STATEHOUSE NEWS: Money first, labor later as Massachusetts eyes ways to help...
First send money, and there will be opportunities later to help with the cleanup needed for Texas to recover from Hurricane Harvey.That's the basic message Gov. Charlie Baker has received in talks with...
View ArticleSTATE HOUSE ROUNDUP -- Rain, rain go away
A recap and analysis of the week in state government.As Harvey stalled and Irma churned, Massachusetts wondered "What if?" -- as in, "What if 50 inches of rain fell in the Hub and Boston literally...
View ArticleMassachusetts drivers feeling biggest one-week gas spike since Katrina
Massachusetts gas prices exploded in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, surging 44 cents in one week to average $2.70 in the largest one-week spike since Hurricane Katrina battered the Gulf Coast in August...
View ArticleAG Healey on board with legal effort to defend DACA
Joining with unidentified other states, Massachusetts will go to court to defend protections for young immigrants that the Trump administration rescinded Tuesday, Attorney General Maura Healey told the...
View ArticleMassachusetts taxi companies struggle to compete with Uber and Lyft
THE ISSUE: Government regulations and their own business models present challenges to taxi companies trying to compete with ride-share services.THE IMPACT: As their market share continues to erode,...
View ArticleGas prices expected to remain high for several weeks following hurricane
THE ISSUE: Gas prices surged following Hurricane Harvey.THE IMPACT: High prices are expected to linger for several more weeks.
View ArticleSuicide prevention text lines open new doors to help
THE ISSUE: An increasing number of young people in crisis are finding help and support through suicide prevention text lines.THE IMPACT: Suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death nationally...
View ArticleSTATE HOUSE ROUNDUP -- When Washington beckons
A recap and analysis of the week in state governmentWith his purple tie knotted tightly, Gov. Charlie Baker flew to Washington last week hoping to bring his brand of bipartisanship to the polarized...
View Article2018 ballot questions take first step
Will Massachusetts slash its sales tax? Should employers offer paid family leave? What about a $15 minimum wage?Those are among the 21 potential ballot questions Massachusetts voters could decide next...
View ArticleDoctors advocate for immunizations as more parents claim exemptions in...
THE ISSUE: A small but increasing number of parents have exempted their children from vaccination requirements. THE IMPACT: Doctors say immunizations are important to prevent the spread of diseases.
View ArticleSTATE HOUSE ROUNDUP -- Watching the Vienna sausage get made
The Legislature continued the budget process for Fiscal Year Two Thousand Infinity last week -- well, half the Legislature.
View ArticleEconomics professors endorse push for $15 minimum wage in Mass.
As activists ramp up their push to raise the minimum wage again, economists from many of the state's public and private universities are rallying to the cause, supporting a $15 an hour minimum wage as...
View ArticleRetailers plan to press forward with 5 percent sales tax ballot question
Retailers plan to gather signatures and move forward with a potential 2018 ballot question reducing the sales tax to 5 percent and instituting an annual sales tax holiday, the News Service has...
View ArticleSchool association seeks background-check reforms
THE ISSUE: Background checks for school employees don’t include reports of abuse or neglect of disabled adults.THE IMPACT: While there are no known incidents involving school employees with records of...
View ArticleSchools bring new focus to social-emotional learning
THE ISSUE: Some educators say focusing on social-emotional learning can better prepare students for future success.THE IMPACT: Nine Massachusetts school districts have joined a new program to develop...
View ArticleMBTA, Keolis and Transit Police partner to raise awareness during Rail Safety...
Educational initiatives planned ahead of and throughout the week to educate public.
View ArticleMassachusetts sending help to hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico
Baker-Polito administration outlines relief plan.
View ArticleMassachusetts pols raise immediate concerns with Trump tax overhaul
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, SEPT. 28, 2017......President Donald Trump is newly pitching a massive federal tax code overhaul as a middle-class tax cut that would level the playing field for American business,...
View ArticleAG Healey issues tighter open-meeting rules
After six months of review -- and help from local officials and others – the revised rules will go in effect on Oct. 6. Three South Shore boards in Weymouth, Kingston and Abington have been found in...
View ArticlePublic officials draw ire over social media posts; Incidents shine light on...
THE ISSUE: Several local public officials have drawn controversy over social media posts.THE IMPACT: When considering disciplining employees over inflammatory statements, public entities must consider...
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