For many in Massachusetts and across the nation, Scott Brown’s January 19th victory is being widely hailed as a victory for anti-government, anti-tax crusaders. Brown won big in suburbia and Dedham was no exception (55 percent).But on … [Read more...]
Governor’s budget out
Today, Governor Patrick will release the state budget, setting in motion a process of give and take that will unfold over a minimum of three months. During that period, many of us will be advocating against cuts -- to our programs, our … [Read more...]
Praise for Patrick’s recycling policy
These are simply high tech variations on the 19th century approach to unwanted items-burn them. Instead we're moving in a direction that can boost economic development in our cities and towns.We particularly applaud the Governor for … [Read more...]
Facing cuts, towns raise revenue
Faced with declining revenues, cuts to local aid and rising costs, many Massachusetts towns are increasing hotel and meals taxes as well as overriding Proposition 2 1/2 to raise property taxes.In Rockland, residents voted 2-1 in favor of a … [Read more...]
Close the loopholes; raise revenues
It was bad, but it could have been worse. Gov. Deval Patrick announced $352 million in cuts in response to a $600 million budget gap. Federal stimulus funds plugged the rest of the gap (see the Mass Budget and Policy Center's … [Read more...]
A balanced approach in Randolph
While many communities in Massachusetts are cutting services to make up for increasing budget deficits, Randolph voters, who last year passed a Prop. 2 1/2 override, are investing in their public systems and laying the groundwork for … [Read more...]
Budget choices and consequences
Our governor and Legislature are at a critical juncture, faced with the choice between making sweeping cuts that could have far reaching consequences for the health and well being of the state or raising new revenue to support the public … [Read more...]
Listening tour: Revenue Committee in Worcester
When asked about whether Massachusetts needs to increase taxes due to a possible $1 billion deficit in the fiscal year 2010 budget, and an even larger deficit next year, Beckwith noted that while there is no consensus on any new revenue … [Read more...]
It’s time we had a talk
Worcester - Tax Policy and the Challenges of Local GovernmentOctober 7th 4:00pm to 6:00pmThe Academy at Worcester Polytechnic InstituteFramingham - Tax Policy and Vulnerable PopulationsOctober 13th 10:00am to 12:00pmFramingham Senior … [Read more...]
Pay as you go?
Massachusetts residents are engaged in a conversation about what kinds of services they expect of their government and how they would chose to pay for it.In Tyngsboro, town officials are dousing the steetlights on all but the busiest … [Read more...]