Costs questioned amid fiscal crisis

Watchdog groups question expenditures and investments in some programs during economic downturn

In an economic climate that has made every penny vital to some Massachusetts residents, a handful of initiatives, tax-funded programs and whimsical payouts continue to draw the ire of those watching over wasteful government spending.

Here’s a look at a few areas viewed by such organizations as either overgenerous, unfair or unnecessary:

1) Ponkapoag and Leo J. Martin Golf Courses: The Pioneer Institute released a report earlier this year scolding the state for owning and operating two golf courses at a cost of more than $1 million apiece. “In a time of fiscal crisis, if you had to prioritize, would operating two golf courses be at the top of your list our state government should absolutely be doing?” said Liam Day, the Pioneer Institute’s director of communications and strategic partnerships.

2) State House library: Also targeted by the Pioneer Institute, the state spends more than $1 million on a library that acts as little more than a warehouse for old documents. The Pioneer Institute recommends investing that money in upgrading technology and putting the archives online.
 
3) Halloween decorations in Salem: This one is timely, as soon Salem will be adorned with $50,000 worth of state-funded decorations for its biggest holiday. The National Taxpayers Union cited this as one of several “questionable” payments.

4) Self-payers in nursing homes: Barbara Anderson, executive director for Citizens for Limited Taxation, expressed particular concern over the continued Medicare taxation of those who save their money to pay their way into a nursing home.

5) Bike paths: Since 1991, Massachusetts has received $135 million in federal funds to build new bike paths and upgrade existing ones, but more than $80 million remains available and unused, according to watchdogs. Yet, in places like Milford, officials are more interested in using economic stimulus funds and sitting on the reserves.