As a state, we have already taken drastic measures to address our budgetary shortfalls. We have slashed hundreds of millions of dollars in services, we have raised the sales tax to prevent deeper cuts and we continue to rely on one-time … [Read more...]
Let the Sun Shine In
***Cross-posted on Jamie's Beacon Hill Blog *** Transparency. Accountability. Reform. These have become the buzzwords of the current Legislative session, repeated over and over in every debate to the point where I worry, occasionally, that … [Read more...]
Sacred Cows are Bleeding all over Beacon Hill
Wonderful and perceptive piece called Locked out on Beacon Hill from MetroWest political columnist Rick Holmes. Good sharp stuff about the lack of transparency in the process . Here's just a couple of paragraphs from the middle. Read … [Read more...]
Transparency and Conference Committees
To say that transparency and accountability are not considered by any of the key players is an understatement. They don’t even want to admit they are talking privately, as this excerpt from the State House News illustrates. … [Read more...]
Gov. Patrick announces Town Hall Meeting schedule at State Convention
At the State Democratic Convention a flyer listing the dates and locations of Gov. Patrick's "Summer Town Hall Meeting Tour" was distributed. According to this flyer: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 6:390 PM in Needham Location: Town Hall … [Read more...]
Beginning Reform, Opening the Books…
For more information on MASSPIRG's letter, or on the importance of transparency in our budget process, please contact MASSPIRG. … [Read more...]
John from Abington? Platform committee? ANYONE listening?
Sad to say - I flunked. I guess good intentions like "We believe everyone should live a good life free of fear" sounds alike. Mind you, if "free of fear" means the Guantanamo Concentration Camp, waterboarding, and the "Patriot … [Read more...]
1 Amendment Down, 977 To Go…
First off, let's find General Laws. A search on Mass.gov for "2006 General Laws 2006 Official" yielded a helpful "Quick Link" to General Laws. So far so good. The General Laws are listed in five parts. Looking at the text of … [Read more...]
Hearing on Ethics Bill to Improve Faith in Government?
ONE Massachusetts Project Director, Yawu Miller, submitted testimony about the importance of passing this bill, and of adding a provision to the Act that would mandate that the disclosures submitted by lobbyists under the terms of this bill … [Read more...]
Some musings about what government is FOR, with POLL!
As one of the wealthiest states in the wealthiest nation the reality that a local motel has 75 families, one to a room, with more than 150 children between them nauseates me. As to what government is "supposed to do" here is a first pass at … [Read more...]