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Text Box: As a candidate, Governor Deval Patrick spoke of the need to bring property tax relief to Massachusetts cities and towns. Governor Patrick understood that it was important to take action and move on this promise immediately. It’s refreshing to have a Governor that listens to the needs of municipalities and is working to support the needs of local government & create a real partnership. Our reliance on the property tax to meet the needs of local citizens is unusually high in Massachusetts. A typical city in the Eastern part of this country relies on property taxes for about 20% of its local budget.   Acton relies, for example, on property taxes for about 84% of its local budget, Carlisle for about 79% of its local budget, Chelmsford for about 70%, and Concord for about 86% for its local budget.  We are increasingly paying more and getting less. It is becoming harder for seniors and young families to stay in their homes, for small businesses to stay and to grow, and for investors to bring their jobs here.  My communities are torn apart every year by budget and override discussions that put teachers and fire fighters and police officers and senior citizens against each other. Local leaders have to face decisions about cutting critical local services such as schools and police and fire and on the other hand, having to deal with property tax increases, which is the most regressive and unfair form of tax that there is. That’s why the Municipal Partnership Act is so important. The Act will help cities and towns address the need for fiscal stability, a more equitable revenue stream, long term investment and essential public infrastructure and services. Managing cost is absolutely key to solving long-term, local budget problems. Today, the costs for local health insurance and pensions are growing faster than revenue in our communities. The Municipal Partnership Act begins by giving our towns cost saving options by permitting them to: ·      move municipal workers into the state’s Health Insurance program, and ·       move low performing local pension funds into the higher performing State Pension System.  In order to modernize revenue streams the Municipal Partnership Act: ·       gives municipalities the opportunity to impose a modest meals and lodging tax, and ·      proposes to eliminate a 1915 law exempting phone companies from paying the same property taxes that the rest of us pay. Decreased reliance on property taxes will allow us to recall our common purpose as communities.  Please join me in supporting the Community Partnership Act because we are all partners and the Commonwealth in our community. A stronger community should be our common purpose.