent a major step backwards for education reform, given that the high standards set by the MCAS have resulted in Massachusetts' students leading the nation in a number of testing categories.

It's not surprising to see this full-scale attack on the MCAS. After all, this is the same Governor who stripped the state's Board of Education of its long-standing independence, politicized the charter school approval process, and used one of his first appointments to name one of the MCAS' most strident opponents to the board. And let's not forget that Patrick is also beholden to the anti-MCAS teachers unions, which have donated heavily to his campaign.

The Governor's latest actions remind us of an Associated Press story that appeared last fall, in which Boston University communications professor Tobe Berkovitz compared the Administration's Friday-afternoon press dumps to what happened in the final days of the Nixon White House.

"It's right out of the Dick Nixon playbook," Berkovitz told the Associated Press. "During Watergate, they would always unload everything at 20 after 6, just before the network news went on the air at 6:30 p.m."

One can only imagine how many more bad news stories the Patrick-Murray Administration will be looking to bury on a Friday in the coming weeks.

Senator Hedlund Talks Casinos on Fox25

Senate Minority Whip Robert L. Hedlund (left) filled-in for Rob Gray during this week’s Tolman & Gray spot on the Fox 25 Morning News. Watch his take on casinos, and the ongoing legislative logjam.

Where Was Tim?

Beleaguered Patrick Administration judicial appointee David Aptaker was on the hot seat yesterday, appearing before the Governor’s Council and trying to explain why he failed to disclose certain questionable campaign donations on his application.

But Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray – who normally chairs the Council’s meetings and has been one of Aptaker’s biggest supporters – was nowhere to be found. Instead, the meeting was presided over by Councilor Tom Merrigan who, ironically, was the beneficiary of special legislation that has allowed him to continue to practice law before state agencies, despite the obvious conflict of interest.

Aptaker – who has been nominated to serve on the Middlesex Probate and Family Court – claims he made “an honest mistake” and had “no intention of trying to deceive” the Governor’s Council when he failed to disclose $200 in donations to former State Senator Jim Marzilli and $550 in contributions to former Middlesex Registrar of Probate John Buonomo. Marzilli is facing multiple charges of indecent sexual assault involving four women, while Buonomo was convicted of stealing money from the court’s copier machines.

On July 2 – the day after these revelations came to light – the Senate Republican Caucus called on Governor Patrick to rescind Aptaker’s nomination, saying he had “blatantly obfuscated and misrepresented his position” and that his actions “call into question his character and qualifications to serve on the Probate Court.”

Two weeks ago, Tim Murray pulled a Sergeant Schultz (“I hear nothing, I see nothing, I know nothing!”), saying the concerns should have been brought up earlier. At the time, Murray was willing to look the other way and let Aptaker’s nomination vote proceed, despite valid concerns about his candidacy. Now it appears he’s doing it again, running for cover as the fallout continues.

Stay tuned.

In Case You Missed It...

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr took part in the popular "Monday Morning Quarterbacks" segment on the Fox 25 Morning News yesterday.

Senator Tarr joined former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger in the Beacon Hill studio to discuss the Russian spy case; Charlie Baker's latest political ads targetting Governor Deval Patrick; the mid-term Congressional elections; the hoopla surrounding NBA superstar Lebron James' decision to leave Cleveland and sign with the Miami Heat; and Spain's weekend victory in the World Cup tournament.

Senator Tarr will be back next Monday morning to do another live segment on Fox 25.

Worcester Telegram & Gazette: 'Tisei is Right' About National Popular Vote Proposal

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette ran an editorial yesterday backing Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei's claims that the proposed National Popular Vote bill represents "an end-run around the Constitution."

The editorial calls on the Senate to reject the "NPV scheme," which would drastically change the way states choose a U.S. President every four years.

"Any state joining the compact of states would agree to award its Electoral College votes to the presidential candidate winning the most votes nationwide," the editorial notes. "In some cases, that could mean overturning the expressed will of the people in a given state, merely to satisfy the sense of entitlement that clings to the 'winner' of the popular vote for president."

The Senate is scheduled to resume debate on the National Popular Vote bill on Tuesday, with several amendments still pending.

ON THE AIR: Senator Tisei Promotes Sales Tax Holiday to Give Consumers, Retailers a Break

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei (right) has been hitting the airwaves this week to call for the reinstatement of a statewide sales tax holiday, which hasn't been offered in Massachusetts since 2008.

Tisei was a guest this morning on RushRadio 1200's Jeff Katz Show, where he talked about the House Republican Caucus' successful effort to designate August 14-15 as a tax-free weekend for consumers and retailers. Tisei also discussed the benefits of a sales tax holiday on WRKO's Tom & Todd Show and with WBZ Radio's Jon MacLean yesterday.

A longtime advocate for establishing an annual tax-free weekend in Massachusetts, Tisei is leading the charge to get the Senate to approve a new sales tax holiday before formal sessions end on July 31.

Senator Tarr Talks Casinos on NECN

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (left) was a guest this week on New England Cable News' "Broadside". Tarr and host Jim Braude had a lively discussion about expanded gaming in the Commonwealth, including the likelihood that the House and Senate can resolve their differences and deliver a casino bill to Governor Patrick's desk before the end of session on July 31.

Click here to watch the interview.

Herald: Give Consumers a Break

An editorial in today’s Boston Herald makes a strong case for offering another sales tax holiday this year, the first since 2008.

Introduced in 2004 as a one-day event, the sales tax holiday expanded to a full weekend in 2005 and has grown in popularity ever since. Between 2004 and 2008, the sales tax holiday was an annual summer event that gave tax-weary consumers a break while also helping businesses through what has traditionally been a slow sales period for retailers.

Last year, of course, the state offered no sales tax holiday. Instead, consumers were hit with a 25 percent increase in the sales tax, which jumped from 5 percent to 6.25 percent and put many local businesses at a competitive disadvantage compared to their out-of-state counterparts.

House Republicans have filed an amendment for a sales tax holiday that could come up for a vote as early as today. This is good news for taxpayers as well as merchants. As the Herald notes, the $14.9 million in sales tax revenues the state lost during the 2008 sales tax holiday is “essentially, a rounding error in the context of a $28 billion budget,” and it will help draw customers into stores and provide additional individual and corporate income tax revenues for the state.

The Senate Republican Caucus has tried to make the sales tax holiday permanent, but so far Beacon Hill has resisted this proposal, opting instead to decide if and when one will be offered on a year-to-year basis. A permanent tax holiday would take the politics out of the process, while helping employers and taxpayers.

The Herald is right: it’s time to give consumers – and businesses – a break!

HAPPY 234th BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

As families across Massachusetts and the rest of the country gather to celebrate our nation's birth this Fourth of July, we here at Scaling The Hill 2010 would like to wish everyone a very safe and happy Independence Day.

Tim Murray Pulls A Sergeant Schultz

Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray is sounding a lot like Sergeant Schultz these days. You know, the fictional bumbling character from Hogan’s Heroes known for constantly repeating the refrain “I hear nothing, I see nothing, I know nothing!”

How else do you explain the Lieutenant Governor’s actions at last Wednesday’s Governor’s Council confirmation hearing for Arlington Attorney David Aptaker, who was nominated by Governor Patrick to serve as the new Associate Justice of the Middlesex County Family and Probate Court? As the State House News Service has reported, Murray was willing to look the other way despite valid concerns about Aptaker’s candidacy and revelations that he was less than forthcoming on the questionnaire that accompanied his nomination application.

It seems that Aptaker neglected to mention hundreds of dollars in campaign contributions he made to disgraced former Senator Jim Marzilli (who is now facing sexual assault charges) and former Middlesex Register of Probate John Buonomo (who was imprisoned after being convicted on theft charges). Aptaker made two $100 donations to Marzilli in 2007, along with a combined $550 in donations to Buonomo in 2006 and 2008.

Aptaker also claimed to have contributed to President Barack Obama and Congressman Michael Capuano, but Governor’s Councilor Marilyn Devaney has been unable to verify those donations. Devaney and fellow Councilor MaryEllen Manning successfully moved to delay the vote on Aptaker’s nomination until July 14, despite Murray’s eagerness to dismiss their concerns and move ahead with a vote anyway.

Today, the Senate Republican Caucus hand-delivered a letter to Governor Patrick, which calls on him to rescind Aptaker’s nomination.

“Judicial nominees in Massachusetts must always be held to the highest standard,” the Caucus wrote. “The fact that Mr. Aptaker lied on his application and omitted important information about questionable campaign contributions calls into question his character and qualifications to serve on the Probate Court. The Governor’s Council should not be asked to compromise the integrity of the judicial system by rubber-stamping a candidate who has so blatantly obfuscated and misrepresented his position.”

Republican Leaders' Statement on FY11 Budget

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 yesterday:

“The Fiscal Year 2011 budget signed by Governor Patrick 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.”

Patrick: Full-Time Governor or Full-Time Author?

Today’s Boston Globe reports that Governor Patrick has completed the first draft of his 200-page memoir, which is due to be published next April. You may recall that the Governor jetted off to New York two years ago to ink the book deal and collect a $1.35 million advance, even as his casino proposal was going down in flames.

Patrick has already committed to a nationwide book tour, telling publishers he would not only be “delighted to participate in a vigorous media campaign” but also would be willing to “travel across the nation for book signings,” according to the Globe. Which begs the question: with the state facing a structural budget deficit of between $2 billion and $3 billion, does Patrick plan on being a full-time Governor for the people of Massachusetts or a full-time author?

The Governor’s press secretary told the Globe that Patrick completed the book during his “limited free time.” But a book signing tour is going to require Patrick to be out of the state for an extended period of time, even as the state faces a serious fiscal crisis that deserves his full attention.

We have to wonder what Patrick’s second in command (and resident pit bull) Tim Murray thinks about all this. With Patrick unable to devote his attention to his gubernatorial responsibilities 24/7, will Murray now demand that the Governor step aside and let him take over the running of the Corner Office? But that may be a problem for the residents of the state, as Murray’s most significant role as Lieutenant Governor to date has been giving traffic reports to motorists calling 5-1-1. Unfortunately, the state recently updated the system, and Tim’s rather long and self-promoting greeting can no longer be heard.

Senator Knapik Offers Thoughts on FY11 Budget

Senator Michael R. Knapik (right) was one of six conference committee members responsible for reconciling the differences between the House and Senate versions of the Fiscal Year 2011 budget. Forging a compromise budget out of competing priorities is always a difficult one, but this year's process was even more daunting given the floundering economy and the many uncertainties surrounding the receipt of federal stimulus funding. Be sure to check out Senator Knapik's thoughts on this year's budget process and the Senate Republican Caucus' reform efforts, as reported by the Springfield Republican.

Lack of Reforms in FY11 Budget 'Disappointing'

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. and Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei released the following statement today, just hours after the budget conference committee released its report:

From day one, this budget process and the contents of the Fiscal Year 2011 budget have been a disappointment. From the lack of transparency and reform to the dependence on federal handouts, Governor Patrick and Democratic leaders on Beacon Hill have failed to craft a responsible and sustainable budget.

Governor Patrick released his budget proposal in January, relying on hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government and guaranteeing the money would be here shortly. Here we are, six months and $800 million later, and the FY11 budget is a mess due to the irresponsible decision to factor in federal money that Congress has yet to approve. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders took the Governor’s word to heart and made the same careless choices while crafting the House and Senate budgets.

House and Senate Republicans led the charge for reforms to assist the state’s taxpayers and local communities, but those reforms are nowhere to be found in the final budget. Local aid has been cut, services have been slashed, and the one tool that would allow cities and towns to rein in their health care costs and save $100 million – implementing health care plan design – has been taken away.

We, along with our Republican colleagues, will not be voting in favor of this budget and hope our friends across the aisle will join us in rejecting what is once again an unsustainable and irresponsible budget for the Commonwealth and its taxpayers.

Taxpayers Pay Price for Democrats' Inaction

SouthCoastToday just published an op-ed piece by Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei (right) about the Fiscal Year 2011 state budget, which is still being worked out in conference committee. Tisei blames Governor Patrick and the Democratic-controlled Legislature for failing to pursue key cost-saving reforms and instead balancing the budget with a series of "funding gimmicks and one-time revenue sources that are tenuous at best and could collapse at any moment."

Be sure to check out the op-ed by clicking here.

Boston Herald: More 'Politics As Usual' from Patrick Administration on Hirings

For the past 12 years or so, the state has somehow managed to get by without an executive secretary for the Division of Insurance’s Board of Appeals. But that didn’t stop Governor Patrick from filling the long-vacant slot with one of his former campaign volunteers.

The Boston Herald broke the story yesterday that Patrick supporter Mark Bracken was hired earlier this year to the $45,532 a year post, following what we’re sure was a competitive nationwide search. The Herald draws parallels between Bracken’s hiring and Governor Patrick’s aborted efforts to appoint Senator Marian Walsh to another long-vacant position at the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority (HEFA) last year. Of course, Walsh was in line for a much larger $175,000 salary before dropping out, but the latest move still smacks of what the Herald calls “politics as usual.”

Be sure to check out the Herald’s story and today’s editorial.

Tarr Joins the 'Monday Morning Quarterbacks'

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (left) joined former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger in Fox25's Beacon Hill studios this morning, where he filled in as part of the popular "Monday Morning Quarterbacks" segment. The two touched on a variety of state and national topics, ranging from casino gambling and the state's ongoing budget problems to recent illegal immigration legislation passed in Arizona and the disastrous Gulf oil spill.

Be sure to check out the segment in its entirety by clicking here.

Who's Working on Bunker Hill Day?

WBZ-TV's Jonathan Elias was one of several reporters roaming the halls of the State House yesterday to see which offices were open for business on Bunker Hill Day. Elias interviewed several legislators, including Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei and Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, whose offices were fully staffed to assist the public yesterday.

While Bunker Hill Day remains a legal holiday for government workers in Suffolk County, it may soon lose that status. A Republican Caucus-sponsored amendment passed by the Senate last month would strip June 17 of its legal holiday status, along with Evacuation Day, the state's other Suffolk County-only holiday, which falls on March 17. The amendment -- which could save taxpayers an estimated $5 million -- is still being reviewed by members of the budget conference committee, but Governor Patrick has gone on record as saying he would sign it if it reaches his desk.

Be sure to check out WBZ-TV's Bunker Hill Day report.

Governor Approves ROTC Exemption Language

Governor Patrick has approved language inserted in the Fiscal Year 2010 supplemental budget that exempts junior ROTC instructors employed in Massachusetts' public schools from having to pay union "agency fees". The exemption will protect veterans across the Commonwealth, including retired Marine Major Stephen Godin, who faced termination from his 14-year post at North High School in Worcester for refusing to pay the fee.

Godin's plight, and Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei's efforts to save his job, drew not only statewide but national attention. In addition to appearing locally on WTKK with Michael Graham and on WRKO with Howie Carr, Tisei was also a guest on the nationally syndicated Lou Dobbs Show, RushRadio's Jeff Katz Show, and the Fox News Network's Your World with Neil Cavuto.

ON THE AIR: Senator Hedlund on Fox 25 News

Senate Minority Whip Robert Hedlund (left) was featured in a segment on Fox 25 News last night. Hedlund sat down with investigative reporter Mike Beaudet to discuss the Senate Republican Caucus' efforts to close a loophole in the state's laws that allows individuals to register a motor vehicle without a license. Fox 25 says this loophole is being exploited by thousands of illegal immigrants, but the Senate's Fiscal Year 2011 state budget includes corrective language that is now under review in conference committee.

Be sure to check out Senator Hedlund's interview by clicking here.

ON THE AIR: Senator Knapik on 22News

Senator Michael R. Knapik (right), the ranking Republican on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, was interviewed this past weekend by Springfield's WWLP Channel 22 about the Senate Republican Caucus' proposal to bar illegal immigrants in Massachusetts from accessing state-funded public benefits. The proposal -- which covers a wide range of benefits including housing and higher education -- passed the Senate on a 27-10 vote during the FY2011 budget debate and is now the subject of negotiations in conference committee. Click here to see WWLP's coverage.

GOP Winning the Battle for Our Veterans

There’s some good news to report in today’s Worcester Telegram and Gazette regarding the junior ROTC instructor who’s being forced out of the job he’s held for 14 years because he refuses to pay $452 in dues to the local teachers union.

According to the newspaper, Worcester School Superintendent Melinda J. Boone has issued a press release saying she will not terminate Major Stephen Godin from his position at North High School. Godin, who previously served 20 years in the U.S. Marines, was scheduled to lose his job on June 15 after refusing to cave in to the union’s strong-arm tactics.

Godin maintains that he should not be forced to pay union dues because he receives no benefits from the union. Half of his salary, as well as his health insurance, is paid for by the military, and unlike other teachers at North High School, Godin does not receive any stipend for participating in after-school activities.

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei (pictured above) took up Major Godin’s cause this week, filing legislation to exempt ROTC instructors working in any public secondary school in Massachusetts from having to pay union dues. Tisei also filed the language as an amendment to a bill that was advancing in the Senate yesterday. Despite the support of the entire Senate Republican Caucus, the amendment was ruled beyond the scope of the underlying bill.

Now, the Worcester School Committee is working with the local teachers union to allow the district’s other ROTC instructors to be removed from the bargaining unit so they won’t be classified as classroom teachers and forced to pay union dues. Another victory for our veterans!

A 'Deeply Flawed' Health Care Compromise

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) is weighing in against the compromise health care plan design language included in the Senate's FY2011 budget, calling the proposal "so deeply flawed that it should not be included in the final budget unless it is dramatically improved."

In a letter sent to Senate President Therese Murray, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, and the six budget conferees, MTF President Michael Widmer called on the conferees to "reject the Senate proposal and take decisive action to provide real relief to municipalities" to ensure that communities can "protect municipal jobs and services."

During last month's budget debate, the Senate Republican Caucus offered an amendment that would have granted cities and towns plan design powers and the flexibility to change health care co-pays and deductibles for municipal employees without having to go through the collective bargaining process for approval. Under this plan, communities would collectively save $100 million, or enough money to save the equivalent of between 1,070 and 1,630 teachers, firefighters and police officers, according to the Beacon Hill Institute.

The amendment that passed the Senate, however, was a watered-down plan requiring only 25 percent of the cost savings to go to municipalities, 25 percent to municipal employees, and left the distribution of the remaining 50 percent to be determined through collective bargaining and potential arbitration. All five Caucus members rejected this proposal, which passed on a vote of 20-17.

"The choice is clear -- give cities and towns the tools to manage their health plans and save thousands of jobs, or preserve some form of collective bargaining and guarantee that these teachers and public safety workers will lose their jobs," Widmer wrote. "Potential savings from health care alone dwarf savings from the entire package of 'municipal relief' proposals passed by the House and Senate."

In Case You Missed It...

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (left) was an in-studio guest on yesterday's Fox Morning News, joining former Senator Warren Tolman to discuss some of the Senate Republican Caucus' recent budget victories, including a proposal to bar illegal immigrants from obtaining a host of taxpayer-funded state benefits, as well as a proposal to eliminate Bunker Hill Day and Evacuation Day as paid holidays for state government employees. You can check out the full segment by clicking here.

GOP Leaders Call on Governor to Produce Contingency Plan to Address FMAP Shortfall

Saying there’s no guarantee Congress will extend Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) payments, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. and Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei today called on Governor Patrick to announce a contingency plan for dealing with what’s expected to be a gaping $700 million budget hole.

In January, Governor Patrick filed his FY11 budget proposal that relied on $689 million in federal assistance for Medicaid payments. At the time, Governor Patrick and Administration and Finance Secretary Jay Gonzalez said they were confident Congress would act quickly to approve the FMAP extension and that President Obama would soon have the legislation on his desk to sign. The U.S. Senate did approve the extension, unfortunately the House of Representatives rejected a proposal to provide additional Medicaid funding to states.

This news couldn’t come at a worse time as the state is already facing a $2.5 billion structural deficit.

“Governor Patrick never should have released a budget, without a contingency plan, that was so dependent on federal aid that had yet to be approved,” said Representative Jones. “At this point in the process and with the likelihood that we will not receive this money, it is incumbent upon the Governor to outline his plan for filling this hole immediately. One can only hope it’s not another tax increase.”

“The Patrick-Murray administration has consistently been two steps behind, always having to react to economic news,” said Senator Tisei. “It’s frustrating and disappointing that Governor Patrick refuses to act in a proactive manner. There was never a guarantee that this aid would be approved by the federal government and if this money does not come through, it will be the hardworking taxpayers who will suffer from devastating cuts to health and human services.”

The state’s stabilization fund has practically been depleted since Governor Patrick took office. Only $600 million remains in the rainy day fund, far short of the $700 million that would be needed to cover this additional budget gap.

Herald Endorses Caucus Budget Reforms

Today's Boston Herald includes an editorial that endorses several of the Senate Republican Caucus' reform initiatives that were introduced during last week's budget debate.

In the editorial, the Herald notes that a number of amendments were not in the House version of the budget, but "are well worth including in the final budget when it is sent to the governor's desk." Those initiatives include: prohibiting illegal immigrants from accessing a wide range of state-funded public benefits; banning employers who hire illegal immigrants from bidding on state contracts; and eliminating Bunker Hill Day and Evacuation Day as paid holidays for state workers.

The Herald also faults the Senate for not pursuing the Caucus' proposal to "loosen restrictions on privatizing government services" and for watering down the Caucus proposal to give cities and towns health care plan design powers to reduce costs, which the Herald calls "a potential savings gold mine."

Be sure to check out the editorial.

Senator Tarr Goes 'On The Record'

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (left) was a guest last night on the Fox News Network's "On The Record with Greta Van Susteren". During his segment, Senator Tarr discussed the Senate Republican Caucus' success in passing a budget amendment that makes a wide range of state-funded public benefits available only to citizens and legal immigrants, while barring individuals who are in this country illegally from accessing those benefits.

MEMORIAL DAY 2010

As Massachusetts and the nation observe Memorial Day, we pause to honor the many brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Throughout our nation's proud history, many have answered the call to serve, and many more continue to place themselves in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, we honor all of our veterans for their service to our country, and for the sacrifices they have made to preserve the many freedoms we all too often take for granted.

ON THE AIR: Sen. Knapik on Howie Carr Today

Senator Michael R. Knapik is scheduled to call in to the Howie Carr Show this afternoon to talk about the just-concluded Senate budget debate, including the passage of his proposal to eliminate Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day as paid holidays for state workers in Suffolk County. Senator Knapik can be heard beginning around 5:40 p.m. on WRKO.

ON THE AIR: Senator Tarr on NECN Tonight

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (left) will be appearing live in-studio as a guest on "Broadside' with Jim Braude tonight at 6 on New England Cable News (NECN). Political consultant Michael Goldman is scheduled to join the discussion, which will focus on the recent Boston Globe Spotlight series exposing patronage at the state's Probation Department.

GOP Amendments Show Hack's True Colors

The head of the state’s pension fund is stepping down from his $322,000 a year post next month, citing “personal” reasons as well as concerns about a pair of government reforms being promoted by the Senate Republican Caucus.

News reports of Michael Travaglini’s announcement referenced two GOP proposals that would limit how much money he and other state employees would be able to make. One initiative would cap the pay of employees at the state’s quasi-public agencies at $143,000 – the same amount Governor Patrick makes – unless the higher pay differential can be justified in writing to the Secretary of Administration and Finance. The other would ban bonus payments to the state’s pension fund managers during any year the pension fund loses money.

Travaglini – who earned a $68,000 bonus in 2008 and has the potential to make up to 40 percent of his salary in bonus pay – told reporters “I have a wife and three children, and I’m going to provide for them.”

The Caucus’ salary cap proposal has already been approved as part of the Senate’s economic development reorganization bill, while the restrictions on bonus payments were included in the Senate version of the municipal relief bill. Because the House has not yet adopted these two proposals, the Caucus plans to bring them both up again during this week’s Senate budget debate.

Fallout From Probation Probe Continues

Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei was interviewed by WBZ-TV yesterday about the ongoing probe into the state's Probation Department and the Senate Republican Caucus' proposal to return oversight on all personnel decisions within the department to the chief justice of the Trial Court.

The Caucus proposal, which is scheduled for debate this week as an amendment to the FY2011 state budget, was also cited in a Boston Globe editorial that ran today calling for Probation Commissioner John J. O'Brien to step down. O'Brien was suspended with pay yesterday, pending an independent investigation into charges of political patronage and "sloppy financial oversight" cited in a Globe Spotlight Team series.

Members of the Senate Republican Caucus will discuss their probation reform proposal and other cost-saving measures at a press availability in front of the Senate Chambers today at 11:30 a.m.

GOP Caucus Pushes Probation Reforms

The Senate Republican Caucus is calling for the adoption of a pair of budget amendments members filed last Friday to end the "pay to play" system of patronage within the state's probation system. The Caucus amendments would restore much-needed oversight, transparency and credibility to the Probation Department, which was the subject of a Boston Globe Spotlight report that ran in the newspaper yesterday and today.

The Globe series details the ongoing problems that have taken place since the Legislature took away the Trial Court's control over personnel decisions within the Probation Department and transferred this authority to the Commissioner of Probation back in 2001. In addition to exposing a system where hiring and promotion decisions appear to be driven more by political connections and campaign contributions than to actual job qualifications, the Globe also highlighted the department's "sloppy financial oversight" which it warns makes the department "vulnerable to theft".

Earlier today, Probation Commissioner John J. O'Brien was suspended, with Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall and Judge Robert A. Mulligan promising "a full, prompt and independent inquiry" into the allegations.

The Senate is scheduled to begin debate on the budget Wednesday morning.

Senator Tisei's Statement on Release of Senate Ways and Means Committee's FY2011 Budget

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei issued the following statement today following the release of the Senate Ways and Means Committee’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2011:

“I’m pleased to see the Senate budget avoids making the same mistake the Governor and the House did by leaving the Rainy Day Fund intact. However, it’s troubling that we continue to rely heavily on other one-time revenues, including federal stimulus funding, to pay for what’s in the budget, without undertaking the fundamental reforms needed to rein in spending and attain long-term fiscal stability for the Commonwealth.

The Patrick Administration claims we’re on the road to an economic recovery, but state revenues remain uncertain at best and are well below the levels that were needed to sustain crucial programs just a few years ago. The real problem, however, is not revenues but spending. Even after hitting Massachusetts’ residents with over $2 billion in new taxes and fees last year, Governor Patrick and the Legislature seem unwilling to change their free-spending ways and tighten their belts, just like every family and business in Massachusetts has already done.

The Senate Republican Caucus will be offering a wide-ranging package of cost-saving reforms during the upcoming budget debate to root out waste and inefficiencies in state government. Our entire focus next week will be on finding ways to achieve a fiscally responsible and balanced budget that requires the state to live within its means. The Governor and the Legislature cannot continue to ignore this problem and keep pushing the tough decisions off to another day. The time to act is now.”

Senator Tisei's Statement on Patrick Administration's Release of Hospital Report

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei issued the following statement today following the release of a long-delayed report on hospital industry finances, costs and reserves by the Patrick Administration:

“It’s disappointing to learn that the Patrick Administration waited until after the Senate’s amendment filing deadline had already passed to release this report. With the Senate prepared to debate a comprehensive cost containment proposal tomorrow to help ease the health care burden on small businesses in Massachusetts, it would have been nice for members to have the information from this report in hand a lot earlier than today.

Two years have passed since the Legislature first asked for this information, and it’s been almost a year since the original filing deadline passed. I still don’t understand why it has taken the Administration so long to get this information and make it public.

Governor Patrick often talks about the need for transparency in state government, but he has been less than forthcoming in releasing the critical information the Legislature needs to make informed decisions. It’s not that surprising, however, considering that everything the Governor’s done so far on health care cost containment has been done more for political posturing than actually trying to solve the problem.”

Congratulations, Senator-Elect Ross

Scaling The Hill 2010 congratulates Representative Richard Ross on his well-deserved victory in yesterday's special election to fill the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex seat left vacant by Scott Brown's January 19 election to the U.S. Senate.

Senator-elect Ross -- who will be sworn in on May 20 -- said he was "energized and humbled" by the support of the district's voters.

"My record in the Legislature of never voting for a tax increase truly resonated with families and businesses of the district, and I look forward to continuing to fight for the taxpayers who themselves are working so hard every day," Ross said in a statement.

Be sure to check out the election coverage in today's Boston Herald, Boston Globe and the Attleboro Sun Chronicle.

Sen. Tisei's Statement on Municipal Relief Bill

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s proposed Municipal Relief Bill, which was released today and is scheduled for debate on May 13:

“With local aid being cut and the economy continuing to stall, cities and towns across the Commonwealth are struggling to balance their budgets and preserve essential municipal services. Unfortunately, communities are going to be very disappointed because they won’t find much relief in the proposal the Senate released today.

The municipal relief bill somehow has morphed into a statewide pension reform proposal and now does very little to actually help cities and towns, which I thought was the whole purpose behind municipal relief. But what really stands out is what is not included in the bill. The fact that there are no provisions in this bill to address rising municipal health care costs says all you need to know about how much this proposal falls short of its stated goal. If we are serious about providing true budgetary relief to cities and towns, how can we ignore one of the biggest cost factors responsible for driving up municipal spending?

Mayors and local officials have been pleading with the Governor and the Legislature to give them the power to design their own health plans, essentially the same tool state government has been using to keep its health care costs manageable.

The time for talk is over and the time to take decisive action on municipal health care spending is now. The Senate Republican Caucus plans to address rising health care costs and other issues when the bill is debated on Thursday, with the goal of providing both immediate and long-term fiscal relief to our cities and towns.”

Herald Endorses Restaurant Rejuvenation Act

The Boston Herald is backing the Restaurant Rejuvenation Act, which would allow Massachusetts restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages with Sunday brunch beginning at 10 a.m., two hours earlier than current law allows.

Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei recently filed the bill with bi-partisan support at the request of the Phantom Gourmet's Dave Andelman, who says it will deliver much-needed jobs and revenues for local businesses. Last month, the House adopted the language during its Fiscal Year 2011 budget debate.

In endorsing the proposal, the Boston Herald notes that "the hospitality business has suffered enormously during this fiscal crisis, and this is the kind of obstacle to business improvement that Beacon Hill should be happy to remove."

Be sure to check out the Herald's editorial, and visit the Andelman Brothers' website to learn more about the Restaurant Rejuvenation Act.

Boston Globe's Scot Lehigh Backs Repeal of 'Misguided' Anti-Privatization Pacheco Law

Scot Lehigh has an op-ed in today's Boston Globe supporting the repeal of the state's anti-privatization Pacheco Law, which Lehigh calls a "misguided statute" that "erects a high and thoroughly unrealistic hurdle to tapping the private sector" for potential cost savings in the delivery of state services.

Citing figures provided by the Reason Foundation, Lehigh notes that Florida saved $550 million over eight years and Virginia saved $40 million a year through the privatization of certain state services. He also quotes Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Michael Widmer, who projects "large and growing savings year after year" if the Pacheco Law is repealed or amended, adding that "states and municipalities across the country have shown that competitive bidding can save money and improve services."

The Senate Republican Caucus doesn't need to be convinced about the millions of dollars in savings Massachusetts could realize by doing away with the Pacheco Law. You may recall that the Caucus led the effort to repeal the law during last year's budget debate, only to fall short on a vote of 11-28. The Caucus claimed a partial victory, however, when the Senate agreed to raise the cost threshold for determining which projects are exempt from the Pacheco Law.

With the state facing a structural deficit in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget approaching $3 billion, now is the time to streamline state government and implement cost-saving reforms. Repealing the Pacheco Law should be at the top of that "to do" list.

Tisei Hits Legislative Committee Process

What promised to be a relatively brief and routine Senate session today turned a bit more interesting, as Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei blocked action on a proposed extension order affecting a number of bills still pending in committee.

Although joint legislative committees were required to take action on all timely-filed bills by March 17, most of these committees have already been granted temporary extension orders. The latest request for an extension order – which passed the House earlier this week – would allow these committees to extend their reporting deadline to May 18, but Tisei moved to lay the extension order on the table.

As the State House News Service is reporting, Tisei is questioning whether the current committee process in broken and in need of a shake-up. Tisei said the joint committees have “failed in their duty” to render timely decisions on many important pieces of legislation. Nearly 17 months into the current session, and with less than three months of formal sessions remaining, he argued that these committees have already been given more than enough time to make a decision.

“I do think that we need a little more accountability,” said Tisei, who suggested the continued delays could be viewed as an attempt by legislators to “run out the clock” and avoid taking positions on many controversial matters which remain bottled up in committee.

Herald Highlights Quasi-Public Salaries

A story in today's Boston Herald highlights a Senate Republican Caucus proposal to cap salaries at the state's quasi-public agencies, which has stalled in the House since passing the Senate by a near-unanimous vote of 35-2 on April 8.

The proposal, filed by Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei as part of an economic development agency reorganization bill, would prohibit any employee at the state's quasi-public agencies from earning a salary higher than the Governor, who currently takes home just over $140,000 a year. The proposal allows for limited exceptions to the salary cap, but only if the agency can justify the pay differential in writing and secure the approval of the Secretary of Administration and Finance.

The Herald has identified more than 450 employees at various quasi-public agencies making over $100,000 a year, including 76 who currently earn more than the Governor. Be sure to check out the Herald's front-page story and its accompanying sidebar on some of the highest-paid employees. While you're there, make sure you cast a vote in the Herald's on-line poll.

Suffolk Law School Republican Club Hosts Members of Senate Republican Caucus

Members of the Senate Republican Caucus were invited to speak at the Suffolk Law School Republican Club's Spring Event on April 29. The club is open to all Suffolk Law School students, and it's mission is to further conservative goals and ideals by bringing together law school students who understand and support conservative policies, agendas and candidates.

Pictured above are (left to right) Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr; Senate Minority Whip Robert Hedlund; club officers Kristin Billera and Pamela Risseeuw; and Sente Minority Leader Richard Tisei.

ON THE AIR: Senator Knapik Discusses Massachusetts' New Anti-Bullying Law

Governor Patrick is scheduled to sign the state's new anti-bullying bill into law today at 1 p.m. Senator Michael Knapik, who was the Senate Republican Caucus' representative on the Conference Committee that finalized the legislation, recently weighed in on this important initiative to crack down on school bullying and cyber-bullying. Be sure to check out Senator Knapik's remarks to New England Cable News and to the local CBS affiliate in Springfield.

Senator Tisei's Statement on Bullying Bill

Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei released the following statement today following the Legislature's passage of anti-bullying legislation:

"I applaud the members of the conference committee for putting together a well-crafted bill that seeks to address the very serious problem of bullying in Massachusetts.

The recent suicide of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince exposed just how inadequate our current laws are, particularly when it comes to addressing the problem of cyber-bullying. No child should ever have to endure the constant harassment that Phoebe and other young bullying victims have been subject to, and my hope is that these changes we have made today will make our schools safer for all students.

This bill sends a clear message that students who are being bullied will be protected and those who are doing the bullying will face serious consequences for their actions. I call on Governor Patrick to sign the bill as soon as it reaches his desk."

In Case You Missed It...

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr was on the Fox 25 Morning News' "Tolman and Gray" segment this morning, joining former State Senator Warren Tolman to discuss the latest political news. In case you missed it, here's a link to the complete segment.

Senator Tarr's Fox 25 appearance came less than 24 hours after he appeared as a guest on NECN's Broadside with Jim Braude, along with another former Democratic State Senator, George Bachrach. Click here for the complete roundtable discussion.

ON THE AIR: Senator Tarr on 'Broadside' Tonight and Fox Morning News Tomorrow

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be appearing live in-studio as a guest on New England Cable News' Broadside with Jim Braude tonight. The show airs live at 6 p.m., and will be rebroadcast at 8 p.m. on NECN.

On Thursday morning, Senator Tarr will be back on the airwaves when he fills in for Rob Gray on the Fox Morning News' "Tolman and Gray" segment. Senator Tarr will appear live in Fox' Beacon Hill studio with former Senator Warren Tolman beginning around 7:15 a.m. tomorrow.

Ending Beacon Hill's 'Tax-First' Mentality

GOP gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker, Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei, and members of the Senate Republican Caucus joined Barbara Anderson of Citizens for Limited Taxation for a press conference on the State House steps Monday morning to call for an end to the "tax-first" mentality on Beacon Hill. The press conference took place just hours before the House rejected a proposal to allow communities to circumvent Proposition 2 1/2 with a backdoor tax increase targeting the state's homeowners.

Be sure to check out the media coverage from the Associated Press and the Lowell Sun, as well as the Salem News' editorial.

Herald Assails 'Assault on Taxpayers'

Last Thursday on Scaling The Hill 2010, we reported that the House of Representatives would be debating a municipal relief bill this week that contains language that would allow cities and towns to circumvent the provisions of Proposition 2 1/2 with a backdoor tax on homeowners. House Minority Leader Bradley Jones has already filed an amendment that would delete the offending language, and Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei has vowed to block any similar attempts in the Senate to raise property taxes without voter approval.

Today's Boston Herald blasts the House proposal as "an assault on property taxpayers" and "a non-starter in a year when taxpayers have already had it up to their eyeballs with tax hikes." If you haven't read it already, be sure to check out the Herald's editorial.

GOP Leaders: Taxpayers can’t afford to pay anymore

Boston - Citing the poor economy and the already high tax burden, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. and Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei today vowed to fight against any legislative proposal that would allow cities and towns to raise property taxes on the people of Massachusetts.

This comes after learning that the House Ways and Means Committee proposed allowing municipalities to raise property taxes outside of the constraints of the so-called “proposition 2½ limits” without a local vote.

Given the negative economic climate in Massachusetts, the top Republicans in the House and Senate were outraged to hear that a legislator could be so disconnected to think taxpayers could afford to pay another dollar in property taxes.

“It’s simply mind-boggling that in a time when foreclosure initiations spiked more than 20% from last month, a Democratic lawmaker on Beacon Hill could have the audacity to suggest raising taxes, yet again,” said Representative Jones. “If this isn’t a slap in the face to the taxpayers, I don’t know what is,” the House Republican Leader added.

On Monday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives will take up a Municipal Relief Bill, which contains the proposal. Representative Jones has already filed an amendment that would strike out the language permitting the increase of property taxes absent an override vote.

Citizens for Limited Taxation estimates that property owners could see as much as $550 million in additional property taxes if Chairman Murphy’s proposal is adopted during Monday’s debate.

“This is just another glaring example of one-party rule run amok on Beacon Hill,” said Senator Tisei. “The Governor and the Democratic leadership have raised taxes by more than a billion dollars over the last two fiscal years, driving the Commonwealth’s economy further into the ground. Adding to that burden will only further hurt the state’s competitiveness and tug at the purse strings of hardworking families across the state.”

Republican lawmakers in both the House and Senate have offered hundreds of millions of dollars in cost saving initiatives over the last three budget cycles and they plan to do the same this year as well.

In Case You Missed It...

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (left) joined former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger in Fox 25's Beacon Hill studio earlier this week for the station's popular "Monday Morning Quarterbacks" segment. Tarr and Harshbarger shared their thoughts on last weekend's Republican State Convention, gaming legislation, the SEC's charges against Goldman Sachs, and the Patriots' Day holiday. In case you missed it, you can still access the full segment here.

ON THE AIR: Senator Knapik Discusses Stimulus Funding on the Jeff Katz Show

Senator Michael Knapik appeared as a guest this week on the Jeff Katz Show, RushRadio 1200's morning drive-time program. A member of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Federal Stimulus Oversight, Senator Knapik was interviewed by Katz about some of the questionable projects right here in Massachusetts that have received federal stimulus funding. Be sure to check out the complete interview on the station's online podcast.

Senator Tisei's Tea Party Rally Statement

Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei has released the following statement to coincide with today's Tea Party Rally:

"As the Minority Leader for the Massachusett State Senate, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome those who are participating in the Tea Party Rally today on Boston Common. It's great to see so many people working against the stereotype of voter apathy and taking an active interest in government right here in the Cradle of American Liberty. Having a motivated and involved electorate that engages in the free exchange of ideas which represent many diverse political viewpoints is essential for our democracy to grow and thrive."

ON THE AIR: Senator Tisei on WXBR

Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei made a stop in the City of Champions this morning, appearing as the in-studio guest on the Kevin Tocci Show, the popular morning show that services the Metro South area on Brockton's WXBR-AM 1460. Senator Tisei is pictured above with host Kevin Tocci.

Your Tax Dollars At Work

It seems to us here at Scaling The Hill 2010 that the Federal Stimulus Project has taken another wrong turn. Over the weekend, the Boston Herald reported that the IRS received roughly $80 million in federal stimulus money to upgrade a 400,000 square foot complex in Andover; they already had on hand $11.4 million for the work. Of all the wasteful projects that have received money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, this one seems to take the cake.

Back on February 13, 2009 when Congress signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, they touted the bill as a tool that would help stimulate the economy, invest in long term growth, and most importantly put the American people back to work. However, the federal government is dishing out millions of dollars to one of its counterparts for “green” renovations when road and bridges need urgent attention and 9.5% of our population is unemployed. Apparently they spoke too soon.

Just last year 1,400 employees were laid off from the Andover site because they were switching over to a more automated system. In addition, the project was listed in a December 2009 report, compiled by Senator McCain, which ranked 100 projects funded by ARRA in which stimulus money was “wasted, mismanaged or directed towards silly and shortsighted projects.” These are two extremely obvious signs that this project will not put people back to work or stimulate the economy in any fashion.

The Obama Administration’s dictionary must be outdated, because our version defines the word “stimulus” as: “Something to excite to activity or growth or to greater activity.” However, we have not seen any of that in Massachusetts. We urge the President to contact us if he needs an updated version of his dictionary.

ON THE AIR: Senator Tisei on the Jeff Katz Show to Discuss Restaurant Rejuvenation Act

Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei was a guest on RushRadio 1200's Jeff Katz Show this week, where he talked about the Restaurant Rejuvenation Act. The Andelman brothers of Phantom Gourmet fame are backing the bill, which would provide a boost to restaurants by lifting the Sunday morning ban on alcohol sales.

Be sure to check out Senator Tisei's interview, along with the website the Andelmans have started to promote the legislation.

Senate Approves GOP Salary Cap Proposal for Quasi-Public State Agencies on 35-2 Vote

Seeking to provide more transparency and accountability to the state’s taxpayers, the Senate today approved a Republican-sponsored amendment to curb excessive salaries at the state’s independent authorities.

The amendment prohibits quasi-public agencies from paying any employee a salary that exceeds the Governor’s, which is currently about $143,000 a year. It was adopted on a vote of 35-2 as part of a larger bill that reorganizes the state’s economic development agencies, many of which are quasi-public entities.

“This amendment will impose some much-needed financial controls and accountability on these agencies, which often tend to fly under the radar and operate out of the public eye,” said Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei. “For too long, these agencies have functioned as a kind of ‘shadow government,’ and it’s about time we cast some light on them so the public will know how their tax dollars are being spent.”

Tisei noted that more than 50 independent authorities currently exist in Massachusetts and employ close to 15,000 people. Last year, more than 1,000 of these employees earned over $100,000 in salaries. In some cases, salaries at these agencies have exceeded $200,000 and even $300,000.

The amendment allows for salaries higher than $143,000 to be paid, but only if the agency in question can justify the pay differential in writing. The Secretary of Administration and Finance would also need to sign off on the higher salary before it could take effect.

The economic development bill now heads to the House of Representatives for further action.

Be sure to check out the media coverage of the salary cap proposal from the Boston Herald and WCVB-TV Channel 5.

Globe Highlights Caucus' Efforts to Assist Small Businesses and Independent Contractors

A story in today's Boston Globe highlights the plight of many small businesses and contract workers since the state changed the definition of independent contractors in the 2004 public construction reform act. Although this change was made to prevent construction companies from denying workers benefits they had rightly earned, the Department of Revenue has used the 2004 law to aggressively target people working in many other professions.

The Senate Republican Caucus offered an amendment during last week's economic development reorganization debate to limit the changes to individuals working in the building trades, and to allow those workers who have historically been classified and treated as independent contractors -- including hairdressers, freelance writers and photographers, and CPAs -- to retain this designation.

Click here to read the full story.

MA Gets Poor Grades on Greater Boston Chamber's Tax Competitiveness Scorecard

It’s no secret that Massachusetts is a high-cost state for employers. But a new report from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce underscores one of the biggest reasons why companies are so reluctant to do business in Massachusetts.

According to the Chamber’s latest tax competitiveness scorecard, which was just released today, Massachusetts has the eighth highest corporate tax burden in the country. That puts the state at a huge disadvantage compared to much of the New England region and the rest of the nation when it comes to attracting employers and jobs.

With a corporate tax burden that is 39 percent higher than the national average, the Chamber warns that “the average company looking to hire, expand, or locate will find Massachusetts much less attractive than competitor states.” Meanwhile, with the state's unemployment rate reaching a 34-year high of 9.5 percent, the Patrick Administration has yet to offer anything that even remotely resembles a statewide economic plan to assist businesses and get Massachusetts' residents back to work.

Be sure to check out the Chamber’s press release, which contains a link to the full report.

ON THE AIR: Senator Knapik Discusses Bullying Issues on Chicopee's WWLP-TV

Senator Michael R. Knapik (right) was one of several guests featured in a discussion of school bullying issues that aired Sunday on Chicopee's WWLP-TV Channel 22. Also weighing in on the need for stronger anti-bullying measures were defense attorney Henry Rigali, South Hadley Selectman John Hine, and Sirdeaner Walker, whose 11-year-old son committed suicide after being bullied by his classmates.

To see the full report, click here.

Senate Republicans Promote Business Assistance, Target Quasi-Public Agency Salaries

The Senate Republican Caucus has filed a series of amendments to assist small businesses and cap salaries at the state’s quasi-public agencies. These amendments will be voted on today when the Senate debates legislation to consolidate the state’s economic development agencies.

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei said the Caucus’ amendments will help to reduce the cost of doing business for the state’s employers and attempt to open up lines of credit for small business owners. The Caucus will also target some of the exorbitant salaries paid by the state’s independent authorities.

The amendments include:

-- A proposal to correct changes in the law defining independent contractors. These changes – introduced as part of the 2004 public construction reform bill – have had a negative impact on small businesses by reclassifying many individuals who work in occupations that have historically been identified and treated as independent contractors as regular employees, making these positions subject to such employer requirements as workers compensation and unemployment insurance.

-- A plan for promoting more bank lending to small businesses. Under this proposal, the State Treasurer – who oversees the deposit and investment of the state’s cash reserves – would be required to establish a preference for those banking and lending institutions that exceed the statewide average for lending to small businesses.

-- A ban on excessive salaries at the state’s independent authorities. The state currently has more than 50 of these quasi-public agencies, which collectively employ nearly 15,000 individuals but often operate out of the public eye, with little accountability to the state’s taxpayers. This amendment would prohibit these agencies from paying any employee an amount that exceeds the Governor’s annual salary (currently about $143,000 a year), unless the reasons for the pay differential are explained in writing and signed off by the Secretary of Administration and Finance. Last year, more than 1,000 employees earned salaries in excess of $100,000.

Today’s Senate debate is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.