FIVE QUESTIONS FOR GOV. CHARLIE BAKER TO ANSWER AFTER DCF COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS
Will Gov. Baker’s Rhetoric Turn Into Results?

BOSTON— Following yesterday's news report that DCF Commissioner Linda Spears said, “But writing a report is a whole different thing from trying to get it done.” She added with a laugh: “It’s a lot easier to tell than do,” the Massachusetts Democratic Party is calling on Gov. Charlie Baker to answer five questions regarding his commitment to solving systemic problems at DCF:

1. Will you commit to adequately funding DCF so workers do not exceed the recommended 15 cases?
2. What is your plan for ensuring all state social workers and investigators are in compliance with state law and are licensed by July?
3. When you were Secretary of HHS and Secretary of A&F news reports indicate you ignored recommendations made by the Special Commission on Foster Care, so why should voters trust you will follow through this time?
4. Aside from having a pediatric nurse in every regional office, what other proposals are off the table because of lack of funding?
5. How are you prepared to deal with retirements of DCF workers who take advantage of your early retirement plan?

“For over a year, Gov. Baker said all DCF needs is better management. So now, with his commissioner expressing the same concerns as her predecessors – that she needs more funding – Gov. Baker needs to answer important questions about his commitment for improving DCF, ” said Massachusetts Democratic Party Executive Director Matt Fenlon. “Voters will be watching to make sure Gov. Baker’s rhetoric delivers results.”

This is the latest in the #PromisesWatch campaign, where the Massachusetts Democratic Party will monitor Gov. Baker and hold him accountable to his campaign promises and pledges.

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