Senate Republicans Call for Unemployment Insurance Reforms; Propose Changes to Ensure System's Long-Term Sustainability

The Senate Republican Caucus today renewed its call for reforming the state’s unemployment insurance system, one day after the co-chairmen of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development expressed a willingness to address the issue this session.

“I’m glad to hear the chairmen are interested in making changes to the current system, which continues to impose an undue financial burden on the state’s employers and to hamper business expansion and job growth,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).  “If the committee is serious about tackling this issue, we already have comprehensive reform legislation on the table to revise the existing rate structure, crack down on abuse and ensure the system’s long-term viability.”

In January, Senator Tarr filed Senate Bill 895, An Act Improving Unemployment Insurance, which was the subject of a public hearing yesterday before the committee.  The bill has bi-partisan support and co-sponsors from both the House and Senate.

Senator Tarr noted that Massachusetts currently provides the most generous unemployment insurance benefits in the nation.  Recipients are not only eligible for the highest weekly payment of any state ($625 in 2012), but they also can receive benefits for up to 30 weeks, compared to 26 weeks in all other states except Montana.  Individuals in Massachusetts also become eligible to collect unemployment after just 15 weeks of employment, compared to the 20-week standard used in most states.

The unemployment system is also vulnerable to abuse.  A 2004 analysis by Commonwealth Magazine showed that 700 people had collected unemployment benefits in each of the 20 previous years.  Commonwealth Magazine noted that many seasonal employers game the system by continuously laying off and rehiring their workers, in some cases several times a year, resulting in instances where the benefits paid to these “laid-off” workers far exceed the money paid into the system by the employer.

According to Senator Tarr, Senate Bill 895 will bring Massachusetts’ unemployment insurance benefits in line with most other states, while making sensible reforms to the rate structures for the businesses that fund the program.  Specifically, the bill would:

· increase the amount of time someone must work before becoming eligible to collect unemployment from 15 to 20 weeks;

· reduce the amount of time a beneficiary can receive payment to 26 weeks, with the caveat that if they participate in a job training or internship program, they can continue to collect for the full 30 weeks;

· require employers that use the unemployment system more frequently to pay more money into it; and

· require the Division of Unemployment Assistance to give extra scrutiny to those who show a clear pattern of filing benefit claims without any challenge from their employer.

In additional to these reforms, Senate Bill 895 would:

· require the Division of Unemployment Assistance to hold at least one public hearing attended by the employers who finance the system;

· create a study to examine current inefficiencies in the unemployment insurance hearing process; and

· form a commission to scrutinize the weekly benefit payment structure utilized by the Division of Unemployment Assistance, and examine whether a change in the payment structure could increase the incentive to rejoin the workforce and lower the cost to operate the system.

“Reforming the unemployment insurance system is essential to ensuring its long-term sustainability,” said Senator Tarr.  “Senate Bill 895 offers substantive changes that will help to make the state more competitive while also promoting job growth.”

Senator Tarr’s Statement on Auditor’s Report on the Abuse of Welfare, EBT Benefits

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today regarding a report conducted by State Auditor Suzanne Bump that investigated the administrating of welfare, EBT benefits, and disability funds, and the lack of oversight and security of possible fraudulent accounts and transactions:

“Spending millions of taxpayer dollars on false claims and benefits for ineligible people when others need and deserve assistance is outrageous beyond words.  Clearly Commissioner Monahan understands that, and is making progress on this front.  Yet today’s report by the Auditor tells the story of a system that demands the strongest possible legislative reforms, many of which Senate Republicans have been putting forth for the past several years, and which shouldn’t be postponed any longer.

We have to act now to rebuild the integrity of our system of public assistance and to make sure that public funds are spent wisely, and for those who truly deserve them.”

Memorial Day Message from Senator Tarr

"Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that men and women of the Armed Services make to defend our way of life." -Former Congressman Robin Hayes

It is my hope that we all take time to remember those we've lost while in the service of this great country.  The freedoms we enjoy today are the direct results of the men and women who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice fighting for America and the values that we share.

Especially important to remember is the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement.  During this three year war the United States lost over 50,000 brave soldiers, who perished while fighting for South Korea's freedom.

Senate Republican Caucus Seeks Responsible Spending Measures in FY’14 State Budget

On the eve of the Massachusetts State Senate’s debate of a Senate Committee on Ways and Means budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2014 that had garnered over 700 amendments, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) and the Senate Republican Caucus have filed several amendments that would put controls on taxes, raise revenue, and promote responsible spending measures.

“Despite the laudable efforts of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means to level fund or reduce the funding for more than 300 line items, the overall cost of the budget now before us represents a 4.4% increase for Fiscal Year 2014 over the current year,” said Senator Tarr.  “Given the uncertainty of the continuing economic recovery and the proposed $350 million withdrawal from the stabilization fund, we need to exhaust every option to save money, capture efficiencies, boost economic growth and generate revenue that doesn’t come from tax increases.”

Unfortunately the committee’s budget proposal does not offer meaningful reforms to public subsidy and government welfare programs that are wracked with fraud and government waste.  Seeking to provide safeguards on such precious and needed programs, the Senate Republican Caucus offered several amendments aimed to achieve that goal.  Those amendments include:

• Amendment #76 would allow the Attorney General to seek recovery of any previously issued public assistance benefits from a recipient convicted under state or federal law for the use of a weapon of mass destruction, with the recovered money going to benefit the victims of the acts of terror.

• Amendment #549 would require all future EBT cards issued by the Department of Transitional Assistance to include the fraud detection phone number and web address.

• Amendment #573 would authorize the Department of Transitional Assistance to terminate the benefits of recipients of welfare benefits if their mailing address becomes unknown.  The amendment would also prohibit the Department of Transitional Assistance to continue using numerical placeholders instead of valid social security numbers for a prolonged period of time.

• Amendment #583 requires the nearly operational Integrated Eligibility System (IES) maintained by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to cross-check social security numbers of applicants from state and federal data sources and to track eligibility of public subsidies.

“Our system of public assistance provides needed help to those in difficult economic circumstances, and we need to ensure that every dollar we allocate to that purpose gets to them, rather than being consumed by any waste, fraud or abuse,” said Senator Tarr.

Other amendments filed by the Senate Republican Caucus include cuts to the budget, jobs creation incentives, meaningful reforms to higher education funding, and revenue gains provided by online gaming.  Some of those proposals include:

• Amendment #157 creates a job incentive tax credit eligible to companies that increase their net employment figures in the Commonwealth.

• Amendment #143 would require certain government agencies, departments, and offices to reduce its spending by 1% for Fiscal Year 2014.

• Amendment #330 would provide tuition and fee waivers for Massachusetts veterans and active duty service members who are permanent and legal residents of the Commonwealth.

• Amendment #346 level funds several public university and state schools line items and places the FY14 budget proposal increases to be placed in a special fund to be distributed on merit based measures such as graduation rates, improved operation efficiencies, and increased academic successes.

• Amendment #123 would create 4 online gaming licenses to be made available to the 3 fully licensed casinos and the single slot parlor, and tax online gaming revenue at a rate of 20%, placing Massachusetts in the forefront of an evolving industry.

The amendments filed by Senator Tarr and the Senate Republican Caucus are part of an initiative to make government more efficient.

Senator Tarr’s Statement on the Release of the Senate Ways and Means FY14 Budget

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today, after the Senate Committee on Ways and Means unveiled its $33.9 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2014:

“The Fiscal Year 2014 budget proposal released today by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means clearly rejects once again the massive tax and spend measures that have been advocated by Governor Patrick, and responds to some important spending priorities such as transportation, special education and police training.  It also provides a “killed in the line of duty” death benefit for the family of slain MIT police officer Sean Collier, which is the right thing to do in light of the ultimate sacrifice made by this young officer who had such a promising life and career ahead of him.

The Senate Ways and Means budget makes a notable effort to reduce spending in many accounts.  Yet, in responding to yet another sizable budget gap, today’s proposal relies on a combination of over $627 million from one-time revenue sources and $450 million in tax increases, and that’s on top of the millions of dollars in additional tax increases that have been approved in recent years, including a $900 million increase in the sales tax implemented in 2009.

In order to put our state on a steady path toward economic prosperity and future balanced budgets, we need to ensure that the spending proposed by the Senate Ways and Means Committee can be sustained without continuing to resort to one-time fixes and burdening struggling household budgets with more taxes.  We must always remember that we live in uncertain economic times and the robust economic recovery we’ve hoped for hasn’t materialized.  Rather than continuing to raise taxes by millions of dollars, we need to address the real problems of unsustainable state spending and the need to create more jobs and enable a stronger economic recovery than the one we’re experiencing.

As we move forward in the budget process and prepare for next week’s floor debate, the Senate Republican Caucus will be looking for every opportunity to strengthen fiscal discipline in the process and to promote the type of sustainable job growth we need to generate the additional revenues that will help the state navigate through an uncertain economic climate.”

To view a copy of the proposed budget, click here.

A Compelling Editorial in Today's Salem News

An editorial in today’s Salem Evening News spotlights the need for further legislative action targeting those who continue to drive drunk even after a lifetime license revocation.

It also highlights recent successes Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr has had in amending the law toward that goal, and legislation that the Senate Republican Caucus filed earlier this legislative session to include jail time for those who do not adhere to a lifetime licensure ban.

Please click here to read today’s editorial.

Senator Tarr on the air with Fox 25

Yesterday morning Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr was a guest on the Fox 25 morning news to discuss the recent arrest of a Billerica man who was charged with his 12th drunken driving charge, and the need for legislative action targeting habitual traffic offenders.

To watch yesterday’s segment please play the posted video below.

Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

Media Alert: Senator Tarr Appearing on the Fox25 Morning News on Tuesday

Please tune in on Tuesday morning at approximately 7:15 a.m. on the Fox 25 Morning News, where Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be discussing the recent arrest of a Billerica man who is facing his 12th drunken-driving charge, and the need for legislative action targeting habitual traffic offenders.

Honoring Those Who Protect and Serve

Today marks the start of National Police Week, where events at our nation’s capital are dedicated to those who currently serve as officers, have served, and those who have fallen in the line of duty.  National Police Week was conceived in 1962 when President John Kennedy signed a proclamation dedicating May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week as National Police Week.

Since 1962, thousands of officers and supporters from around the country attend events every year in Washington, DC and throughout the nation to join in camaraderie, and to pay respect for those who have fallen while on duty.  Tonight at approximately 8:00 p.m. the Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, which is sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), will commence with its 25th Annual Candlelight Vigil.

To learn more about National Police Week and to watch tonight’s Candlelight Vigil please visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund website.

Senator Tarr Calls for Sex Offender Registry Board Reforms at Judiciary Hearing

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) testified before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on the Judiciary this afternoon, calling for the passage of legislation that will enhance information-sharing among the state’s public safety agencies and ensure that sex offenders are properly classified and monitored.

Tarr is the lead sponsor of SenateBill 815, An Act Enhancing Assessment Information of the Sexual Offender Registration Board, which has the bi-partisan support of 26 House and Senate members, including the entire Senate Republican Caucus and many Democrats who have signed on as co-sponsors.  The bill was filed following the December 2012 indictment of Wakefield resident John Burbine, who was classified as a Level 1 offender despite being the subject of several investigations since 1989 and is now facing multiple counts of child sexual abuse.

“For too long our systems for dealing with sex offenders have tolerated a lack of information, a lack of transparency, a lack of communication between those charged with protecting us, and a lack of proper tools to access, classify and reclassify those who have committed these crimes,” said Tarr.  “Now, the Legislature must act, in a responsible and effective way, to empower citizens, law enforcement officials and the Sex Offender Registry Board to strengthen public safety and prevent victimization.  The Judiciary Committee has before it bills of ample number and scope to get the job done, and it’s imperative that it move as soon as possible to action.”

Highlights of Senate Bill 815 include:

·         a requirement and authorization for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to communicate with the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) in a timely fashion about the commitment of subsequent offenses by a registered sex offender;

·         the legal authority of the SORB to re-classify sex offenders based on new information, which was taken away by the Massachusetts Court of Appeals on July 16, 2012 in its ruling in the case of John Doe 16748 v. Sex Offender Registry Board (Docket Number 11-P-308);

·         the ability of the SORB to expedite the re-classification process of a sexual offender upon the recommendation of law enforcement and prosecutors; and

·         a requirement for the timely re-classification of sex offenders who have committed subsequent offenses

In addition to Senate Bill 815, Tarr is sponsoring several other sex offender bills that were heard by the Judiciary Committee today, including:

·         Senate Bill 802, which would require out of state classified sex offenders who enter Massachusetts to register with the SORB within two days of moving into the Commonwealth, and would require that this information be shared with the local police department in which the sex offender resides;

·         Senate Bill 803, which would impose a mandatory minimum of: 30 years in prison for the forcible rape of a child; 45 years in prison for the forcible rape of a child with a firearm; and life in prison without parole for any second or subsequent offense by a person over the age of 18;

·         Senate Bill 804, which would impose a mandatory minimum of life imprisonment with no parole for any person convicted three or more times for any sex offense against a child, person with disabilities, mental handicap, or elder;

·         Senate Bill 805, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse, with a three-year retroactive window;

·         Senate Bill 811, which would require information on all registered sex offenders (Levels 1, 2 and 3) to be provided by the SORB to the public, both online and at local police departments; and

·         Senate Bill 814, which would extend from 60 to 90 days the time frame in which the SORB must notify the offender of his right to submit evidence of his risk of re-offense/dangerousness prior to the offender's scheduled release from prison, and limit the time the offender has to submit the evidence to the board to 30 days.     

Several of these bills are supported by Protect Mass Children, a nonprofit organization committed to protecting the children of Massachusetts from sexual predators through education and legislation.  More information can be found at www.protectmasschildren.org.

Beach Safety Bill Reported Favorably by Committee; Bill Honors Memory of Missing 2-year-old Caleigh Harrison

The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture took favorable action today on legislation filed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) to promote safety at the state’s public beaches through a uniform, color-coded warning and safety flag program.

Senate Bill 409, An Act Creating Uniform Beach Warnings, was released from committee with a favorable report this morning following a public hearing that included testimony from Senator Tarr, Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester) and the family of 2-year-old Caleigh Harrison, who went missing on April 19, 2012 while playing with her mother and sister at Rockport’s Long Beach.

“Today the committee has taken a decisive step toward making our beaches safer and public safety stronger,” said Senator Tarr.  “The compelling story told by Caleigh’s family moved legislators to action, and is making the difference in getting the bill passed.”

“I am extremely proud of the Harrison family,” added Representative Ferrante.  “They are an inspiration for turning their tragedy into positive advocacy for public safety and preventing future tragedies.  As the former vice chair and current member of the Environment Committee, I am pleased that we as a committee were able to vote this out of committee favorably.”

The effort to pass Senate Bill 409 was initiated by Caleigh’s uncle, David Harrison, who was on a business trip to Panama earlier this year when he learned about the country’s color-coded flag system which is used to warn the public about the dangers of tides and riptides.  Alabama, Florida, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Texas and several other states utilize a similar program, and the Harrison family is seeking to implement the same safety measures in Massachusetts.

“We’re extremely thankful and delighted that the bill moved as fast as it did,” said David Harrison.  “We didn’t expect that, and we’re very grateful.  We’re also thankful for the efforts of Senator Tarr and Representative Ferrante.  This is one big step toward something positive that we’re trying to accomplish, and we want to thank the committee for pushing the bill through.  We’re definitely not the only family to lose a loved one like this, and we won’t be the last, but we hope to reduce those numbers by passing this bill.  It’s a great way to honor Caleigh.”

“I want to thank Senator Tarr and Caleigh’s family for bringing this important issue to our attention,” said Senator Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton), Senate Chairman to the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.  “Massachusetts should certainly employ this strategy; if it prevents another future tragedy, it will be well worth it.”

“I am pleased to work with Senator Pacheco and the Committee members to advance this common sense piece of legislation,” added Representative Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), House Chairman to the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.  “I know not every tragedy can be prevented but it is important to put measures in place that can raise awareness and increase public safety and this bill will do that.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for further action.

Caleigh's Bill Set for Hearing on May 7th

A proposal filed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) to promote safety at the state’s public beaches will be heard by a joint legislative committee tomorrow morning.

Senate Bill 409, An Act Creating Uniform Beach Warnings, calls for the Department of Conservation and Recreation to create a uniform warning and safety flag program in which communities can participate on a voluntary basis and utilize a color-coded system to warn the public of potential beach hazards.  The bill is scheduled to be heard by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture on Tuesday, May 7^th between 10 a.m. and noon in hearing room 437 at the State House.

The effort to pass Senate Bill 409 was initiated by David Harrison, whose 2-year-old niece Caleigh Harrison went missing from Rockport’s Long Beach on April 19, 2012 while playing with her mother and 4-year-old sister.  In January of this year, David was on a business trip to Panama when he became aware of the country’s color-coded flag system, which is used to warn the public about the dangers of tides and riptides, and to indicate whether or not it is safe to go swimming.  The Harrison family subsequently contacted Senator Tarr to ask if he could help facilitate the implementation of a similar program in Massachusetts.  The family and Tarr are now joined in partnership to get the bill passed.

“The Harrison family endured a terrible and unthinkable loss last year, but they are determined to do everything they can to help spare other families from the pain and grief they have experienced,” said Tarr.  “I will be joining the family at tomorrow’s hearing and asking the committee to honor Caleigh’s short life by taking favorable action on this important public safety proposal, which we are hopeful will make our beaches safer and help to save lives.”

The bill enjoys bi-partisan support, including the backing of Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester).

“With this very simple and cost-effective program, we can raise awareness and help folks be prepared for the dynamic conditions on our beaches and help them act accordingly to protect themselves,” said Tarr.

New Hampshire is the only New England state that currently utilizes a uniform warning and safety flag program.  Other states with a similar program include Alabama, Florida, New Jersey and Texas.

Senator Tarr’s Statement on Chapter 90 Funding

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today, after the Senate engrossed a transportation finance proposal allocating $300 million in Chapter 90 road and bridge funding for Massachusetts’ cities and towns, an increase of $100 million over last year’s total:

“Now that the House and Senate have given initial approval to an increase in Chapter 90 funding, it is imperative that the Legislature move expeditiously to finalize this proposal and approve a terms bill so this money can be made readily available for our cities and towns to capture the widest possible window of the construction season.  We are long past the April 1^st deadline for communities to be notified of their preliminary funding allocation, and it is important that we honor this financial commitment as soon as possible.

While we continue to move forward, I’m concerned that Governor Patrick has repeatedly asserted that we can’t afford to increase Chapter 90 levels to $300 million unless we approve his $1.9 billion plan to raise taxes.  He has gone so far as to warn communities that without his massive tax increases, ‘investment in the Chapter 90 program will not be implemented’.

Clearly, the House and Senate believe that the $300 million can be implemented without resorting to a tax increase of the order or magnitude the Governor has requested.  The reality is, the House and Senate are already in the process of finalizing an alternative transportation proposal in conference committee, and the Governor’s $1.9 billion tax increase is no longer under consideration.  Therefore, it is my hope the Governor will not hold this critical bill hostage to a larger tax proposal that is no longer viable.”

Senator Tarr’s Statement on the Senate's Posting of Roll Call Votes Starting Today

Today Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement regarding the Massachusetts State Senate posting all roll call votes made by the members of the Senate on the General Court’s website. The measure requiring the posting of roll call votes was from a Senate Rule filed by the Senate Republican Caucus that set May 1st as the deadline of such postings, which passed unanimously by a vote of 39-0:

“Today marks the beginning of a new era of transparency and accountability for the Massachusetts Senate, and a clear victory for citizens who deserve to know how members are voting on the issues that affect all of us.  Senate Republicans have worked hard to make this information available, and to garner the bipartisan support needed to reach that goal.

Providing timely access to information can and will make our democracy stronger, and the posting of Senate roll calls in an easily accessible format within 48 hours is a major milestone.  Having reached that milestone, our caucus will continue the fight to open up what happens on Beacon Hill to the light of public scrutiny.”

Remember to Vote Today!

 

Today brings an important opportunity to vote for our candidate of choice in the special U.S. Senate election primary. Please remember to drop by your local polling location and cast your ballot by 8:00 p.m. tonight. If you’re not sure where to vote, please click here to find your polling place, along with the names of the candidates appearing on the ballots.

Roll Call Votes to S.1766

Posted below are the final roll call votes to S.1766, An Act Relative to Transportation Finance. Included is the roll call vote to engross the bill, which passed by a margin of 30-5 on April 13th.

Roll Call Votes to S1766 by Troy Wall

MEDIA ALERT: Senator Tarr on the Air with Channel 5's Jorge Quiroga Tonight

Earlier today Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr was interviewed by Channel 5 Reporter Jorge Quiroga regarding a Boston Herald report that revealed that Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev had previously been receiving welfare benefits.

Please tune in to tonight’s evening broadcast at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and again at 11:00 p.m. to view today’s interview.

Senator Tarr’s Statement on Boston Marathon Bombing Suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev Receiving Welfare Benefits in 2012

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today regarding a Boston Herald report citing Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev had previously been receiving welfare benefits in 2012:

“It is angering to see that those who perpetrated such a merciless and cowardly act of terrorism had been receiving state benefits funded by public dollars.

The Senate Republican Caucus joins with House Minority Leader Brad Jones and the House Republican Caucus in seeking answers into what types of benefits Tamerlan Tsarnaev and his family were receiving, and if they were receiving them appropriately.  By investigating further, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services will be able to identify any possible failings of the welfare system that may have otherwise been left undiscovered.

Following the wake of destruction, death, and injuries that has impacted our state that these two men have caused, no stone can be left unturned in understanding how and why these events occurred.”

Senate Republicans Successful in Securing Significant Transportation Reforms

On Saturday, the Senate Republican Caucus was successful in securing several significant transportation reforms and a series of major reforms and initiatives geared toward accountability, performance and reducing dependence on increasing taxes.

The reforms, which were presented as part of a comprehensive plan by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), Assistant Minority Leader Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Senate Minority Whip Richard Ross (R-Wrentham), and Senator Michael Knapik (R-Westfield), the Ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, would boost accountability, tie spending to performance, and provide additional resources for transportation without increasing taxes. The measures passed stem from an alternative plan presented by the Senate Republican Caucus on Wednesday, April 10th. The reforms secured by the minority party include:

• Requiring all reports conducted by the MassDOT Special Audit Unit to be posted online, and directing the unit to conduct a comprehensive audit comparing the transportation law of 2009 to the current transportation agency, and identify future savings;

• Requiring the MassDOT to regularly consult with the Public Private Partnership Infrastructure Oversight Commission (PPP Commission), and provide the commission the opportunity to weigh in on all transportation proposals, initiatives, and plans;

• Directing the MassDOT to turn HOV lanes into Automated Tolling HOT Lanes by additionally allowing solo drivers to pay a fee to utilize the lane;

• Requiring the MassDOT and the MBTA to post financial reports, and detailed customer service and performance management information online;

• Creating a study to address deficiencies in the taxicab market to target passenger costs, wait times, employee mistreatment, and inefficiencies preventing drivers from picking up passengers in multiple communities;

• Tying MassDOT performance benchmarks to salary increases ensuring MassDOT and MBTA cannot increase the pay of high ranking transportation officials if benchmarks aren’t met;

• Requiring MassDOT to issue a five-year plan to eliminate the current transportation backlog to bring the road and transit network into a State of Good Repair;

• Directing the MBTA to issue requests for proposals to sponsor a mass transit service beyond its current hours of operation, also known as the Night Owl Service; and

• Directing the MBTA to create a pilot program reserving a limited number of premium parking spots for customers willing to pay an elevated price to have a spot reserved for them.

“Amid a frenzy of increasing taxes and tolls, we have been able to secure a series of meaningful reforms that will hopefully mitigate the growing financial burden on the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Senator Tarr. “While we certainly don’t agree with increasing that burden, our caucus is appreciative for the majority members who crossed party lines to make these components of the Senate Republican reform bill part of the legislation that now leaves the Senate Chamber. Each member of our caucus played a vital role in securing these reforms, and thus has had a major impact on today’s debate.”

The House previously passed its version of a transportation finance bill, and now the two chambers will work together to reach an accord.

Note to Our Readers

Scaling Beacon Hill and Tarr Talk will continue to post roll call votes on the transportation finance bill taken during today’s Senate session. Votes on additional amendments and the final vote on the bill will appear next week.

Roll Call Vote to S.1766: Amendment 58

Amendment #58, which was sponsored by the Senate Minority Caucus, prevents the MBTA from continuing to develop expansion projects until the agency conducts a cost analysis of the proposed expansion. The amendment also requires that the agency must certify that the project won’t prevent the MBTA from generating sufficient revenue to contribute to its annual operating budget.

Essentially, this amendment requires that a future expansion project would have to recover 34% of cost in order to be worth constructing. The MBTA shouldn’t expand for expansion’s sake, but should be targeting populations of people who will most utilize the service to reinvigorate both the local and statewide economies.

Unfortunately, the majority party did not join Senate Republicans in insisting that future expansion projects aren’t a fiscal drain to the mass transportation system, resulting in a vote of 4-29. Posted below is the result of the vote.

Tarr Amendment to S.1766

Roll Call Vote to S.1766

Senator John Keenan (D-Quincy) offered an amendment to S.1766, An Act Relative to Transportation Finance, which would require the MBTA to include in its 5 year Capital Investment Program repairs to existing infrastructure sufficient to maintain a State of Good Repair rating level.

Having a public transportation system in a State of Good Repair, or when the physical condition of transportation assets such as trains, buses, facilities, etc. are rated in a good condition by federal government standards, is imperative for the daily lives of those who depend on mass transit.

The Senate Republican Caucus believes that a State of Good Repair is so important that the caucus included such a measure in Amendment #41, an alternative plan to massive increases in taxes to finance our transportation system.

Fortunately, the membership voted with the minority party in supporting such a measure, and the amendment passed unanimously by a roll call vote of 33-0. Posted below is the result of the vote.

Senator Keenan offered amendment #50 to S.1766

Roll Call Vote to S.1766

During today’s Senate Transportation Finance debate, Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) offered Amendment #30, which would require the MBTA to seek private sponsorship and naming rights of stations. The Senate Republican Caucus agrees that the MBTA needs to join in such partnerships to capture the much needed revenue. So much so, the Republican Caucus has been calling for such actions for quite some time.

The Senate Republican Caucus even included the measure in Amendment #41, which provides an alternative solution to raising taxes. Unfortunately, Senator Montigny’s amendment directs the revenue gained through sponsorship to be dedicated to transportation expansion projects. The caucus believes that before the MBTA expands services, it should first address existing infrastructure.

The amendment garnered enough votes to pass by a margin of 20-12. Posted below is the roll call vote taken on amendment #30.

Amendment 30 to S.1766

Roll Call Vote to S.1766

Senate Assistant Minority Leader Robert Hedlund offered Amendment #23 to Senate Bill 1766, An Act Relative to Transportation Finance. Similar to the Governor’s plan, S.1766 ties the gas tax to the inflation rate causing the tax to periodically increase over time without constraints or safeguards.

Senator Hedlund’s amendment would prevent an automatic gas tax increase and would require that all gas tax increases in the future be legislatively approved.

Unfortunately the amendment failed to secure enough votes for passage by a margin of 5-27. Posted below is the result of the roll call vote taken on the measure.
 

Amendment #23 to S.1766

Roll Call Vote to S.1766

Senator Rush offered an amendment to the bill regarding the deferral of the gas tax increase it contains. If passed this amendment would create a special legislative task force to investigate, study, and develop a legislative package to include MBTA cost saving reform measures and potential new revenue sources.

Pursuant to the amendment, the gas tax increases in the current bill would not go into effect until the task force develops a reform package that is signed into law. This amendment is meant to force state government to address cost-saving reforms before asking for more money from taxpayers.

Unfortunately the amendment failed by a vote of 7-24. Posted below is a copy of the actual roll call vote taken by the members.

Amendment 18 to S.1766

Posting Senate Roll Call Votes Online

During the Senate rules debate on January 24th, the Senate Republican Caucus was successful in passing a Senate rule that requires the posting of roll call votes on the state legislature’s webpage within 48 hours of the vote being taken.

That vote was passed unanimously by a vote of 39-0; however, it will not take effect until May 1st. Until then, we will post them starting with S.1766 on www.TarrTalk.com and www.ScalingBeaconHill.com. This is a transparent measure to allow everybody to be able to see how their State Senator voted on a particular measure.

Posted below is the first of the roll call votes being taken on S.1766.

Postponement Roll Call Vote to S.1766


Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr offered this roll call vote to postpone the bill to a later date. Last evening at 5:00 p.m. there was an amendment filing deadline to S.1766, and during that time period there were over 100 amendments filed. Senator Tarr's motion for postponement to delay today’s debate until April 22nd was to afford the members of the Senate more time to read and understand the amendments before they were expected to vote on them. Unfortunately, that motion was defeated by a vote of 3-30.

Keep checking back today to view all of the posted roll call votes.

Tax of the Day

Tax of the day: Governor wants to end commuter deductions on tax returns for those who use the MBTA or pay tolls to get to work.

* The Tax of the Day series is presented by the Senate Republican Caucus spotlighting tax proposals made by the Governor in his FY’14 budget proposal.

Senator Tarr's Statement Regarding Rising Personnel Costs at the MBTA

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr released the following statement today regarding a Pioneer Institute report that found that the MBTA has provided significant personnel raises to its staff in the midst of a statewide transportation funding crisis:

“It is outrageous that on the eve of Senators being asked to consider millions of dollars in tax increases and new spending for transportation needs, we discover exorbitant expenditures on personnel costs at the MBTA and a complete lack of transparency that has shrouded these costs from public view even as transportation officials plead their case for more and more money.

Senate Republicans are giving the legislature a clear choice to avoid the policy of “Tax first, ask questions later.”

TAX OF THE DAY

Tax of the Day: The Governor wants to end $1,000 exemptions for dependents of taxpayers 19 years old or older who are full-time students.

* The Tax of the Day series is presented by the Senate Republican Caucus, spotlighting tax proposals made by the Governor in his FY’14 budget proposal.

Senate Republicans Unveil Alternative Plan to Transportation Finance Bill

Today the Massachusetts Senate Republican Caucus unveiled an alternative plan to S.1766, An Act Relative to Transportation Finance. The comprehensive plan generates revenue without raising taxes, and provides a genuine plan that could stabilize our transportation system for years.

Posted below is the press kit distributed at today’s press conference which includes a press release. Please check back regularly to follow the progress of the plan.

Senate Repubs Unveil Alternative Plan to Transpo Finance Bill by Troy Wall

TAX OF THE DAY

Continuing the Senate Republican spotlight on taxes, here is today’s Tax of the Day:

Governor Patrick seeks to require college scholarships to be reported as income, causing those who pursue higher ed to pay even more!

TAX OF THE DAY

Continuing the Senate Republican spotlight on taxes, here is today’s Tax of the Day:

The Governor wants to end tax deductions for adoption fees, and start taxing employer provided adoption assistance as personal income, which would further complicate the adoption process.

TAX OF THE DAY

Governor Patrick seeks to eliminate the hotel tax exemption for small Bed and Breakfasts. The tax will hurt local small businesses and hamper the economy.

Senate GOP Caucus to Protest Taxes and Other Fee Proposals Made by Governor; “Tax of the Day” to be Presented on Social Media Websites

With an onslaught of taxes being proposed on Beacon Hill, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) and the Senate Republican Caucus will identify and focus on one each day in a series of posts called “Tax of the Day” on the Caucus’ blog (www.ScalingBeaconHill.com), twitter (@SenBruceTarr), and their Facebook Fan Page.  The primary source cited will be Governor Patrick’s tax and spend state budget proposal for FY’14.

“A tidal wave of new taxes is headed towards us, and people need to know before they drown in higher taxes, tolls, fees, and fares.  Posting each tax increase proposal will increase transparency and help us all to focus on just how much of a new burden we will have to bear if the measures become law,” said Senator Tarr.

In the Governor’s budget proposal he targets over 40 personal tax exemptions, deductions, and credits; corporate and business taxes; changes in tax rates; increases to certain already taxed items; increases in fares, tolls, and fees; and others.

Senator Tarr’s Statement on Competing Transportation Plans; Cites Clear Differences Between Governor's and Republicans' Proposals

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today regarding the proposed transportation financing plan unveiled by House Minority Leader Brad Jones and House Republicans this afternoon:

“House Minority Leader Brad Jones and the House Republican Caucus have proven today that we need not rely on massive tax increases to solve our state’s transportation problems.  There are some key principles contained in the House Republican plan that should guide us during the upcoming debate: it focuses on real problems, rather than the problems caused by the Governor’s ambitious plan to increase spending; it operates on a pay as you go basis; it prioritizes transportation spending over money wasted as a result of creating more government bureaucracy; and it forces us to think clearly about spending priorities.  Senate Republicans will focus on these same principles when crafting our own solutions to the problems that we face.

The House Republican plan offers a real opportunity for a more comprehensive debate that will focus on reforms before revenue and has the potential to achieve long-term sustainability, reliability and efficiencies within our transportation infrastructure.

Today’s events on Beacon Hill clearly illustrate the situation we’re in.  Governor Patrick has proven that not even $500 million will satisfy his appetite for tax increases, and a new Republican plan proves that transportation needs can be addressed without massive increases in taxing and spending.  What’s important now is to hear from the people who pay the bills through taxes, fares, and fees, and they deserve an opportunity for that to happen.”

Senator Tarr's Statement on Chapter 90 Funding

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today regarding the proposed increase in Chapter 90 road and bridge funding for Massachusetts’ cities and towns:

“As the House and Senate embark on an important debate on how best to address the serious deficiencies in our state’s transportation infrastructure, nothing should impede or slow our progress in getting Chapter 90 money out to our cities and towns.  While we may disagree on the best approach for improving our transportation infrastructure, that should not stop us from moving quickly on the one issue for which there is universal agreement so that road and bridge funding is made readily available for cities and towns to capture the widest possible window of the construction season.”

Senator Tarr's Statement on Transportation Financing Package Released Today

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today in response to the transportation financing package unveiled this morning by Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert DeLeo:

“The framework announced today by the Senate President and the Speaker makes it clear that there is no legislative appetite for the massive increases in taxing and spending proposed by the Governor, and brings focus to the task at hand of addressing troubling deficiencies in our state’s transportation infrastructure.  Yet today’s proposal focuses too narrowly on increased taxes, and relies too little on the strong reforms needed to ensure that taxpayer and ratepayer funds are invested in a system that is functional, reliable and not plagued by waste or abuse.

Too many requirements mandated by the 2009 Transportation Reform Act have at worst been blatantly ignored, or at best been too slow to produce results.  Billions of dollars in projected savings have gone unrealized, efforts to increase the efficiency and integrity of the system have gone unheeded, and opportunities to partner with the private sector have fallen by the wayside.  Our first priority should be on capturing the savings we’ve already demanded legislatively and promised to the taxpayers and ratepayers.

In the days ahead, Senate Republicans will work to populate the framework with needed and productive reforms that will emphasize savings and efficiencies to close the present and future funding gaps facing our transportation system.  New revenues for transportation cannot come from increasing the burden on working families, who are already feeling the pressure of living with the fourth highest per capita tax burden in the nation.  Increasing that burden should not be our first choice.

It’s clear that transportation is a priority for our residents.  They expect, demand, and deserve a better transportation system.  But we can’t achieve that goal by pursuing new revenues at the expense of needed reforms.  If we are serious about having a full and open debate on transportation funding, a good way to start that debate would be to hold public hearings on this latest proposal so the voices of the people can be heard.”

Senator Tarr's Statement on Auditor's Report Linking Sex Offenders and Child Care Providers

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) issued the following statement today regarding the release of a report by State Auditor Susanne Bump concerning the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), which reveals 119 cases where Level 2 and Level 3 sex offender addresses matched addresses of EEC child care providers:

“Today’s report by Auditor Bump emphasizes the need to strengthen our sex offender registry system, and to compel the availability and sharing of critical information.  Providers, parents, and all of us need information to keep kids out of harm’s way, and the legislation filed by Senate Republicans and others will make systemic changes to ensure that it’s available, and that sex offender classifications accurately portray the risk posed by known offenders.

There is no excuse and no justification for allowing sex offender information to be inaccurate, outdated, or inaccessible, and it’s time for comprehensive reform and legislative action.”

Click here to read the Auditor's report in its entirety.

 

A Passover Message from Senator Tarr

With Passover beginning tonight, I would like to wish all my Jewish friends, constituents and the community a happy and joyous holiday that is shared with loved ones, and that your time together is filled with peace and happiness. Chag Sameach!

Senator Tarr's Statement on the Resignation of Early Education and Care Commissioner Killins

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement regarding the resignation of Early Education and Care Commissioner Sherri Killins:

“While the Governor continues to tout his costly transportation and education initiatives to the citizens of the Commonwealth, Commissioner Dr. Sherri Killins was receiving a six-figure salary for a job that apparently didn’t require her full attention while the taxpayers continued to pay her full salary. Unfortunately, the administration believes it prudent to continue to pay Commissioner Killins for several more months as an outside consultant to “ease” the transition of leadership.

The economy is still in a fragile state of uncertainty, and it is inappropriate to ask the taxpayers to pick up the tab of this Commissioner’s salary when the Commonwealth is set to lose $6.3 million dedicated for Head Start from the Federal Government due to the blanket cuts caused by sequestration earlier this month.

Government needs to strive to eliminate the loss of public dollars, and we can’t afford to pay more than full-time salaries for part-time employees. It is unacceptable to ask taxpayers to pay almost $2 billion more in raised revenue when the Commonwealth’s fiscal house is far from being in order.

I hope the Governor will at the very least take a strong look at his hiring practices. The citizens of the Commonwealth deserve so much more than a part-time education chief making more than three times the median household income, a DTA Commissioner who failed to properly manage our welfare system, and a road menace State Highway Safety Director.

So while the resignation of Commissioner Dr. Killins comes as welcome news, the recent string of employment failures of high ranking government officials is most disturbing. I hope the Governor recognizes these failures, and takes action to prevent them in the future.”

Caucus: New Legislative Rules Move Forward, but Fall Short of Needed Change

While the rules adopted today by the House and Senate to govern the legislative session contain some important changes, the legislature has missed some major opportunities to increase transparency and accountability according to Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).

A debate that began in the House of Representatives on January 23 and continued in the Senate on January 31, culminated today with acceptance of Joint Rules by each legislative branch. Among many possible changes to open the legislative process to greater exposure and scrutiny, only two were ultimately adopted. They include:

• Limiting all committee hearings to hear no more than 50 bills sponsored by Senator Timilty and supported by the members of the Senate Republican Caucus; and,

• Providing all local petitions before the General Court to be valid for a two-year period sponsored by the members of the Senate Republican Caucus.

Yet other significant changes have been lost in the legislative process. Key republican initiatives adopted in the Senate’s debate on the Joint Rules were:

• Requiring the House and Senate Clerks to post online all roll call votes within 48 hours after being made; and,

• Posting of all roll call votes taken in joint committees.

“Putting committee and legislative votes on the internet for people to view them should be a routine exercise, and yet today we failed to approve giving people the information they deserve about our legislative process and decisions,” said Tarr. He added that “the strong gains made by Senate Republicans and the Senate as a body have been eroded by the process that followed. While an opportunity has been lost today, the Senate Republican Caucus will continue to seek transparency in state government.”

Senator Tarr on 'Broadside' Tonight

Please tune in to “Broadside” tonight at 6:00pm on New England Cable News (NECN), where Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be discussing with host Jim Braude and Plum Island homeowner Tom Nee the island’s continuing beach erosion issue. “Broadside” re-airs again at 3:30am. Also, earlier today Senator Tarr spoke with NECN Morning co-hosts Steve Aveson and Bridget Blythe to provide an update on Plum Island. Posted below is a video of this morning’s conversation.

Senator Tarr on the Air with Fox25

Tonight at approximately 6:15pm Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be speaking with Fox25 Weekend News Anchor Heather Hegedus to provide an update regarding the continuing beach erosion issue currently facing Plum Island. Please tune in to watch tonight’s interview.

Senator Tarr’s Statement on Commonwealth’s Slow-Moving Progress to Comply with the Federal REAL ID Act

This morning Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr released the following statement regarding a letter to Governor Deval Patrick from the Senate Republican Caucus seeking clarification as to why the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has not made significant effort to comply with the Federal REAL ID Act of 2005.  The Act, which codifies the standards of state licenses and IDs, was passed following a recommendation by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (“9/11 Commission”):

“Instead of being ahead of the curve, Governor Patrick and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has made little progress thus far in the federally mandated REAL ID Act.  With little movement, the Senate Republican Caucus has exceedingly high concerns as to the adverse effects of having an outdated, unrecognized state ID in the eyes of the Federal Government.  The Real ID Act is extremely clear that federal agencies cannot accept state IDs that don’t meet a certain minimum of standards, and if Massachusetts does not move expeditiously to be compliant with federal law, we fear that there will be major implications, such as citizens not being able to board commercial airplanes, until the Governor and his administration rectifies the situation.

We are now calling on the Governor to make clear the progress, if any, that has been made in achieving federal compliance while there is still time to avoid what could be a disastrous scenario for the citizens of the Commonwealth.  If the state is failing to stride towards compliance, we ask Governor Patrick to provide the reasons for that failure.  A state issued license is among the most utilized forms of identification, and the value of the Massachusetts license would be diminished greatly if this administration does not act accordingly.”

Posted below is the letter sent to Governor Patrick from the Senate Republican Caucus and a fact sheet regarding REAL ID.

 

 

REAL ID Letter From Senate Republican Caucus to Governor by Troy Wall

Real Id Fact Sheet by Troy Wall

Tarr on the Air with WBZ-TV’s Jon Keller

This Sunday at approximately 8:30am Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be part of a featured panel during Reporter Jon Keller’s Keller@Large Report on WBZ-TV.  The panel will also feature Governor Patrick’s former campaign manager, Alex Goldstein, and we will be discussing with Jon the race for the open U.S. Senate seat vacated by Senator John Kerry.

Please tune in Sunday morning to watch their discussion.

Tarr on the Air with WBZ-TV

Earlier this afternoon Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr was interviewed by WBZ-TV News Political Reporter and Analysis Jon Keller regarding former Chelsea Housing Authority Director Michael McLaughlin’s decision to plead guilty today in Federal Court.  Please tune in to tonight’s news beginning at 5:00pm to see Jon’s report.

Tarr on the Air with Fox 25 and NECN Tonight

Please tune in to tonight’s Fox 25 News broadcast at 6:00 p.m. where Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be speaking live with News Anchor Maria Stephanos regarding the race for the open U.S. Senate seat vacated by Senator John Kerry.

Also at 6:00 p.m., Senator Tarr will be featured in a taped segment on NECN’s Broadside with Jim Braude.  Jim and Senator Tarr further discussed the U.S. Senate seat and the decisions a candidate has to make prior to entering such a race.

Fox 25’s Evening News will air again at 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., and Broadside will re-air at 8:00 p.m. and again at 3:30 a.m.

Senator Tarr’s Statement on Closing of 11 MA Compounding Pharmaceutical Companies

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement yesterday regarding the closure of 11 compounding pharmaceutical companies in Massachusetts due to serious violations found by the Department of Public Health.  The announced closures come in the wake of a meningitis outbreak linked to the New England Compounding Company in Framingham that has resulted in the death of at least 45 people across the nation:

“The disturbing results of these inspections, and the need for regulators to force the closure of all or part of 11 compounding pharmacies, are further evidence of another systemic failure of oversight by state government.  If the current system tolerated this degree of regulatory noncompliance, then clearly, it’s time for serious reform.”

A Convincing Editorial

Today the Boston Herald offers a very interesting perspective about the importance of the passage of Senate and Joint Rule changes proposed by the Senate Republican Caucus about the online posting of roll call votes made by the members of the General Court.  The rules highlight this measure, which the legislature should have had in place years ago, and will offer a window into the legislative process by making the votes more accessible.

The Boston Herald is right when they reference that the year is 2013.  The time for such postings is overdue, and can be accommodated easily through modern technology.  Following the adoption of these rule changes proposed by the minority party, the Senate Republican Caucus will continue to make transparency and accountability in state government a top priority.

Please click here to read today’s editorial by the Boston Herald.