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Governor reduces funds for Springfield bailout

Gov. Mitt Romney signed bailout legislation for Springfield on Friday after amending the bill in an attempt to reduce the amount of loan funding available from $52 million to $22 million.  The governor's move to change the funding level sends that portion of the bill back to the Legislature.  The other portions of the bill are now in effect.

The action on the legislation leaves collective bargaining in place for public employees -- a major priority of the MTA.  Member contact and lobbying played a vital role in killing Romney's anti-collective bargaining language and removing other troublesome provisions.

Many thanks to the members who called or e-mailed their representatives and senators!

In addition to preserving employee rights, MTA members and lobbyists were successful in getting language removed that potentially would have paved the way for significantly reducing the city's share of public employee health insurance premiums.

MTA will continue to update you on the need for further action to help your colleagues in Springfield.