Category Archives: State News

Baddour Files Mass Trans Bill

Posted on February 9, 2009 by billmanzi

Senator Steve Baddour has filed the legislative act to codify the concepts he announced last month with Senate President Therese Murray. I have attached the act as a pdf, but I have not as of yet seen an executive summary. … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

The Very Sudden Departure of Michael Festa

Posted on January 31, 2009 by billmanzi

The Patrick Administration announced yesterday the resignations of Secretary of Economic Affairs Daniel O’Connell and Secretary of Elder Affairs Michael Festa, O’Connell will be replaced by Greg Bialecki. Festa’s portfolio was reduced in the new budget submitted by Governor Patrick, … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , | 3 Comments

House Passes Stimulus

Posted on January 29, 2009 by billmanzi

The House of Representatives yesterday passed the federal stimulus bill by a 244-188 margin, with not one Republican voting in favor. Republicans had offered a substitute that was weighted towards tax cuts. but that measure was handily defeated. I have … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | Tagged , | 7 Comments

No Suprise: Deleo Next Speaker

Posted on January 27, 2009 by billmanzi

House Chairman of Ways and Means Bob Deleo will be elected by the full House tommorow to succeed Salvatore Dimasi as Speaker of the House. With John Rodgers conceding defeat Deleo took a victory lap around the State House, appearing … Continue reading →

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Wilmington School Committe Nixes Teacher Contract

Posted on January 27, 2009 by billmanzi

The Lowell Sun is reporting that the Wilmington School Committee has turned down a teachers contract that had been negotiated and was ready for ratification by both sides. While the exact terms of the contract were not made public the … Continue reading →

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Rogers Seeks Delay in Speakers Vote

Posted on January 26, 2009 by billmanzi

House Majority Leader John Rodgers has called for a delay in the vote for Speaker of the Massachusetts House. Rodgers has had surrogates raising a possible connection between rival Bob Deleo and the Cognos computer deal that caused Speaker Dimasi … Continue reading →

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As the World Turns

Posted on January 26, 2009 by billmanzi

The antics across the land, in states near and far, continues to amaze. In New York former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno is facing a multiple count federal indictment alleging wrongdoing. From the New York Times: Joseph L. Bruno, the … Continue reading →

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

From the Horses Mouth: Dimasi Out

Posted on January 25, 2009 by billmanzi

Speaker Sal Dimasi confirmed what the Lowell Sun broke earlier this week, telling the Boston Globe that he is resigning as Speaker and Representative effective Tuesday. He will give a farewell speech Tuesday, and Democrats will caucus to choose a … Continue reading →

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Patrick Broaches New Toll Locations

Posted on January 25, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick, in an interview on WBUR, said that he had contacted federal authorities about the feasibility of adding tolls at all border locations. He indicated a belief that such a system could replace all of the current toll … Continue reading →

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Governor to Cut $128 Million in Local Aid Mid Year

Posted on January 23, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick, in an address to the MMA this morning, announced a mid year local aid cut of $128 million, made against the lottery account and the additional aid account. Governor Patrick also announced that he would make no … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | Tagged , , | 8 Comments