In December the non-partisan Crime and Justice Institute noted that over the past 10 years, the budgets for the state's prisons and jails have grown at a faster rate than the budgets for most other state services. Indeed, the budgets … [Read more...]
House may vote on CORI, Education in January
Last evening, the Senate passed an amended version of the Education Reform Act. This legislation was the product of many hours of labor on the part of Chairwoman Walz and the Joint Committee on Education. I cannot express enough my deep … [Read more...]
3rd Suffolk Podcast: Susan Passoni
One of six vying for Sal DiMasi's old seat is candidate Susan Passoni. She was today's special guest on this week's Left Ahead. In the 30 minute show, Mike, Lynne and I asked plenty of questions on everything from the gas tax to casinos to … [Read more...]
New Speaker shakes up the House; Bosley out as Economic Development chair
Speaker Bob DeLeo has named his leadership team and committee chairs. John Rogers and his supporters are notably absent (Rogers is out as Majority Leader and has no chairmanships). Surprise! The full list is available here. … [Read more...]
Unnacceptable Behaivor for Democrats
I don't have any real favorites coming into the race for Speaker. I view them both as somewhat of a step back from the progressive stewardship of Sal DiMasi - the person who got us near-universal health care, marriage equality and … [Read more...]
Coup brewing on Beacon Hill?
From the looks of things, Sal DiMasi's speakership is in considerable trouble. His refusal to release records to the State Ethics Commission is causing him no end of difficulties. Also ominous is the steadfast refusal of Bob … [Read more...]
2nd Middlesex House Primary–Any Thoughts?
One of the races not noted as a race to watch here on BMG is the 2nd Middlesex House race. I've followed the interviews of candidates in the Sun and the local papers, but still don't have a sense of where the candidates stand on … [Read more...]
AIM’s 2007-2008 Legislative Scorecard Underscores Need for Improvement
Brian Gilmore, AIM's Executive Vice President - Public Affairs noted, "It is was a challenge to calculate the Scorecard this Session, since there were fewer 'clear' roll call votes taken during the session." (A clear roll call is a … [Read more...]
House to Debate Global Warming Solutions Act
BOSTON - The House of Representatives will consider legislation this week that will cap harmful greenhouse gas emissions and put in place a long-term plan to curb emissions in the Commonwealth. Under the bill redrafted by House … [Read more...]