The MBTA
The MBTA is in crisis. This year, we saw both a fare increase and a reduction in service as a result of the agency’s fiscal problems. By common agreement, either the T’s debt obligations will have to be reduced – perhaps by having the state or another agency assume some of them – or its funding will have to increase. Please describe your favored approach to putting this vital transportation agency back on stable footing. If you favor more funding, please specify where it would come from, and what taxes or fees you would support for that purpose.
Republican
Republican
This new ‘crisis’ is the same as the ‘old’ crisis. The Kingston Trio song reminds us all that this has been a recurring theme since 1959.
Two things come to mind: Eliminate the Authority and another is to sell it outright.
Of course, if we weren't spending so much on health insurance…
Democrat
In June, the Legislature took a critical step in addressing the MBTA's chronic deficits: We asked MassDOT to promptly produce a long-term transportation financing plan.
Along with a clear plan from the MBTA, all options must be on the table - including new accountability standards, before considering any new funding increases.
Healthcare costs
Massachusetts’s new healthcare cost containment law limits the growth of healthcare spending to the growth in the state’s economy and shifts from fee-for-service care to global payment models. Do you believe these measures will protect healthcare choices while preventing rapid increases in costs?
Republican
Republican
This law does nothing to contain costs; it indexes them to GDP. The bill was passed without reading. Who knows what’s in it?
I’m tired of reading about the number of people covered as a measure of success. Since when does 100% insured or covered mean that 100% will be treated, treated effectively, or the same? Just what does that mean; ‘100% covered’?
I want to know the number of patients treated, the number of procedures and tests, and the X-ray, MRI, and CT-scan counts under the plan. I also want to know what the difference is in billing between public and private insurance claims. It would be so much more helpful to know what tests and procedures cost. I want to know what the difference is between bills for services from two different facilities and why.
We've been suckered into a cap indexed to the state’s GDP! For 2012, this is $14.5 billion, and it does not include the unfunded pension liability for the MassHealth administrators and staff. This is compared to 2.9% for 2005 and 2.2% for 2002 with the same omissions. Why is this?
Democrat
Yes.
The new healthcare cost containment law poses a challenge to the healthcare industry to keep costs in line with the gross state product.
Prior to implementation, healthcare costs were nearly double the rate of growth of the state’s economy, at a time when Massachusetts residents, businesses, and municipalities were faced with soaring costs and cuts to services.
Most importantly, this law also increases consumer transparency and expands small business access to programs under the Commonwealth Connector, without imposing a "one-size fits all" mandate on the private insurance marketplace.
Charter schools
Many parents are looking for educational options for their children. It’s very hard to get expanded day programs in districts like Boston because the teachers’ union believes its members should be paid for the extra time they work. Charter schools offer longer days and longer school years at the same per-pupil cost, and there are more than 35,000 children on waiting lists statewide. Do you support raising the cap on charter schools? If yes, under what conditions?
Republican
Republican
Yes, I do and without restriction.
Charter schools generally out-perform traditional public schools. They are also non-union and profitable for the contractor at that ‘per pupil cost’.
For our children’s sake, why would anyone expect less? Why can’t the state save money?
Democrat
As the former mayor of Lowell and chairwoman of the school committee, I wholeheartedly support efforts to improve and increase expanded day programs.
I do not, at this time, support raising the cap on charter schools.
I believe it is not only important to preserve the funds allocated to our public schools, but is also vital that we focus our efforts on building the best public schools imaginable.
Charter schools should receive public funding only where they meet the same academic standards, admission guidelines, and have the same degree of accountability as their public counterparts.
Teachers' unions, school districts, and the state must work collaboratively to find funding sources for much-needed after school programs in our public schools.
Project Labor Agreements
The Patrick administration has imposed so-called Project Labor Agreements on three large construction projects that require that anyone working on them must be members of a labor union and firms must abide by union work rules. Non-union shops say those requirements effectively exclude them from bidding. Several studies show that projects done under PLAs or with only a small number of bidders cost more than projects that have more bidders. Unions, however, say the PLAs insure higher-quality work and offer a guarantee against strikes or other labor strife. Do you favor or oppose PLAs? Why?
Republican
Republican
Project Labor Agreements are the No. 1 cause for delay and cost overruns.
The Big Dig started as a $7 billion project that ballooned to $24 billion. The work was hardly high-quality when parts of the ceiling collapsed, killing a woman, or the light fixtures simply fell off – and it leaks!
Democrat
I believe that PLAs need to be evaluated on a case-by-case, project-by-project, basis.
Taxpayers deserve public projects that are completed not only on time and on budget, but also buildings that are built safely and are of the highest workmanship.
When I was mayor of Lowell, the city successfully developed schools, a parking garage, and a variety of other projects without the assistance of Project Labor Agreements.
Regardless of a project’s PLA status, we need to make sure that all contractors and companies adhere to existing prevailing wage laws that are designed to ensure a level playing field in the bidding process, safety standards, and commit to producing work of excellent quality.
State pensions
Do you think further changes to the state employee pension system are necessary?
Republican
Republican
Necessary? I support a complete overhaul of the system. Elimination of multiple pensions and early retirement with exceptions only for police is a good place to start.
I believe state pensions should be adequate, but the system is widely abused. Recently State Police Colonel Marian McGovern retired under pressure and within days sued for 'disability status' - to collect $13,000 monthly - tax free! This kind of abuse must be stopped.
Democrat
I am a proud supporter of the Pension Reform Bill passed during this session because it prevents salary spiking, closes early retirement loopholes, and increases the retirement age for new employees.
This reform is expected to result in a savings to taxpayers of nearly $5 billion over the next 30 years.
Like any piece of legislation, it must be evaluated regularly to ensure it continues to maintain the delicate balance of fairness to employees, versus the burden carried by the taxpayer.
Independence
Cite any votes (if an incumbent) or positions (if a challenger or newcomer) you have taken that disagree with the stance taken by your party’s legislative leadership.
Republican
Republican
We need to re-establish priorities on Beacon Hill.
The worst examples include laws that benefit only a handful of people - like the 'Transgender Bathroom Bill' - but which occupied the Legislature for more than a year while companies like Fidelity were shipping thousands of jobs out of state; Evergreen Solar, which took $54 million and went bankrupt after sending the jobs and business to China, and the Casinos as Jobs bills.
Democrat
I voted to overturn Governor Patrick’s veto of Electronic Benefits Transfer reform, and I don't support giving in-state tuition to illegal immigrants.