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February 28, 2007 GAC Update
There was no Update last week so you get a double edition this week including a recap of Congressman Michael Capuano’s remarks at the February 20 GAC meeting and news from Monday’s City Council meeting.
Upcoming GAC Events
The 2007 Government Affairs program is sponsored by Genzyme.
City Manager Robert Healy Guest for March GAC
Cambridge City Manager Robert Healy will be our guest at the March 27 GAC luncheon and meeting which will be held at noon at the Chamber Board Room. GAC members mentioned last fall that they would to hear from the City Manager annually so this is your opportunity.
Please e-mail tsmith@cambridgechamber.org or phone (617) 876-4213 if you plan to attend.
April GAC TBA
February 20 GAC Meeting and Luncheon
Congressman Michael Capuano was the guest at the February 20 Government Affairs Luncheon hosted by the Best Western Hotel Tria, The Congressman discussed changes in the House of Representatives resulting from last year’s elections, his focus on finding a balance when addressing issues, and the limits imposed by the large deficit built up over the past six years. A major theme of his remarks was balance; whether returning to a balanced budget or bringing balance to the relationship between industry and consumers.
To address the deficit, Congressman Capuano reported that the Democrats have returned to a policy that requires identifying funding for any new policy or program. Funding can either come from new revenues or by redirecting spending from one place to another. This system was in place during the 1990s when the annual federal budget was brought from deficit to surplus and real reductions were made in national debt. Since this policy was eliminated in 2001 debt has risen by $950,000 each minute since January 2001. Interest on that debt increases $530,000 per minute and most of this debt is being purchased by the Government of the People’s Republic of China. Congressman Capuano posts information on the public debt on his Web site at http://www.house.gov/capuano/ with links to the Federal Bureau of Public Debt.
The Congressman made clear that many things some people would like this new Congress to do will not be done because of the deficit built over the past six years. This colored much of his remarks regarding future investment from the federal government but he did note that some major things can be accomplished. He said that he did see more funding becoming available for research and development and the House did pass several important pieces of legislation in its first 100 hours as promised.
During the question and answer session he was asked several question related to the role the Massachusetts delegation can and does play in supporting the Biotech industry. He said that he is willing to work with the industry but that his focus is on the people he represents. He noted that he is looking for balance between the costs of pharmaceuticals in the United States and in other industrial nations like Canada and the European Community. A question was raised regarding the adequacy of funding of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which has been level funded for ten years. He said that he understands the need for sufficient resources at both the FDA and the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) and encouraged industry to make that case to the Congress.
He was asked whether he is more or less pessimistic today than he was when he addressed a Chamber audience in 2004. He said that he is optimistic because the new Congress can change the debate and establish different priorities. He also noted that it is very important to manage expectations given the limited resources. For example, he wants to see a number of transportation projects completed, including the extension of the Green and Blue lines, the Urban Ring, and additional commuter rail service but realizes that with limited resources success will be measured by getting one of these accomplished in the near term.
The Chamber Government Affairs Committee appreciated the opportunity to meet with Congressman Capuano and again thanks Adam Sperling and the Best Western Hotel Tria for sponsoring this meeting and luncheon.
February 26, 2007 Cambridge City Council Meeting
The Council met on Monday and received a report from Planning Board on proposed changes to the zoning code for some business districts, received a report from the City Manager on programs available for individuals recently released from prison, and adopted an order permitting the City Manager to refinance some debt next year.
Planning Board Report on Proposed Changes to BA, BA-1 and BA-2 Districts
The Council submitted changes to the zoning code affecting BA, BA-1 and BA-2 districts. The changes would require a Project Review Special Permit for projects of 20,000 square feet or more, a reduction from the current requirement of review for projects of 50,000 square feet or more, and establish certain setback requirements.
The Planning Board report recommends modifications to the proposed zoning changes to require Project Review Special Permit for developments of 20,000 square feet or more but does not recommend the requirement that detailed traffic studies be completed at this lower permit threshold. The Board also does not recommend dimensional changes proposed in BA-2 districts.
The Planning Board’s report is available at City Manager Agenda Item 13.
Programs for those Recently Released from Prison
The Council received a report from the City Manager regarding programs and outreach available from the City for individuals who have been released from prison. This led to a larger discussion about workforce development, employment training, education, and other services the City can and does make available to these individuals and several Councillors called on the City’s Department of Workforce Development to build partnerships with the business community that would ensure employment for individuals who complete programs. A copy of the report is available at City Manager Agenda Item 5.
Council Authorizes Manager to Refinance Debt
At the last meeting of the City Council the Manager submitted an item requesting Council approval for authorization to refinance certain bonds that become eligible for refinancing in 2008. This matter received final approval by the Council on Monday. At the previous Council meeting the City Manager reported that if current favorable interest rates are available next year the City could save as much as $2 million by refinancing this debt.
