"This is an insult to the taxpayers of Massachusetts," said Representative Jim Lyons of Andover. Lyons was referring to the federal court decision that forces state taxpayers to fund the sex change of a vicious murderer. This criminal murdered his wife, Cheryl Kosilek, in 1990 and was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.
"Apparently," Lyons said, "the Patrick Administration has been caught flat footed on this matter." He noted that and administration spokesperson at the Department of Correction is quoted as saying they are reviewing the decision and exploring appellate options.
"There should be no hesitation," Lyons emphasized. "This is simply wrong.
"It is wrong for our taxpayers. It is wrong for crime victims. It is wrong for our innocent citizens who play be the rules. The Patrick Administration must immediately announce that it will appeal this wrongheaded decision all the way to the United States Supreme Court, if necessary."
Lyons pointed out that law-abiding taxpayers are obligated to pay for expensive health insurance plans or to pay directly-out-of-pocket for their most essential health care needs. "Now, they are going to tell these struggling taxpaying families that they must also foot the bill for this kind of operation for a convicted murderer? This is turning common sense upside down."
Noting that precious taxpayer resources are at a premium on Beacon Hill, Lyons said, "There are so many important needs in our state today. We had to fight hard to have Governor Patrick agree with increases in Local Aid this year. If the administration can find taxpayer monies for something like this, then there is no excuse for denying greater Local Aid for police, fire, public safety, primary and secondary education, and public works."
Lyons concluded, saying, "It's time to re-order our priorities. It's time to think of law-abiding taxpaying families first."
