"Group: Localities saved $80 million after curbing benefits" by Noah Bierman | Globe Staff, March 19, 2012
A taxpayer group said Monday that Massachusetts cities and towns have saved $80 million on health care since the state enacted a controversial law last year that forced teachers, firefighters, and other municipal employees to give up some of their collective bargaining rights....
But that's okay because Democraps were behind it.
Related: New Rules For Unions in Massachusetts
Mass. House Worse Than Wisconsin
Unions Surrender Rights in Massachusetts
Also see:
Massachusetts Lets Hollywood Roll Credits
Biotech Giveaway Was Borrowed Money
Massachusetts' Lost Decade of Jobs
Those Are the (Tax) Breaks in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Sales Tax Swindle
Memory Hole: Massachusetts' State Budget
Mass. State Budget: Screwing Cities and Towns
Of course, hundreds of millions a year thrown away in the form of corporate welfare or debt interest payments to banks is fine. It's the unions and caring for fellow citizens that are the problems.
I'll tell you, thank the Good Lord we are not a Republican state, 'eh?
Unions fought the loss of collective bargaining rights, but publicly supported the final bill, which gave them a finite window of time to bargain before local governments act unilaterally.
Paul Toner, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, said public employees have helped local governments save money under the new law.
“Teachers and other public employees have really stepped up to the plate in negotiating changes that have led to dramatic savings for cities and towns while also protecting retirees and employees who have high medical costs,’’ he said in a statement. “These changes have saved jobs and protected public education and other important services in our communities.’’
And not a shred of gratitude for it.
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