IN 2016, when the Massachusetts Legislature updated the state’s public records laws, they chose to punt on the issue of how such laws should apply to themselves. Indeed, Massachusetts remains […]
It’s time to bring transparency to the Legislature
Posted inState House News Service, Uncategorized
Could in-person sports viewing be coming?
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE FANS WILL GET to watch the Boston Bruins play in person for the first time since pre-pandemic days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, but it’s unlikely […]
Posted inUncategorized
On joint rules, House takes different approach than Senate
THE MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE will vote Wednesday on joint rules that take a small step toward increased transparency regarding committee votes but do not go as far as the Senate does, […]
Posted inUncategorized
New pandemic take on undocumented immigrant licenses
SUPPORTERS OF LEGISLATION authorizing the issuance of driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants this year decided to reframe the message, which comes amid a national pandemic. They say the licenses are […]
Posted inEducation
State looking to force school reopenings
TAKING DIRECT AIM at Massachusetts school districts and teachers unions that have been reluctant to return to in-person instruction, state education commissioner Jeff Riley said he wants to use state […]
Posted inThe Download
With ‘cliff’ looming, T stalls for time
MBTA officials are planning to put off the release of a new, five-year capital plan until June 2022, a move that reflects the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus and […]
Posted inTransportation
With ‘cliff’ looming, T stalls for time
MBTA OFFICIALS are planning to put off the release of a new, five-year capital plan until June 2022, a move that reflects the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus and […]
Posted inPolitics
Santiago jumps into Boston mayor’s race
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE JON SANTIAGO, a second-term state lawmaker and emergency room doctor from Boston’s South End, is entering the race to succeed Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, joining a […]
Posted inTransportation
MBTA tries new approach with commuter rail cuts
WITH NO EXPECTATION of a quick turnaround in ridership, the MBTA is preparing to move ahead with bus and subway service cuts next month while adopting a more revolutionary approach […]
Posted inThe Codcast
For Ben Downing, politics are personal
On paper, Ben Downing looks very much like someone who might launch a run for governor while still in his 30s, which is what the 39-year-old Democrat did earlier this […]
Posted inGambling
Key senator releases sports betting proposal
SEN. ERIC LESSER, a key player in the state’s debate over legalizing sports betting, on Monday laid out his vision for the state’s latest gambling expansion, unveiling a proposal that […]
Posted inUncategorized
Healey, feds sue over alleged immigration bond scam
ATTORNEY GENERAL Maura Healey and two other state AGs joined the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in its first major watchdog action under the Biden administration, accusing an immigration bond provider of predatory […]
Posted inThe Codcast
For Ben Downing, politics are personal
On paper, Ben Downing looks very much like someone who might launch a run for governor while still in his 30s, which is what the 39-year-old Democrat did earlier this […]
Posted inNews Analysis
Poll indicates Baker remains wildly popular
A NEW POLL from The MassINC Polling Group out this week finds Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker still riding high with 74 percent approval and just 20 percent disapproval among the […]
Posted inPolitics
For Downing, politics are personal
ON PAPER, Ben Downing looks very much like someone who might launch a run for governor while still in his 30s, which is what the 39-year-old Democrat did earlier this […]
Posted inRace/Racism
Why are Latinos so overrepresented in the state child welfare system?
LAST MONTH, workers from the state Department of Children and Families knocked on the door of Raquel, an El Salvadoran immigrant living in Worcester. DCF had gotten an anonymous call about a fight between her husband and […]
Posted inEducation
Early college a proven winner for students, state
OUR STATE’S ECONOMY relies on educated workers, with 70 percent of jobs requiring a credential beyond the high school diploma. However, we are not adequately preparing all our high school […]
Posted inOpinion
Don’t view Texas as an isolated event
THE RECENT MAJOR power outages in Texas can be viewed as isolated to the particular political and electric power system design in that state, but that would be a mistake. […]
Posted inOpinion
Mass. should not tax PPP money
DESPITE THE DIVISION and animosity that pervades national politics, then-President Donald Trump, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell were able to put aside their political differences and […]
Posted inOpinion
Baker’s $175m regulatory gift to biomass
THE BAKER ADMINISTRATION and much of the Legislature is trying hard to give the developer of a controversial proposed wood-fired “biomass” power plant in Springfield everything it wants—especially a regulatory change […]
Posted inOpinion, Politics, Race/Racism
Doris Bunte, a mentor to many
DORIS BUNTE, who died this week at age 87, was a wonderful woman, a magnificent mentor, and a prodigious politician. But the word that describes her best is “Mother.” Doris was a […]
Posted inOpinion
Gaming numbers improved in January
THE MASSACHUSETTS GAMING Commission released the casino revenue figures for the month of January 2021 this week and those revenue numbers look encouraging. All three gaming venues, Encore Boston Harbor, […]
Posted inOpinion
What’s needed in response to COVID-19 crisis
THE FEDERAL AND STATE response to the COVID-19 crisis has been a failure. As we approach a full year of grappling with this historic crisis, and as we mourn the […]
Posted inHealth Care
Delayed vaccines arrive in Massachusetts
AFTER A DAY of concern and confusing messages, the delayed shipments of COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Massachusetts, and no appointments will be cancelled. “Gov. Baker and the Command Center have […]