"Patrick defends House health bill; Says proposal unlike Wis. law" by Michael Levenson, Globe Staff / April 28, 2011
Governor Deval Patrick chided labor leaders yesterday for comparing the House plan to curb collective bargaining rights to a tougher law passed recently in Wisconsin.
He's a Democrat, although he has never really been a friend.
I'll bet if there were a Republican governor the bill would never have cleared the House.
“It’s very important that we dial down the rhetoric,’’ he said. “This is not Wisconsin. That’s not what the House did. I’m not going to sign a Wisconsin-type bill in the end.’’
Oh, he is REALLY a PIECE of WORK! Dial down the rhetoric as he chides labor!
And no, it is WORSE than Wisconsin because Wisconsin carved out exceptions for cops and firefighters in an effort to further divide the working and middle class.
Sounds like he's ready to sign it, doesn't it?
The governor was speaking hours after House lawmakers approved a bill that would limit the ability of municipal employees to bargain over their health care plans, in an effort to save cities and towns $100 million.
Related:
"Legislators also agreed last week to change legal language in the recently passed sales tax hike to assure credit agencies that $100 million earmarked for the Turnpike Authority would go toward paying off Big Dig debt"
Maybe the state could STOP PAYMENT on the DEBT SERVICE CHECK to BANKS instead, huh?
Also see: Mass. House Worse Than Wisconsin
They passed it late at night to avoid the unions and ruin their rally?
What cowards!!
The bill has touched off a fierce debate between labor leaders, who call it an assault on workers, and local officials who say it will help prevent layoffs and cuts in services.
That's how they sold you that sales tax hike, remember -- and we still got the layoffs and cuts!
The battle has driven a wedge between unions and their traditional allies in the Democrat-controlled Legislature.
Translation: Corporate ca$h is now king even in Ma$$achusett$.
Patrick, who has sought to find a middle ground on the issue....
Chiding labor is the middle ground?
The legislation resembles a plan that Patrick introduced in January....
But those Democrats are on your side! Way better than those icky Repuglicans (personally, I think they both stink of rancid, rotten feces).
Patrick’s plan would be mandatory for cities and towns, whereas the House bill would allow communities to cut their costs only if local officials vote to do so.
Oh, so Patrick's plan was more dictatorial, 'eh?
Yesterday, Patrick said he prefers a mandatory version, to ensure that cities and towns impose health insurance changes.
Somehow, those terms are just not ringing right with me in FREE America!
They sound much more like AmeriKa to me!
Business groups and local officials hope that the Senate follows the House’s lead....
I would consider it done despite what Murray seemed to indicate.
We KNOW WHO CALL$ the $HOT$ here in Ma$$achusett$.
Labor leaders, meanwhile, continued to denounce the bill. Several hundred police officers and firefighters packed the hall outside the House chamber yesterday, applauding lawmakers who voted against the bill and complaining to those who voted for it.
As a TAXPAYING CITIZEN I would rather have my money keeping cops and firefighters well-taken care of rather than going to banks, well-connected corporations, and lavish political lifestyles. No one wants an angry cop on patrol.
Related: Uniting With Hollywood
Oh, the state had $82 million to hand profitable Hollywood last year but they can't pick up the tab for your health care in the Massachusetts model?
“If you destroy that middle-class fabric, you’re going to destroy the economy, and destroy the country,’’ said Robert Costa, a 53-year-old police officer from Plympton. “It’s because of the unions that everybody makes a decent wage nowadays.’’
I think that IS the AGENDA and OBJECTIVE, yeah.
--more--"
How come I can not find how my representative voted here in Massachusetts, nor the number of the bill? Why doesn't the Globe give me these things? What kind of transparent and open democracy keeps voting records and bill numbers secret?
