Category Archives: State News

Regional Dispatch Moves Forward

Posted on January 12, 2009 by billmanzi

Today’s Eagle Tribune has a story on the potential for a regional dispatch center for Essex County. The story talks about a decision, due this month, on a state grant that would facilitate the building of a regional call center. … Continue reading →

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Turnpike on the Hook for $400 million?

Posted on January 10, 2009 by billmanzi

The Globe reported today that the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has received a demand letter from financial firm UBS, exercising its right to demand a $400 million dollar payment from the Turnpike. From the Globe: Authority executive director Alan LeBovidge said … Continue reading →

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Dimasi Re-elected

Posted on January 7, 2009 by billmanzi

House Speaker Sal Dimasi, in a sweeping display of power, was re-elected House Speaker today, losing just 7 Democratic votes on the floor. The Democrats who voted present were: David Torrisi (D-North Andover) Jennifer Callahan (D-Sutton), Stephen Canessa (D-Fall River), … Continue reading →

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Governor Patrick Announces Ethics Proposals

Posted on January 7, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick yesterday announced that his task force on ethics reforms had issued its report, and that he will today file legislation that will incorporate their recommendations. The Governor issued a press release detailing the findings and proposals: Governor … Continue reading →

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Editorials Bring Heat on Dimasi

Posted on January 6, 2009 by billmanzi

A pair of editorials today are putting additional heat on Sal Dimasi as he attempts to get re-elected as House Speaker tommorow. The Eagle Tribune weighed in, praising Rep. David Torrisi for his willingness to vote against Dimasi’s re-election. Taken … Continue reading →

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Interesting Tidbit from Governor’s Readiness Report

Posted on January 5, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Patrick’s Readiness Report has been released, and a lot of talk and blogging has occurred over this subject already. I have attached the report below. Much of the coverage has centered on the ability to finance some of Governor … Continue reading →

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More Cuts Coming

Posted on December 31, 2008 by billmanzi

The Governor yesterday announced to the media that the state budget remains about one billion dollars short, which will trigger a new round of budget cuts that likely will include local aid. Governor Deval Patrick said yesterday that he was … Continue reading →

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Torrisi Throws Dimasi Overboard

Posted on December 30, 2008 by billmanzi

State Rep. David Torrisi (D)North Andover has indicated he will vote “present” next week instead of voting for Sal Dimasi’s re-election as House Speaker. From the Globe: Representative David Torrisi, the House chairman of the Committee on Labor and Workforce … Continue reading →

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More Authority for Mayors Part 2

Posted on December 28, 2008 by billmanzi

Today’s Eagle Tribune has an article that again discusses the potential for changing the criteria for cities to join the State GIC. Under current state law for a city to join the state GIC and take advantage of its lower … Continue reading →

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Patrick Names Aloisi

Posted on December 19, 2008 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick picked long time insider James Aloisi as his Secretary of Transportation today. Patrick made the announcement on a Friday afternoon when most everyone is concerned about the big storm bearing down on us and there are few … Continue reading →

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