December 8, 2009

BOSTON— State Representative Vinny deMacedo announced today he will be taking a voluntary furlough.  This announcement comes after Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo announced all House staff would be required to take a five day furlough to help tighten the budget gap.

The members of the House are not constitutionally obligated to take a furlough; however Representative deMacedo said everyone needs to share in the sacrifice as state lawmakers deal with a massive budget shortfall.

“We are in the midst of tough economic times,” deMacedo said.   “My constituents, and families around the state, are all making sacrifices and doing what they can to get through a tough year.  If this is one small step we can take towards resolving a dire fiscal situation, we all need to chip in and do what it takes.  That being said, we need to ensure the Legislature does its due diligence and starts spending more wisely in the future,” deMacedo concluded.

Representative deMacedo added he is disappointed the financial picture has worsened over the last few months saying the Legislature should have been more proactive.  Republican lawmakers pushed for a statewide furlough, a hiring freeze and a number of other cost savings proposals in April because of the bleak outlook.  Those ideas were unfortunately rejected in favor of significant tax increases.