Updated 22:04, June the 25th, 2009
Gov. praises ethics overhaul
BOSTON. Gov. Deval Patrick praised sweeping ethics reforms approved unanimously by lawmakers Thursday and signaled he will approve a 25 percent sales tax hike if minor changes to the transportation bill are worked out.
Patrick had warned his support for the sales tax increase in the Legislature’s budget hinged on lawmakers pressing on with meaningful pension, transportation and ethics reform.
The transportation bill could be signed as early as Friday if “technical” details, such as implementation dates and timelines.
Lawmakers say the sales tax hike will allow the state to dedicate $275 million more for transportation.
The Turnpike will meet Monday to discuss looming toll hikes, and Patrick said Thursday he is “very hopeful” they can be avoided.
The ethics bill would ban most giving gifts to elected officials, expand the state Ethics Commission’s subpoena power, raise penalties for lobbying law violations and increase punishment for lawmakers convicted of bribery.
Future reforms
Gov. Patrick said the state is “far from done” in its reform agenda, citing CORI, education, affordable housing, prison sentencing and economic development as priorities moving forward.