Word: dukakises
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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At his news conference, Dukakis denied that he was attempting to put a gun to the Legislature's head by proposing a generous local aid increase, which is politically popular on Beacon Hill, linked to his tax package, which is politically unpopular.
"Obviously, it's going to have to be a joint decision. The Legislature is going to have to play a major role in this," Dukakis said.
House Ways and Means Chair Richard A. Voke (D-Chelsea), who will play a key role in the debate over local aid, taxes and the new budget, immediately put Dukakis on notice that he considered the local aid proposal overly generous in light of available revenues.
Voke also said pointedly that if Dukakis' goal was to "buy off" the cities and towns with generous amounts of local aid, his tactic did not work because legislators are not hearing calls from local officials to support the tax package.
Sheila Cheimets, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, which represents the state's 351 cities and towns, called the $120 million proposed increase "essential" and praised Dukakis for his "serious commitment" to local government.