DiNatale: Work Continues Outside of Boston (11/23/09)
Posted 2009-11-23 20:40:35
Patrick slams lawmakers for taking recess
By Matt Murphy, mmurphy@lowellsun.com
Posted: 11/23/2009 07:02:27 AM EST
BOSTON -- Local lawmakers said Friday they were not surprised by Gov. Deval Patrick's public scolding for heading into a holiday break without taking action on key education and crime reforms.
And though many could not explain the rationale for the mid-November recess, most lawmakers said they saw little reason to break their own rules and come back into session.
The recess, local House members argued, offered a chance to get back to constituent work and give careful consideration to a complex overhaul of the education system.
"I don't feel it's necessary. I agree with the Speaker that's this bill is complicated enough," said Rep. Stephen DiNatale, D-Fitchburg. "If they called us back right now, though, it would preclude a lot of angst that interest groups will be voicing on both sides of the bill."
Patrick slammed the Legislature on Thursday for going ahead with their scheduled recess from formal sessions without voting on an expansion of charter school or CORI reform. The House decided to wait until it returns on Jan. 6 to consider the legislation, despite the Senate rushing to pass both bills before the Wednesday deadline.
House Speaker Robert DeLeo blasted back by accusing Patrick of trying to score cheap political points.
"To the average person it probably looks bad, but I don't go on vacation just because I'm not going into Boston for sessions," DiNatale said.
Patrick's administration has also expressed concern about the House and Senate's reluctance to give the governor the authority to cut from the budgets of the Legislature, courts and Constitutional officers.
Patrick said the spending plan passed on Thursday still leaves the state's budget more than $125 million out of balance.
Applications to the federal government for funding from President Obama's "Race to the Top" fund are due Jan. 19. The competitive grant program is designed to reward states for innovative efforts to reform education, including an embrace of charter schools.
The House has promised to take up the education reform legislation before the deadline.
"I think it's enough time. We don't want to leave the money on the table, but there's no guarantee we'll be selected either. I'm not predicating my vote just on the money. There's a lot more involved," DiNatale said.
State Rep. Jennifer Benson agreed with her colleague that taking their time with education reform is a good thing for the public.
"This is a huge piece of legislation that I think people need a chance to read and digest," said Benson, D-Lunenburg. "To rush through it in less than a day would be a disservice."
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