Category Archives: State News

Richard Vitale Indicted

Posted on December 18, 2008 by billmanzi

The accountant to and campaign treasurer of Speaker Sal Dimasi has been indicted by Attorney General Martha Coakley on charges related to lobbying activity and illegal campaign contributions. From the Boston Globe: Richard Vitale is accused of secretly pushing legislation … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Governor Patrick Unveils Federal Wish List

Posted on December 18, 2008 by billmanzi

Governor Patrick yesterday met with the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, including the Fifth District Rep Niki Tsongas to discuss how Massachusetts may benefit from the upcoming stimulus package being talked about in Washington. Discussions have centered around having projects that are … Continue reading →

Posted in Fifth Congressional, State News | Tagged , | 1 Comment

State Revenues Plunge

Posted on December 16, 2008 by billmanzi

The State of Massachusetts, after making a big round of budget cuts because of rapidly declining tax revenue, is faced with a new shortfall, as revenue continues to plunge below even the new, lower estimates put out two months ago. … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

M.B.T.A. heads towards insolvency

Posted on December 15, 2008 by billmanzi

With the prospective toll hikes at the Pike taking all of our attention the dire financial condition of the M.B.T.A. has not received much attention lately. But we should all start paying attention, as the situation there goes from bad … Continue reading →

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Baddour Advocates Cutting Toll Hikes, Massport Resists Plan

Posted on December 10, 2008 by billmanzi

State Senator Steve Baddour, conducting a series of legislative transportation hearings, is calling for a reduction in the toll increases advocated by the Governor at the Mass Pike. The toll increases would raise $100 million dollars, a figure Baddour believes … Continue reading →

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Wilkerson, Turner indicted on conspiracy

Posted on December 9, 2008 by billmanzi

Former State Senator Diane Wilkerson and Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner were today indicted by a federal grand jury on conspiracy charges relating to the issuance of a liquor license in Boston. From the Boston Globe: City Councilor Chuck Turner … Continue reading →

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California to Pay With IOU’s

Posted on December 9, 2008 by billmanzi

The State of California, faced with an eight billion dollar deficit, will likely run out of cash by March absent measures to deal with the problem. In light of that state vendors may receive IOU’s instead of cash for invoices … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Baddour and Patrick Mix it up

Posted on December 6, 2008 by billmanzi

The Statehouse News Service is reporting what aides to the Governor call a “light hearted exchange” between Transportation Chair Steve Baddour and Governor Patrick over Patrick’s bristling at continued criticism from Baddour. Baddour has been openly critical of the tardiness … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Baddour discusses Transportation on NECN

Posted on December 2, 2008 by billmanzi

Senator Steve Baddour talks to Jim Braude on NECN, taking the hard questions on transportation, discussing the gas tax (no gas tax increase this year), tolls, and transportation reform. The Senator takes the Senate position that some road privatization should … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | 1 Comment

More Transportation, More Outrage

Posted on November 26, 2008 by billmanzi

Yesterday’s Globe detailed the downward spiral in the financial picture of the Turnpike Authority, with financial instruments used by the Turnpike Authority several years back now blowing up in their face. From the Globe: Beginning in 1999, the Turnpike Authority … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | 1 Comment