A strong minimum wage helps workers support their families, and it can also bolster our economy by increasing the amount workers have to spend at local businesses. As part of an ongoing statewide discussion about whether to adjust the … [Read more...]
It’s a Family Affair: Leading the Way in Mental Health Screening for Moms and Kids
To ensure that all kids across the Commonwealth have the chance to reach their full potential, Massachusetts has introduced a number of programs that support children's behavioral development. The success of some of these efforts is … [Read more...]
Higher Learning, Lower Funding
A strong system of higher education helps students gain the knowledge they need to succeed, and it also helps ensure that we have the kind of skilled workforce that can support a vibrant, high-wage economy. MassBudget's new chartpack, … [Read more...]
New Census Info for Massachusetts: Median Income Up Slightly, Poverty Unchanged
The Massachusetts median income grew slightly between 2011 and 2012, while nationwide median income was basically unchanged, according to new data released today by the Census Bureau. Even with the slight increase in Massachusetts, however, … [Read more...]
A Labor Day Snapshot
Even as our economy continues its slow recovery, workers across Massachusetts face some daunting challenges, including stagnant wages, growing inequality, and the declining value of the minimum wage. In honor of Labor Day, the … [Read more...]
Education Investment (Not Low Taxes) is Key to State Prosperity
A new paper released today by EARN (the Economic Analysis and Research Network) looks at what states can do to create strong state economies that support high wage jobs for their people. Is it low taxes, well educated workers, or something … [Read more...]
Analyzing the FY 2014 Budget
All of the parts of the state's FY 2014 budget are now in place, including funding allocations for Education, Health Care, Transportation and other essential programs that we support together through our government. In early July, after … [Read more...]
The Legislature’s Budget for FY 2014
Most of the pieces of the FY 2014 budget are now in place. The House and Senate have approved a budget—parts of which may be vetoed by the Governor but the bulk of which will remain as the spending blueprint for the coming year. Most … [Read more...]
The Minimum Wage: Frequently Asked Questions
This paper, along with all of MassBudget's recent work on the minimum wage, is available at our minimum wage resource page. How much is the minimum wage in Massachusetts? The Massachusetts minimum wage is $8.00 per hour. Six states and … [Read more...]
Massachusetts Third in Nation for Child Well-Being, Challenges Persist
Children in Massachusetts lead the nation in Educational achievement, and are at or near the top in a number of measures of Health, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2013 KIDS COUNT Data Book In other areas, children in … [Read more...]