Monthly Archives: January 2011

The President's State of the Union Speech (Enhanced)

Posted on January 26, 2011 by billmanzi

The President gave the State of the Union last night, laying out his policy goals (targeted spending, increased exporting, a five year freeze on federal discretionary spending, a defense of the health care reform bill, amongst other things), using the … Continue reading →

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Republicans Begin Doublespeak on Budget Cuts

Posted on January 24, 2011 by billmanzi

The House Republican majority has already begun to send mixed signals on just what it is they they would like to see cut, with the Republican leadership and the Republican House Study Committee appearing to differ greatly on what should … Continue reading →

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Rebecca Armstrong Wins SOAR Award

Posted on January 24, 2011 by billmanzi

Congratulations to Rebecca Armstrong, recognized at the January School Committee meeting with the SOAR Award. SOAR AWARD Department: Career and Technical Education Student Name: Rebecca Armstrong Parents: Robert and Alice Armstrong Address: 4 Dracut Street, Methuen, MA 01844 School Activities: … Continue reading →

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President Obama on Jobs

Posted on January 23, 2011 by billmanzi

President Obama gives his State of the Union speech on Tuesday night, and this weeks message will likely be a small preview of what is to come. The President talks about competing economically with the rest of the world, and … Continue reading →

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Michelle Rhee Was Right

Posted on January 22, 2011 by billmanzi

An interesting column in today’s Wahington Post by Richard Whitmire, asking the rhetorical question, “Was Michelle Rhee right?” The column centers on the analysis of Rhee’s tenure as Chancellor of schools in Washington D.C. and her insistence on rapidly moving … Continue reading →

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Governor Patrick at the MMA

Posted on January 21, 2011 by billmanzi

Governor Patrick appeared at the MMA annual meeting today, giving a speech dealing with local aid in his next budget as well as the introduction of a new proposal for municipal health care reform. The Governor told the MMA that … Continue reading →

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Lieberman Exits

Posted on January 19, 2011 by billmanzi

Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman will announce today that he is not running for re-election in 2012. I predicted his retirement back in November , and the reality of being in political no mans land had to impact his thinking. Joe … Continue reading →

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Governor Patrick Steps Up on Pensions

Posted on January 19, 2011 by billmanzi

Governor Patrick, flanked by Senate President Murray and House Speaker Deleo, introduced a new package of pension reform yesterday, taking aim at some abuses but more importantly introducing systemic change that has the potential to save real money over the … Continue reading →

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Dr. King Remembered

Posted on January 17, 2011 by billmanzi

Today is the day we remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. He was an extraordinary man who did so much to right the many wrongs that had been a standard part of public life in this … Continue reading →

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Speaker Deleo and Mayor Menino on Municipal Health Care

Posted on January 17, 2011 by billmanzi

Speaker Deleo was on Jim Braude’s show on NECN last week, and he reiterated his call for dramatic change in the laws governing municipal health care. The Speaker is advocating a system where if the cost estimates for a locality … Continue reading →

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