Statement of Karyn Polito on the House Budget

I voted no on the House budget because I believe it is the product of poor policies and even poorer procedures. At a time when our Commonwealth is facing serious challenges, the people of Massachusetts deserve a more thoughtful approach to the problems before us and better procedures to debate policy. Unfortunately, very few ideas were permitted to be debated and voted on this week. That’s bad for the House as an institution and it’s bad for the people of Massachusetts.

POLITO ANNOUNCES PASSAGE OF “RESTAURANT REJUVENATION ACT”

State Representative Karyn Polito (R – Shrewsbury) is pleased to announce that the House has adopted a budget amendment she introduced that will allow restaurants to serve alcohol during Sunday brunch hours.


Known as the “Restaurant Rejuvenation Act” and advocated by television’s “Phantom Gourmet,” Dave Andelman, the legislation has the potential to give an economic boost to the Massachusetts restaurant industry. That industry employs approximately one out of ten Massachusetts workers, or almost 300,000 people, and it is responsible for over $12 billion in annual sales. However, the restaurant industry has suffered greatly due to recent economic difficulties.

“I am thrilled my colleagues recognized the potential of the Restaurant Rejuvenation Act to create additional jobs in Massachusetts,” said Polito, who was the main sponsor of the budget amendment to enact the legislation in the House. “Massachusetts restaurants are facing tremendous challenges due to the recession, the meals tax, higher sales taxes and a new tax on alcoholic beverages. I hope the passage of this amendment will help to offset some of the costs on businesses.”

Under current law, Massachusetts restaurants outside of Suffolk county are prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages before noon on Sundays, unless local licensing boards grant permission. The Restaurant Rejuvenation Act would move the starting time back to 10:00 a.m. statewide, thereby helping restaurants to compete with neighboring states for Sunday brunch business and removing licensing differences between communities.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

POLITO AND LOCAL OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS RESTORING LOCAL AID

State Representative Karyn Polito and local officials will hold a media availability tomorrow, April 28, at 11:30 a.m., outside the House Chamber on the third floor of the Statehouse. Polito will speak about her amendment to dedicate 75% of state revenues that come in above forecast for restoration of local aid to Massachusetts cities and towns.

STATEMENT OF KARYN POLITO REGARDING HER VOTE AGAINST THE GAMING BILL PASSED BY THE HOUSE TODAY

The gaming bill approved by the House today is a bad deal for Massachusetts. These are the biggest licenses ever awarded by our state and it would be wrong to hand them out on a no-bid basis. The only way to obtain maximum value for the taxpayers is through a competitive bidding process. I hope the Senate makes the bill better by adding language that encourages competition and openness. As we look to expand gaming in the state, we need to do it in a way that maintains the public's confidence.

APRIL OFFICE HOURS

I am pleased to announce that I will be holding office hours in the month of April during the following times:

April 9th from 9-10:30AM at the Senior Center in Shrewsbury. 98 Maple Avenue

April 16th from 9-10AM at the Shrewsbury Towers. 36 N. Quinsigamond Avenue and 10:30-11:30AM at the Senior Center in Westborough. 4 Rogers Road


No appointment is necessary.