Top Mass. Lawmakers Defend Job Recommendations

Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray are defending the practice of lawmakers recommending individuals for state jobs despite a scathing Probation Department review.

DeLeo said lawmakers make lots of recommendations, whether for housing, school or jobs, but the final decision is out of their hands.

"What happens thereafter in terms of whether they get the job or don't get the job, that depends upon, you know, the folks making the decision," DeLeo said.

The Everett Democrat acknowledged writing a letter of recommendation for his godson, but said he put no "undue pressure" on the Probation Department to hire him.

DeLeo says everyone in the Legislature is taking the report seriously but he did not say the practice should be curbed. Murray said she agreed with DeLeo.

Gov. Deval Patrick also said there's nothing inherently wrong with the practice.

An independent report released earlier this month faulted the department for favoring politically connected job seekers.

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