Sunday, April 6, 2008

Photos from Ludlow Event in March

Thank you to everyone who attended our event in Ludlow for Representative Mary Rogeness. Special thanks to Candidate for US senate Jim Ogonowski who attended, as well as to Representative Don Humason and Springfield City Committee Chairman John Lysak, who helped reserve the Lodge. Check out the photos!


Sunday, March 23, 2008

Polito Fights for Melanie's Law

March 22. 2008 12:18AM

Polito, AG clash over Jessica’s Law

By John J. Monahan TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
jmonahan@telegram.com


BOSTON— The state’s leading supporter of a new law for stiffer mandatory minimum sentences for child rapists and the top law enforcement official in Massachusetts clashed this week over the Legislature’s reluctance to pass the bill adopted in many other states, known as Jessica’s Law.

State Rep. Karyn E. Polito, R-Shrewsbury, fired off statements criticizing Attorney General Martha Coakley after Ms. Coakley made comments outlining her concerns that the proposed law could work against prosecutors trying to lock up violent pedophiles.

The attorney general said the proposed law would limit the state’s ability to get plea agreements in cases where prosecutors may face difficulty gaining a conviction through a trial.

“If Jessica’s Law is enacted in Massachusetts, the practical effect of such a law will be that more pedophiles will escape conviction,” Ms. Coakley said.

“Having spent a long career investigating and prosecuting child abuse cases, I know that sexual predators are dangerous and should be investigated, prosecuted and jailed when found guilty of a sex crime,” Ms. Coakley said. However, in many cases, she said, young children cannot testify, are unable to testify or may not perform well before a jury. Also, she said, in many cases there is no physical evidence on which to base a trial prosecution.

“My concern with regard to Jessica’s Law is that any defendant facing 25 years in jail will opt to go to trial, knowing full well that if the victim cannot testify, or does not convince beyond a reasonable doubt, he will go free,” she said.

Ms. Polito, who has sponsored legislation to enact the law here, sharply criticized the attorney general over the comments.

“I am extremely disappointed to hear it reported today that our highest elected law enforcement official, Attorney General Martha Coakley, has publicly denounced Jessica’s Law, a bipartisan measure that would better protect children from violent sexual predators,” Ms. Polito said yesterday.

She said Massachusetts is one of only seven states that have not adopted laws similar to Jessica’s Law, named after a child rape case in Florida that gave rise to similar legislation there. Ms. Polito said the law “would keep dangerous sex offenders who prey on children behind bars with a mandatory minimum sentence.”

She argued it would be one more tool to help prosecutors dealing with what she called “the most dangerous sexual predators” and would help drive up the average 3- to-5-year sentences from plea bargains in child rape cases involving “lenient judges.”

“Massachusetts, and especially our attorney general, should seize every opportunity to protect our children,” Ms. Polito said.

Ms. Coakley countered that the proposed law could misfire on those trying to protect children and that “more pedophiles will escape conviction” if the law is passed.

“Although Representative Polito’s intent in public safety is commendable, in my view this particular statute does not accomplish that goal and will in many instances be counterproductive,” Ms. Coakley said.

The bill is one of several on child rape laws pending before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Polito's Point of View: February 2008

Budgets and Priorities

It's that time of year again, when the legislature begins the Commonwealth’s budget process. The first step in this process involves the determination of projected revenue for the upcoming fiscal year. State law requires that the Secretary for Administration and Finance shall jointly develop a consensus tax revenue forecast for the budget for the next fiscal year with the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means on or before January 15. The Fiscal Year 2009 consensus tax revenue estimate is $20.987 billion, representing revenue growth of 3.8% over the Fiscal Year 2008 estimate of $20.225 billion.

The agreed upon 3.8 % growth is a conservative revenue estimate. Notwithstanding an economic outlook dampening consumer and business confidence, in January 2008, our state's Department of Revenue (DOR) collected $2.201 billion, up $148 million or 7.2% from the same monthly period last year. Total tax collections were $87 million above the January monthly estimates, due largely to greater than anticipated income tax estimated payments. Specifically, January 2008 income tax collections totaled $1.659 billion, up $229 million or 16%. This level of revenue may be a positive sign, but also could be aberrational.

With the Governor and legislature both projecting modest revenue growth, now is not the time to fund new programs (as suggested by Governor Patrick) but instead to maintain existing levels of spending and to strengthen the relationship between state and local government. As the Assistant Ranking Minority Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I am currently participating in a series of public hearings across the Commonwealth to better understand our state's spending needs. I understand that the new health care insurance requirements will utilize more revenues than anticipated, which we will need to address first and foremost. Health care analysts underestimated the number of uninsured and eligible for free care by $147 million, which we must accommodate for in our Fiscal Year 2009 state budget.

Our FY '09 state budget must also prioritize state aid to cities and towns. I hear time and time again, that without a better state-local partnership, cities and towns are being forced to cut spending to a point where we are compromising our quality of life. I have fought consistently to increase and protect funding for municipalities. As a co-sponsor to House Docket 2632, I am calling for full reimbursement of $450 million in lottery aid to cities and towns, which aid had been diverted to the state general fund. I am also urging legislative leaders to reject Governor Patrick's attempt to use a $124 million cut in local aid to pressure the Legislature into approving his proposal to bring casinos to Massachusetts.

The municipal budget process is underway, and final budgets are being approved at a local level without confirmation of state school funding and local aid numbers, which is wrong. I have continue to advocate for an Early Aid Resolution between the Governor and Legislature to make final state aid figures available to cities and towns earlier in the budget process. A budget is a reflection of our values and priorities as a citizenry. While I applaud Governor Patrick for maintaining a commitment to the newly organized Chapter 70 school aid formula in his budget, which resulted in increases in school aid to both Shrewsbury and Westborough, I do not support funding new programs before fixing current needs, specifically municipal aid. New proposals such as universal Pre-Kindergarten, full-day kindergarten, and free community college may sound good, but we must focus first on adequately funding school aid, special education, and special education transportation, a growing unfunded burden for school districts across the Commonwealth.

I assure you that I will advocate for a reasonable, fair and practical state budget with a strong commitment to our cities and towns. The House Ways and Means Committee will release its budget recommendations in the coming weeks, and official budget debates will likely commence at the end of April. When the House of Representatives concludes its debates, the budget will be sent to the Senate for its deliberations. Any differences between the House and Senate budget recommendations will be resolved by the Conference Committee before being sent to the Governor for his input.

You can expect the legislature to debate corporate taxes and consider other new revenue sources like increasing taxes on cigarettes. In my view, in order to responsibly balance our state budget, we need to establish priorities and control spending. We must use the revenues we anticipate collecting wisely rather than asking our already over-burdened families, seniors and businesses to pay more. Balancing our budgets with restraint and priorities is the most prudent course of action for our state.

www.karynpolito.com
Karyn E. Polito, State Representative- 11th Worcester District

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Marc Lombardo Event--RSVP Soon!

Marc Lombardo, a Billerica selectman seeking a second term, is sponsoring a unique campaign event.

The Committee To Elect Marc Lombardo will be sponsoring a trip to Foxwoods as a campaign fundraiser. The details are as follows:

Where: Departure will be from the Billerica Mall in Billerica Center
When: Departure Sunday morning, March 9, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. Return approximately at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $35 per person; includes transportation and $25 in food and keno coupons

Please feel free to invite any family, friends, or coworkers. All are welcome!

You may also purchase tickets by visiting www.marclombardo.com and clicking on “Donate”. If you choose this method, please email Marc to reserve your seat on the bus. You can also mail a check made out to "The committee to Elect Marc Lombardo" and please note that the donation is for Foxwoods.

If you cannot attend but would like to send a donation, you can contribute online at www.marclombardo.com or by sending your contribution to:

“The Committee to Elect Marc Lombardo”
9 Eubar Circle
Billerica MA 01821

If you are interested, please RSVP to Marc at marctlombardo@comcast.net . He is looking to receive your RSVP and donation for the trip by February 29th as the campaign must confirm numbers with the bus company during that week.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Representative Perry's Column on the State Budget and efforts to return the $450M to cities and towns

Annual Budget Dance, By State Representative Jeff Perry (R-Sandwich)

It is that time of year again. The Massachusetts Legislature is about to begin our annual budget debate on Beacon Hill. While Governor Patrick and several left- leaning legislators have attempted to allege that the State is facing a $1.3 billion deficit, just like all numbers and statistics, the devil is in the facts and details.

The fact is that the State budget has never been larger and is full of earmarks and special interest spending. The fact is that the State has never collected more revenue than in the current fiscal year. The fact is that the State has over $2.2 billion in our "Rainy Day" account. The fact is that the State is sitting on $450 million that was withheld from local cities and towns via a cap on lottery revenue distributions.

With all the cash floating around the State bank accounts and a record high level of revenue receipts, State budget leaders should be willing to let at least one year pass without talking about possible tax increases or spending cuts to social service programs. One could also believe it might just be time for my fellow legislators to honor the will of the voters and roll back the State's income tax level to 5%.

While we have a long way to go in this budget season, early indications are pointing to Governor Patrick and some legislators pushing for increased taxes on local businesses and another year without meaningful increases in local aid. The campaign promises made by Governor Patrick for local property tax relief, one-thousand more police officers on the streets and reforming State government have seemingly been forgotten.

Before we get into the Fiscal Year '09 budget debate, for my part, along with all the members of the Republican Caucus, we have filed a bill, known as HD4651. Our proposal would return over $450 million in local aid to Massachusetts cities and towns. If approved. Barnstable would receive $1,259,917; Bourne would receive $708, 379; Mashpee would get $220,375; and Sandwich would receive $632,575. This would be a one time payment to local communities that selectmen and councilors could use for capital projects or other needed projects.

This money is due to cities and towns because the State diverted $450 million away from them over the past several years through a cap on Lottery aid, money that communities use to pay for police, schools, senior citizen centers and other essential local services. After all, the State made a promise to lottery players and local communities that 100% of the net lottery revenue would be sent back to cities and towns and that promise, like so many others in government today, was broken by the elected officials who are supposed to be the defenders of the people.

From my point of view, it is pretty simple, the State wrongfully withheld $450 million from local communities and it is only fair to give it back as the State is flush with surplus revenue and continues to spend more and more each and every year.

For my part, I will continue to make it my highest priority to increase local aid support from the State and decrease the growing burden on high property taxes. Perhaps one day soon, the Majority Party will be agreeable to using at least a portion of our $2.2 billion surplus funds towards these goals instead of retaining the money at the State for more ill conceived State spending. At the very least, my colleagues in the Legislature should honor their promise and return the $450 million to our local communities. I am 100% confident that it is needed and will be well spent.

As always, I welcome your comments on this column and please feel free to contact me should I ever be able to assist you. I can be reached at 508-888-2158, or via my website atwww.electjeffperry.com

http://www.electjeffperry.com/editorials

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Fundraising Event a Success!

Our recent fundraiser in Westborough had over 60 people in attendance and raised good money that can be used to support Republican candidates.

Thanks to everyone who attended, and for those who could not make it, we hope to see you at our many future events.



Representative Paul Frost (R-Auburn), Mike Scully of Grafton, and Representative George Petersen (R-Grafton)



Former Representative Susan Pope (R-Wayland), Sue is thinking of running again. We think that would be Fantastic!




Rep. Petersen again, Senator Scott Brown (R-Wrentham), and Keith Davis of Holyoke



Mike Rossettie of Shrewsbury and the PAC's Treasurer addresses the crowd.



Representative Peterson Addresses the Crowd.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Rep. Peterson Op-Ed in The Worcester Telegram

CALLING ALL MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS
$450 million in diverted aid should go back to communities
By George N. Peterson Jr., Telegram & Gazette
Worcester, Mass.: Dec 14, 2007. p. A15


I, as well as Republican representatives of Central Massachusetts, champion local aid for cities and towns because we believe money is best spent at the local level by officials who know their communities and who know best how to provide essential services such as education and public safety to our citizens.

Unfortunately, the state has not abided by that philosophy in recent years.
When tough fiscal times hit the state in 2003, the Legislature voted to put a cap on the amount of local aid sent to cities and towns from state Lottery proceeds. Over the course of three years, the state withheld a total of $450 million from our cities and towns.

From the state's perspective, the cap of Lottery aid was a windfall. It helped grow the state's rainy-day fund by more than $1.5 billion, more than doubling what was in there to start.
But for local communities, the cap cost millions. They watched their own coffers decline as the state got richer, and many cities and towns were forced to cut back on services. Local officials throughout the state found themselves asking residents for Proposition 21/2 tax overrides just to make ends meet.

The money withheld from our communities during those three years, in the end, wasn't needed by the state after all and we strongly feel it should be reimbursed to them. I, as well as Reps. Paul Frost, Karyn E. Polito, Lewis G. Evangelidis, Paul J. P. Loscocco, Todd M. Smola, and the Republican caucus led by Rep. Brad Jones, recently filed legislation to immediately return all of the $450 million that the state diverted from local communities.

Our bill is fair, reasonable and affordable. The state currently has well over $2.2 billion in its rainy-day fund. Even if we returned the $450 million to cities and towns, we would still have over $1.8 billion in reserves.

The money would be given back as unrestricted local aid, so that cities and towns could use it for whatever they choose, including capital projects, property tax relief for residents or repair of local roads, bridges, dams or schools.

We encourage all local municipal officials and residents to look around their communities and imagine the many areas where this money could be put to good use, even if it is a one-time payment or reimbursement. The needs of our local communities are great, and this reimbursement to our cities and towns will go a long way for them.
It's our local communities' money, it's your money, and we in the Republican caucus want to return it to you.

So, we collectively ask for residents' support of House Docket 4651, and ask you to join us in pushing this legislation through the process. It's important for the rest of the Massachusetts Legislature and the governor to hear voters' voice of support.

Ask for your city or town Lottery aid reimbursement. It's money that belongs to you and your community. Returning the money is the right thing to do, and we will fight for it with your help.

(George Peterson is Mass. House Minority Whip.)