Hanson Selectman James Armstrong speaks during the MMA’s Annual Business Meeting on Jan. 24 in Boston.At the MMA’s Annual Business Meeting on Jan. 24, members approved amendments to two of the MMA’s standing policies as well as resolutions on water infrastructure funding and energy.
 
The members approved changes to the MMA’s standing policies in the areas of binding arbitration, municipal retirement and health insurance.
 
The additions state the MMA’s long-standing opposition to binding arbitration and call for comprehensive reform of the retirement system, with an emphasis on the disability retirement system. The health insurance portion calls for changing state law to give cities and towns the same authority that the state government has for making health insurance plan decisions for employees.
 
Members also approved the addition of an energy policy, which calls on the state to involve local government in the development of energy policies and programs. The new policy also calls for giving cities and towns the authority to approve the siting of energy facilities, and for the state and federal governments to provide assistance in energy procurement and management.
 
Two resolutions were also adopted: one on a progressive energy plan for cities and towns, and one outlining a long-term plan for water infrastructure funding.
 
Policies and resolutions presented at the Annual Business Meeting are drafted by the respective policy committees, and approved by the MMA Board of Directors, to support the MMA’s lobbying agenda.
 
View the MMA’s updated policies and 2009 resolutions
 

+
+