Results tagged “robertdeleo”

Can't be bothered to read the reasons why Governor Deval Patrick plans to veto Robert DeLeo's proposed sales tax increase? Let his mellifluous voice do the reading for you. Patrick's YouTube account posted this video today to clearly delineate the governor's opposition to the sales tax increase. No retaliation has been forthcoming from the less Web-savvy corners of Beacon Hill, but how long can Patrick post these things before his videos become parody fodder for the Israel Defense Forces?

Governor Deval Patrick took the legislature's slogan, "Reform Before Revenue," and flipped it when he threatened to veto any legislation that incorporated Speaker Robert DeLeo's proposed 25% sales tax hike. The tax, which would provide $275 million additional revenue for transportation agencies, was proposed in response to Patrick's request for a 19% gas tax hike and significant reforms in transportation agencies. Patrick's tax would have provided twice as much revenue for the agencies. In his letter to the legislature, Patrick claimed that DeLeo's tax plan was unfocused and accused both the House and the Senate of neglecting to enact crucial ethics and pension reforms that Patrick thinks are the prerequisite for any tax increase. [Globe]

Does approving and building casinos guarantee new revenue? No. Ask Rhode Island.

Perhaps motivated by Dianne Wilkerson's weak defense of her money accumulation, House Speaker Sal DiMasi has announced that he will resign from the Legislature effective Tuesday (or tomorrow, according to the Herald). DiMasi had denied rumors about his resignation last Friday, and maintains that he now steps down with his head "held high." Right, because there's always good reason to resign if you've done nothing wrong. The Globe names possible successors Robert A. DeLeo and John Rogers, who's had a scandal of his own already. Wouldn't want to give power to anyone too pure. Update: DiMasi's resignation letter.