Category Archives: State News

Together We Can, Together We Must

Posted on May 21, 2009 by billmanzi

With tensions continuing to ratchet up between the Governor and the Legislature it appears that opposition to Governor Patrick has created bipartisan comity in the State Senate. The Governor has reiterated his threat to veto the sales tax hike, calling … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Sales Tax Increase Passes Senate

Posted on May 19, 2009 by billmanzi

The increase in the sales tax passed the State Senate tonight, increasing the rate to 6.25%. This increase is exactly what the House passed, and guarantees the Governor will be faced with the issue of holding to his veto threat … Continue reading →

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

State Senate Predictions

Posted on May 19, 2009 by billmanzi

The State Senate will today begin budget deliberations, and first up will be revenue amendments. It appears likely that the Senate will follow the House by passing an increase in the sales tax to 6.25% from 5%. It now appears … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged | 2 Comments

Lt. Governor on Statewide Forums

Posted on May 16, 2009 by billmanzi

Lt. Governor Tim Murray talks about the series of statewide community forums taking place across Massachusetts on the budget and economy.

Posted in State News | Tagged | 1 Comment

The President on Health Care and Energy

Posted on May 16, 2009 by billmanzi

President Obama spends this weekly address dealing with health care and energy, with an accent on agreement reached by major stakeholders in each area. The health care agreement has garnered a lot of press, with some of the same folks … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | Tagged , | 15 Comments

Baddour to Host Economic Summit

Posted on May 12, 2009 by billmanzi

State Senator Steve Baddour will host a forum on the state of the economy, as well as the Massachusetts Budget tonight Tuesday May 12th at 6:00 p.m. Guests will include Treasurer Tim Cahill, Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, … Continue reading →

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Municipal Relief Commission Takes a Pass

Posted on May 12, 2009 by billmanzi

The so called Municipal Relief Commission has issued its report, and after nine months or so of work it has managed, in the area of health care, to actually recommend a system that will take us backwards from the point … Continue reading →

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

Left Holding the Bag on the Quinn Bill

Posted on May 8, 2009 by billmanzi

The State Legislature, as they contemplate major cuts in the budget, are considering totally cutting the financing for the “Quinn Bill”, which provides extra pay to police officers for education. This program has traditionally been paid for by the combination … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Alan LeBovidge resigns

Posted on May 7, 2009 by billmanzi

Massachusetts Turnpike Director Alan LeBovidge resigned yesterday, citing a change in direction from the top: “It became clear to me that the basic operating premise had changed.” LeBovidge was criticized heavily, and rightly so, for the mess that happened on … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged | 3 Comments

Quinn Bill Ready to Fall?

Posted on May 4, 2009 by billmanzi

The House of Representatives, in one of their many budgetary amendments to the Ways and Means budget, added back $25 million for the Quinn Bill for Police Officers. Overall the House added back about $600 million in spending to the … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged | 4 Comments