Jun 2, 2009 6:59 pm US/Eastern
Lawmakers Look To Scrap City's Obscure Holidays
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Bunker Hill Monument (File Image)
CBS
Republican leaders are vowing to renew their fight to repeal two holidays, Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day.
Since 1938, Suffolk County and state workers have been given holidays on March 17 and June 17, but Republicans are trying to change that by arguing that each holiday costs taxpayers $5 million a year. Minority Leader Senator Richard Tisei (R) of Wakefield is refilling a bill this week, after a close defeat two weeks ago.
Senator Mike Knapik (R) of Westfield, has been leading the charge to repeal the holidays for the past decade. He says, with the current financial crisis, these make no sense. "I love history more than anyone else, we've got rich history in Massachusetts, but I think the Founding Fathers would be shocked they've got this day off."
He calls it wasteful government. "This is a special deal that has to end."
Senator Jack Hart, (D) of South Boston, had vehemently debated in favor of the holidays on the Senate floor two weeks ago. Now he says with the new information about the cost of the holidays, he is open to a new debate. "If it's a $5 million savings, it changes the dynamics of the debate. I don't want anybody to get laid off or prevented from getting any kind of service as a result of this $5 million savings. It deserves full debate and I intend to do so."
Evacuation Day is March 17, the same day as St. Patricks Day, and commemorates the evacuation of British forces from the city of Boston during the Revolutionary War.
Bunker Hill Day is June 17, and commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill.
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