The Return of Governor Deval Patrick

The House of Representatives is, as we go to press, engaged in a political suicide mission — attempting to build a veto-proof majority to raise the sales tax by 25%.

The Governor, smartly, has staked out a contrary position with some very specific insistence on reforms, backed by a threat to veto the sales tax increase:

– On pensions, the Governor is insisting on reforms that apply to both new and current employees. This is a direct challenge to the House’s efforts thus far.

– On transportation, “real reforms” and “true cost savings”, noting that based on the House and Senate efforts “[w]e are not there yet”.

– On ethics, he notes the Senate’s inaction.

This is smart politics and smart policy. Credit where credit is due to the Governor on this move. He has clearly outflanked the House on this one.