After three weeks into Deval Patrick’s second term as the Governor of Massachusetts, I can only shake my head and ponder how this man was re-elected. The only answer that I can think of is this: the electorate is not an introspective lot that pays attention to the actions of their leaders and are guided by the rhetoric and vibe of their governor. Before anyone becomes outraged with my statement, let me remind you that this is the man who spent taxpayer’s money until he had a $2 billion budget deficit – which nowhere near the fiscal state that Mitt Romney left for him. Now, this state is hurting because there will be no federal stimulus from Patrick’s “good friend” in the White House. How has the federal stimulus and Governor Patrick’s policies shaped the state of the Commonwealth? It has left us with an unemployment rate of about 8.2 percent and a deficit that won’t be paid for anytime soon.
At present, the Governor has his priorities out of order. Instead of trying to control matters of extreme importance, like illegal immigrants, Patrick has his eyes focused on private lawyers. The governor has proposed to end the state use of private lawyers. These lawyers charge “$50 to $100 per hour.” Part of the plan is to have one thousand salaried lawyers (lawyers employed by the state). The state does not provide pensions and healthcare to the private lawyers they hire. They would have to provide pensions and healthcare to Deval’s one thousand salaried attorneys. Sounds great right?
No, it’s an awful idea. I believe the governors affirmation that this plan could very well cut “$45 a year,” But what about the long run? As well all know healthcare is only getting more expensive, and the last thing we need are more pensions owed by the state. We are in a $2 billion budget deficit the last thing we need is to owe one thousand lawyers their retirement when they choose to call it quits. If there is anything we have learned from the recent financial troubles this country has had it is that our short-term frame of mind does not work. We need to start thinking long term. Governor, you should start thinking about what Massachusetts will face ten years down the road.
The governor has not mentioned any plans to crack on illegal immigrants. It has been reported that there are “220,000 illegal immigrants living in Massachusetts.” That is 220,000 too many. “Twenty five percent are on welfare” (55,000). How is someone who shouldn’t be in this country getting aid from this country? If there were tougher stricter laws implemented on illegal immigrants this state could very well be in a better position for the long run. The idea of immigration is far more developed than giving rights to someone that is not of this land, to work and live on this land. This country needs to benefit from immigration whether it be steel workers, doctors, masons, and etc. But the commonwealth can only lose when there are 220,000 not paying taxes, not paying medical bills, etc.
With all this said it seems the Governor has one priority straight, and that is education. It looks like no cuts, rather a boost in school aid, will be made. I am one of the largest advocates of education, and agree with no cuts for education. We cant have a future if things are being run by a generation of blubbering idiots.