Mass State Rep. Has The Usual Priorities

"Health care costs are the biggest culprit [for rising budget]." The Democratic Party's health care law did not reduce health care costs as promised? "Another factor is Massachusetts’ structural budget deficit." No explanation what that means. "My top priority is ensuring local aid – in particular for education – grows healthily." No reducing waste and costs? More spending will improve schools? "My second priority is funding for the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) [. . .] and ensure safe drinking water and healthy rivers, [. . .] I look at Flint and grow concerned" Did Michigan and US EPA fail? "Baker’s directive [. . .] challenged MassDEP, which has more regulations than any department." Do rules by unelected bureaucrats increase revenue from businesses? "My final priority is services for homeless individuals," He does not say "housing people" is his priority. Providing services, i.e., taxpayer money for liberal groups to spend. Like for computer systems, and more studies by academic experts? He favors more shelters but not housing? His stated goal is "to advance the cause of greater economic and social justice" without defining what justice is. Thrasymachus in Plato's Republic suggested "justice is the interests of the stronger." Is that the voters and taxpayers? Teehee! "Budgets are not numbers on paper; they are values statements. The way we spend reflects who and what we value." Very true. 

[Afterthought]

Rep. Rogers does not mention the opioid overdose crisis, un-funded pensions or immigration. http://cambridge.wickedlocal.com/article/20160315/NEWS/160317191

Guest column: Way we spend 2017 budget reflects what we value
By Rep. Dave Rogers
Posted Mar. 15, 2016 at 1:36 PM
CAMBRIDGE Chronicle