Massachusetts Citizens for Jobs criticizes lack of debate on key budget issues

BOSTON - April 14, 2014 - PRLog -- Massachusetts Citizens for Jobs, an organization committed to providing more transparency in state government as a way to spur more responsible and more pro-jobs voting, budgeting, and regulation, today criticized State Representatives who voted to block debate on critical areas of the state budget before the process has even begun.  By a 115-29 vote this week, the House of Representatives banned any debate or amendments during budget proceedings regarding local aid, education, or the welfare system.

“Shutting down debate and amendments on a huge portion of the state budget is a power grab and precludes the consideration of innovative ideas and solutions to help our economy grow,” said Andrew Goodrich, executive director of Massachusetts Citizens for Jobs.

“The vast majority of legislators apparently think they can thumb their nose at constituents and employers and have backroom discussions to decide the budget instead of a fair and open process,” said Goodrich.  “Massachusetts Citizens for Jobs will be watching, researching, and publishing as much information as we can get about what really happens on Beacon Hill.  If the Legislature is going to raise taxes or spending or take other measures that hurt job producers in our state, its members shouldn’t be insulated from voting openly and so that they have to defend their vote.  We consider this vote to shut down debate and amendments to be an anti-jobs vote.”

A full list of legislators who voted to shut down pro-jobs debate and amendments can be found on our website: www.masscitizensforjobs.org

Background:

“Democratic leaders in the Massachusetts House unveiled a $36.2 billion state budget plan Wednesday for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

…House Republicans faulted Democrats for blocking proposed amendments on local aid, education spending, and the state’s welfare system, but said they are ‘‘undeterred.’’

‘‘We as a Legislature must make considerable strides in delivering a budget that is mindful of the economic times, while producing a spending plan that delivers an accountable and transparent state government,’’ Republican House Leader Brad Jones said in a statement.” – Associated Press, 4/9/2014

Massachusetts Citizens for Jobs is a 501c4 dedicated to researching Beacon Hill to bring more transparency to the anti-jobs and anti-business sentiment prevalent in the State House.  For more information, and to view a database of public information regarding legislators and the legislative process visit www.masscitizensforjobs.org