Senate GOP Caucus hails EBT, immigration reforms

The Massachusetts Senate Republican Caucus today welcomed a series of reform measures targeting abuses in the state’s public benefits programs, cracking down on unlicensed drivers, and expanding the use of immigrant status verification systems for MassHealth applicants, which they have fought to include in the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The reforms were included in the Conference Committee report on the $32.5 billion Fiscal Year 2013 state budget, which was approved today by the Legislature. These reforms reflect many of the Caucus’ priorities initiated during the Senate budget debate in May.

The reforms included in the budget target two of the biggest problems we as a Caucus have been trying to address: the misuse of Electronic Benefit Transfer cards and the public safety issues raised by unlicensed drivers, including those who are in this country illegally. For too long, individuals who do not qualify for public assistance have been receiving taxpayer-funded benefits, sometimes at the expense of those who truly need help. At the same time, unlicensed drivers continue to pose a serious public safety threat to all law-abiding citizens. The changes approved by the House and Senate today will help protect those residents who choose to play by the rules while punishing those individuals who would rather manipulate the system for their own advantage.

Some of the Caucus reforms incorporated in the final budget include:

• expanded restrictions on the types of products and services that can be purchased with EBT cards, including a ban on tattoos, gambling and jewelry;

• increased penalties for unlawful purchases made with EBT cards, up to and including the potential loss of direct cash assistance;

• fines for individuals and organizations that traffick in food stamps;

• the establishment of a direct vendor payment program at the Department of Transitional Assistance for recipients who fail to pay rent and/or utilities on time;

• the creation of an independent commission to study and report on the development of a cashless payment system for EBT cards by December 31, 2012;

• a requirement that the Inspector General conduct a data match survey involving the case records for households receiving cash assistance benefits to identify inconsistent or contradictory information that might indicate fraud or abuse;

• a requirement that applicants provide a license, Social Security number, or other proof of legal residence when registering a motor vehicle;

• increased penalties for knowingly employing an unlicensed individual as a motor vehicle operator, or an individual whose license has been suspended or revoked

• expanded penalties for stealing, forging or counterfeiting a learner’s permit, license or ID card; and

• a requirement that MassHealth begin utilizing the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system by July 31, 2013 to verify the immigration status of all applicants who apply for benefits with an alien admission number or alien file number

The budget now heads to Governor Deval Patrick, who will have 10 days to review the spending proposal and to issue any vetoes.

A Compelling Editorial

Today the Eagle Tribune offers a very interesting perspective into the illegal immigration discussion that is happening across Massachusetts and the country. Importantly, the paper notes the stance Governor Patrick has taken in regards to the illegal immigration provisions passed by the House and Senate for inclusion in the FY’13 state budget.

It’s unfortunate that the governor would take such a position on a measure that hasn’t made its way to his desk yet. Before the governor formulates his opinion on the matter, he should at least collect input from the people he represents and then act accordingly after he’s had time to review it. To express your opinion on the subject, please contact Governor Patrick’s office. It is an extremely important issue that needs to be given time for careful consideration.

Please click here to read today’s editorial by the Eagle Tribune.

Media Alert: On the Air with Michele McPhee

Today I will once again be a guest on WRKO 680AM’s The Michele McPhee Show, where Michele and I will discuss controls for illegal immigration. Please tune in to today’s radio broadcast or click here at approximately 12:45pm to listen to our lively discussion.

Walking for a Cure

On Friday, June 15th I had the honor to address the crowd of walkers, supporters, and volunteers at this year’s annual Cape Ann Relay for Life walk, which is celebrating its 10th year in existence. This wonderful fundraiser, the proceeds of which contribute to finding a cure for cancer and assisting patients and their families with cancer, brings out the true spirit of community and camaraderie.

Every year this event delivers an uplifting amount of support and I was proud to be able to take part in it yet again. To donate, volunteer or learn more about the Relay for Life Organization and the American Cancer Society please click here. Posted below are some pictures of Friday’s event.

On the Air with Fox 25

Last night I had the opportunity to speak with news anchor Mark Ockerbloom of the Fox 25 Evening News to discuss a MBTA funding legislation and the need for more oversight that was debated during yesterday’s formal Senate session. To view my discussion with Mark, please play the posted video below.

Votes to Note: MBTA Financial Accountability

Today the Massachusetts State Senate debated a bailout proposal of $51 million dedicated to the MBTA to close the agency’s budgetary shortfall. The bill, S.2308, was ultimately approved by a 26 to 9 vote. The Senate Republican Caucus offered several amendments to improve our mass transportation system and provide safeguards that demonstrate fiscal responsibility.

One such measure that we offered was an amendment that would require the MBTA to develop on its website a searchable database that would allow the public to research monetary data regarding the agency. The searchable information would include:

· a complete accounting of all capital assets under the control of the authority;

· operating expenses;

· monthly ridership data aggregated by each mode of transit;

· the fare recovery ratios for each mode of transit and by line; and

· the financial plans for any proposed expansion projects, and the development, conceptual planning, design and construction of any effort to expand the scope of MBTA services.

Unfortunately, the amendment did not pass and thus was not included in the final version of the Senate’s bill by a roll call vote of 12 voting in the affirmative to 25 in the negative. The amendment, if approved would have been a major victory for transparency and accountability. The Senate Republican Caucus will continue to fight for amendments like this one, so that everyone is given the opportunity to know how their taxpayer and ratepayer dollars are being utilized.

Posted below is the roll call vote made today by the members of the Senate.

Amendment #25 MBTA Financial Accountability

Yeas: 12 Nays: 25

Roll Call Votes: Yea/Nay

Frederick E. Berry: Did Not Vote
Stephen M. Brewer: Nay
William N. Brownsberger: Nay
Gale D. Candaras: Yea
Harriette L. Chandler: Nay
Sonia Chang-Diaz: Nay
Katherine Clark: Nay
Cynthia Stone Creem: Nay
Sal N. DiDomenico: Nay
Kenneth J. Donnelly: Nay
Eileen Donoghue: Yea
Benjamin B. Downing: Nay
James B. Eldridge: Nay
Susan C. Fargo: Nay
Barry Finegold: Yea
Jennifer L. Flanagan: Nay
John Hart: Nay
Robert L. Hedlund: Yea
Patricia D. Jehlen: Nay
Brian A. Joyce: Nay
John Keenan: Nay
Thomas P. Kennedy: Nay
Michael R. Knapik: Yea
Thomas M. McGee: Nay
Mark C. Montigny: Nay
Michael O. Moore: Yea
Richard T. Moore: Yea
Senate President Therese Murray: Did Not Vote
Marc R. Pacheco: Nay
Anthony Petruccelli: Nay
Michael Rodrigues: Nay
Stanley C. Rosenberg: Nay
Richard J. Ross: Yea
Michael Rush: Yea
Karen E. Spilka: Nay
Bruce E. Tarr: Yea
James E. Timilty: Yea
James Welch: Yea
Daniel Wolf: Nay

Media Alert: On the Air with Fox 25

Tonight at approximately 6:15pm I will once again be on the Fox 25 news to speak about today’s actions by the Senate on a bailout proposal of $51 million dedicated to the MBTA. Please tune in to watch our lively conversation.