House, Senate to take up changes to muni health reform plan on Monday

Gov. Deval Patrick late Friday released a statement on the municipal health reform component of the budget, which has drawn national labor union interest. Patrick said he would be filing amendments to the proposal, which could be taken up in formal sessions on Monday in the Legislature.

The plan, passed in the still-unsigned fiscal 2012 budget, would give cities and towns, after a 30-day bargaining window, the ability to unilaterally alter health plan copayment and deductible changes, with 25 percent of savings sent back to employees, according to the State House News Service.

Statements from Patrick, and House Speaker Robert DeLeo, are included below.

PATRICK: “My Administration is committed to supporting local services by providing cities and towns with tools to achieve cost savings. Working with the Legislature, we have repeatedly demonstrated that commitment through reform legislation in recent years. Pending legislation regarding municipal health care costs is another example of that commitment, by delivering meaningful savings to municipalities without sacrificing a meaningful role for organized labor in that process.

Since the Legislature’s vote on the final budget, municipal officials and labor leaders have agreed to a few improvements to strengthen the bill and better serve both goals.

Therefore, on Monday, I will file those improvements as amendments to the Municipal Health Care Reform outside section of the budget. I understand that both the House and Senate have called formal sessions for Monday, and I look forward to their action on these amendments at that time.”

DeLEO: “The budget passed by the Legislature provides cities and towns with a process to effectively manage rising municipal health care costs. Since its passage, municipal officials and labor leaders agreed to a few changes that would enrich labor's role in that process without diminishing the substance of the reform. It is my understanding that the changes are also endorsed by the Governor and Senate President, and will be filed by the Governor in the form of an amendment to the state budget.

“Having spoken with both labor and municipal officials, and having reviewed the proposed changes with Chairman Dempsey and House budget staff, I am prepared to bring them before the House for consideration. It is my hope they receive the support of both the House and Senate and reach the Governor’s desk on Monday so that municipal health care reform can become law immediately.”