And if THAT were not enough of an INSULT:
"Robert A. DeLeo created an additional House committee chairmanship that carries a $7,500 stipend on top of legislators' base salary of $61,440"
C'mon, Bob, stop shoveling us shit!!!"DeLeo warns state budget cuts will be in the billions" by Matt Viser, Globe Staff | April 1, 2009
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo painted a dire picture of the budget for the next fiscal year yesterday, warning a breakfast meeting of business leaders that cuts will be in the billions and that federal stimulus money will not be enough to solve many of the problems.
"I want to warn you that the cuts that are required to balance this budget . . . will cut to the very core of government's purpose and mission," DeLeo said at the meeting of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
What, that mean the TAXPAYER GIVEAWAYS to HOLLYWOOD and BIOTECH are going to STOP?
How many times I gotta put them up?
The State Budget Swindle
Governor Guts State Services
Pigs at the State Trough
A Slow Saturday Special: Statehouse Slush Fund
Hollywood S***s on Massachusetts
"It is almost impossible to overstate how dire the situation is for us," he added.
Are YOU TIRED of being lIED TO and LOOTED, Bay Stater?
DeLeo also said the state should avoid tapping the state's reserve fund and should "not become captive to one-time revenue" by relying too heavily on federal subsidies approved by Congress as part of its economic stimulus package for states.
This from a guy who is PRO-CASINOS!!!
"This money, while a blessing, also creates a giant gap in local and state budgets when it inevitably dries up," he said. "Massachusetts cannot become captive to onetime revenue."
After the address, DeLeo told reporters that House lawmakers are reluctant to go along with Governor Deval Patrick's proposal to raise hotel and meals taxes. That money would account for at least $155 million. Later in the day, Patrick kept up the pressure for that local taxing power.
"The more things of that kind that you take off the table, the harder it will be for local communities who are dealing with reductions in local aid," he said. "Every single one of those proposals is about a targeted way of helping to plug that gap, so this is all about choices right now.
That is ALL THEY KNOW HOW TO DO: RAISE TAXES when WE NEED to LOWER and ELIMINATE THEM!!!! You KNOW WHERE to START FIRST, guverner!!!!!
"We put our ideas on the table," the governor said. "We're looking forward to seeing what ideas come forward from the House."
DeLeo said that next year's budget will probably have fewer earmarks in it. When he was chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, DeLeo was able to use the budget process to deliver for members so effectively that the earmarks became known as "DeLeo dollars."
During his 18-minute address, which was the first time he spoke to the group as speaker, DeLeo also emphasized his small-town roots - he is from Winthrop - and his approach to his new post.
Pffffffffffftttttt!
"I do not view government as a game where I compete with fellow officials for credit and airtime," he said. "My goal is to work with the governor and Senate president as partners."
DeLeo reaffirmed his support for expanded gambling, saying he expected the House to debate either slots or casinos this session. "Later on in the legislative session you are going to see us take up this issue, and you are going to see us debate it in full," he said.
"the state.... should not become captive to one-time revenue" -- Bob DeLeo
Aaaaaaarrrrrrrgggggghhh!!!!
Also see: A Big Fat Front-Page Lie
Rhode Island First State to Bail Out Casinos
Still want them coming here?
I guess voting down gambling doesn't mean anything, either.
"the Legislature could amend or repeal the new law, as they have done with prior initiatives passed by the voters"
He also said that he has spoken with Patrick several times about gambling and said the chairman whose committee would review the legislation, Representative Brian Dempsey, has been meeting with people to discuss what approach to take.
Dempsey did not return calls seeking comment. DeLeo also used the speech to highlight the need to overhaul the state's ethics, pension, and transportation laws.
"Right now, I can't say that those of us engaged in public service are held in very high regard," he said. "Clearly, we've got a lot of work to do."
He's right about that.
So, number one, STOP LOOTING!!!
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That's why I didn't and don't take this type of stuff seriously:
State lawmakers, in an effort to quell public anger, displayed unified determination yesterday to wipe from the books some of the generous deals, custom-tailored laws, and hidden provisions that for decades have allowed some Massachusetts public employees to win enhanced retirement benefits....
This after they VOTED IT ALL IN for themselves!!!
Yup, FOX gonna guard the hen house!!!!
How 'too-pid do they t'ink we ares?
Lawmakers have been eager to project that they are busy on major changes. Last week, the Senate approved transportation overhaul, which the House plans to take up next week. The House adopted an ethics reform proposal last week.
Yeah, that's the IMAGE they want to PROJECT! Now, the reality....
The moves come in response to diminishing public confidence in the ability of elected officials to tighten state ethics and lobbying laws. A recent poll of 400 Massachusetts voters found that only 12 percent rated the level of ethics as good or excellent.
And they have EARNED EVERY BIT of SCORN, the LYING LOOTERS!!!!
The Globe has published stories about town moderators and a library trustee who counted their volunteer service toward pensions, and public officials who began collecting early, enhanced pensions after they were fired from state government.
Please see: Moderate Massachusetts Looters
The Globe reported Sunday that a majority of Revere's 11 part-time city councilors are collecting full pensions while remaining on the municipal payroll and collecting about $25,000 in annual council compensation. Revere is part of DeLeo's district, a topic that the speaker did not address during the press conference....
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Also see: The 2009 Ride of Paul Revere
Related: DeLeo's Dilemma
