The Beacon Hill Blitz [OPINION]
With less than two weeks before the Massachusetts Legislature recesses until January, there is a lot of work to get done. Most people would think that the budget, already weeks late, would be the priority – but hey, this is Massachusetts and there are more important fish to fry.
Lawmakers will swarm their districts over the next couple of months glad-handing for votes in this re-election year. But first, they must take care of some mighty important issues such as making Massachusetts a sanctuary state.
Yep, looks like that's gonna finally happen after years of trying.
Next, there is this business of raising taxes. Massachusetts has the highest unemployment rate of all of the nifty-fifty, but you can bet your bippy that your taxes are going up.
And don't forget police reform. Members of the Massachusetts House worked well into Sunday night to cram a police reform bill through committee to make sure it can be approved in record speed so that the Great and General Court can recess on time.
Police reform is the big pander-bear in the room. Even though it makes a mockery out of policing, it's good for the public image of the Kings and Queens of Hack who infest Beacon Hill. The forever offended crowd likes to drone on about systemic racism in the system. But aren't the reformers the same old incumbents who created and fostered that system?
Ah yes, police reform is the cause célèbre. So is providing sanctuary for illegal aliens. Since the stooges who occupy space at the State House never miss an opportunity to grandstand or to pander for a cause, expect both to be approved before the junket train pulls away from Beacon Street.
But fear not. They will be back – tanned, rested, and ready for more adventures in corruption and other tomfooleries long about the time you are tossing your Christmas tree to the curb.
Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.