I get it. We have to have a balanced budget. And I get it: raising the income tax is just something that few elected to office have the stomach to talk about, even if it means saving countless teachers and cops. But that doesn't mean there … [Read more...]
Health care spending: The blob that ate Massachusetts
Telling us what we already pretty much knew, here's the Globe:Health care spending for Massachusetts communities has nearly doubled since 2001, squeezing town budgets and forcing cutbacks in public safety and government services and leading … [Read more...]
Hearing on “Municipalities” and a whole lot more – MONDAY!
The "hearing activity" is hot and heavy in the State House on Monday. I can't go. I have to work. But to see what is on for review, go to:http://www.mass.gov/...Heads of agencies will be testifying. Information that … [Read more...]
Municipal Relief: Patrick ups the ante
Casey sez Patrick's got a posse in the cities and towns:Gov. Deval Patrick today launched an aggressive campaign to win passage of new local taxes on meals and telecommunications companies that he says would relieve pressure on sky-high … [Read more...]
Whipping for the GIC
I agree with Scot Lehigh that moving municipal employees' health care to the Group Insurance Commission is a desirable thing -- even if Kerry Healey also thought so. Health care costs are killing municipal budgets and causing taxes to be … [Read more...]