Friday, June 12, 2009
'For decades'
Passage of pension reforms is undeniably good news. It's a rare reform victory in Massachusetts. But it's that rarity -- and the way foot-dragging lawmakers were forced to grudgingly pass reforms -- that mutes celebrations. The pension abuses have indeed been going on "for decades." They were not just recently revealed. The reforms were only passed after massive political pressure was brought to bear following the indictment of the third straight House speaker. There are other "egregious" pension loopholes that need closing. There's more to do. ... But, yes, I'm happy some very solid reforms have passed -- and Gov. Patrick deserves to take a bow. I just want to see a lot more evidence that lawmakers collectively "get it."
Passage of pension reforms is undeniably good news. It's a rare reform victory in Massachusetts. But it's that rarity -- and the way foot-dragging lawmakers were forced to grudgingly pass reforms -- that mutes celebrations. The pension abuses have indeed been going on "for decades." They were not just recently revealed. The reforms were only passed after massive political pressure was brought to bear following the indictment of the third straight House speaker. There are other "egregious" pension loopholes that need closing. There's more to do. ... But, yes, I'm happy some very solid reforms have passed -- and Gov. Patrick deserves to take a bow. I just want to see a lot more evidence that lawmakers collectively "get it."
