StopunfundedmandatesinMA

Calling all frustrated taxpayers

Each year I listen to the budget hearings. I find myself getting angry every time someone says the State requires us to do this or that. We are spending more and more money on things that we did not vote for. I guess I have hit my limit because this year I started looking at the bills on www.mass.gov . I found something, House bill 2297.This bill will stop new unfunded mandates it won't solve the whole problem but it is a place to start. Below you will find a copy of the bill and the committee it is in with the members contact info. Please take some time to call or email them to let them know you want this bill to pass or not depending on how you feel about it. It is your money, it is your choice.

House bill 2297

Chapter 3 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 38B the following section:-

Section 38B½.(a) For the purposes of this section, an unfunded mandate to a city or town is one that imposes a cost on municipal governments as a result of legislation being considered by the General Court, including, but not limited to the cost for the requisite staff necessary to administer or implement the legislation.

(b) Joint committees of the general court and the committees on ways and means of either branch thereof when referred bills that contain an unfunded mandate to municipalities shall, prior to a favorable report of such bill include a fiscal note or study which clearly explains any cost described in subsection (a).

(c) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, in the event that there is a cost to any city or town regarding such legislation, the general court shall refrain from enacting the legislation until such time as an appropriation satisfying said cost is provided by the general court.

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Senate members

Rebecca L Rausch

(617) 722-1555

Becca.Rausch@masenate.gov

John F Keenan

(617) 722-1494

John.Keenan@masenate.gov

Edward J Kennedy

(617) 722-1630

edward.kennedy@masenate.gov

Michael O Moore