Author Archives: billmanzi

Transportation Projects Funded by Governor

Posted on January 27, 2013 by billmanzi

The Governor has unveiled a large and ambitious set of transportation infrastructure investments in his recently released budget and transport finance plans. The Mass DOT has released the full list on their website, and I have posted those projects below. … Continue reading →

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The Governor's New Budget- More Choices

Posted on January 25, 2013 by billmanzi

The Governor filed his FY 2014 Budget this week, and I would venture a guess that the Legislature’s collective head is about to explode. His budget builds the tax increases he unveiled earlier in to pay for transportation and education … Continue reading →

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OPEB Report and More Reform

Posted on January 24, 2013 by billmanzi

The Governor certainly appears to mean what he said about sprinting to the finish line. The latest reform that the Legislature will be grappling with is how to deal with the costs of retiree health care at the state and … Continue reading →

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President Obama's Inaugural Address

Posted on January 22, 2013 by billmanzi

President Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of the United States, delivered his inaugural address today. The President, in my biased view, gave a wonderful speech that laid down some markers, mentioning Social Security and Medicare, equal rights for gays, … Continue reading →

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More on the Governor's Revenue Proposals

Posted on January 21, 2013 by billmanzi

Governor Patrick, as we know, outlined a very ambitious agenda for revenues and new spending on infrastructure and education in his State of the Commonwealth speech last week. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center has come out with an analysis … Continue reading →

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Governor Patrick Goes Long, and Local Reaction

Posted on January 19, 2013 by billmanzi

Governor Patrick unveiled his finance plans for transportation and education during his state of the state address Wednesday night, putting together a package that includes a cut to the sales tax, and an increase in the income tax. I have … Continue reading →

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RIP Ronnie Ford

Posted on January 18, 2013 by billmanzi

This week saw the passing of long time Methuen resident, City Councilor, and sometimes gadfly Ronnie Ford at age 75. Ronnie was a tremendous personality, beloved in Methuen for his gregarious nature and his willingness to always lend a helping … Continue reading →

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Transportation Finance: The Gorilla in the Room

Posted on January 15, 2013 by billmanzi

The Governor and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation yesterday unveiled the Administration’s much anticipated transportation funding plan. The Governor has built upon the the findings of many studies detailing how deficient our transportation funding system is. You do not necessarily … Continue reading →

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Consensus Revenue: By the Numbers

Posted on January 15, 2013 by billmanzi

I did a post yesterday on the upcoming Massachusetts State budget, and a major portion of that post dealt with the “estimated revenue” that plays a central role in the formation of the spending blueprint for the Commonwealth. My post … Continue reading →

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Massachusetts Budget and Finance Front and Center

Posted on January 14, 2013 by billmanzi

Later this morning Governor Deval Patrick will unveil his proposal(s) for financing the Massachusetts Transportation system. The Governor has done quite a good job of keeping the key provisions under wraps, but it is safe to say that the Governor … Continue reading →

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