Okay, before you read the budget cuts, tax increases, and lame excuses, remember this:
It's okay to be "flushing . . . millions of dollars away supporting a highly profitable industry" when it comes to $300 million in taxpayer dollars for Hollywood is o.k., even as the price of a school lunch rises; paying $13 million for a computer software system that could have cost less than $3 million is all right because the winner was a close friend of the House speaker, even as my poorer-than-dirt district "has been struggling to close a $2 million budget gap."; the lottery shelling out "millions of dollars" for sports tickets for "lottery officials, their family members, and friends" is fine, even as schools are closing; making interest payments to banks to the tune of "a staggering $22 billion" for the Big Pit, as we call it around here, is required, even as bridges are neglected across the state; and again, paying off banks like UBS, who can "demand repayment of an additional $2 million a month beginning in January" while also receiving a "$179 million payment," while the state pension fund loses $1 billion dollars -- which still didn't stop the executive director from carving himself a nice "$64,000 bonus on top of his $322,000 annual salary."
Yup, the BILLION DOLLAR GIVEAWAY to the pharmaceutical corporations was a GOOD THING, even though "it's never been easy to turn a profit in biotech?" Flush that money away, too, taxpayer.
And look whose backs they are balancing the budget with: the blind, mentally ill, kids, and cripples!!
Of course, "one of the governor's pet projects, the $3 million Commonwealth Corporation, is only taking a 5 percent trim."
And that is not counting the troubles at the Turnpike!
"The authority was attempting to renegotiate terms of a complex financial deal with the banking giant UBS. Known as a swaption, the arrangement could force the authority to pay out a $450 million lump sum"
Of course, the war looters were next in line for a handout. And should the state be appropriating money for a "multimillion-dollar reconstruction" of golf courses?
Nor is it RECKLESS to BORROW the STATE INTO OBLIVION so they can PAY INTEREST to BANKS while SITTING ON $2 BILLION DOLLARS!
Need one final insult, Mass. taxpayers?
"Town officials... are trying to decide how much of a property tax break to offer and how they can secure state funding for infrastructure improvements.... although it could take several years for the studio to realize its potential"
Also see: Hollywood, Massachusetts
Hollywood (East) Disses Veterans
More Mass. $$$ to Movie Makers
The Money Pipeline From Massachusetts to Israel
Sorry, that wasn't it:
"$5m in tax breaks going to IBM for Littleton project
The Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council approved $5 million in state and local tax breaks for IBM Corp., which recently began a $63 million expansion in Littleton. IBM vice president Bob McDonald said the company plans to create 42 jobs at the site over the next decade. McDonald said the computer giant, based in Armonk, N.Y., has already begun renovating a building and hopes to move into it next month. McDonald said the tax incentives were important, but the company would have gone forward with the expansion without them. IBM has 4,000 employees in Massachusetts, including about 2,000 in Littleton (Boston Globe October 30 2008)."
Excuse me?
A $5 MILLION TAXPAYER GIVEAWAY that IBM DIDN'T EVEN WANT?
Need just a bit more?
"Patrick would divert capital gains revenue to rainy day fund" by Casey Ross, Globe Staff | January 28, 2009
Umm, guv, it is F****** POURING ALREADY, kay?
Governor Deval L. Patrick, moving to end the state's reliance on volatile tax collections from capital gains, wants to establish a new savings account to reserve some of that money for use in times of financial distress.
You mean, LIKE NOW?
Yeah, PUT MONEY ASIDE while you CUT SPENDING and SERVICES!!!
The creation of the account would significantly alter the state's method of managing its tax collections, forcing officials to separate capital gains collections from revenues raised through income and sales taxes, according to two Patrick administration officials briefed on the plan.
State budget leaders would be required to create a detailed forecast for capital gains collections at the beginning of each budget year. When revenues come in higher than expected, budget officials would have to transfer the money to a holding fund instead of spending it. At the end of the year, any leftover money would be transferred to the state's permanent savings account, known as the rainy day fund....
That's why they needed to keep the income tax and raise taxes on you when they are cutting services. So which corporations are going to benefit from the "rainy day" fund, and how much is going to be pipe-lined to Israel?
*****************
However, one top lawmaker voiced reservations about the proposal. "I wouldn't close the door on this, but there are other priorities to think about here," said state Senator Cynthia Creem, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Committee on Revenue. "We have roads, bridges, and other things in disrepair, so we could look at setting aside capital gains to maintain those resources."
What? SPEND TAX MONEY on the PEOPLE?
Ha-ha-ha-ha!!
Here in MASSACHUSETTS?
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!
HAPPY READING, readers -- and especially Massachusetts residents. Bunch of Democratic fools!
"Patrick proposes broad cuts, taxes; Plan could spur widespread layoffs" by Matt Viser, Globe Staff | January 29, 2009
Governor Deval Patrick announced a series of far-reaching proposals yesterday to address the worst economic crisis to hit the state in decades, calling for a range of new taxes on such items as alcohol and soft drinks and higher fees at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, combined with deep cuts in local aid, education, and healthcare that will probably trigger layoffs across the state.
In producing his emergency measures to balance this year's budget and in his budget proposal for the next fiscal year, the governor wants to generate $587 million in new taxes, fees, and other revenue and has proposed draining a total of $913 million from the state's rapidly shrinking rainy day fund.
Even with those dramatic moves, Patrick's budget is still relying on Congress and President Obama to come to the rescue with at least $1.2 billion for Massachusetts as part of the federal government's overall economic stimulus package.
The pain will flow down to local communities. Patrick said yesterday he would freeze the local school aid distribution, which would withhold $300 million that otherwise would have been sent to schools across the state. That measure is expected to trigger teacher layoffs, school closings, and larger class sizes.
He also proposed cutting judiciary spending and Medicaid and slicing state subsidies to public colleges and university budgets by more than $100 million. Libraries that serve the blind in Worcester and Watertown would see cuts, and funding for the mentally and physically disabled would be reduced.
What AGAIN? Are you NOT OUTRAGED?
GIVING AWAY BILLIONS while DOING THIS!
"Taken together, these measures are right and necessary steps to get us through these difficult times," Patrick said at a State House press conference.
He makes me sick! GET it from HOLLYWOOD!
Patrick's belt-tightening plans are even more severe than those developed in 2003 by Governor Mitt Romney, who sought cuts to local aid and higher fees on everything from commercial licenses to fees at state golf courses.
Yeah, Romney was pilloried by the papers for it, but not this guy! But then again, that's Massachusetts' "liberal" culture and big-city press for you!
I WANT Mitt BACK!!! We MISS HIM around here. State was managed better.
The release of his midyear plan for fiscal 2009 and his proposed budget for fiscal 2010, which begins July 1, are the starting point for debates that will feature aggressive lobbying by alcohol retailers, restaurant and hotel trade groups, and unions. The budgets are already drawing fire from some who say deeper cuts are required.
In all, the governor would extract new taxes, fees, and other payments from Massachusetts residents and businesses of more than $500 million. The governor also wants to allow local communities to raise meals and hotel taxes by an additional percentage point and eliminate a tax exemption for telecommunications companies, which combined could generate $200 million.
Yup, all these promises and projections -- and then they'll tell us they need even more later.
"This is an opening salvo," said Christopher Anderson, president of the Massachusetts High Technology Council. "I've been around for 25 years, and every time there's a downturn, we make permanent tax changes to solve temporary budget problems."
And THAT is the PROBLEM with this state!
Patrick would raise $75 million, for example, by increasing charges at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, including hikes of $25 for getting a title for a car and $2 to renew a license. Eliminating an exemption on the state's 5 percent sales tax on alcohol, candy, soft drinks, and juice drinks would raise $150 million and be placed in a special health fund. (Administration officials have defined a juice drink as one that is less than 50 percent natural). Patrick would also expand the 5 cent deposit charge on carbonated sodas, beer, and malt beverages to include beverages such as water and juice drinks.
That's all they know how to do down there -- tax, tax, tax!
The governor said he recognized that increasing taxes and fees is difficult, but he said the alternative is worse. "I have looked at what the impact would be if we went deeper in terms of cutting services," Patrick said....
What, taking away money from corporate welfare accounts and bank payments?
And remember that income tax they got you to vote to keep on the premise that it would save services? So much for that!
Several groups, angry over the plan, are already laying the groundwork for protests and will begin lobbying legislators to make changes. "We think it's outrageous for them to single us out when our industry is reeling," said Peter Christie, president of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association....
Yeah, HE KNOWS about BIOTECH!
In addition to announcing his budget proposal for next fiscal year, Patrick also put forward his plan for addressing a $1.1 billion midyear shortfall in the current fiscal year. His immediate, emergency budget plan would eliminate $63 million from state government spending and cut $128 million from local aid, which would force local officials to close public schools, curtail library hours, and lay off teachers, police, and firefighters.
While we POUR MONEY into CORPORATE COFFERS with TAXPAYER GIVEAWAYS!
The cut to local aid will expand to $220 million in the next fiscal year if the Legislature approves the meals and hotel taxes, according to Patrick's plan. If those taxes are not approved, then the cut next year will be $375 million, Patrick has said.
So he says.
--more--"
Even his friends are complaining, although they don't know why:
"Health advocates left reeling after hearing budget plan; Key programs are scheduled to get sharp cuts" by Kay Lazar and Stephen Smith, Globe Staff | January 29, 2009
Several key public health programs, including the state's landmark tobacco control initiative, face sharp cuts under the state budget proposed yesterday by Governor Deval Patrick for the next fiscal year.
The $28 billion spending plan also freezes Medicaid reimbursement rates for doctors and hospitals who care for poor patients, after steep cuts made in October.
"We have a state that has been visionary in pioneering health reform and universal coverage," said Dr. Bruce Auerbach, president of the Massachusetts Medical Society and head of emergency care at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. "Anything we do that reduces the ability of physicians to care for Medicaid patients is going to negatively impact our pursuit of true healthcare reform."
Related: Why the Nation Doesn't Need Massachusetts Health Care
The state's closely observed health insurance initiative, which requires most adults to have coverage, emerged largely, but not entirely, untouched in the budget blueprint. A program that provided $3.5 million to help the uninsured enroll for health coverage was eliminated, just as thousands of Bay State residents are losing their jobs.
But they are here to help -- as long as it is shoveling taxpayer dollars out the door.
The governor's tax proposal also touched on public health: He is seeking new levies on alcohol, candy, and sweetened beverages. According to administration estimates, those new tariffs would generate $121.5 million for public health initiatives, if the Legislature goes along with them.
Overall, Patrick framed the cuts as difficult but necessary in a failing economy, saying that "we have to make do with less."
Yeah, sure. TELL IT to HOLLYWOOD, RAYTHEON, and the BIOTECHS!!!!
As an army of advocates digested Patrick's complex budget proposals - which reduced 2009 spending, along with outlining spending for 2010 - concern focused primarily on the Department of Public Health, which had enjoyed a revival after sustaining deep budget cuts during the administration of Mitt Romney.
At the start of the current budget year, the Patrick administration and the Legislature had committed a total of $639 million to programs that treat substance abusers, discourage tobacco use, provide school nurses, and an array of other public health services. But because of the economy, Patrick has proposed slashing the agency's funding to $565 million, according to Tom Lyons, a Public Health Department spokesman.
"There's no way to get around this or sugarcoat it," Lyons said. "This is going to be a very stark budget year coming up."
An analysis by Tobacco Free Mass, an advocacy group, shows that spending on the state's tobacco control program will fall to $7.5 million from more than $12 million. Lyons confirmed that analysis.
Just wondering why STATE MONEY is being used to DISCOURAGE a LEGAL PRODUCT.
You CAN NOT LEGISLATE VICE and MORALITY -- NOR SHOULD YOU!
"We're disappointed because this is a program with a proven record of success," said Russet Breslau, executive director of Tobacco Free Mass. In 2007, adult smoking rates in Massachusetts dropped by 8 percent, the steepest decline in more than a decade. Breslau attributed it, in large part, to reinvigoration of the tobacco control campaign.
Figures from the Department of Public Health show that total spending on addiction and tobacco control services will drop more than 11 percent under the proposed budget. Programs designed to promote healthy behaviors, such as preventing teen pregnancy and providing dental services, face cuts totaling more than $20 million.
You know WHERE we could get that money, don't you, readers?
Similarly, initiatives that aim to improve nutrition and help children and families are confronting a $20 million reduction, although some of those services will be provided by another state agency, Lyons said.
And it goes on and on and on....
Patrick ordered that programs for nursing services to rape victims and aid to domestic violence victims be spared, Lyons said. The cuts proposed yesterday left health advocates reeling.
"We know this administration supports public health and wants to promote prevention and a sound and robust public health system, but this is a step backward," said Valerie Bassett, executive director of the Massachusetts Public Health Association, a confederation of health officials. "It's a step no one wants to take."
As long as it is pouring money into health care corporations pockets.
After a while, you get sick of this state drivel, don't you?
Many advocates are hoping Patrick will use an anticipated infusion of Medicaid funds from a federal stimulus package to restore cuts in health programs for the poor, including safety-net hospitals Boston Medical Center and Cambridge Health Alliance. But so far the governor has not committed to doing so.
He's not your friend, stoo-pid liberals, he's just another politician serving globalist interests.
"Using federal funding as intended to restore these services is a rational and important policy solution that the community is quickly rallying around, and hoping the governor will embrace," said Mike Fadel, executive vice president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.
--more--"More HEALTH CUTS:
"Hospital network will cut back; Closing of units, job cuts to affect services in 3 cities" by Liz Kowalczyk, Globe Staff | January 29, 2009
Cambridge Health Alliance said yesterday that it will reduce its workforce by more than 300 employees, end inpatient services at Somerville Hospital, and shut down its pediatric and addiction units. The three-hospital system, which serves many poor patients, also will scale back psychiatric care in Everett and close six primary care clinics. It has been struggling with its finances for at least a year, but state budget cuts last fall and the recession made the situation more dire, executives said.....
Hospital officials said they will eliminate the jobs of about 8 percent of the 3,900 employees, some through layoffs, and that nurses and other staff who work in units that are closing probably will be affected. The alliance's chief executive, Dennis Keefe, said.... "there may be some inconvenience for patients."
That's because THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU and it was NEVER ABOUT YOU! Health care is about MAKING $$$$$ in AmeriKa!
*********************
Hospital officials said the reorganization plan is more dramatic than initially planned because the already-struggling hospital system saw its government payments fall when the recession hit. In the fall, the state announced it would cut $40 million from what it gives Cambridge Health Alliance, the second-largest safety net provider for the poor after Boston Medical Center, for treating patients enrolled in the Medicaid program....
But we have TRILLIONS upon TRILLIONS for WARS and BANKS!!!!
--more--"
And it is NOT just the HEALTH SECTOR, folks; your KIDS (and by extension you, parents ) will take a screwing, too!
"The state's $96 million financial aid budget, which ranks among the country's least generous, held steady"
Oh, LIBERAL MASSACHUSETTS -- the state that CARES SO MUCH about "ejerkashen" -- is a MISER when it comes to FUNDING? Too busy sending taxpayer dollars you-know-where, right?
Hey, that's why a draft will be a good idea.
Oh, and while you ponder why you can't afford school, keep this in mind.
"I'm double dipping and I'm happy to be doing it," said Ralph Olsen, 62, who is finishing up his second year as principal of Durfee High School in Fall River and plans to return next school year. Olsen, who retired as Framingham High School principal in 2004, earns $87,311 a year in pension income and makes $140,000 a year in his new position....
Eugene Thayer... earns $192,000 a year as superintendent of Framingham schools.... His pension is worth an additional $85,000 a year"
This while teachers are being laid off and budgets cut.
KNOW WONDER they don't have money for the KIDS!!!
"State's public colleges, universities stand to lose in budget plan" by Peter Schworm, Globe Staff | January 29, 2009
Massachusetts public colleges and universities will lose more than $100 million in state subsidies next year under Governor Deval Patrick's proposed budget, a financial blow that coincides with a sharp rise in student interest in public schools.
How much is biotech getting? A cool billion?
The spending blueprint, announced today, reduces aid to community colleges, state colleges, and the University of Massachusetts by 11.6 percent. The lost revenue could force college leaders to increase student fees when a growing number of families are struggling financially.
But HOLLYWOOD isn't struggling!
"This is obviously a spectacularly bad time to be doing that," said Timothy Flanagan, president of Framingham State College. "Given families' situations, we'll be trying to keep fee increases as low as possible."
Under Patrick's budget, the five-campus University of Massachusetts system would receive $416 million next fiscal year, down from $470 million. The nine state colleges would receive $185 million, a $25 million drop, and the 15 community colleges would receive $204 million, a $27 million decline.
A spokesman for the University of Massachusetts system said the cuts would force fee hikes. The university has kept tuition and fee increases below the rate of inflation the past five years.
"The reductions clearly make an increase of some magnitude inevitable," said Robert Connolly, the spokesman. Patrick's budget did not specify how much individual schools would receive. Education officials said the reductions would vary. College officials said that not knowing their allocation hampers their budget planning.
The proposal needs legislative approval and will be debated in the coming months. The state's $96 million financial aid budget, which ranks among the country's least generous, held steady.
Richard Freeland, the state's commissioner of higher education, said the cuts would place pressure on state and community colleges at a time of heightened demand. For a state heavily reliant on an educated workforce, Massachusetts has long trailed other states in supporting public colleges.
Hey, FUCK the KIDS! Teaches 'em about the world!
That's an EDUCATION in and of itself, and the kids pick up on it!
"This is about years, if not generations, of not funding public higher education in a fully competitive way," Freeland said.
--more--"Still in luv with the guv, liberals?
