Category Archives: State News

Marian Walsh Withdraws

Posted on March 31, 2009 by billmanzi

Senator Marian Walsh today withdrew from consideration for the job at HEFA that had caused Governor Deval Patrick so much political heartburn. From the State House News Service: Sen. Marian Walsh, standing next to Gov. Deval Patrick outside his office, … Continue reading →

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Reform MBTA Health Care and Save a Billion

Posted on March 31, 2009 by billmanzi

Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation has just issued a report that proposes reforms to the existing MBTA health care system that could save one billion dollars over twenty years. In looking at the existing system it is not … Continue reading →

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The Globe Delivers a One Two Punch to Governor Patrick

Posted on March 28, 2009 by billmanzi

Today’s Boston Globe furthered the political misery surrounding the Patrick Administration, with two stories culled from internal emails putting the Administration in a very bad light. Contradicting a series of steadfast denials, internal e-mails show that Governor Deval Patrick’s top … Continue reading →

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Governor Patrick Responds to Suffolk Poll

Posted on March 26, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick responded today to the Suffolk/Channel 7 poll with a statement. The Governor essentially tells us that his job requires long term planning and he cannot be distracted by short term political considerations. From the Governor: Governor Patrick … Continue reading →

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Senate Transportation Bill Executive Summary

Posted on March 26, 2009 by billmanzi

Senate President Therese Murray issued a statement through her email newsletter, which is below. I have attached an executive summary of the Senate Transportation bill as well. A big win for the Senate President. Reform Before Revenue: Senate Passes Bill … Continue reading →

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Patrick Negatives Spike, Cahill Leads Head to Head

Posted on March 25, 2009 by billmanzi

A new Suffolk University/Channel 7 survey unveiled tonight shows 49% of Massachusetts voters disapprove of the job Governor Deval Patrick is doing. Patrick’s job performance was approved by 40 percent of the voters, leaving him in a bad spot after … Continue reading →

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Senate Passes Reform (Before Revenue)

Posted on March 25, 2009 by billmanzi

The State Senate today passed a transportation bill that reorganizes the transportation system in Massachusetts by a vote of 39-1. It culminates a long process of give and take over the shape of the bill, and now throws the ball … Continue reading →

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Welcome Home Sgt. Donald Pearce Jr.

Posted on March 23, 2009 by billmanzi

On Saturday night I had the privelege of presenting a welcome home citation to Sgt Donald Pearce Jr., who has returned from Iraq. Sgt. Pearce has had five separate tours of duties in combat zones, including three in Iraq, and … Continue reading →

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Secretary Aloisi in Methuen Video

Posted on March 23, 2009 by billmanzi

Secretary James Aloisi visited Methuen recently to testify before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation. I have posted all of the video of his testimony as well as his answers to questions that the Committee had for him. I took … Continue reading →

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Governor Patrick Moves on Pension Reform

Posted on March 22, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Patrick today outlined some of his key priorities in the area of pension reform, hitting some key points in an interview with the Globe. The Governor has been buffeted by some tough political stories lately, and some will point … Continue reading →

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