July 17, 2009
President’s Update
Dear Chamber member:
I am writing to update you on two critical issues the Chamber is focused on, both of which had major developments this week: charter schools, and health care reform.
Charter Schools:
Increasing the number of charter schools has long been supported by the Chamber and the employer community as a critical method to advance public education and strengthen development of the state's workforce.
Yesterday, Governor Deval Patrick introduced significant legislation that addresses these goals in several ways, including: increasing the cap on charter schools in the lowest performing districts; creating Readiness Schools, which would utilize increased autonomy and flexibility; and establishing strong new mechanisms for the Commonwealth to turnaround underperforming schools.
These proposals indicate a willingness to challenge the status quo in order to greatly improve our education system. The Chamber will continue to work with administration officials, legislative leaders, and all interested parties to provide more innovation in the public schools and strengthen educational opportunities for children in the Commonwealth.
Health Care Reform:
Since the beginning of the health care reform movement in Massachusetts, the Chamber has been very involved in its design, passage, and implementation to expand access. We now need to focus on addressing the issue of cost, and the Chamber has been working to ensure that landmark health care reform improves, rather than hinders, our competitiveness.
Yesterday, the Special Commission on the Health Care Payment System - established by last year's health care cost containment bill - released its final recommendations for changing the way health care is paid for in Massachusetts. The commission recommended a move toward a global payment system in order to improve the quality of care and help contain rising health care costs. Under a global payment system, health care providers would receive a single payment for a patient's care each year, rather than payments
for each medical procedure.
While the Chamber supports a move away from fee for service and toward a global payment system, many questions remain about how such a system would be designed and implemented. Over the next few months, the Chamber will continue to work on this issue and ensure that the concerns of the employer community are addressed.
The Chamber will continue to advance these and many other critical issues throughout the summer. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Sincerely,
Paul Guzzi
President & CEO