The Legislature’s rejection of Gov. Charlie Baker’s MassHealth savings initiatives represents a big political shift on Beacon Hill. In the past, Democratic lawmakers have largely ceded the nitty gritty of […]
Elections
Posted inThe Download
Another hit for football
We may be known as home to the reigning NFL champions, but Boston is also the center of research efforts that have methodically plowed through the defensive line the multibillion-dollar […]
Posted inPolitics, The Download
Moulton on the move
There has been no shortage of head shaking and hand-wringing in Democratic Party circles following this week’s double loss in special elections for House seats in Georgia and South […]
Posted inPolitics, The Download
Baker likes the center
Gov. Charlie Baker demonstrated again on Monday his ability to shape-shift to the political center. The Republican governor, who had once floated the idea of merging the state’s Life Sciences […]
Posted inPolitics
Millionaire’s tax heads toward voters
THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE on Wednesday cleared the way for voters to decide whether to raise more than $2 billion in annual revenue through an income tax surcharge on people earning […]
Posted inOpinion, Politics
Blue state chauvinism
IN THE PURSUIT of tax equity and fairness, Massachusetts progressives who support the proposed “fair share” amendment could end up placing a larger tax burden on poorer residents in other […]
Posted inPolitics, The Download
Baker under fire from all sides
The race for governor is taking shape. On the Democratic side, you have three like-minded liberals who detest President Trump. On the Republican side, you have a popular, middle-of-the-road incumbent […]
Posted inPolitics
Lawsuit challenges Lowell at-large voting
A CIVIL RIGHTS GROUP has brought a federal lawsuit against the City of Lowell alleging that its electoral system has led to a stark lack of minority representation in city […]
Posted inPolitics, The Download
Changing voting rites
Instead of heading out for a Sunday walk in the park, would the ability to head out for a Sunday stroll to the polls make a difference in voter turnout? […]
Posted inPolitics, The Download
Moulton getting mentions
He didn’t get mentioned until the fourteenth paragraph of a very speculative story in the New York Times about who the Democrats might run for president in 2020, but that […]
Posted inOpinion, Politics
The great union loophole
NEWLY SEATED SUPREME COURT JUSTICE Neil Gorsuch once wrote, “There is something distinct, different, and more problematic afoot when the government selectively infringes on a fundamental right.” The Massachusetts union […]
Posted inPolitics
The road less traveled
GREATER BOSTON IS the breeding ground for the state’s top politicians. Going back to 1900, three out of every four constitutional officers came from within 25 miles of Boston. Go […]
Posted inOpinion, Politics
Whose party is it?
SO FAR, THE DEMOCRATIC RACE to take on Gov. Charlie Baker next year has been a who’s who of “who’s that?” Pols and party professionals are rushing to the sidelines in hopes […]
Posted inPolitics, The Download
The challenge for Marty Walsh
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh may be getting a free pass so far with the lack of opponents to his reelection but don’t confuse that with his first term going unexamined and […]
Posted inPolitics, The Download
Clark’s lonely boycott
As Democrats try to figure out how to deal with President-elect Donald Trump, US Rep. Katherine Clark is taking a novel approach — she’s boycotting his inauguration. Clark said her […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, The Download, Transportation
The Codcast: Talking among ourselves
What do criminal justice reform, the MBTA, and legal marijuana have in common? Other than the fact you can get busted for smoking and selling pot on the Green Line, […]
Posted inOpinion, Politics, State House News Service
Baker misses key problem with Electoral College
AS PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP prepares to take office despite losing the popular vote, many Massachusetts voters may be less than thrilled about the Electoral College process But Gov. Charlie Baker […]
Posted inOpinion, Politics
The self-examination begins
WE’RE ALL TRYING to figure out how it came to pass that Donald Trump is now our President-elect. Here are three key takeaways from last night’s vote. American politics has […]
Posted inOpinion, Politics
Mobilizing voters in JP and Roxbury
IN DEEP BLUE MASSACHUSETTS, the outcome of this year’s presidential election is likely a foregone conclusion. But if this year’s campaign has taught us anything, it is that marginalized communities […]
Posted inPolitics
Veterinarian group opposes Question 3
FOR THOSE WHO CARE about the humane treatment of animals, Question 3 appears to be a no-brainer. The initiative calls for state requirements to ensure that animals raised for eggs, […]
Posted inPolitics
In Lowell, higher salaries for a higher purpose
THE LOWELL CITY COUNCIL is giving itself and the city school board raises on the order of 67 to 100 percent, purportedly as a way to attract a more diverse […]
Posted inPolitics
Can Elizabeth Warren legislate?
DURING HER FIRST four years representing Massachusetts in the Senate, Elizabeth Warren has become the chamber’s leading progressive voice. Hillary Clinton considered her for the vice presidential slot and, while […]
Posted inEducation
Charter showdown
IN NOVEMBER, MASSACHUSETTS voters will have their say on a ballot question that would allow up to 12 new or expanded charter schools each year above the existing state cap […]
Posted inPolitics
Why Trump’s performance matters in Mass.
REPUBLICAN KATE CAMPANALE stunned the state’s political establishment in 2014 by winning the 17th Worcester district House seat, edging out Democrat Douglas Belanger by just 43 votes out of 9,750 […]
