Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | February 6, 2017 | Worcester Business Journal 5 B R I E F S Mass. legislators don't need a raise Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed an $18-million pay raise package from the Massachusetts legislature to give lawmakers, judges and constitutional officers a salary boost. Both the state House and Senate, though, had majorities to override the veto. When polled, 61 percent of WBJ readers said lawmakers' compensation should remain as is. F L A S H P O L L Milford Regional finished 2016 with $7M loss The nonprofit Milford Regional Medical Center ended 2016 with a financial loss of $6.99 million, even as its revenue and patients increased. The loss is better than the $9 million loss the hospital was on track for based on its year-to-date financials in September, but the end result for the year represents a 400-percent decrease from the $2.26 million positive margin the system had in 2015, according to the hospital's annual report. Milford Regional actually increased its revenues 5 percent to $270.1 million in 2016 vs. $249.2 million in 2015. Patients served at the hospital grew as well, with increases in inpatient stays (13,214 vs. 12,520), day surgery visits (5,910 vs. 5,495), emergency room visits (58,285 vs. 56,523) and outpatient regis- trations (424,128 vs. 416,090). The $7-million loss came largely due to a $16-million increase in staff wages. WPI expanding metals institute to China Worcester Polytechnic Institute appointed its second-ever director of its Metal Processing Institute, as the organi- zation expands globally for the first time with a new location in China. Brajendra Mishra, who joined WPI in 2015 as associate director of MPI, will take over as MPI director from Diran Apelian, who launched the insti- tute in 1996. The global expansion to China will take place later this year, with a new facility open- ing in Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, dedicated to non-destructive evaluation. Continued on next page "As a Worcester landlord, I wish I could increase rents at the rate of increase of politician's earnings, real estate taxes and water." COMMENTS: "Let's get the state in order before handing out money to those who are supposed to work for us but have their hands stuck out. I totally agree with Governor Baker." "Although I am not aware of the pay scale for lawmakers, we do need to attract the best and the brightest. There is much reform needed, but we only get the government we pay for." For event details: www.wbjournal.com/opioidforum Presenting Sponsors The Beechwood Hotel, Worcester • 7:30 - 10:30AM $40 per person • Pre registration required OPI ID C R I S I S F O R U M M A S S A C H U S E T T S A Worcester Business Journal EVENT REGISTER TODAY! The widespread abuse of opioid drugs, including prescription painkillers heroin and other highly addictive drugs are in the headlines on a daily basis. There is no doubt this crisis is having an impacting on the workforce and in the workplace. But are employers prepared to recognize the problem, or know where to go for help? This special forum will give employers an overview of what progress the city, the region and the state have made in tackling the crisis, and what challenges still lie ahead one year after signing the State's opioid legislation. UNDERSTANDING THE WORKPLACE IMPACT MARCH 29, 2017 WBJ A Worcester Business Journal EVENT Thank you for voting the Beechwood Hotel "Best Hotel for Business Clients" and "Best Venue for a Business Meeting." The only AAA Four Diamond-rated Hotel in the region invites you to discover the most unique independently owned hotel in Worcester, Massachusetts. the Luxury of Business cLass even after you Land. 363 plantation st. | Worcester, Ma. | 508.754.5789 | beechWoodhotel.coM Should Massachusetts legislators' salaries be increased? No. State lawmakers are already overcompensated. 44% Yes. To attract the best and brightest lawmakers we need to offer competitive pay. Yes. But the increases should be lower and tied to cost of living. 33% No. Politicians need to realize that public service means a lower salary. 17% 6% Bradjendra Mishra, Metal Processing Institute director

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