“It was recently announced that I will serve on the governor’s task force regarding municipal health care and retirement. This task force consists of business, labor and legislative members and is charged with looking at legacy costs paid by local governments, the origins of those costs, and what can be done to reduce those costs. This problem was created by a variety of factors, including reduced property values from the Great Recession and $7.5 billion in cuts to promised revenue sharing from the state to local governments over the last 15 years. We met for the first time last week, and we’ll continue to meet throughout the winter and spring. I am honored to work with all parties to help reduce legacy costs for our communities while at the same time protecting our retirees and employees who help make these communities such great places. I look forward to continuing the discussions as we move forward.”