Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Senate Adopts Olympics Measure Locking down State Spending
Minority
Leader Tarr’s Budget Rider Requires Due Diligence
Boston-
May 20, 2015 The Senate took action
today on legislation authored by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr
(R-Gloucester) to assure that no state agency or department encumber any
expenses related to hosting the 2024 Olympic Games in Boston unless a special
act of the Legislature is signed into law by Governor Baker.
“We
shouldn’t be committed to financially supporting the Olympics by deficiency,
accident, omission or inaction on our part,” said Tarr. “Our amendment ensures
that the Legislature and Governor, as responsible stewards of the Commonwealth’s
resources, are not excluded from the process.”
Senators
included the legislation, which received support from a bi-partisan group of
co-sponsors, to provide greater oversight on the use of state money as the
International Olympic Committee considers which city will be awarded the games.
Under the plan, money can only be spent for due diligence and analysis of
Boston 2024 organizer’s plans.
"We need to be on record as asserting that we
will have a role to play as the guardians and the stewards of public
funds," said Tarr.
“This is a positive first
step in protecting the taxpayers from a costly Olympic Games,” said Senator
Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Assistant Senate Minority Leader.
“This significant measure
ensures that before the Commonwealth spends any money on hosting an Olympic
Games, the legislature determines if it is feasible and done in a responsible
manner,” said Senator Richard Ross. “The overwhelming bi-partisan support for
this reflects the Senate’s continued commitment and dedication to Massachusetts
taxpayers throughout this process.”
The language was not included in the House version
of the budget and would need to be included in a final version of the $38
billion budget bill expected to go Governor Baker in June.
