08/04/2006
ROMNEY URGES CAUTION ON EXPENSIVE NEW PRE-K ENTITLEMENT
Says universal program could cost $1 billion annually
Governor Mitt Romney today vetoed a bill moving Massachusetts closer to a universal pre-kindergarten program, saying the state should wait until the results and cost estimates from a more limited pilot program are known.
The bill, “An Act Relative to Early Education and Care,” makes a number of technical corrections to the law establishing the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), none of which is controversial. But it also contains extensive new language establishing, subject to appropriation, a “Massachusetts universal pre-kindergarten program,” defined as a “program of voluntary, universally accessible early education and care programs and services for preschool-aged children.”
Romney originally sent the bill back to the Legislature striking the expansionary language but leaving intact all the technical corrections. The Legislature insisted on its version and returned the bill, which the Governor vetoed.
“This bill will have significant long-term fiscal impact. It's another expensive entitlement which by some estimates will cost taxpayers upwards of $1 billion a year. By passing this bill, the Legislature is laying the groundwork for future tax increases,” Romney said.
Currently, there is a more limited pilot program for universal pre-K just recently authorized through the FY 07 budget with a $4.6 million appropriation. The Governor recommends that the pilot program be conducted first before the Legislature creates an expectation of universal access that may be too expensive.
“Before we create an expensive new burden on Massachusetts taxpayers, one that could lead to future tax increases, we ought to await the results of the pilot program, particularly as it relates to the cost of a large scale expansion,” said Romney.
A report on the pilot program is due to be filed with the Legislature and the Administration on February 15, 2007.
August 4, 2006
ROMNEY DEDICATES BRIDGE TO FALLEN MARINE
Designates a Franklin bridge in memory of Lance Corporal Shayne Cabino
Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation designating a newly constructed bridge on West Central Street in Franklin to the memory of Marine Lance Corporal Shayne Cabino, who was killed in action in 2005 in Iraq. A Franklin native, Cabino joined the Marines in 2004 after graduating from Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School.
“Lance Corporal Cabino volunteered for duty out of a profound sense of duty and love for his country,” said Governor Romney. “The ultimate sacrifice he made for freedom will not be forgotten and his memory will live forever in the hearts of those he left behind.”
Lance Corporal Cabino served as a mortarman in the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, a part of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. While in Iraq, he was involved in heavy combat and was awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. On October 6, 2005 Lance Corporal Cabino and three fellow Marines were killed by a roadside bomb in Karmah, Iraq.
“As a 28-year military veteran, I am especially proud to honor the memory of a fellow soldier,” said Senator Scott Brown.
“Lance Corporal Cabino represents to best of us: selflessness, courage, and commitment to family and community,” said Senator Karen Spilka. “I hope that naming the bridge in his honor will, in some small way, allow the rest of us to always remember his sacrifice. My sincerest condolences go out to Lance Corporal Cabino's family and friends.”
“Shayne Cabino was a shining example of all that is right with our community and with our country,” said Representative James Vallee. “Although we’ll never be able to repay our debt to him, this bridge will forever remind us of him and the sacrifice he made for us.”
The Massachusetts Highway Department will erect signs that display the bridge’s new name.
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