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MARCH 2006 - Municipal Research Group Holds Forums - Following a contentious atmosphere in 2005, when municipal health insurance was a hot topic across the Commonwealth, Association, union and municipal officials have been taking part in intense roundtable discussions.
The discussions center primarily on the high cost of local health insurance and what can be done to maintain both plan quality and affordability in the years to come. After this failed attempt last year to eliminate collective bargaining rights for health insurance, municipal leaders have asked Association and union officials to sit down with them and determine if the parties can reach common ground. Known as the Municipal Finance Task Force, which is organized through the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and Metro Mayors Association, the group has been holding monthly meetings since last fall. The task force is chaired by Sovereign Bank Chairman John Hamil, with Revere Mayor Thomas G. Ambrosino as vice chair. Mary Clare Higgins, who is the mayor of Northampton and current president of the MA Municipal Association (MMA), also serves on the task force. "Education Experience" While the group serves no official role, it is the hope of its organizers to file recommendations and findings with the Legislature later this year. Whether consensus can be reached between the retiree, union, and management representatives remains to be seen. "Regardless of whether or not a solution can be agreed upon is not as important as listening to what each group has to say. This is an educational experience for all of us," said Association President Ralph White. "So far the thing that is most surprising is how many communities do not understand the options that are already available to help control the cost of healthcare, while still providing high quality plans. "We understand that insurance is expensive, both for the government and the retiree. But the trend of shifting the cost onto retirees is not the answer. Hopefully better solutions can come as a result of joint efforts like this task force. "However, we can't lose sight of the fact that many communities are not using the tools that are available." |
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