This is the earliest the rules have been adopted by the Senate since they moved to a two year session in 1995. The new rules reflect the priorities of openness and transparency for Senate business that Senate President Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst) promised in his inaugural Senate address on January 7th.
Transparency
Pension Fund Transparency Update
Last week, the MBTA reached agreement with its largest union, Local 589, on a new collective bargaining agreement which includes commitments to increase transparency of the union’s pension fund. Concerns about the issue aren’t fully settled, but this is real progress and I commend the MBTA, the union’s leadership and the fund itself for these major steps towards transparency.
MBTA Pension Transparency: Update
I’ve had to change my approach to achieving transparency at the MBTA’s pension fund. It’s been a long struggle, but I think we now have an approach that is going to work.
Project in Sandwich
Paul Wilson asks about a $500,000 state budget item for athletic fields in Senate President Murray’s district that she sponsored after a failed Prop. 2 1/2 vote by local voters.
Is NEMLEC subject to public records law?
Robin Whitworth asks: What are your thoughts on NEMLEC’s contention they are not subject to MA open record laws?
MBTA Pension Transparency
Back in 2008, I became aware and concerned that the MBTA Retirement Fund is not subject to the same transparency rules that apply to state agencies. My understanding of this issue has greatly evolved over the past few months: While I have undiminished passion for transparency, I have to admit that the Retirement Fund is …