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They said they were surprised and disappointed that Romney didn’t discuss with them the changes he planned and accused him of putting his political agenda ahead of the good of the commonwealth. 

“It’s not the best way to build relationships, but he’s out the door soon so he probably doesn’t care,” said Sen. Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge), co-chairman of the Health Care Committee, who worked on the compromise bill. 

Even top lawmakers learned about the vetoes from a press release handed out at yesterday’s bill signing, though Romney had hinted at his actions in a piece penned earlier this week for the Wall Street Journal. 

House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi said he was surprised by the governor’s decision to reject a $295-per-employee assessment on businesses that don’t provide health care. He also vetoed the restoration of dental benefits to adults on Medicaid and MassHealth benefits for legal aliens. 

Romney left in place a requirement that everyone get insurance or face a penalty that could top $1,000. 

“To veto this at this time is disingenuous,” DiMasi said. “This piece of legislation was put together carefully with a lot of compromise. Each section is important to the overall bill.” 

In the governor’s defense, his spokesman, Eric Fehrnstrom, said Romney typically doesn’t tip his hand about vetoes until he signs a bill. “Today was no different,” he said. 

The bill is intended to provide near-universal health-care coverage. It expands Medicare and creates a state agency to offer free or subsidized health care for low-income individuals. The agency will also work with insurers to create affordable plans. 

DiMasi said he will push for an override vote as soon as possible. Still, it will probably be at least two weeks before it is considered. 

On the podium at Faneuil Hall, Romney shared credit with lawmakers and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.). They praised each other and called the signing a historic event. 

“An achievement like this comes around once in a generation, and it proves that government can work when people of both parties reach across the aisle for the common good,” Romney said. 

But afterward, lawmakers said they felt Romney put his bid for president ahead of Bay State residents. “I’m disappointed that he listened to the political handlers instead of people who know good policy,” Moore said. 

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