2013 GOP Technology Tax Business Roundtables Announced by House and Senate Caucus

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester), along with the entire House and Senate Republican Caucus, today announced the launch of the 2013 GOP Technology Tax Business Roundtables.

Announced as part of a concerted effort by the Massachusetts House and Senate Republican Caucus to repeal the crippling technology tax at the legislative level, the weeklong series of roundtable discussions will include conversations with technology industry professionals and representatives from area Chambers of Commerce.

“The Massachusetts economy has long relied upon, and benefited from, the services rendered by the high-tech industry,” said House Minority Leader Brad Jones. “Since the Democratic-led legislature approved the crippling technology tax, one of the Commonwealth’s most vital sectors is just beginning to deal with the adverse effects of the tax. The 2013 GOP Technology Tax Business Roundtables will serve as an opportunity for businesses and Chambers of Commerce, which have been severely impacted by this reckless tax, to have the opportunity to discuss the detrimental effects and ways to reverse what is sure to suppress future economic growth within the technology industry and the Commonwealth.”

As the largest and broadest tax on computer and software services in the nation, no business, regardless of size or sector, is immune from the wide-ranging tax. House and Senate Republicans had each offered revenue-neutral proposals, which if passed, would have avoided the implementation of the technology tax all together, but the common-sense solution was defeated at the hands of legislative Democrats.

“We have seen clearly what happens when you tax first and ask questions later,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. “In the face of a job killing new computer services tax, we are choosing a different path, one that first seeks information and then leads to action to prevent the economic damage the tax will bring.”

The technology tax, first billed with a fiscal impact of $161 million per year, will exceed that estimate, and stifle the innovative industry by close to $500 million a year. 

“Supporting the Commonwealth’s technology economy should never be a partisan decision and we value any legislative support in defense of this critically important sector,” said Christopher Anderson, president of the Massachusetts High Technology Council. “The tech tax is aimed squarely at the heart of our innovation economy and will cause considerable harm if not repealed. We applaud those lawmakers who have spoken out against the tech tax and encourage more of them to join us in showing their clear support for the state’s tech economy and the hundreds of thousands of people who are part of it.”

Details for the Technology Tax Business Roundtables are as follows:

Monday, August 26, 2013

ShotgunFlat Creative Agency

12 South Main Street

Middleboro, MA 02346

1:00-2:00pm

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce

100 Sherman Avenue

Devens, MA 01434

9:00-10:00am

Quinsigamond Community College

Southbridge Campus – Room 305

5 Optical Drive

Southbridge, MA 01550

9:00-10:00am

Mansfield Town Hall

6 Park Row

Mansfield, MA 02048

1:00-2:00pm

Plymouth Area Community Television

4 Collins Avenue

Plymouth, MA 02360

1:00-2:00pm

Thursday, August 29, 2013

The Training Associates

281 Turnpike Road – 3^rd Floor

Westborough, MA 01581

9:00-10:00am

Wakefield Savings Bank

351 Main Street

Wakefield, MA 01880

3:00-4:00pm

Westfield Athenaeum

Lang Auditorium

6 Elm Street

Westfield, MA 01085

3:00-4:00pm

A Compelling Editorial for Crime Lab Oversight

In today’s Gloucester Daily Times, the newspaper cites and endorses legislation that the Senate Republican Caucus filed in January that would create more oversight of the state’s forensic crime labs.  Senate Bill 1175, An Act providing oversight of crime labs, was filed in response to the alleged actions of forensic crime lab chemist Annie Dookhan, which revealed that proper safeguards need to be in place to ensure a system of integrity.  Please click here to read today’s editorial.

Senator Tarr’s Statement on Seeking Further Oversight of the State’s Forensic Crime Labs

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today regarding recent reports that over 40,000 criminal cases may have been tainted due to the actions of alleged rogue drug lab chemist Annie Dookhan, and legislation the Senate Republican Caucus filed in January 2013 that would create a drug lab oversight board:

“The fallout of the egregious actions of forensic crime lab chemist Annie Dookhan directly correlates with the lack of oversight of the state’s forensic drug labs.  In January I filed legislation that would instill the necessary oversight, accountability, and transparency needed to ensure a system that demands integrity.

The bill requires:

• Quarterly reports from the undersecretary of public safety for forensic sciences that will include, but not be limited to, information regarding:

-The volume of forensic services at each facility;

-The volume of forensic services of each employee at such facilities;

-The costs and length of time from submission for testing or procedures and the return of results from such facilities;

-Compliance with accreditation standards of such facilities; and

-Facility employee records, qualifications, and incident reports.

• A minimum of one public oversight hearing per year for the board to receive testimony relative to the operations of state laboratories; 

• A system to receive complaints or tips about potential problems at a state laboratory via telephone and e-mail;

• Certification that all state laboratories are accredited in accordance with the other requirements of the bill; and

• The timely reporting of suspected or potential criminal wrongdoing to the Attorney General for investigation and prosecution.

The price and consequences of this failure of oversight prove that we need an immediate hearing of this bill and its passage as soon as possible.”

Please click here to read the text of Senate Bill 1175.

Senator Tarr's Statement on Computer Software Services Tax

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today, following published reports that the new computer software services tax introduced as part of the transportation finance bill could be subject to further legislative review this fall:

“It should come as no surprise to anyone that taxing the state’s innovation economy is a bad idea.  As far back as January, when the Governor proposed his version of the Fiscal Year 2014 state budget, Republican legislators have been warning that the new tax would seriously undermine the state’s competitiveness.

The new tax on computer software services was a bad idea when it was first proposed, and it’s a bad idea now.  We have opposed it consistently from day one, offering multiple amendments to eliminate or replace it, arguing at length during the transportation finance debate about its dire consequences, and we will be unyielding in our efforts to repeal it.  Putting a new tax on the innovation economy is no way to recover from a recession.”

Recent GOP Caucus Media Appearances

On Wednesday evening, the members of the Senate Republican Caucus were guests on NECN’s “Broadside” with special guest host Joe Battenfeld.  The caucus discussed with Joe the recent departure of State Senator Michael Knapik and what that means for the minority party in the Senate and Massachusetts.  To watch Wednesday’s segment, please play the first posted video below.

Additionally, during Thursday’s Fox 25 Morning News, Co-Anchor Gene Lavanchy and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr discussed the meetings currently being held in the City of Boston this week by the Republican National Committee, and the direction Massachusetts needs to take to create more balance within state government.

To watch the Fox 25 segment, please play the second video posted below.

Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston 

Media Alert: Senator Tarr on the Air with Fox 25

Tomorrow morning, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be a featured guest on the Fox 25 morning news.  Senator Tarr will be speaking with Co-Anchor Gene Lavanchy regarding the Republican National Committee meetings being held in Boston this week.

Please tune in at 7:45 a.m. to watch tomorrow’s interview.

Media Alert: On the Air with NECN’s Broadside

This evening the Senate Republican Caucus will be guests on NECN’s Broadside.  They will be discussing the current state of the Massachusetts Senate and the need for balance and different perspectives.  Please tune in at 6:00 p.m. to watch what will surely be a lively discussion.

Senator Tarr's Statement on New Tax Increases

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement regarding today’s implementation of a 3-cents-per-gallon gas tax increase (with future increases tied to inflation), and a new 6.25 percent sales tax on computer software upgrades:

“Today, people who are working hard to pay their bills and employers who are trying to keep their businesses afloat in a stagnant economy are being hit with hundreds of millions of dollars in new taxes, taxes that could have and should have been avoided.  These sweeping new taxes represent the outcome of a choice the Legislature didn’t have to make, and now Massachusetts consumers and businesses are going to be forced to live with the consequences of that choice for years to come.

Both the House and Senate Republican Caucuses offered comprehensive alternative proposals during the transportation finance debate in April that would have paved the way for long-term sustainability, reliability and efficiencies within our transportation infrastructure without resorting to massive increases in taxes and spending.  Republicans offered a series of reforms that sought to capture the billions of dollars in promised savings from the 2009 Transportation Reform Act that have gone unrealized, while increasing the efficiency and integrity of the state’s transportation system and expanding partnership opportunities with the private sector, but those reforms were largely ignored.

In our quest to finance transportation improvements, we should not have forgotten our responsibility to protect the interests of the taxpayers and the state’s economy.  Unfortunately, we have lost sight of our obligation to the taxpayers, and now consumers and employers are left with a regressive gas tax increase that is running on auto-pilot, with no legislative accountability, and a new tax on computer software upgrades that the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation warns ‘strikes at the heart of the innovation economy and will stifle job creation for years to come’.”

Senator Tarr's Statement on Transportation Finance Bill Veto Override Vote

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today regarding the State Senate overriding a Governor’s veto to H.3535, An Act relative to transportation finance, which ultimately passed by a roll call vote of 35-5:

“The votes taken today to approve the Transportation Finance Bill over the objections of Governor Patrick put us on an unsound path of increasing taxes by hundreds of millions of dollars without first capturing promised savings from reform, burdening motorists with fuel taxes that will increase without legislative approval into perpetuity, and making a promising growth sector in computer software services less competitive by singling it out for a new tax.

Clearly our transportation systems need improvement, but the path chosen today subordinates savings, reform and economic growth to the types of taxing and spending solutions that have caused so many problems in the past.”

Senate Expected to Consider Housing Bond Bill

On Thursday the Massachusetts State Senate will consider a $1.4 billion housing bond bill, a five-year capital plan for the production and preservation of housing in the Commonwealth that includes $500 million to repair and improve public housing, $305 million dedicated to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and $135 million dedicated to the Housing Stabilization and Investment Trust Fund. 

Senators have until 3:00 p.m. today to file amendments to S.1835, “An Act financing the production and preservation of housing for low and moderate income residents”.  On June 5th, the House of Representatives passed a version of the bill unanimously by a vote of 148-0.

Posted below is a summary of the Housing Bond bill.  To read the text of the bill in its entirety please click here.

  

Summary to an Act Financing the Production and Preservation of Housing for Low and Moderate Income Resident...

Senate GOP Caucus Calls for Override of Local Aid Veto; Letter Urges House, Senate Leadership to Restore $177M for Cities and Towns

With municipalities facing a 19 percent reduction in state aid for Fiscal Year 2014, the Massachusetts Senate Republican Caucus is calling on House and Senate leadership to “prioritize and expedite” a vote to restore $177 million in unrestricted local aid recently cut by Governor Deval Patrick.

In a letter hand-delivered to Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) and House Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) Wednesday afternoon, the Caucus echoed Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Geoff Beckwith’s warning that a failure to overturn the Governor’s veto “would slash unrestricted municipal aid to 1986 levels and create widespread fiscal distress in nearly every city and town.”

“If this funding is not restored, communities across the state will be forced to lay off thousands of workers and to make devastating cuts to their police, fire and school departments and other essential municipal services,” the Caucus wrote.  The letter was signed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), Assistant Minority Leader Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Minority Whip Richard Ross (R-Wenham) and Senator Michael Knapik (R-Westfield), the Ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

The local aid reduction was announced by Governor Patrick on July 12, when he cut a total of $417 million in spending from the Fiscal Year 2014 budget.  In making the announcement, Patrick noted that the budget approved by the Legislature on July 1 relied in part on $183.5 million in funding included in a separate transportation finance bill.  That bill was returned unsigned by the Governor with an amendment on July 2.

“While Governor Patrick believes the level of new revenues the Legislature included in the transportation finance bill is insufficient to balance the budget, it is unconscionable to think that our 351 cities and towns should be asked to bear the brunt of his proposed budget cuts,” the Caucus wrote.  “Local governments are on the front lines in providing the basic services upon which our constituents depend, and are facing enormous pressure to balance their own budgets in the midst of a period of weak economic recovery.  Now is not the time for the state to renege on its budget promises, but to restore local aid to the levels endorsed by the House and Senate.”

A copy of the Caucus letter to President Murray and Speaker DeLeo is attached below.

July 17, 2013

The Honorable Therese Murray

President

Massachusetts State Senate

State House, Room 332

Boston, MA 02133

 

The Honorable Robert A. DeLeo

Speaker
Massachusetts House of Representatives
State House, Room 356
Boston, MA 02133

Dear President Murray and Speaker DeLeo:

We are writing to respectfully request that you prioritize and expedite the scheduling of an override vote on Governor Patrick’s veto of $177 million in local aid from the Fiscal Year 2014 budget.

The Governor’s $177 million veto announced on July 12 represents a 19 percent reduction in unrestricted local aid.  Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Geoff Beckwith has warned that this veto “would slash unrestricted municipal aid to 1986 levels and create widespread fiscal distress in nearly every city and town.”  If this funding is not restored, communities across the state will be forced to lay off thousands of workers and to make devastating cuts to their police, fire and school departments and other essential municipal services.

While Governor Patrick believes the level of new revenues the Legislature included in the transportation finance bill is insufficient to balance the budget, it is unconscionable to think that our 351 cities and towns should be asked to bear the brunt of his proposed budget cuts.  Local governments are on the front lines in providing the basic services upon which our constituents depend, and are facing enormous pressure to balance their own budgets in the midst of a period of weak economic recovery.  Now is not the time for the state to renege on its budget promises, but to restore local aid to the levels endorsed by the House and Senate.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request.  We look forward to working with both of you to override the Governor’s veto and to restore local aid to our cities and towns.   

Sincerely,

Bruce Tarr
State Senator

Robert Hedlund         
State Senator

Michael Knapik

State Senator

 

Richard Ross

State Senator

Happy Independence Day!

“The United States is the only country with a known birthday. All the rest began, they know not when, and grew into power, they know not how. If there had been no Independence Day, England and America combined would not be so great as each actually is. There is no "Republican," no "Democrat," on the Fourth of July — all are Americans. All feel that their country is greater than party”. ~James G. Blaine

On July 4, 1776, people of all walks of life joined together and declared their independence as a free nation.  A country was born, and a people were united in demanding for their rightful freedom as Americans.  That legacy lives on today, and it is my hope that we all take a few moments to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made on this country’s behalf and of those servicemen and women stationed overseas who continue to fight for our way of life.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Remembering the Battle of Gettysburg 150 Years Later

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr provided the following message regarding the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg:

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” – The Gettysburg Address, President Abraham Lincoln, November 1863.

On this day in 1863, two armed forces, one being the Union and the other being the Confederacy, engaged on a field in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in one of the bloodiest battles ever in US history during the American Civil War.  For three days the battle raged on, resulting in over 46,000 casualties combined from both armies.

The Union endured a barrage of attacks to its flanks by the Confederate Army, before the two sides met head on.  The three day battle proved to be a major turning point in the Civil War, due to the many successes the Union had at Gettysburg.  From the defense of Little Round Top by the 20^th Maine to “Pickett’s Charge”, the courageous efforts of those Union soldiers who fought during those three days kept not only their army intact, but kept a nation united.

My hope is that we all take some time out of our day to reflect on the sacrifices made that day and the people who made them on our behalf.  We are a better people, and a better nation because of their bravery.  Through the stewardship of President Abraham Lincoln, our country became whole once more.

Senator Tarr's Statement on FY2014 Budget

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today after the Legislature’s enactment of the Fiscal Year 2014 state budget:

“The Fiscal Year 2014 state budget approved by the House and Senate today and sent to Governor Patrick responds to many important spending priorities, and yet represents a substantial increase in state spending over the current fiscal year.

That increase in turn is dependent on major tax increases that will have a real impact on individuals, families and employers struggling to balance household budgets and create jobs and economic growth.  A gas tax increase that grows with inflation will be a continuing burden for drivers, and a new tax on computer and software services threatens to obstruct the growth of one of our most promising sectors, sending jobs to our competitor states.

Amidst major increases in spending and taxes, important reforms remain incomplete or undone in areas such as our welfare system, health care costs, procurement and transportation.

The focus of the budget should not be limited solely to spending, but to real priorities like implementing cost savings and helping employers create jobs.  With unemployment rising and reports that the economic recovery is stalling, we should not be creating major obstacles to economic growth.”

Senate Republican Caucus Fights to Keep Massachusetts Healthcare System Affordable

With the Massachusetts State Senate set to debate a bill requiring the Commonwealth to move forward in the process to conform with insurance provisions mandated by the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Senate Republican Caucus has filed several key amendments to keep rising healthcare costs down, to study the cost of new federal mandates and taxes, and prevent the federal act from penalizing Massachusetts residents with costly new insurance measures.

“Our state government has worked diligently to control costs, increase access to coverage, and create a model for others to follow when it comes to healthcare,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr.  “We shouldn’t now be penalized and punished by a federal law that takes away critical components of that model, and in doing so, causes undue costs for consumers and economic penalties for employers.”

Among the amendments that Senator Tarr, Assistant Minority Leader Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Minority Whip Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) and Ranking Senate Ways and Means Committee member Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) are seeking to secure include measures to:

•  Require reporting of the cost to comply with ACA mandates by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector, and the Center for Health Information Analysis, and the Health Policy Commission;

• Require reporting of the impacts associated with the medical device tax imposed by the act on Massachusetts manufacturers by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, and the Department of Revenue;

• Eliminate the mandate that all insurance policies must have prescription drug coverage, which increases premiums and limits choice;

• Increase of the membership of the Health Insurance Connector to include a consumer organization, and three who represent employers in various geographical locations and employee size;

• Increase the number of association health plan cooperatives to allow small businesses to purchase health insurance as a group; and

• Strengthen Federal Waiver efforts to prevent Massachusetts from losing tools to control insurance costs such as rating factors and annual rate settings.

Rather than the state summarily proceeding with the elimination of cost reducing health insurance rating factors that provide both small and large businesses with the financial flexibility to provide affordable healthcare to their employees, Senate Republicans want the state to go beyond the January 2016 phase-in extension provided by the federal government to seek an outright waiver of many of the costly provisions.

“Ensuring every Massachusetts citizen continues to have access to affordable health care coverage is paramount to strengthening our Commonwealth and growing our economy,” said Senator Hedlund.  “We need to make sure the progress we have made in creating a model for the rest of the nation continues to evolve rather than take a backseat to federal regulations that weaken our goal of access and affordability.”

“Massachusetts has become the model for the entire nation on quality health care reform,” said Senator Ross. “It is a shame that the federal government is now implementing new regulations that will effectively detract from the great strides that the Commonwealth has made in making affordable health care available. The federal government should refrain from interfering with a state’s working model, particularly one that has shown such success.”

“The federal Affordable Care Act should strengthen our model for healthcare, not weaken it.  We need to take decisive action to push back against federal measures that will undermine our state’s chances for success in controlling costs and increasing access,” said Senator Tarr.

Remember to Vote Today!

Today brings an important opportunity for everybody to vote for their candidate of choice in the special U.S. Senate election.  Please remember to visit your local polling location and cast your ballot by 8:00pm 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 today’s ballots.

Senate GOP Caucus Successful in Amending Senate Welfare Reform Bill

The Massachusetts State Senate debated a major welfare reform bill on Thursday aimed to prevent significant fraud and abuse within the Massachusetts public assistance system recently identified in reports made by the state’s Inspector General and State Auditor.  Seizing the opportunity to enhance Senate Bill 1805, An Act encouraging low-income savings and economic opportunity, with substantive reforms, the Senate Republican Caucus succeeded in strengthening the welfare reform measure by providing new tools to combat fraudulent accounts, abuse of the system, and preventing unacceptable waste.

“Today the Senate has taken decisive steps to reform our state’s welfare system and begin to rebuild the precious public trust and program integrity that have been seriously damaged by a system with too much tolerance for waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).  “Our caucus has been unrelenting in the pursuit of necessary reform measures, and we are pleased that many of them have been incorporated into the bill that now leaves the Senate chamber.”

“Our steadfast efforts to reform our broken and wasteful welfare system finally paid off today.  While not a perfect bill, today our Caucus was successful in making the reforms stronger and penalties tougher.  While this is a significant step in protecting taxpayer dollars against waste and abuse, we must remain vigilant in making sure this Welfare Reform Bill is not weakened on its way to becoming law,” said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth).

The bill released to the floor for debate already included several important provisions championed by the caucus, including:

• Ending the shell game of issuing a temporary placeholder number in lieu of an accurate Social Security number;

• Implementing the most vigorous system possible for verification of eligibility and identity by requiring the cross checking of all available state, federal, and commercial databases;

• Including the DTA website and fraud hotline on all EBT cards; and

• Ensuring EBT cardholders and those individuals who are authorized users are in fact the ones using them by verifying their identity through such tools as photos, fingerprints or other means of identification.

During yesterday’s debate Republican efforts continued to strengthen the bill through several key amendments. Many of the amendments that Senator Tarr, Senator Hedlund, Minority Whip Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) and Ranking Senate Ways and Means Committee member Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) succeeded in securing include:

• Requiring the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to implement an electronic system to reduce inefficiencies and inaccuracies caused by an abundance of paperwork;

• Requiring the fraud detection program in DTA to refer any cases of suspected fraud to the Program Integrity Division within DTA and the Bureau of Special Investigations in the State Auditor’s office;

• Ensuring the DTA maintains proper control and custody of blank EBT cards, addressing the concern highlighted in a State Auditor’s report identifying over 30,000 missing blank EBT cards;

• Suspending the liquor and Lottery licenses of those businesses that repeatedly allow prohibited items to be purchased with EBT funds for 30 days;

• Requiring the DTA to post all reports online that are mandated by the bill;

• Requiring the DTA to conduct an enhanced review of recipients that use cash assistance in states outside of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and Vermont;

• Enhancing the penalties of the crime of EBT trafficking on a third offense from 5 to 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $25,000, an increase of the current $5,000 penalty;

• Denying the possibility of welfare benefits for those ordered to register as a sex offender but who fail to do so following the hearing of an appeal;

• Requiring welfare recipients who participate in training or education programs to prove their attendance and participation in them; and

• Preventing illegal immigrant families from displacing legal residents within public housing.

“Our constituents have called for legislative action to ensure those who are charged with spending taxpayer dollars are held to the highest standard,” Senator Knapik said. “Although several efforts offered by the Republican Caucus to increase accountability were defeated, I am pleased with the legislature’s efforts to restore integrity to the commonwealth’s public assistance programs and foster a more accessible pathway to self-sufficiency for our state’s most vulnerable citizens.”

“This legislation is a significant step forward in tackling the waste and fraud that has distressed the Commonwealth’s welfare system. Not only will these reforms strengthen and enhance the integrity of the system, but they will provide helpful resources for recipients to access employment opportunities and increase their financial independence,” said Senator Ross.

“Following the passage of this bill we will remain committed to capturing every opportunity for reform, including securing its passage into law,” said Senator Tarr.

Senate GOP Caucus Puts Real Welfare Reform on the Table in Advance of Thursday's Debate

With the Senate scheduled to debate a major welfare reform bill on Thursday, the Senate Republican Caucus is preparing to offer a series of substantive reforms that will strengthen the bill and provide significant new tools to alleviate fraud, waste and abuse.

“We are taking advantage of the opportunity before us to have a real debate on welfare reform, to strengthen the bill and to get meaningful reforms that will achieve real results,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), who noted that many of the reforms contained in the proposed bill released by the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Monday have long been considered priorities by the Caucus and have been offered as amendments as recently as last month during the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget debate.

“Our Caucus has been steadfast in its commitment to welfare reform, and we are going to persist until the job gets done,” said Senator Tarr.

Tarr, along with Assistant Minority Leader Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Minority Whip Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) and Ranking Senate Ways and Means Committee member Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) plan to file several amendments before Wednesday’s noontime deadline, including proposals to:

· Impose mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients who are arrested or convicted of a drug-related crime, and remove cash benefits for those who test positive for drugs;

· Eliminate cash benefits for high risk users, as recommended by The Ripples Group in its December 2012 report, a proposal that mirrors language included in last year’s Senate budget requiring direct payments for rent and utilities that was later vetoed by Governor Patrick;

· Ensure that people who are in the country illegally cannot displace people who are here legally on the waiting list for state subsidized housing, similar to the policy used for federally subsidized housing;

· Suspend the liquor and Lottery licenses of those businesses that repeatedly allow prohibited items to be purchased with EBT funds;

· Require non-EBT card holders using cards on behalf of another to be identified, given prior authorization and have their use of these cards tracked;

· Require all waivers and extension requests to go through the DTA Commissioner’s Office by taking these decisions out of the hands of caseworkers; and

· Direct DTA to develop and implement an inventory control system for EBT cards.

 “We have been awaiting the opportunity for a full and formal debate on welfare reform, and it appears that we will have that debate on Thursday,” said Senator Tarr.  “We want to leave no stone unturned in the quest to restore integrity and accountability and transparency to the welfare system on behalf of the people who truly need and deserve benefits and the taxpayers who pay for these benefits.”

“It is clear from the proposed Senate Ways and Means bill that our Caucus’ steadfast efforts to reform our broken and wasteful welfare system has started to pay off,” said Senator Hedlund.  “We need to finish the job during Thursday’s debate and give the taxpayers of Massachusetts lasting reform that is meaningful and effective.  The final welfare reform bill must ensure tax dollars are being used to help our veterans, elderly and families in need and not wasted on fraud and abuse.  Only then can we begin to restore the integrity of this very important service of state and local government.”

“We need to ensure that all who possess EBT cards use them responsibly, and in the fashion and spirit in which the taxpayer would hope was intended,” said Senator Ross.

“The Department of Transitional Assistance was never intended to become a crutch; it was intended to help people empower themselves,” added Senator Knapik.  “That is what we are looking to do again. By amending the current proposal, we can create a program of high integrity that provides people with the pathways to jobs and ultimately self-sufficiency.”

Senator Tarr's Statement on Today's Release of Senate Welfare Reform Bill

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today regarding the unveiling of the Senate’s welfare reform proposal:

“The bill released today by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and offered by Senate President Murray and others reflects a comprehensive approach that seeks to transition recipients away from dependence on welfare programs and towards sustainable economic independence.  The bill also contains some critical reforms to address fraud and abuse, although it does not contain additional reforms that were offered during Senate budget deliberations.  Today, however, it appears that the long-awaited opportunity for the Senate to act decisively to reform the welfare system is now just days away.  We look forward to fully engaging in the debate to make the bill stronger and working with our colleagues to achieve the goals of transparency, accountability and program integrity.  A prime opportunity is now before us and we have no time to waste to capture its potential.”

Senate Caucus Renews Call for Welfare Reforms

With the promise of yet another bill on Beacon Hill aimed at improving a welfare system in desperate need of real reform, the Senate Republican Caucus is vowing to take action on whatever legislative vehicle comes before the Senate to ensure that meaningful reforms are incorporated within a system wrought with fraudulence and a lack of integrity.

Last year, the Legislature made substantial reforms to the welfare system in the Fiscal Year 2013 budget, many of which were championed by the Senate Republican Caucus, including charging recipients for replacement EBT cards; prohibiting the purchase of certain goods and services with EBT cards, such as alcohol, tobacco, tattoos and jewelry; and imposing penalties on recipients and store owners who violate these provisions.  Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), Assistant Minority Leader Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Minority Whip Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) and Ranking Senate Ways and Means Committee member Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) believe that it is now time for the Legislature to build on those reforms to ensure the integrity of the state’s public assistance programs.

“How many audits is it going to take before we stop talking about reforms and start taking action?” said Senator Tarr.  “We shouldn’t be contemplating spending billions of dollars in the state budget and adding millions of dollars in new taxes when we are allowing welfare dollars to be spent in the name of the deceased.  It is intolerable that public assistance dollars continue to be wasted on those who fraudulently abuse them while others deservedly need them.”

The Senate Republican Caucus believes that any welfare reform measure – regardless of whether it originates in the House or the Senate – should not move forward without these components:

·  Ending the shell game of issuing a temporary placeholder number in lieu of an accurate Social Security number;

·  Ensuring that people who are in the country illegally cannot displace people who are here legally on the waiting list for state subsidized housing, similar to the policy used for federally subsidized housing;

·  Implementing the most vigorous system possible for verification of eligibility and identity by requiring the cross checking of all available state, federal, and commercial databases;

·  Promoting a clear path of information sharing for law enforcement, the Bureau of Special Investigations and DTA by designating a law enforcement liaison to ensure proper coordination and communication in the investigation of fraud and abuse;

·  Providing the Inspector General with the authority and the resources to operate an independent division of program oversight and integrity to ensure continued and sustained oversight of the state’s welfare system;

·  Including the DTA website and fraud hotline on all EBT cards; and

·  Ensuring EBT cardholders and those individuals who are authorized users are in fact the ones using them by verifying their identity through such tools as photos, fingerprints or other means of identification.

“We are going to insist that these common sense reforms are included in whatever bill moves forward,” said Senator Tarr.

“Given the extent and growing evidence of abuse and waste in our welfare system, reform must be meaningful, effective and have lasting results,” said Senator Hedlund.  “The reforms we continue to push for will help ensure that the millions of dollars in abuse and waste instead go to helping our veterans, elderly and families in need.  Passing these reforms is essential to restoring the integrity of a very important function of state and local government.”

Recent reports by the Inspector General’s office and the State Auditor’s office have shed light on a number of ongoing problems at DTA, including multiple EBT recipients associated with the same Social Security number, multiple Social Security numbers being used by one individual, and some recipients having no Social Security number.

“While Interim Commissioner Stacey Monahan has been responsive at addressing these deficiencies within the welfare system, the magnitude of the problem clearly demands corresponding legislative action,” said Senator Tarr.

“The Legislature has been made acutely aware of the frustrations and concerns that are felt by our constituents as they witness the many issues plaguing the Commonwealth’s public assistance programs,” Senator Knapik said.  “Reports from the Auditor and the Inspector General have confirmed major deficiencies exist within these programs. As stewards of the public purse, we have an obligation to respond and address any fraudulent or negligent use of public funds. I am pleased to join my colleagues in supporting these common sense reforms to ensure the long-term viability of these safeguards.”

“It has become evident that our public assistance programs are plagued with abuses and inefficiencies. By implementing these reforms, we will provide proper safeguards against potential fraud in the broken system and ensure that these funds are reserved for those individuals and families who are truly in need,” said Senator Ross.

“Now is the time for decisive legislative action that gets to the heart of real reform.  We can’t afford to have important measures lost in a flurry of bills and a tangled legislative process,” said Senator Tarr.