The Medford representative made $2,180 for taking an "often-criticized benefit," according to the Boston Herald.
Medford Rep. Paul Donato was one of several state legislators mentioned in a Boston Herald article this week regarding per diem reimbursements for commuting to the State House. Donato put in for 218 days for 2011 and was paid $2,180, according to state records published by the Herald. The paper called the reimbursements an "oft-criticized benefit" for legislators. The Herald reported the House only had 119 formal sessions in 2011. Donato told the paper he often has to run sessions when Speaker Robert A. DeLeo is not present.
City used the funds to save 20 jobs in the fiscal year 12 budget.
On Thursday the City of Medford the elimination of $1.2 million of debt as a result of Gov. Deval Patrick signing Senate Bill 2474 into law. According to a statement posted on the city website, the bill will prevent Medford from having to repay $1.2 million taken from the Water and Sewer surplus of $6.5 million in 2011. The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Pat Jehlen and state Reps. Paul Donato, Carl Sciortino and Sean Garballey. The bill came as a result of a home rule petition by Mayor Michael McGlynn and Medford City Council members. "This was in order to save approximately 20 jobs and secure city services in the fiscal year 12 budget,” McGlynn said in the statement. McGlynn said borrowing from the surplus is allowed under state law. "…
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Arthur DeLuca
10:59 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2013
I wouldn't use the term "begrudge" in this case, Paul. To me it's not a case of "is it worth it" or "does he deserve it" but rather one of "times are tough, money is tight, everyone has to do their part to cut down - could you brown bag it for awhile?" Look at Congress for example. Congress being unable to create a balanced budget has created a problem. To solve (or perhaps "deal with" paints a … more ›