BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick said he and legislative leaders are in fundamental agreement over what should be included in a municipal health care bill, even while there remains disagreement on the specifics.
The House approved a measure last week that would largely strip public employee unions of collective bargaining rights over health care benefits. The Senate is expected to act in the coming weeks.
Patrick said he wants a bill that would help cities and towns save money while keeping a "meaningful role" for labor. He believes the differences with the Legislature will be worked out.
Recommended For You
House Speaker Robert DeLeo called the measure passed by the House a "jobs bill" since it might prevent further layoffs.
Patrick and DeLeo spoke Monday after a weekly leadership meeting that was held in Senate President Therese Murray's office.
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
