The proposed law, Question 3 on the ballot, would allow rideshare drivers in Massachusetts to form unions and collectively bargain with different rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. The question would also ensure government oversight of negotiations to exempt the industry from core antitrust laws.
Analysis says rideshare unionization question likely to trigger lawsuits
Posted inCourts
In case of $70,000 Tiffany ring, SJC judges fully engaged
Justices at the state’s highest court appear open to doing away with the traditional approach to answering a very niche question: should it matter whose fault it is when an engagement goes sour, even with a $70,000 diamond ring on the line?
Posted inArts and Culture
Boston to expand free museum program to non-BPS kids
A pilot program providing free access to a set of Boston museums to Boston Public Schools students will be expanded starting in 2025 to include all school-age children in the city.
Posted inEnergy
Are Healey and Lamont still in sync on offshore wind?
Lamont has given no explanation for his silence, but many assume he’s wary of announcing another offshore wind project at a time when electricity prices have spiked in his state.
Posted inOpinion
Trying to stem medical recidivism
There were more than 10 million people released from jails or houses of correction across the United States in 2019. Those first weeks and months are a particularly vulnerable time.
Posted inBallot Questions
Nearly $10m from unions, businesses floods into ballot questions
The Quincy-based Massachusetts Teachers Association provided $2 million in “in-kind” contributions, with the union helping pay for everything from consulting to polling, advertising, signature collection, staff travel, and mailings.
Posted inState Government
Goldberg fires Cannabis Commission chair O’Brien for ‘gross misconduct’
“I expect my appointee’s actions to be reflective of the important mission of the CCC and performed in a manner that incorporates the standards of professionalism required in today’s work environment,” the treasurer said in a statement.
Posted inEnergy
Big wind farm project in doubt
“We look forward to Connecticut’s forthcoming decision on the remainder of the procurement so that we can begin to deliver important economic and climate benefits to the region,” said Vineyard Offshore CEO Alicia Barton in a statement.
Posted inThe Codcast
Chugging towards West-East Rail
This week on the Codcast, CommonWealth Beacon’s Jennifer Smith speaks with Andy Koziol, Director of West-East Rail, and Meredith Slesinger, MassDOT’s Rail and Transit Division Administrator. They delve into the challenges and opportunities of expanding intercity passenger rail between Boston, New York, and western Massachusetts.
Posted inTransportation
Looking ahead at West-East Rail
Compass Rail will improve existing services, like the North-South routes in Western Massachusetts, and bind them to a new rail system connecting the east and west parts of the state.
Posted inOpinion
Women have made progress in politics, but challenges remain
Every poll has shown that women candidates are viewed by voters as better negotiators and problem solvers than men.
Posted inOpinion
Why can’t the Legislature do its job?
Surely, one might be excused for thinking the Legislature would act expeditiously to fix a statute it was in such a hurry to enact. But no. The Legislature did nothing.
Posted inOpinion
Why is state spending precious resources on high-end housing?
The state should devise a meaningfully competitive framework for HDIP awards based on factors including affordability and the municipal affordable housing track record. It should prioritize weak market and distressed areas along with a range of bedroom sizes and benefits to local residents.
Posted inEnergy
Healey goes big on offshore wind – pretty much alone
Connecticut, where soaring electricity prices have triggered what some are calling rate rage, did not take part in what was billed as a three-state offshore wind procurement. A spokesman for Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont didn’t return phone calls, and Healey surprisingly indicated she didn’t know what Connecticut was doing.
Posted inPolitics
Political Notebook: A Mariano drubbing in Camberville | Boston papers trade jabs on NH race
State rep races in liberal districts in Cambridge and Somerville were also referendums on Beacon Hill’s centralized power structure under Democrats, and voters made clear that they don’t like it.
Posted inHealth Care
Markey threatens Steward’s de la Torre with contempt
“When I voted on July 25 to issue the first subpoena from the Senate Health Committee since 1981, it was not a request for Ralph de la Torre to answer for what he’s done, it was a demand that he answer for what he has done. It was a demand that 15 of my bipartisan colleagues joined,” Markey said.
Posted inOpinion
Healey needs to keep score on energy transition benefits
Massachusetts can lead by example, demonstrating how a state can effectively integrate equity goals into its environmental justice policies.
Posted inPolitics
Pro-Trump candidate pushes recount in Senate primary race
The possibility of a recount in a Republican primary is unusual, given that the Republican Party in Massachusetts has trouble even finding candidates willing to run for office.
Posted inEnergy
Headaches ahead for the region’s power grid
The first big change is expected to come in the 2030s, when peak demand for electricity from the power grid will shift to the winter months instead of the summer months. The change is expected to come about as businesses and homeowners begin using electricity to heat the buildings where they work and live.
Posted inOpinion
Why risk-averse Gen Z is watching from the sidelines
When we weigh the decision of whether to engage effortfully with the world or just stay home, it’s no wonder we gravitate toward the option that involves less risk.