Tom Menino in 2008-2011 Mayoral State of the City addresses
On Health Care:
Health care is a right, not a privilege
Easing inequities means continuing to reduce disparities in health care. Boston is home to the world's best health care resources, yet some residents still do not share in the miracles performed here. Meanwhile, community health centers operate where
people live, they are at the forefront of health issues, and they provide excellent care. So, we'll launch Neighbor Care. Neighbor Care will increase the use of community health centers-- providing more hours and more services in the neighborhoods.
I am asking our Public Health Commission to team up with hospitals, health insurance companies, and the community health centers to help the centers extend their hours and access. America's first community health center was established on
Dorchester's Columbia's Point. A long tradition across the city continues to this day. While some in Congress now seek to limit access to health care. In Boston, we remember what a good man told us: healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
Source: 2011 State of the City Address
Jan 11, 2011
On Health Care:
State should grant cities power to determine healthcare
Let me address a disparity: The difference between what we pay for city employee health care costs and what we can afford, what private sector neighbors get, and what the State provides to its employees. In this economy, it's tough enough for our
neighbors to cover their own healthcare costs. We should not ask them to cover the vast majority of ours.Our healthcare costs are an enormous strain on an already grim financial situation. Boston taxpayers pay 82% of health care costs for most
City employees. In total, our healthcare costs will reach nearly $300 million next year. The State pays 67% of healthcare costs for new employees. If Boston had the same plan design, we could save $1 million a month. Municipal union leaders can make
this right at the negotiating table. The City Council can make this right by approving my home rule petition for a Boston version of the state's Group Insurance Commission. The State can make this right by granting us the power they gave themselves.
Source: 2011 State of the City Address
Jan 11, 2011
On Budget & Economy:
One-year wage freeze for city workers, so no service cuts
$140 million means cuts to core services. It means cuts in jobs. We are talking about real pain for working families, and I don't want that. We've had the foresight to prepare for the bad times, even when it was deeply unpopular. That's why we were able
to refinance debt and cut costs by more than $30 million. I will not stop seeking efficiencies and streamlining operations. I will not stop fighting for legislation that gives cities the additional tools we need to manage through this crisis and beyond,
and I will focus our resources on our shared priorities: public safety, public education, and economic opportunity for everyone. We cannot tighten our belts out of this situation--no matter how no matter how much we prioritize, legislate, and consolidate
We need courage and urgent action. Tonight, I am asking municipal union leaders to partner with me on behalf of working men and women. If we can agree to a one-year wage freeze, then I can protect core services for residents and preserve jobs.
Source: 2009 State of the City Address
Jan 13, 2009
Page last updated: Jun 01, 2021