MassFiscal Calls on Lawmakers to Reject Budget

Most secretive in the country and largest in state history

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance issued the following statement today in response to news that House and Senate leaders released their $41.88 billion-dollar budget at 10:04 a.m. and expect lawmakers to approve the budget today. In order to vote on the budget on the same day, it’s made available to the public, the legislature needs to suspend its rules, which were intended to bring transparency to the budget process.

“This is just another case of legislative leaders flaunting their ‘Do as we say, not as we do’ attitude. Whether it’s term limits for leadership or ensuring rank and file members have enough time to review legislation, when Rules become inconvenient they are simply ignored,” commented Paul Craney, spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.

“Only in Massachusetts could two sides head into the negotiating room and come out with more spending than either side originally asked for,” continued Craney. “What is the big secret with this budget? Why the rush? It definitely gives the appearance that they’re trying to hide something. Massachusetts is the last state in the country to have a budget and the day it's released, it’s expected to be voted on. Any lawmaker who has a head on their shoulders and pulse should vote against it.”

“It’s the most secretive in the country and largest in state history,” concluded Craney.