The entry below is being cross posted from Marjorie Arons-Barron’s own blog.

Governor Patrick’s hopes for Massachusetts, delivered in his state-of-the-state address in January were big-picture, visionary, limitless in their possibilities – especially in transportation, education and tax reform. They were so big, in fact, they took your breath away.  His proposals focused on increasing income and gas taxes  to pay for transportation improvements, more early childhood education and extended middle school  hours, all the while reducing the sales tax. We were, however, left with the question of whether the Governor’s legacy was to be moving the quality of life to the next level or returning to Taxachusetts.

Enter elected officials like State Treasurer Steve Grossman and House Speaker Robert DeLeo. As Massachusetts Democrats, both seem to share the Governor’s values.  But their practical approach is reassuring.

Photo Boston Herald

Grossman, a probable candidate for Governor in 2014, recently gave an impressive speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.  As Treasurer, he has already found ways to save millions of dollars, especially through competitive bidding. Looking ahead, he says he’ll enter into no contract for electronic benefits transfer (EBT) that doesn’t protect taxpayers from fraud and abuse.  While expressly sharing the Governor’s state-of-the-state aspirations, Grossman said one must ask whether the plan is good for taxpayers. He also warned about the negative reaction of the investor community to the plan’s inclusion of $400 million in deficit financing.

photo Boston Globe

Speaker DeLeo also spoke to the Chamber of Commerce.  His, too, was the voice of practicality. He saw the need for some tax revenues for the transportation system, especially regional bus service, curbing MBTA fare increases, and fixing roads and bridges.  Certain rail and Green Line expansions may not be financially feasible at this time.  As is Grossman, DeLeo is opposed to using more debt to financing for operating expenses.

People are still shaky as they emerge from the extended recession, and a moderate approach to fulfilling feasible dreams is much in order.  In all likelihood, the Governor aimed very high, knowing the legislature would pare down his vision.  But our elected officials are working on it, identifying problems and coming up with what Grossman calls “common sense solutions.”

Congress based its health care solution on the Massachusetts model. Would that they would do likewise in the preparation of a budget and shaping an appropriation and tax combination that would remediate problems and provide realistic answers.

I welcome your comments in the section below.