Massachusetts ranks low in spending for land conservation. This ballot initiative is trying to change that.
A broad coalition called “Nature for Massachusetts” wants the state to dedicate its sporting goods tax to natural resources. But in the midst of budget cycle marked by massive federal funding cuts, the legislature could still refuse to fund the program, even if it passes.
Nature for Massachusetts – a coalition of nearly 70 nonprofits and a few private companies – is pushing for the Commonwealth to create a dedicated fund to purchase land for conservation, outdoor recreation, and water quality improvement. The group’s original goal was to pass this policy, which would be funded by the sales tax the state accrues from the sale of sporting goods, through the Legislature, but the House and Senate versions of the bills failed to gain traction.
THE CODCAST
Trying to measure primary care’s downward spiral
On the monthly Health or Consequences episode of The Codcast, John McDonough of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and Paul Hattis of the Lown Institute talk with Barbra Rabson, president and CEO of Massachusetts Health Quality Partners. They discuss the primary care crisis, how data transparency improves patient outcomes, and tease upcoming recommendations from the primary care task force.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Commonwealth in depth
‘They’re making a huge bet’: Rent control referendum splits progressives
A sweeping proposal to bring back caps on rent has generated hand-wringing, infighting, and one of the cycle’s most fascinating political debates
BY THE NUMBERS
Phoning it in – Mass. residents still lean toward in-person care as telehealth booms
New polling shows Bay Staters primarily continue to receive their health care the old-fashioned way
From the Archives
Rooting for the home team
Minor-league baseball is making fans across the Commonwealth
