Senator Hedlund on WGBH's "Week In Review"

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Robert Hedlund was on WGBH’s “Week In Review” radio program with Emily Rooney today discussing various topics including the GOP field of contenders and other political and human interest stories from the week. Please play the audio player below or click here to listen to their lively discussion.

Scaling Beacon Hill

Beginning on Wednesday, June 1st, the Massachusetts Senate Republican Blog, “Scaling Beacon Hill”, will permanently switch to the url http://www.scalingbeaconhill.com/. Please click the link and bookmark the page to ensure you have the new address saved.

Senate Adopts Republican Probation Reforms

The Senate adopted a series of probation reforms offered by the Senate Republican Caucus today, incorporating the GOP proposals into a comprehensive probation reform and court reorganization bill that passed unanimously.

A total of seven Republican amendments were approved by the Senate, including one that directs the newly-created advisory committee on personnel standards to use merit-based standards for hiring court personnel, and to post these standards on the trial court’s website. Another amendment requires applicants for any trial court position to be certified as meeting the merit-based considerations for employment before any letters of recommendation submitted on behalf of the applicant can be taken into consideration.

“The probation department has operated for far too long under a dark cloud where politics tainted the hiring and promotion process,” said Senator Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), who offered the amendments along with Senators Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) and Richard Ross (R-Wrentham). “With the passage of this bill, we can begin to restore public confidence that probation and court personnel are being hired or promoted based on their qualifications and skills, and not on other factors such as political connections.”

The move to create a more transparent hiring process was sparked by a scathing November 2010 report by independent counsel Paul Ware that unveiled evidence of an extensive “pay to play” system within the probation department under former commissioner John O’Brien. The report, which detailed examples of “systemic abuse and corruption” within the department, concluded that “[H]iring and promotion have been thoroughly compromised by a systemic rigging of the interview and selection process in favor of candidates who have political or other personal connections.”

“The Ware report uncovered a serious patronage issue within the probation department which needs to be addressed,” said Senator Tarr. “Probation officers play an important public safety role, and it is imperative that these positions be filled by individuals who are truly qualified for the rigors and demands of the job.”

Other Republican amendments adopted by the Senate today would:

• require the newly-created court administrator to study the feasibility of allowing trial court fees and fines to be paid with a credit card;

• clarify the process for filling court vacancies;

• expand the membership of the proposed advisory board charged with offering recommendations on the management of the probation office to include an active member of the Massachusetts Bar and an experienced probation officer;

• require the chief justice of the trial court and the court administrator to submit a report to the Legislature 90 days prior to the temporary closure or temporary relocation of any courthouse, detailing personnel transfers, reallocation of resources, the impact on other courthouses and other factors associated with such actions; and

• ensure that supervision is provided in an orderly and effective manner for those individuals who are subject to dual supervision.

“As a member of the Probation Reform Working Group this winter, I am happy to see both branches of the Legislature are taking seriously the recommendations of our committee and those of the Supreme Judicial Court,” Senator Knapik said. “During our study it became clear that the entire court system required attention, so I am pleased this legislation has taken a broad approach.”

The House approved a version of the court reorganization bill last week. The differences between the two versions will be worked out by a six-member conference committee that is expected to be appointed next week.

Senator Knapik Shares His Thoughts on the Release of Senate's FY'12 Budget Proposal

Senator Michael R. Knapik (right), the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Ways & Means, offered his comments yesterday on the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline as the Committee rolled out its FY 2012 Budget document at an Executive session at the State House. WWLP-TV22 of Springfield was there to record his remarks. Check out Senator Knapik’s comments on the video clip below and read WWLP's story clicking here.

Senate releases budget proposal: wwlp.com

Senate Republicans Plan to Offer Series of Probation Reforms for Thursday's Debate

The Senate Republican Caucus has filed a series of amendments designed to improve the management of the state’s trial court and to provide more transparency and accountability within the probation department.

The amendments will be debated in the Senate on Thursday as part of a court reorganization bill that was drafted in response to a scathing probation department report issued by independent counsel Paul Ware in November of 2010. That report detailed evidence of “systemic abuse and corruption” within the probation department under former commissioner John O’Brien, including a “pay-to-play” system that often gave job candidates with political connections an inside track over those with more experience and stronger qualifications.

“The bill that is before the Senate tomorrow includes essential reforms the Senate Republican Caucus has long championed, including repealing the probation commissioner’s unilateral hiring authority and establishing a merit-based system to ensure that only qualified court applicants are hired,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “While the bill represents a good start, the Caucus has a number of amendments that we feel will make it even better and will go a long way towards restoring the public’s faith in our judicial system.”

The amendments – which are being co-sponsored by Senators Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) and Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) – would:

· allow for the transferability of funds within the trial court to ensure that the court’s seven departments and the probation commissioner’s office have adequate resources;

· require the chief justice of the trial court to provide the Legislature with a cost and budgetary analysis of the proposed reorganization’s impact prior to implementation;

· provide for an annual independent audit of the trial court by the State Auditor and Inspector General, beginning in 2013;

· require the advisory committee on personnel standards to use merit-based standards for hiring court personnel, and to post these standards on the trial court’s website;

· require applicants for any trial court position to be certified as meeting the merit-based considerations for employment prior to the consideration of any letters of recommendation submitted on behalf of the applicant;

· expand the membership of the proposed advisory board charged with offering recommendations on the management of the probation office to include an active member of the Massachusetts Bar and an experienced probation officer;

· allow for the removal of officers and employees based on merit-based standards;

· require the chief justice of the trial court and the court administrator to submit a report to the Legislature 90 days prior to the temporary closure or temporary relocation of any courthouse, detailing personnel transfers, reallocation of resources, the impact on other courthouses and other factors associated with such actions; and

· require that future hiring within the probation department be done in consultation with the first justice of the applicable court in which an applicant is to be placed.

Senator Tarr’s Statement on the Release of the FY'12 Senate Ways and Means Budget

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr released the following statement regarding today’s release of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means version of the Fiscal Year 2012 state budget:

Producing a state budget proposal is a daunting task under any circumstances, and particularly so in the face of vanishing federal stimulus funding and a challenging economic climate. Thus, I appreciate the work that’s been done by Chairman Brewer and the members of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and Senate President Murray to take the initial steps toward a responsible budget for next year without resorting to new broad-based taxes or other inappropriate measures.

Through their work the stage has been set for a vigorous and productive debate about the meaningful reforms and economic growth actions necessary to improve efficiency, expand our state’s economy, create new jobs and strengthen the sustainability of our state government for those who depend on what the budget funds, and those who bear the burden of providing those funds.

Senate Republicans are now working vigorously to digest and analyze the Senate Committee on Ways and Means proposal, and to develop and introduce the types of amendments that can make a true difference for our Commonwealth.

Probation Reform Advances

Today the Senate Committee on Ways and Means released its version of “An Act Relative to the Reorganization of the Judicial System in the Commonwealth,” which contains major changes in the way our courts are managed, and substantial and needed reforms in the practices utilized to hire and promote Probation Department personnel and court officers.

The bill follows the November 2010 public release of the shocking report completed by Independent Counsel Paul Ware for the Supreme Judicial Court and repeated calls for reform by the Senate Republican Caucus. The bill does, in fact, contain some key elements of legislation proposed as recently as last month by Senate Republicans.

An order adopted today set a deadline of Wednesday at noon for amendments to the bill, which is scheduled to be debated in the Senate on Thursday beginning at 1 p.m.

A summary of the bill provided by the Senate Ways and Means Committee is posted below.

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Changes are on the Way...

The Senate Republican Caucus' blog is undergoing some design changes. The first change, which is effective immediately, is the blog's name change to "Scaling Beacon Hill". Our blog might have a new name, but will be providing the same great coverage of the goings-on here at the Massachusetts State House as we've done since 2008.

Another change that will be permanently in place on June 1st is the site's domain name/url. The current domain name is www.scalingthehill2010.com but will soon switch to www.scalingbeaconhill.com. Please click the link and bookmark the new page to ensure you have the new address saved.

You also may have noticed that we recently began adding quick link/hot buttons at the end of every post. These buttons are to provide you with easy capabilities to either repost, share or print the most recently posted entry on our blog.

Look for more changes in the coming months.

Senator Tarr on the Jeff Katz Show Thursday

On Thursday morning, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be calling in to the Jeff Katz Show on Rush Talk 1200AM Boston to discuss the meals tax holiday bill that he filed with the GOP Senate Caucus and that is co-sponsored by members of both parties and both branches. The bill will be heard during tomorrow‘s Joint Committee on Revenue hearing in room A-1 of the State House at 10:30 A.M. Please tune in or click here tomorrow morning at 7:00 A.M. to listen to what is sure to be a lively discussion. To read the actual text of the bill please click here.

New MTF Report Details Cost Savings Associated with Municipal Health Plan Design

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) has long touted the benefits of municipal plan design, citing the potential for cities and towns to realize combined annual health care savings as high as $100 million. Today, the MTF drove that point home by releasing a community-by-community historical analysis that it says helps quantify “the dramatic impact of municipal health care reform on municipal budgets and jobs.”

Over the last 10 years, while health care costs under the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) increased by an average of 6.4 percent annually, “more than 90 percent” of the state’s 351 cities and towns saw their health insurance costs “grow at much faster rates,” according to the MTF. In preparing its analysis, the MTF reviewed each community’s actual health care spending from FY2001 to FY2010 , then compared those numbers to what each community would have spent had their local health insurance costs increased at the same average rate as the GIC.

How dramatic an impact would such a simple reform have on communities? According to the MTF, if cities and towns had been granted plan design authority in 2001, more than $3 billion in health care cost savings would have been achieved statewide over the last decades, or the equivalent of 6,500 municipal jobs, based on an average salary of $50,000 per job per year. Boston alone would have saved a cumulative $260.1 million, or the equivalent of 520 municipal jobs each year.

The Senate Republican Caucus has historically advocated for changes in the financing of municipal health insurance. Without such changes, MTF President Michael Widmer warns, “cities and towns across the state will suffer irreparable damage as they are forced to lay off more and more teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other local employees who provide critical public services.”

Senator Tarr's Statement on Today's Joint Revenue Committee Public Hearing

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr released the following statement regarding today’s Revenue Committee hearing:

“Bills on today’s Revenue Committee hearing agenda clearly delineate the philosophical differences between some Democrats and the Senate Republican Caucus when it comes to taxes. Our bills are focused on assisting Massachusetts residents and allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned money, including:

• Senate Bill 1526, which would establish a commuter tax deduction to help offset rising gas prices;

• Senate Bill 1537, which would assist first-time homebuyers by offering a private mortgage insurance tax deduction; and

• Senate Bill 1542, which would fulfill the voters’ wishes to reduce the income tax to 5 percent.

Unfortunately, some legislators continue to explore ways to extract even more revenues from the taxpayers. An impartial observer might assume that with April tax revenues coming in at record highs, the Legislature wouldn’t be trying to raise taxes even higher. But Senate Bill 1416 would implement a graduated income tax that would increase the personal income tax from 5.3 to 5.95 percent and the investment income tax from 5.3 to 8.95 percent for some taxpayers.

Taxpayers shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of complacency just because the House passed a budget with no new taxes. The reality is that some legislators are intent on pursuing every available avenue to raise taxes, but the Senate Republican Caucus intends to stand up for the taxpayers and work aggressively to defeat these proposals. We believe now is the time to be proactive in moving the state forward from a period of recession to prosperity, and the best way to do that is to empower our taxpayers with more disposable income to invest in our economic recovery.”

Senator Hedlund on 'Week In Review'

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Robert Hedlund was a guest on the April 29th edition of the "Week In Review" on the Emily Rooney Show on WGBH Radio (89.7 FM). Hedlund, along with former State Treasurer Shannon O'Brien and Boston Globe Magazine columnist Tom Keane, joined Rooney for a spirited discussion of former House Speaker Sal DiMasi’s corruption trial, President Obama's decision to release his birth certificate, and other stories and bylines wrapping up the week in politics. Check it out by clicking on the audio link below.

Senator Tarr: 'A Victory for Freedom'

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr released the following statement today regarding the death of 9/11 terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden:

The news that President Barack Obama delivered to the nation on Sunday night of the successful military operation that not only located but killed Osama bin Laden in a compound in Pakistan is a welcome and important development in the war against terrorism and a testament to the commitment of those who defend our nation to bring bin Laden to justice. It has been almost ten years since bin Laden orchestrated the terrorist hijacking of four commercial airliners on September 11, 2001 that resulted in nearly 3,000 victims losing their lives and even more sustaining long-lasting health afflictions.

Although the War on Terrorism is far from over, the elimination of bin Laden is an accomplishment of incalculable significance, and offers us all an opportunity to reflect and think of not only those lost on that tragic day but of those who have fallen bravely fighting to thwart the objectives of tyrants and terrorists. With the efforts of our service members, our intelligence agencies, and the dedication of countless others both domestically and abroad, the search for the most wanted man in the world is over and we can take solace in the fact that bin Laden won't ever have the opportunity to kill again.

The decade long search for bin Laden, initiated by President George W. Bush and advanced by President Obama, is a true testament to the dedication and unity that this nation has maintained in bringing this man to justice and I want to express my appreciation to all of those who contributed to this successful effort.

Senator Tarr Issues Statement on Senate President's Finance Law Reform Proposal

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr testified this morning before the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight in support of Senate Bill 1900, An Act to Improve the Administration of State Government and Finance. After the hearing, Senator Tarr released the following statement:

“I was pleased to testify today in support of the legislation filed by the Senate President, which would implement the first steps in an effort to improve transparency and efficiency in the state’s finances, through tools such as debt affordability analysis and periodic performance management reviews to eliminate waste and duplication. These issues have been a priority for the Senate Republican Caucus for the past several years, and we are happy to partner with the Senate President to address them in this legislative session. We recognize that today’s proposal is an important interim step towards the ultimate goal of having an infrastructure for transparency and accountability permanently in place in state government. We firmly believe that, in the end, it is imperative that we implement a system of zero-based budgeting to ensure that the expenditure of every taxpayer dollar is justified and sustainable. Senate Bill 1619, which is a bipartisan measure that we have filed and is currently pending before the committee, will achieve that goal, and we will continue to aggressively pursue its passage.”

Senator Ross Recovering After Fall

Everyone here at Scaling The Hill would like to wish Senate Minority Whip Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) a speedy recovery. Senator Ross underwent knee surgery last week to repair a torn quadriceps he suffered after taking a fall at the State House. Yesterday, he issued the following statement in response to the outpouring of support and well wishes he's received:

I cannot thank everyone enough for all the kind words, thoughts and prayers I have received since last week's fall at the State House. I am home right now resting comfortably after undergoing emergency surgery last Thursday to repair a torn quadriceps in my left leg. Though it will take a few months of rehab to get back to 100 percent I have no doubt I will be back on my feet in no time. Again I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate everyone's well wishes and I look forward to getting back to work at the State House as soon as possible.

Patriot Ledger Editorial Endorses Hedlund Proposal to Abolish the Governor's Council

An editorial published in last Saturday's Quincy Patriot Ledger offers an endorsement of Assistant Minority Leader Robert Hedlund's efforts to abolish the Executive Council. More commonly referred to as the Governor's Council, the eight-member elected body dates back to Colonial times and is primarily responsible for approving the Governor's judicial appointees, as well as reviewing requests for criminal pardons and commutations. While critics have long dismissed the Council as antiquated and obsolete, the Patriot Ledger was even more blunt in its assessment, referring to the Council as "useless, costly and embarrassing."

Hedlund is actually backing not one but two bills to abolish the Governor's Council. He is the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 17, and is co-sponsoring Senate Bill 15 with Senator Brian Joyce (D-Milton). Both bills were heard by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on April 14.

Sen. Hedlund on 'Emily Rooney Show' Friday

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Robert Hedlund will be a guest on the Emily Rooney Show on Friday. The shows airs from noon-1 p.m. on WGBH radio (89.7 FM), and can also be streamed live.

Senator Tarr Shares His Thoughts on House Municipal Health Care Amendment

Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed an amendment to the House version of the Fiscal Year 2012 state budget that would change the way healthcare plans for municipal and school employees are developed. On Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr had the opportunity to discuss his initial thoughts on the issue with host Barry Armstrong of WRKO radio's "Lunch Money" program. To listen to the interview, please click the photo posted below. To read the actual language of the amendment, please click here.

Senator Hedlund Joins 'Broadside' Debate on Senator Brown's 2012 Re-Election Prospects

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Robert Hedlund was a guest on Monday night's "Broadside" on NECN with host Jim Braude. Hedlund appeared alongside Doug Rubin, former Chief of Staff and Campaign Manager for Governor Deval Patrick, and challenged Rubin's recent Boston Herald column titled “Dems Can Beat Scott Brown in 2012 Here’s How”. Hedlund maintains the column is actually a template on why Senator Brown will be re-elected to the U.S. Senate next year. The debate can be seen in its entirety here.

Senator Tarr Joins 'Tolman and Gray'

On Thursday morning, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr was a guest on the Fox 25 Morning News' segment "Tolman and Gray". Tarr joined former State Senator Warren Tolman and Fox 25 Morning News co-anchor Gene Lavanchy to discuss the upcoming trial of former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi; the release of the House Ways and Means Committee's proposed state budget for Fiscal Year 2012, which includes a municipal health care reform proposal; and the possibility of suspending the state's gas tax temporarily to provide relief to consumers. You can watch the full discussion by playing the video posted below.

Talking Politics: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Senator Tarr on Fox 25 Thursday Morning

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will appear live in-studio tomorrow morning as a guest on the Fox25 Morning News segment “Tolman and Gray”, analyzing the latest political issues with former State Senator Warren Tolman. Some of the topics that may be discussed include a look back at last year's BP oil spill, Governor Patrick's national book tour, and the recent release of the House Ways and Means budget for Fiscal Year 2012. The segment is scheduled to air Thursday at approximately 7:15 a.m., so be sure to tune in.

House Budget Writers Endorse Republicans' Position on Wage Violation Penalties

What a difference a few years make.

In 2008, over the objections of Republican lawmakers, the Legislature approved a change in the General Laws mandating that all employers be subject to treble damages for wage violations, even if the violation was unintentional. At the time, Republicans argued that treble damages should apply only in those cases where the wage violation was committed willfully and intentionally. Even Governor Patrick acknowledged that the proposed changes were "overly punitive" to those employers who made an honest mistake.

Fast forward three years later, as the House Ways and Means Committee released its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2012. Included in the budget is language that reverses the 2008 changes and limits treble damages to those cases where the delay in paying wages to an employee was done intentionally. Be sure to check out the State House News Service's coverage of this latest development, which includes comments from Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr.

Senate GOP Re-files Probation Reform Bill

Continuing their commitment to address allegations of widespread patronage and a "pay-to-play" scandal within the state’s probation department, the Senate Republican Caucus has re-filed legislation outlining several key reforms needed to help restore the public’s confidence in the judicial system.

The Senate bill seeks to address many of the problems identified in independent counsel Paul Ware’s November 2010 report, which detailed evidence of “systemic abuse and corruption” within the probation department under former commissioner John O’Brien. The report – which was commissioned after a Boston Globe Spotlight Team investigation – found that “[H]iring and promotion have been thoroughly compromised by a systemic rigging of the interview and selection process in favor of candidates who have political or other personal connections.”

“The integrity of our criminal justice system has been called into question by what has been allowed to transpire unchecked for far too long within the probation department,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), who is sponsoring the bill with Senators Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) and Richard Ross (R-Wrentham). “The reforms we are seeking will help to ensure that future job candidates are hired or promoted based on their actual qualifications for the job, and not on their political connections.”

The latest bill contains language similar to a proposal the Senate Republican Caucus offered as an amendment during the Fiscal Year 2011 budget debate last spring. The Caucus also filed a stand-alone reform bill at the end of the 2009-2010 legislative session.

A key component of the new reform bill is that it would reverse the Legislature’s 2001 decision to remove the probation department from the court system and grant the commissioner autonomy over personnel decisions. The Ware report found that the problems within the department began shortly after this transfer of power occurred.

The Senate bill would:

• transfer control over personnel decisions within the probation department to the Chief Justice of Administration and Management for the Trial Courts, including all appointments, dismissals and assignments;

• give the probation commissioner executive control and supervision of the parole service;

• require the development of a merit-based system to ensure that only qualified candidates are hired and promoted; and

• limit the probation commissioner to a five-year term, subject to appointment by the Chief Justice for Administration and Management for the Trial Courts.

“The public has a right to a probation department with true integrity and wants to see decisive action taken to correct these problems,” said Senator Tarr. “This bill provides a roadmap for implementing positive changes within the probation department and correcting the mistake the Legislature made 10 years ago that allowed politics to trump process.”

Senate Unanimously Adopts Early Local Aid Resolution Requested by GOP Caucus

Today the Massachusetts State Senate acted on a Republican Caucus order to provide cities and towns with a set of preliminary Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12) local aid figures. The Senate resolution, which passed unanimously by a roll call vote of 36-0, sets the minimum amount of Chapter 70 education aid and general government assistance communities can expect to receive from the state for the new fiscal year that begins on July 1st.

“This resolution addresses two critical factors – timing and reliability,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. “Through its adoption, municipal and school officials can have the information they need to make timely decisions about their budgets, and they can count on specific amounts of aid, at a minimum, to be there when they need them."

Tarr filed an order last week with Senators Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) and Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) compelling the filing of today's local aid resolution by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and its consideration by the Senate.

The local aid figures reflect a $120 million – or 3.1 percent – increase in Chapter 70 education aid for cities and towns, bringing the statewide total to $3.99 billion. Unfortunately, unrestricted general government aid is reduced to $833 million statewide. This represents a cut of $65 million, or 7 percent, compared to this year’s totals.

The timing of the resolution is critical, since municipal and school budgets must be acted upon and approved by local legislative bodies well in advance of the July 1st deadline for the implementation of the state budget for the coming fiscal year.

“Senate Republicans have consistently expressed the belief that local aid is a budgetary priority, and today’s vote reflects the agreement of the full Senate with that belief,” Tarr noted.

Senator Tarr Interviewed by Channel 5 About New MBTA Employee Amnesty Program

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr spoke with reporter Sean Kelly of WCVB-TV Channel 5 yesterday about the MBTA's new employee amnesty program. A Channel 5 investigation discovered that the MBTA has been allowing workers who misrepresented their educational background on their original employment application to come clean without fear of losing their job, provided they obtain their GED in a timely fashion. The report -- which originally aired on Wednesday night’s 11 p.m. newscast -- can be viewed by playing the attached video link.

Senator Tarr Issues Statement on Commuter Rail Oversight Hearings

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr released the following statement on the Transportation Committee’s decision to hold the first of two commuter rail oversight hearings yesterday, following a written request by the Senate Republican Caucus:

"I want to thank the chairmen of the Joint Committee on Transportation for responding to the concerns raised by the Senate Republican Caucus and holding this important informational hearing to get to the bottom of some of the problems that have plagued our public transportation system in recent months. Today’s hearing has given us a better sense of the contributing factors that have led to countless service disruptions and delays on our commuter rail system, but the public hearing process won't be complete until the public has an opportunity to be heard. I look forward to the second hearing on May 3 and hopefully others, where it is imperative that members of the general public have the opportunity to provide their comments and suggestions for getting the commuter rail system back on track. Armed with the information from today's hearings and the thoughts and suggestions of those who depend on commuter rail service everyday to travel, we then can and must do whatever is necessary to prevent continued hardships and disruptions."

Tarr Addresses Commuter Rail Delays

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr was a guest on the Fox 25 Morning News, where he had the opportunity to discuss yesterday's MBTA Oversight Hearing held by the Joint Committee on Transportation with morning news anchor Gene Lavanchy. Yesterday's public hearing featured testimony from MBTA and MBCR officials, legislators and transportation experts who provided insight on the issues surrounding commuter rail service disruptions. To view the interview in its entirety, just play the posted video below.

Lawmakers preparing to grill MBTA: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Hedlund Weighs in on Corporate Tax Breaks

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Robert Hedlund sits on the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee, which recently conducted an oversight hearing on the tax breaks given to Evergreen Solar and Fidelity Investments. The following is an op-ed piece Senator Hedlund distributed to his local newspapers regarding the hearing:

Beacon Hill saw a flurry of activity last month, from the passage of an over $300 million supplemental budget, to multiple committee hearings, one you may have seen both newspaper and television coverage of. On Tuesday afternoon, March 29th, the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee, of which I am the ranking minority member, heard testimony from executives of Evergreen Solar and Fidelity Investments.

State officials are concerned over the recent decision by Fidelity to close its Marlborough facility and relocate some of those 1,000 jobs to Rhode Island and New Hampshire, and Evergreen Solar’s attempted sale of its $450 million manufacturing plant in Devens after benefitting to the tune of almost $21 million in tax breaks and grants, and moving production to China.

These decisions highlight a larger problem for the Commonwealth. Specifically, targeted tax breaks for favored industries, the Commonwealth’s inability to track job growth from tax incentives due to corporate shield laws, and the lack of effective clawback provisions allowing for the recouping of investments if job growth doesn’t meet expectations. In short, what I have believed for a long time is a failed tax policy and ineffective economic development strategy has created a situation where the Administration is gambling with your tax dollars, and putting the Commonwealth in a position of reading tea leaves to pick winners and losers in specific industries.

This has been the failed policy since 1996, picking the industry flavor of the month, Raytheon was first, then the film industry - with testimony from this hearing claiming the state is giving away $113,000 in tax credits for every temporary film job created - and most recently the biotech industry.

In the case of Evergreen Solar the Administration considered them a “winner” until they decided to close up shop and move to China. Bringing us to one crux of the problem: state law protects companies from having to disclose tax information, making it virtually impossible for the Commonwealth to track the effectiveness of the tax and other incentives it offers. In the case of Evergreen that means when the economy shifts and the jobs “disappear”, as Chief Executive Michael El-Hillow testified, the Commonwealth is left holding an empty $21 million bucket.

Testimony from Housing and Economic Development Secretary Gregory Bialecki indicates the Commonwealth could recoup up to $13 million from Evergreen through existing clawback provisions, but over $7 million of that was an investment tax credit that went unclaimed. Some feel more effective clawback provisions could help the State in the future.

In the case of Fidelity a 1996 change in the tax code, not considered a tax break according to testimony of Fidelity President Ronald O’Hanley, allowed the mutual fund company to join manufacturers in benefitting from a single sales factor calculation for income tax rather than the three-factor formula which accounts for payroll and property. In this case Fidelity may be right; I do not categorize this as a giveaway. I think it was a common sense incentive to get businesses to come to Massachusetts. The problem is that at the time of the passage the legislature required companies to increase employment by 5% a year for 5 years to take advantage of the single sales calculation. Fidelity exceeded this by creating nearly 3,000 jobs, double what it was required, while enjoying the tax break in perpetuity.

Frankly, government should not be in the business of allocating a special benefit for one industry over another, or worse picking winners within one industry to receive special favors, tax breaks, or grants, as we now do with biotech companies through the “Life Sciences Initiative.” This should serve as a wake-up call to this administration, and the legislature.

Tax policies need to be revisited, the tax code needs to be simplified and our corporate tax burden reduced across the board. Massachusetts is currently ranked #32 by the Tax Foundation in the State Business Tax Climate Index fiscal year 2011 calculations. Another step is making sure taxpayer investment is done with oversight and accurate information.

Media Alert: Tarr on Fox 25 Morning News

Tuesday morning at approximately 7:45 a.m., Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be a guest on the Fox 25 Morning News to discuss his thoughts on the Joint Committee on Transportation's MBTA oversight hearing, which is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. in the State House. To read a past blog post on Tarr Talk on how the oversight hearing came to fruition, please click here, and don't forget to tune in tomorrow morning for what is sure to be a lively discussion.

Senate Republicans Secure Commitment for Early Local Aid Notification by April 14

The Massachusetts Senate has approved a Republican Caucus proposal to provide cities and towns with preliminary Fiscal Year 2012 local aid figures no later than April 14.

An Order adopted by the Senate today requires the Senate Ways and Means Committee to prepare and file local aid numbers for cities and towns by April 13, detailing the minimum amount of Chapter 70 education aid and general government assistance communities can expect to receive from the state for the new fiscal year that begins on July 1. Those numbers will be voted on by the Senate at the next formal session on April 14.

“Given the continued uncertainty surrounding the state’s economy, it’s important that we provide cities and towns with preliminary figures in advance of the new fiscal year so local officials can have realistic numbers in front of them when they prepare their municipal budgets,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), who filed the Order along with Senators Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) and Richard Ross (R-Wrentham).

Tarr said the early local aid notification will allow municipalities to be better prepared by providing communities with the most up-to-date numbers in advance of their annual town hall meetings, rather than making them wait until the budget is finalized on July 1.

Media Alert: Senator Tarr to Appear on 'Conservatively Speaking' and Jeff Katz Show

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr is scheduled to join Senator Richard Moore and "Conservatively Speaking" host Jon Weston on WCRN True Talk 830 on Saturday morning. They will be discussing the Secure Communities Program and parole reform in Massachusetts beginning at approximately 7:30 a.m.

On Monday morning, Senator Tarr will be speaking with Jeff Katz of the Jeff Katz Show on Rush Talk 1200 Boston to discuss several Medicaid reform amendments to yesterday's supplemental budget that were filed by the Senate Republican Caucus. Please tune in on Monday at 7:05 a.m. to hear the interview.

To read more about the Medicaid amendments that were filed please check out the recent Tarr Talk post.

Senate Republicans Push for Medicaid Reform

Senate Republicans are offering a series of Medicaid reforms designed to crack down on waste and abuse in the state’s Health Safety Net program uncovered by the Inspector General.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) and Senators Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) and Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) are calling for better verification of applicants’ Medicaid eligibility, improved safeguards to prevent duplicate payments or payments for medically unnecessary procedures, and an audit of the state’s Medicaid program by the Inspector General. All three proposals are scheduled to be taken up this afternoon when the Senate debates a $325 million FY2011 supplemental budget.

Earlier this week, the Boston Herald reported that the state’s Uncompensated Care Pool – which is funded through contributions by taxpayers, health insurers and hospitals – paid out $414 million in 2009 for 1 million emergency health care claims. According to the Inspector General, $7 million was used to provide health care for non-Massachusetts residents, $17.8 million was spent on “medically unlikely” or “medically unnecessary” claims, and $6 million went towards payments on 13,000 duplicate claims.

“We find it extremely troubling to learn there are such lax procedures in place that have allowed so many people to take advantage of the system,” said Senator Tarr. “At a time when health care costs continue to grow at an unsustainable rate, we simply cannot allow such waste and abuse to continue.”

Although the Health Safety Net was intended to be limited to Massachusetts residents only, the Inspector General’s report found the state does not even require individuals to provide a Social Security number to help verify their assets and eligibility. As a result, the fund was used to provide health care for residents of 48 other states and even other countries.

The Senate amendments would:

- require applicants to provide a Social Security number on all medical benefits request forms, require verification of an applicant’s eligibility prior to payment, and prohibit payments for individuals who have other insurance coverage;

- require the Office of Medicaid to develop regulations to improve record-keeping and minimize the likelihood of paying for duplicate or invalid claims; and

- authorize the Inspector General to conduct a comprehensive audit of the state’s Medicaid program and report back to the Legislature with his findings by April 1, 2012.

MBTA Oversight Hearings Scheduled

The Joint Committee on Transportation has agreed to the Senate Republican Caucus' request to hold two oversight hearings to investigate recent service interruptions and delays that have plagued the MBTA’s commuter rail system.

The committee has scheduled an initial hearing for Tuesday, April 12 at 2 p.m. in Room A-2 at the State House to question representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the MBTA and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad, which operates the commuter rail system under a contract with the MBTA. A second hearing, to obtain testimony from the general public, has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 3 at 2 p.m. in Room A-2.

Citing a “growing frustration with the MBTA among the residents of the Commonwealth,” Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) and Senators Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) and Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) wrote to the chairs of the Transportation Committee on March 7 to formally request the oversight hearings. A copy of their letter is attached below.

"We want to thank the chairmen of the Transportation Committee for responding so quickly and favorably to the Caucus’ request for an oversight hearing,” said Senator Tarr. “We’re not looking to point the finger of blame at anyone; we’re simply trying to get some answers as to why these problems are occurring and how we can prevent them from being repeated in the future.”

The commuter rail system has experienced persistent delays in service this winter. In January, 27 percent of the MBTA’s commuter rail trains were delayed and more than 100 runs were cancelled. Nearly 1 in 4 commuter rail trains were still running behind schedule in February.

The worst of the problems occurred during the week of February 28-March 4. On February 28, a commuter rail train from Boston took more than four hours to reach Worcester, even though the trip normally takes less than 90 minutes. Three days later, on March 3, several hundred passengers on board two Fitchburg-bound trains were delayed for about two hours when an electronic circuit board failed.

"These ongoing delays and interruptions in service are unacceptable, and we owe it to commuters who rely on the MBTA to get to the bottom of these problems and to work to resolve them,” said Senator Tarr.

Be sure to check out recent coverage from the Lowell Sun, Newburyport Daily News and yesterday's Gloucester Times editorial.

MBTA Oversight Hearing Letters

In Case You Missed It...

This morning Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr was a guest on Fox 25’s Morning News Segment “Tolman and Gray”. Senator Tarr and former State Senator Warren Tolman discussed President Obama’s decision to commit United States’ military forces to action involving Libya with news anchor Kim Carrigan. To view their lively discussion, please play the posted video below.

Tolman and Gray: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Senator Tarr on Fox25 Thursday Morning

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (left) will be appearing on the Fox25 Morning News segment “Tolman and Gray” Thursday morning analyzing the latest political topics with former State Senator Warren Tolman. Topics scheduled for discussion include the recent decision by the Westboro selectmen to put illegal immigration questions on this year’s town ballot, the latest Census numbers for Massachusetts, and the United States' military involvement in Libya. Be sure to tune in to Fox25 tomorrow morning at approximately 7:15 a.m.

In Case You Missed It...

WBZ Radio's Carl Stevens interviewed Senator Michael Knapik this morning about his proposal to honor our nation's veterans by prohibiting stores from opening on Memorial Day. Senator Knapik's bill was heard this afternoon by the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. Be sure to check out the audio clip and related story on the WBZ Radio website, along with today's committee hearing coverage provided by the State House News Service.

Senator Knapik to Discuss Memorial Day Bill on WBZ Radio Morning Show Wednesday

Senator Michael Knapik will be talking with news anchor Deb Lawler on WBZ Radio 1030 Wednesday morning regarding his proposal to honor the state's veterans by prohibiting stores from opening on Memorial Day. The interview is scheduled for 6:30 a.m.

Knapik is the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 1826, An Act Relative to Massachusetts Veterans, which would mandate that all stores and shops in the Commonwealth be closed on Memorial Day to allow for proper recognition of the sacrifices members of the Armed Forces have made for the United States. Since the repeal of the state's "blue laws" in 1994, stores and shops have been able to operate with no restrictions on this holiday.

"Memorial Day is a day when citizens should stop to give pause and remembrance to the sacrifices of our veterans and the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country," Knapik noted. "It's important that we restore a sense of solemnity to this day."

The Legislature's Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 1826 on Wednesday morning at 11 in hearing room B-2.

Senator Tarr on Channel 5 Today at 5 and 6

Be sure to tune in to the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts on Channel 5 today. Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be providing an update on the efforts to clean up the thousands of waste filtration disks that have been washing up on many North Shore beaches since being released from a Hooksett, NH municipal wastewater treatment plant two weeks ago. The Attorney General's office has responded favorably to a request by Tarr, Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins and several other legislators to investigate the release of these disks and to seek reimbursement from the Town of Hooksett to cover local communities' cleanup costs.

HAPPY EVACUATION DAY!

From everyone here at Scaling The Hill, we wish you a Happy Evacuation Day!

Check out what the Boston Globe and State House News Service have to say about the newly "revised" holiday.

Fox 25's Mike Beaudet Provides Update on Senator Hedlund's 'X' Registration Bill

Fox 25 Investigative Reporter Mike Beaudet recently filmed a new segment on Senator Robert Hedlund's re-filed "X" registrations bill, which would require a valid driver's license to register a car in Massachusetts. Public safety officials are concerned that this loophole in state law is allowing thousands of illegal immigrants to drive a car without being properly licensed or insured, and have expressed frustration that individuals caught driving without a license often have their cases thrown out of court.

Since Fox News first broke this story in 2006, Senator Hedlund has been leading the fight to close this loophole, with the full support of the Senate Republican Caucus. To see the latest Fox update, just click on the video link below.

Illegal immigrants registering cars: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Fox 25 Morning News Interviews Senator Hedlund About His 'X' Registrations Bill

Fox 25 Morning News co-host Kim Carrigan interviewed Assistant Senate Minority Leader Robert Hedlund this morning about his "X" registrations proposal to require a drivers license to register a motor vehicle in Massachusetts and impose stronger penalties for those who drive without a license. Check out the full interview on the clip posted below.

Requiring ID to register a vehicle: MyFoxBOSTON.com

'Broadside', WWLP-TV Highlight the Importance of Passing 'Melissa's Law'

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr and Les Gosule, the father of murder victim Melissa Gosule, were in-studio guests on New England Cable News' "Broadside" last night, where they fielded questions from host Jim Braude about their ongoing efforts to secure passage of "Melissa's Law."

Filed by Representative Brad Hill on behalf of the Gosule family, "Melissa's Law" has drawn widespread support. The bill would impose a sentence of life imprisonment for three-time serious felony offenders with no possibility of parole.

In addition to co-sponsoring Representative Hill's bill, Senator Tarr has also incorporated habitual offender language into a larger, more comprehensive parole reform bill he filed, which is also being co-sponsored by dozens of lawmakers. Both bills are scheduled to be heard at tomorrow's Judiciary Committee hearing.

In addition to their "Broadside" appearance, Senator Tarr and Mr. Gosule were also interviewed by WWLP-TV Channel 22 reporter Christine Lee. Senator Richard Ross, who serves as the ranking Senate Republican on the Judiciary Committee, also offered his thoughts on the importance of passing "Melissa's Law" to protect public safety.

You can watch both segments in their entirety by playing the video links below this post.

Melissa's bill tough on repeat offndrs: wwlp.com