Category Archives: State News

Michael Widmer on the Massachusetts Budget

Posted on December 5, 2012 by billmanzi

Some comments from Michael Widmer, laying out some of the issues facing the Commonwealth, and some of the unpleasant options facing the State as we begin looking to the FY 14 budget. Widmer was a guest on WBUR, Public Radio.

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Governor's Mid Year Cuts Are Here- Local Aid as Well

Posted on December 4, 2012 by billmanzi

The Governor today announced his mid-year budget cuts in response to the revenue shortfalls being experienced by the state. They are below, and they include a 1% cut to unrestricted local aid. The Governor also tapped the rainy day fund … Continue reading →

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New Transportation Taxes Coming.

Posted on November 19, 2012 by billmanzi

With Massachusetts looking at mid year budget cuts due to missing it’s revenue benchmarks, and with transportation scheduled for review in the coming month(s), it appears likely that there will be a strong push by the Governor and the legislative … Continue reading →

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No Massachusetts Tax Reductions on January 1, and…..

Posted on November 18, 2012 by billmanzi

The relatively modest reduction in the state income tax rate scheduled to occur on January 1, from 5.25% to 5.2%, will not occur, as the financial yardsticks necessary for implementation have not been met. As you may recall voters opted … Continue reading →

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Tax Expenditures in the News

Posted on November 17, 2012 by billmanzi

What more exciting subject could there be besides “tax expenditures” to write about today? I can think of nothing else that I would rather do over this weekend than study the new report from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation on Massachusetts … Continue reading →

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The Song is Over- Warren Opens Lead on Brown in Suffolk Survey

Posted on October 30, 2012 by billmanzi

Just as the Globe released a new poll yesterday on the Senate race David Paleologos and Suffolk have hit the streets with their own numbers. It is not good news for Scott Brown. From the Suffolk press release: “Elizabeth Warren … Continue reading →

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Globe Poll Has Senate Dead Heat

Posted on October 30, 2012 by billmanzi

A new Boston Globe survey has Scott Brown with a slight lead over Elizabeth Warren. The results were published yesterday, and I have just bumped into the top-line numbers this morning. Those numbers please! Scott Brown leads Elizabeth Warren by … Continue reading →

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Elizabeth Warren Holds Lead in New Survey

Posted on October 24, 2012 by billmanzi

Elizabeth Warren, in a new MassInc/WBUR survey, is holding a five point lead over Senator Scott Brown. The last MassInc survey had Senator Brown holding a four point lead over the challenger. The new survey seems to be in line … Continue reading →

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Preview of Upcoming Gubernatorial Debate?

Posted on October 20, 2012 by billmanzi

Jim Braude had his Campaign Week in Review yesterday, and some clever scheduling brought together Republican Charlie Baker and Democrat Steve Grossman. Both men are rumored to be candidates for Governor next year, and the Braude show gave us a … Continue reading →

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Tisei-Tierney Slug With Braude

Posted on October 19, 2012 by billmanzi

Republican Richard Tisei and incumbent Democratic Congressman John Tierney had a very lively debate with Jim Braude acting as moderator on Broadside. Braude deserves a lot of credit as a questioner, as I see him as a probing interviewer who … Continue reading →

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