Rotary Spoke 11 30 15

Posted by Dave Siekman 
on Nov 30, 2015
 

State Representative Jay Kaufman Speaks to Rotary

(Corrected copy)
 
On a very brisk yet sunny afternoon a rabble of Rotarians (rabble = 24) plus one guest sat down to a nice lunch of American goulash, Caesar salad, and sandwiches.  We were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Allan Azoff and the first verse of America by PP Spencer.  PDG Jack gave the invocation.
 
PP Dan led us all in the welcome song after graciously allowing Pres Dom to slide on forgetting it last week.  Pres Dom still stood up (well he was already standing…) and fined himself.  Happy dollars and fines were flowing.  PP Spencer gave for his 139th vacation this year.  SAA Connie has an upcoming trip.  PE Susan, PP Dan B, PP Jim S and PP Don S all gave for various family Thanksgiving visits (some virtual).  PP Don M let everyone know about a great Groupon deal he got for a tree at Wagon Wheel (at this point is there anyone that doesn’t believe PP Don is part of PP Nick’s marketing team?).  PP Nick and PP Dave S both fined themselves for missing recent meetings and events.
 
PSAA Steve was thankful for a successful Cash Raffle but also announced it was his last meeting as he is resigning the club due to a change in position taking him out of Lexington.  Steve, we thank you for your service to the club and wish you the best.
 
Upcoming Events
  • Saturday 12/5 – Sand/Salt For Seniors (Brookhaven – 10:00am)
  • Monday 12/21 – Christmas Party
 
We currently have 16 Rotarians and approximately 65 homes for Salt for Seniors.  We should be able to finish up this project in well under 2 hours.  We can probably do it in an hour with a few more participants!
 
Raffle gifts were provided today by Arlex Oil, Bickling Financial, Brookhaven at Lexington, and the Rotary Club of Lexington. 
 
Today’s speaker was State Representative Jay Kaufmann.  Jay has been a state representative for 21 years and has been the Revenue Committee Chair for the last seven.  Jay spoke about a number of topics.  He was pointed in his criticism of the last governor and spoke very highly about Governor Baker’s ability to see both the details and the big picture.  Jay’s largest venture right now is working through a citizen proposal to increase income taxes and additional 4% (9% in total) on every dollar earned over $1M with the proceeds going to education and transportation. Jay found it interesting to see how the governor is working through the fact that there is a wealth divide in the state and his Republican base being opposed to a tax increase.
 
Jay also spoke to illegal immigration and how the dysfunction in Washing prevents a legitimate discussion on the topic.  Locally he believes in allowing in-state tuition to college students that are here illegally but are on path to citizenship.  His belief stems from the idea that we are already invested in these individuals and have a vested interest in their future as well.
 
He also spoke about minimum wage and his view that we should be discussing an actual living wage by family instead of an hourly wage that puts the burden on the business owner.  There is also a need to address health care costs that also put a significant burden on business owners.  While Massachusetts has done a lot since 2006 to improve the current system, the federal model built on our system still has many of the problems that were baked into our initial system.
 
Closer to home, problems on Beacon Hill mostly stem from the head of each chamber having a very difficult job balancing the needs off all of the representatives and senators and their constituents but this ends up leaving them with an inordinate amount of power.  Finally, he addressed the need to reign in student loans to allow recent graduates the opportunities similar to those of previous generations.
PP DAS