Author Archives: billmanzi

State Senate Moves on Muni Health Care Reform

Posted on May 19, 2011 by billmanzi

The Senate Ways and Means Committee yesterday released its version of municipal health care reform, and while it differed from the House version it certainly delivers on the promise of municipal health care reform. More to say later, the MMA … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged | 4 Comments

Gingrich Withers on the Vine

Posted on May 18, 2011 by billmanzi

Newt Gingrich’s presidential candidacy appears over before it even began, with howls of protest from Republicans over his comments on Meet the Press and new questions about large bills to Tiffany’s. Gingrich was forced to make a call of apology … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged | 2 Comments

Governor Patrick on Health Care Cost Containment

Posted on May 17, 2011 by billmanzi

Governor Patrick’s testimony before the Legislature on his ideas for health care cost containment. This issue, and Governor Patrick’s ideas on it, are being watched nationwide. I would venture to say that this may be the most important issue that … Continue reading →

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Newt Against Right Wing Social Engineering

Posted on May 15, 2011 by billmanzi

Newt Gingrich went on Meet the Press today and gave a qualified endorsement to the individual mandate, indicating that people need to take responsibility for paying for their own health care. He also rejected, in pretty stark terms, the proposal … Continue reading →

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Mitt Swims Against Republican Tide

Posted on May 14, 2011 by billmanzi

Mitt Romney, seeking to extricate himself from conservative ire over his support for Massachusetts health care reform, gave a speech in Michigan to talk about that effort and what he sees as the differences with the federal health care effort … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

New Mass Taxpayers Foundation Report

Posted on May 12, 2011 by billmanzi

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation issued a new report today detailing a ten year health care cost comparision of actual spending on municipal health care vs costs that would have been incurred if municipalities had health care plan design authority. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged | 4 Comments

Newt Takes the Plunge

Posted on May 12, 2011 by billmanzi

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich announced his presidential candidacy yesterday and I have to admit that I am delighted. Newt has been the type of Republican that tends to roll all over the deck, eschewing discipline and firing from all angles, … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged | 1 Comment

Mayor Setti Warren to Visit Methuen

Posted on May 11, 2011 by billmanzi

Newly announced Senate candidate Setti Warren will be visiting Methuen on Tuesday May 17th at 8:00 a.m. at the Irish Cottage. All are welcome to attend. This is not a fundraiser but a chance to hear Mayor Warren talk about … Continue reading →

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Setti Warren for U.S. Senate

Posted on May 9, 2011 by billmanzi

Newton Mayor Setti Warren announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate today, releasing a video giving voters some background on him, as well as what he see as differences in philosophy between him and Senator Scott Brown. Mayor Warren has compiled … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , | 3 Comments

The No Solutions Agenda

Posted on May 6, 2011 by billmanzi

The House budget section dealing with municipal health care has drawn some serious flak from different quarters, with plenty of media and blog coverage The hand wringing centers around comparisons to Governor Walker’s legislation in Wisconsin, with cries of labor … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged | 1 Comment