by Hillary Chabot
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Driven by angry constituents, state senators are moving to flatten the tires of welfare recipients by cutting a program spotlighted in the Herald that hands them donated cars and state-funded insurance, repairs and even AAA membership.
“We can’t be giving out freebies,” said state Sen. Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen). “At a time when we’re cutting programs across the spectrum and working families are struggling to pay the bills, this program is just too rich for this budget.”
The Herald reported last week that Gov. Deval Patrick was expanding the $400,000 wheels-for-welfare program with a $30,000 infusion despite the budget crisis.
“Folks are calling for reform everywhere I go,” said Sen. Stephen J. Buoniconti (D-West Springfield). “We need to start taking a look at the welfare packages we give to folks, including the program in your article.”
Funding for the free cars program, started in 2006 under former Gov. Mitt Romney using cars donated by charities, was included in the Senate budget - but a move to amend the budget and cut the program is speeding ahead.Patrick spokesman Kyle Sullivan defended the program but would not say whether Patrick would veto a budget without the plan.
“We are pleased to hear the Senate has included the funding in their budget. We hope they keep their commitment to the single mothers and others who are working to stay off welfare,” he said.
Senate Ways and Means Chairman Steven C. Panagiotakos (D-Lowell) said the only reason the program is included in the budget - set to be released today - is because a Herald article detailing the perk ran after the budget had been sent to the printer.
Senate Ways and Means Vice Chairman Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) said there is growing support in the Senate for the amendment, specifically to cut the AAA membership and stop allowing recipients to keep the cars if they lose their jobs.
“These are the things that bother the hell out of people, and I don’t find it to be a defensible position politically,” he said.
Brewer said he understands Patrick’s position that the program helps get recipients off welfare and to their jobs, but, “There are some parts that fly in the face of common sense.”
The plan takes donated cars and uses taxpayer dollars for repairs, registration, insurance, excise tax, the title and AAA membership for one year. The cars go to families on welfare who don’t have access to public transportation.
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo has also asked his budget team to look into cutting the program.
The story went national when the Drudge Report gave it an online ride.
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