Budget Kabuki, part 2

Let's see: announcement in the Globe that 81 reps have signed on to restoring funding for the Quinn Bill (HW&M didn't eliminate the Quinn Bill, just the state match which could leave towns liable for the entire cost). DeLeo is open to a sales tax increase. Peter Kocot steps up with amendments to raise the meals tax (an option) and to expand sales tax to services.

Katherine Clark would end the sales tax exemption on alcohol. Karyn Polito would increase hours of eligibility for insurance benefits from 20 to 30 hours (but not touch insurance for elected officials). Bill Bowles would up the occupancy tax by 1% over current rates (including B&B's) and the meals tax to 6% (mandatory).

Angelo Scaccia plays it safe by offering optional 1% and 2% increases in the meals tax. Dennis Guyer and a number of co-sponsors restore regional school transportation funding.

Most of the 978 amendments filed to the HW&M budget bill look like earmarks, at least from the short description on House amendments list.