If Massachusetts intends to remain a leader in innovation, uphold equitable access to higher education, and sustain long-term prosperity, we must dedicate a substantial portion of Fair Share revenues to supporting public colleges and universities.
Strengthening higher education in an era of federal instability
Posted inGovernment
Beacon Hill extending pandemic-era policy of remote access to public meetings
The remote access policy, a vestige of the pandemic era, allows members of the public to log on to Zoom, a phone conference line, or YouTube to participate in the meetings.
Posted inCourts
MBTA can be sued over assault by bus driver, SJC rules
There are good reasons to make sure public employers aren’t held responsible for the actions of third parties out of their control, but the state’s high court concluded the MBTA is not automatically immune from suit if an employee causes harm.
Posted inOpinion
We solved a big budget crisis before by closing corporate loopholes and tax dodges. We should do it again.
Massachusetts is one of the richest per-capita places in the world. We have the wealth to weather this storm, and maintain the state’s fiscal strength, by tapping a portion of the state’s rainy day fund and raising significant new revenue from the world’s largest, most profitable corporations.
Posted inState House News Service
Mass. legislators visited Canadian renewable power operations
The trip comes as state energy policies shaped through a series of clean energy laws are suddenly at odds with the new direction of federal energy policy under President Donald Trump.
Posted inThe Codcast
The data purge domino effect
CommonWealth Beacon reporter Jennifer Smith is joined by Ariel Beccia, an instructor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, to discuss the Trump administration’s purges of health-related government data, how these and other data purges ripple through society, and researchers’ efforts to respond.
Posted inOpinion
It’s time to turn the page on DEI
This crisis for colleges and universities did not begin with Trump, and we should not let his odious behavior and speech get in the way of thoughtful debate and reassessment of DEI policies.
Posted inEnergy
Massachusetts-based company launches program to fund community solar projects
With the federal dollars for renewable energy slowing to a trickle or stopping altogether, a company based in Cambridge called Solstice is looking to provide some funding to community solar projects in underserved areas.
Posted inMarijuana
Cannabis commission punts on long-term decision to keep cannabis delivery exclusive to social equity businesses
Cannabis commission extends period in which cannabis delivery licenses are only available to social equity businesses by a year but is punting on decision of whether to extend it further until the agency can collect more data.
Posted inOpinion
Mass layoffs at Education Department signal Trump’s plan to gut the agency
Billions of dollars in public educational programs across the country are at stake in the outcome of these decisions.
Posted inPolitics
New commission to change controversial state seal already behind schedule
The advisory commission, focused on replacing the controversial emblem, must offer up three options for the state seal, as well as the flag and the state’s motto.
Posted inOpinion
Dana-Farber plan merits tough scrutiny from state officials
While research scientists and clinicians focus their war on cancer, this has become a war for cancer dollars.
Posted inCourts
SJC gives a Second Amendment win to Mass. lawmakers looking to license non-residents
Dual opinions from the high court signals that even under a tougher standard for determining the constitutionality of gun regulations recently set by the Supreme Court, Massachusetts’ firearms restrictions – some of the strictest in the nation – may rest on solid ground.
Posted inOpinion
Voc-tech schools need support to build tomorrow’s workforce
Voters, students and their families, as well as Massachusetts businesses want more voc-tech seating capacity. The primary and bedrock focus for policymakers, parents, and the business community should be providing as many students as possible with the high-quality opportunities that a voc-tech education provides while maintaining many of the tenets that have made this form of education so successful.
Posted inEnergy
After heating bills spike, Healey announces $50 credit for electric customers
Gov. Maura Healey announced a plan on Monday to save ratepayers in Massachusetts up to $5.8 billion on their energy bills in the next five years, with immediate relief in the form of a $50 credit for residential customers on electricity bills in April.
Posted inPolitics
Mayor Wu could see a challenger from Boston’s business sector
If O’Brien enters the race, he would join a field that currently includes Josh Kraft, son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Posted inThe Codcast
Temporary Protected Status marks the latest immigration standoff between Trump and Massachusetts
CommonWealth Beacon’s Jennifer Smith is joined by Sarang Sekhavat, Chief of Staff at the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), to discuss threats to immigration policies such as Temporary Protected Status and sanctuary cities, and how officials in Massachusetts and nationally are responding.
Posted inOpinion
Greater Boston must reclaim its transit leadership
Despite a proud history of innovation, we’ve resigned ourselves to complacency, While other cities and countries tackle transportation challenges with courage and a long-term vision, Boston and the Metro Boston region are losing their edge.