State reps hit the road to to make insurance pitch

The governor's not the only politican who can go on a barnstorming tour.

Leaders of the state House of Representatives announced this week that they would be traveling to communities across the state this summer to drum up interest for ... the state Group Insurance Commission.

The House last week overwhelming approved Governor Deval Patrick's proposal to allow communities to join the insurance program used by state employees -- an initiative designed to save money and take pressure off the property tax base.

Now representatives, led by Rachel Kaprielian, who sponsored the bill, will be working on persuading cities and towns to take advantage of the bill. One possible catch: local unions will have veto power, which could present an obstacle in some communities.

For a comparison of how state and local insurance costs have risen in recent years, click here. (Look at the "Health Expenditures" tab)

This spring, Patrick roamed the state, trying to drum up grassroots support for his Municipal Relief Act. The Legislature have embraced portions of it, but appears to have no appetite for a proposal to allow communities to raise the local meals tax.

The first briefing will be held tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. in the Council Chamber at Malden City Hall.