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.
No comments:
Post a Comment