Category Archives: State News

I.O.U.S.A.

Posted on August 20, 2008 by billmanzi

A new documentary dealing with the massive debt crisis facing our nation is about to open. The trailer is below. It is my belief that much of our economic trouble can be traced back to the insane fiscal and trade … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | 9 Comments

Colorado’s Energy Experience

Posted on August 18, 2008 by billmanzi

And while we listen to the nonsense that alternatives cannot work because of cost, and other such nonsense here comes the state of Colorado. They have had an interesting experience in Colorado. From the Washington Post: When Colorado voters were … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | 1 Comment

John Kerry Fights for Veterans

Posted on August 16, 2008 by billmanzi

(I have endorsed John Kerry in this race.) John Kerry’s new ad, which is a good piece that tells a nice individual story as well as highlighting some of Kerry’s major contributions to veterans services. Say what you want about … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | 2 Comments

Patrick to Issue New Restrictions on Police Details

Posted on August 13, 2008 by billmanzi

The Boston Globe is reporting Governor Deval Patrick will unveil new regulations today that will place limitations on the use of police details on state road jobs. While the plan will not force municipalities to adopt the regulations, it is … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | 12 Comments

Governor Patrick Vetoes Pension Bill

Posted on August 12, 2008 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick vetoed legislation that would have hiked pensions for state workers, delivering a veto message that pointed to the lack of a funding mechanism inherent in the legislation. From the Boston Herald: The Democratic governor, who had at … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | 1 Comment

Federal Medicaid waiver still not in hand

Posted on August 10, 2008 by billmanzi

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has sought and been granted a fourth extension on its request for a waiver from federal medicaid regulations. These negotiations between federal and state officials, critically important to the success of the Massachusetts health care initiative … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | 1 Comment

Another Monster Bill Coming Due

Posted on August 6, 2008 by billmanzi

The Boston Globe is reporting today that the state commission set up to report back on how the Commonwealth will finance its health care obligations to public retirees estimates that it will take $200 million a year for twenty years … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | 2 Comments

Obama fights back on energy

Posted on August 4, 2008 by billmanzi

Barack Obama, under attack by the McCain campaign on oil pricing, hit back with a new ad today. The lines are clearly drawn, as Obama dismisses the immediate benefit on oil pricing that additional drilling would bring. He lays out … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | 3 Comments

A tough winter ahead

Posted on August 4, 2008 by billmanzi

The Boston Globe is reporting what most of us are expecting, and that is that home heating costs are likely to escalate sharply this coming winter. From the Globe: The increase will have an especially dramatic impact on the nearly … Continue reading →

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

State Teaches Cities Fiscal Responsibility

Posted on July 27, 2008 by billmanzi

One of the new items to come out of the state budget is the idea of a commission to study municipal budgeting and monitor local spending. It is covered in todays Eagle Tribune, where we learn that the state is … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | 5 Comments