I’ve been busy making the rounds on talk radio to promote the reinstatement of a tax-free weekend in Massachusetts this summer, which Charlie and I strongly support.  The annual sales tax holiday was a big hit for consumers and retailers from 2004-2008.  In 2009, taxpayers didn’t get a tax holiday, but instead were hit with a 25 percent sales tax increase, courtesy of the Patrick-Murray Administration.  Charlie and I think it’s about time taxpayers get a break!

Be sure to check out my recent appearances on:

RushRadio 1200’s Jeff Katz Show

WRKO’s Tom & Todd Show

and my interview with WBZ Radio’s Jon MacLean

Today, Treasurer Tim Cahill announced that he “doesn’t have enough insight into the budget” to offer any solutions for how to fix it.  I find it alarming that someone who has been State Treasurer for seven years would admit to being ignorant of the budget.  As a State Senator, I have spent my career championing commonsense solutions which would cut spending and make government smaller and more efficient.  Charlie has also offered a number of solutions for balancing the budget, which you can read about here: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/02/18/patrick_challengers_offer_ideas_to_close_budget_gap/

I just released this statement about Cahill’s troubling budget ignorance:

“This is just another example of Tim Cahill’s protecting big spending and the status quo on Beacon Hill.  The next Governor is going to have to be willing to make tough choices and big decisions on the budget, and Charlie Baker will.  We know Governor Patrick doesn’t have what it takes to run the state effectively and to control spending, today Treasurer Cahill reaffirmed that he doesn’t have the knowledge or the willingness to bring about change either.”

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei issued the following statement in response to the release of Governor Deval Patrick’s Fiscal Year 2011 budget proposal: (more…)

My View: Charter fiasco shows need to restore Department of Education independence