HOUSE LEADERS are trying once again to launch a new tax credit to lure live theater, dance, and musical productions to Massachusetts. The so-called live performance tax credit received little […]
New tax credit for live performances surfaces again
Posted inCriminal Justice
A new women’s prison is not the answer
LAST MONTH, three days before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, women in Massachusetts lost another opportunity for bodily autonomy and personal dignity when the Massachusetts Department of Correction […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Wellesley gadfly convicted of extortion
A WELLESLEY RESIDENT with a history of hostility with the town was found guilty of extortion last week for threatening to file criminal charges against two Select Board members if […]
Posted inPolitics, State Government
House proposes $1b in short and long-term tax relief
HOUSE LEADERS rolled out a $523.5 million package of permanent tax breaks on Monday that, when combined with $510 million in one-time payments to middle-income residents proposed last week, would […]
Posted inCourts, Politics, State Government
SJC upholds no-excuse voting by mailÂ
THE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT will uphold the VOTES Act, the new law that allows Massachusetts residents to vote early by mail for any reason. The court on Monday announced that […]
Posted inThe Codcast
Governor’s Council candidate would seek pro-choice, anti-racist judges
If Mara Dolan were interviewing a judicial nominee, she would want to know three things: whether the person supports abortion rights, they understand substance use disorders, and they are anti-racist. […]
Posted inThe Download
Governor’s Council candidate would seek pro-choice, anti-racist judges
IF MARA DOLAN were interviewing a judicial nominee, she would want to know three things: whether the person supports abortion rights, whether they understand substance use disorders, and whether they […]
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice, State Government
Governor’s Council candidate would seek pro-choice, anti-racist judges
IF MARA DOLAN were interviewing a judicial nominee, she would want to know three things: whether the person supports abortion rights, whether they understand substance use disorders, and whether they […]
Posted inState Government
Legislature releasing $500 million tax break package
HOUSE AND SENATE LEADERS will roll out a $500 million package of tax breaks that will address many – though not all – of the tax cuts that Gov. Charlie Baker […]
Posted inOpinion
Utilities offering us a Trojan horse
When the residents of the ancient city of Troy found the giant horse outside their city gates, they were told it was an offering to the gods that would save […]
Posted inOpinion
Civil rights gains cut two ways
WHAT CAN BE LEARNED from interviewing hundreds of persons with civil liberties complaints as a legal resources volunteer at the Massachusetts office of the American Civil Liberties Union? Interacting with […]
Posted inOpinion
The case for reshaping public health
AS THE PRESIDENT of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, I spend a lot of time considering ways to reduce health care costs. In my opinion, the best way to reduce health […]
Posted inEnvironment, Opinion
Firefighters sound the alarm on PFAS chemicals
IF YOU WERE to call 911 right now, firefighters would arrive at your door within four minutes.  They would assess the problem and not leave until it was resolved. Massachusetts firefighters […]
Posted inOpinion
Critical state housing voucher program should be codified
RENTS IN MASSACHUSETTS have reached astronomical heights. Communities in Greater Boston are seeing increases as high as 30 percent over last year. According to The State of the Nation’s Housing […]
Posted inThe Codcast
Deja Vu for Congressman Lynch
This week on the Codcast, we interview US Rep. Stephen Lynch about his continuing involvement with the woes of the MBTA.CommonWealth Magazine · Deja vu for Congressman Lynch
Posted inThe Download
Wu walked fine line in superintendent pick
IT’S A FRAUGHT TIME for the Boston Public Schools – and not just because of the recent pressure from state officials, who held the threat of receivership over the system […]
Posted inEducation
Wu walked fine line in superintendent pick
IT’S A FRAUGHT TIME for the Boston Public Schools – and not just because of the recent pressure from state officials, who held the threat of receivership over the system […]
Posted inThe Codcast
Deja vu for Congressman Lynch
CommonWealth Magazine · Deja vu for Congressman Lynch
Posted inState Government, State House News Service
House approves veterans bill, pandemic policy extensions
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE WITH JUST 24 days left to pass significant legislation until the House and Senate hibernate until early 2023, more is being added to the Legislature’s joint […]
Posted inEconomy
Legislature may send residents $250 checks
THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE intends to take up a bill that would send $250 checks to more than 2 million low and middle-income Massachusetts residents. As many residents struggle with inflation […]
Posted inOpinion
Transit riders and communities need better RTA service
AS THE 2021-22 legislative session draws to a close in Massachusetts, our constituents are overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by record high gas prices and inflation that too often force them to choose […]
Posted inThe Download
Budget surplus could reach $3.6 billion
MASSACHUSETTS CONTINUES TO be swimming in cash. After dire warnings early in the pandemic, COVID-19 has proven to be an economic boon to Massachusetts, primarily because of federal largesse. Congress’ […]
Posted inEconomy
Budget surplus could reach $3.6 billion
MASSACHUSETTS CONTINUES TO be swimming in cash. After dire warnings early in the pandemic, COVID-19 has proven to be an economic boon to Massachusetts, primarily because of federal largesse. Congress’ […]
Posted inOpinion
Senate early education bill could transform childcare landscape
IN THE 19TH CENTURY, Massachusetts pioneered the idea that K-12 education should be a public good, available and accessible to all children and families. Today we take this for granted. […]