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'Hack Holidays' Saved By Legislature

Proposal To Eliminate Bunker Hill, Evacuation Day Holidays Dies At State House

POSTED: 8:51 am EST November 19, 2009
UPDATED: 9:55 am EST November 19, 2009

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The Massachusetts Legislature adjourned for the year Wednesday night without any debate on Gov. Deval Patrick's proposal to eliminate two so-called "Hack Holidays."

The legislature took no action on Patrick's request to eliminate Bunker Hill Day and Evacuation Day, two controversial holidays celebrated only in Suffolk County.

A spokesman for House Speaker Robert DeLeo told the Boston Herald that lawmakers voted against eliminating the holidays less than six months ago.

“They’re sending the wrong message to taxpayers,” House Minority leader Brad Jones told the newspaper.

The Senate defeated a similar proposal by a 21-17 vote earlier this year.

Many say the Suffolk-County-only holidays are too pricey, costing taxpayers about $5 million a year, all to fund a paid day off for a small minority of state workers.

The Legislature, under its rules, may not reconvene until January.


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