Why I am running

I am running for the state Senate, because I have had enough. I want an opportunity to help change the way state government does business.

I have had enough of the legislature refusing to deal with the critical budget problems facing our communities. The incumbents serving in the legislature refuse to cut taxes or spending. They refuse to confront the public pension crisis. They would rather raise our taxes than cut their bonuses or per diems. The incumbents refuse to help cities and towns deal with the health care crisis crushing our towns. Their failure hurts jobs and investments, because it creates uncertainty. I support and, as a state Senator, will sponsor legislation to:
 Give local officials authority to design their health insurance plans outside of collective bargaining;
 Require all eligible local retirees to enroll in Medicare as their primary source of health insurance.

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimates passing the first proposal will save about $100 million the first year and $2 billion annually by 2020. The second proposal, according to the same organization, would save up to $75 million annually.

I have had enough of the legislature’s chronic ethical lapses and the incumbents’ refusal to deal with the disgraceful behavior. Three house speakers have been indicted, two convicted. One state Senator was caught stuffing cash in her bra, another convicted and jailed for OUI and a third awaits trial for assaulting women in Lowell. The legislature responded by imposing more open meeting law mandates on towns, while ensuring that the requirements don’t apply to the legislature. This is the kind of hypocrisy that has destroyed confidence in state government.

If I am elected to the state Senate, I will work to end the new requirements on our local governments and make the open meeting law applicable to the legislature. I will support giving the state Auditor authority to audit the legislature and make the results of the audits public,

If you have had enough of the behavior on Beacon Hill, please vote for me on November 2. Thank you.

Lack of leadership problem with illegal immigration debate

Those running state government would rather label those trying to deal with the problem of illegal immigration than deal with the problem. Calling those who disagree with you names does not solve problems.
In July, the state Senate flip flopped on the Perry Amendment, which would have required those seeking non-emergency state benefits to prove they are in the country legally. The change of heart occurred after a Globe poll was published concerning the issue. This makes it appear that much of the name calling is a political tactic rather than a sincere effort at debate. Repeated efforts by some in state government to grant in-state tuition and driver's licenses to those in the country illegally generate a legitimate controversy. We should have a rational, civil debate on these issues and stop the name calling.

NATION’S LEADING SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION’S PAC ENDORSES ED McGRATH FOR STATE SENATE

The nation’s leading small business association has endorsed Ed’s campaign. In making the endorsement, Bill Vernon the Director of The National Federation of Independent Business, Massachusetts SAFE Trust PAC said that Ed “will be committed to the needs … of Main Street small businesses and their more than one million employees in Massachusetts…”

Ed proudly accepted the endorsement. Ed said, “I am grateful for NFIB Massachusetts SAFE Trust PAC’s confidence in our campaign. NFIB gives small, independent business owners a voice. For too long, state government has over taxed and over regulated small business. Whether it is increasing the sales tax, the costs of unemployment insurance or the costs of health insurance, state government has made a tough economy tougher for small business. This has to stop, if we are going to start growing the Massachusetts economy and putting people back to work.

Soaring Health Care Costs Hurt Small Business

The legislature fails to act and does as little as possible when dealing with big problems hoping to get by the next election. Avoiding responsibility is their goal. One of the most glaring examples of this behaviour is the crisis of rising health care costs on small business. Today's Globe, has a story discussing the problem. For months outsiders have been telling those running state government capping insurers charges was not dealing with the underlying problems. Those in charge ignored them hoping they could get by November 2. We have to elect those who will confront tough problems, not avoid them.

Legislature must act to help towns

Cities and towns across Massachusetts are struggling to meet the crushing burden of rising health care costs and repeated cuts in local aid, but the legislature fails to help. Last week an arbitrator ruled that Framingham’s attempt to change the health benefits of new employees was a breach of contract.
I support and, as a state Senator, will sponsor legislation to:

• Give local officials authority to design their health insurance plans outside of collective bargaining;
• Require all eligible local retirees to enroll in Medicare as their primary source of health insurance.
  

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimates passing the first proposal will save about $100 million the first year and $2 billion annually by 2020. The second proposal, according to the same organization, would save up to $75 million annually. The legislature’s failure to act has hurt cities and towns and the people of Massachusetts. If elected, I will act.

Lots of work to do

Two news reports last week show how much work we have to do to get Massachusetts working again. Despite assurances by those who run state government, the econony in Massachusetts is not creating jobs as quickly as neighboring states. The Boston Globe reported that Massachusetts hospitals are not hiring and the State House News service reported that Massachusetts' economic growth is below the average of Northeast states. The great thing about this election cycle is that incumbents with opponents have to explain what they have done to get people working and how they will change things to get results. Let's put them to the test.

Jobs

People are talking about the loss of jobs at Wonderland. For Wonderland's employees, others who make their livings at the track, and their families the closing of the track is a devastasting blow. But it is also an example of a bigger problem. Massachusetts reached its peak job number in 2001. Massachusetts has not created any new net jobs in almost 10 years. Our state government has made it difficult to do business and we have suffered for it.
Massachusetts has not had a consistent, fair tax policy. One year our legislature said "no" to the sales tax holiday and, in fact, in the middle of a recession, they voted to raise the sales tax. The next year -- an election year -- the legislature passed a sales tax holiday. This kind of erratic behaviour has to stop. To begin the road to recovery:

• I will support an immediate cut in the sales tax to 5%. If the voters approve a cut of the sales tax to 3% at the ballot box, I pledge to support the will of the voters and will vote to implement it;
• I will support an immediate cut in the state income tax to 5%.

There is lots to do, but cutting the sales and income tax is a critical first step.