Veteran Affairs

As your State Senator, John has worked with the Veterans Administration and the Executive Office of Veterans Affairs to ensure proper funding for veterans’ programs. Having served as the Quincy City Council’s liaison to the Quincy Veterans Council, and now on the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, John knows firsthand how important it is to provide counseling programs, outreach centers, tax relief, and educational and training opportunities for veterans of all ages. He has established close working relationships with local veteran services officers and veterans groups throughout the Senate district, just as he has done in Quincy.

Pension Reform

Having served as the director of one of the largest pension systems in the State, John knows what parts of the pension system work, and what parts need reform. He has brought a fresh perspective to the State House on pension issues.  He opposed recently passed pension legislation, arguing that it created a dual system that benefits one group of employees at the expense of others, and he succeeded in eliminating pension perks and pension grabs for the favored few. John will continue to work to put the pension systems on solid footings to protect those who have earned and rely on those pensions, and to protect state and local taxpayers.

State Budget

The Governor has filed House 2, his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2013.  The budget proposal calls for spending of $32.3 billion, which is about 3% higher than the current FY 2012 spending plan, and closes an estimated budget gap of $1.3 billion.   The Governor’s plan relies on cuts and savings of approximately $550 million, new revenue proposals of about $215 million (including an increase in the tax on cigarettes, an expansion of the bottle bill, and eliminating the sales tax exemption for soft drinks and candy), and a draw of about $545 million from the state stabilization fund.

A spike in the health care section of the budget accounts for nearly $782 million of the $1.3 billion overall increase in spending, with most of the increase covering MassHealth and other health reform programs that have seen growth in enrollment and costs.

The Governor proposes an increase in education spending of approximately $240.6 million, with most of the increase, approximately $145.5 million, slated to meet Chapter 70 K-12 funding requirements.   The education budget also contemplates an increase of about $14.3 million for reforms to the community college system.

As for local aid to cities and towns, the Governor’s proposed FY 2013 budget includes $867.3 million, which is a cut of approximately $68.2 million from FY 2012 levels.   Like last year, the cut could be reversed if FY 2012 surpluses so allow.

The human services sections of the Governor’s budget increases by approximately $91.7 million, with most of the increase targeted for children, youth and families, and for disability services.  Given inflation, the proposed increase in spending will nonetheless result in significant cuts in human services.

John’s record on finances is one based on common sense – you don’t spend more than you can afford. John supported a Fiscal Year 2012 Senate budget that closed a multi-billion dollar budget gap.  Work is underway on the Senate’s proposed Fiscal Year 2013 budget, and John has again called for responsible spending, a budget that will be balanced and yet provide essential services for the residents of the Commonwealth.

John will continue to make the tough decisions necessary to responsibly balance the budget in the short-term, and to provide for structurally sound budgets in the future.

Environment

John supports alternative energy solutions for Massachusetts, provided they offer real potential for positive impacts on the environment, and cost savings for homeowners and businesses. Alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal are critical to improving our environment and decreasing our dependence on foreign oil. Locally, the preservation of open space and the cleanup of local bays, rivers, lakes and streams is critical to the long-term environmental health of our communities. Development within our communities should be sensitive to the scale and impact upon our local environments. As your State Senator, John has worked with local governments and groups on issues of environmental concern.

Supporting Cities and Towns

As a former City Councilor, John knows firsthand that it is at the local level where essential services are provided. People look to their local police and fire departments to deliver public safety, to local schools to educate their children, to public works departments to plow and maintain roads, and to libraries, parks, senior centers and public works departments to ensure the quality of life in our communities. For too long the state budget has cut local aid to cities and town, balancing the state budget on the backs of local property taxpayers. Our communities of Abington, Braintree, Holbrook, Rockland and Quincy have been forced to raise taxes and drastically cut services. As your Senator, John has fought for predictable local aid, and will continue his efforts to make the state more accountable to our local property taxpayers.

Seniors

As our population ages, it is critical that we as a society offer to our seniors quality, affordable and safe housing, and ensure quality affordable health care. We have an obligation to provide a continuum of housing and care for our seniors, including independent living, assisted living, and nursing care options, as well as affordable services for seniors who choose to stay in their homes.  As your State Senator, John has worked tirelessly for those who worked for us throughout their lives.