Results tagged “statebudget”

Governor Deval Patrick signed the Massachusetts budget today, vetoing over $120 million in pet projects earmarked by his legislators. Critics have said that the state's budget is bloated and even the cuts Patrick made today won't be enough to compensate. Perhaps in part because of this, Patrick is asking the legislature to grant him the power to make additional budget cuts throughout the year. Blue Mass Group has most of the nitty gritty; the full budget is available here.

If the state is broke-ass, then we need to start saving some money, and the governor and legislators are looking at the always-controversial police details. Those new to Massachusetts might wonder why police officers are often at construction sites instead of the usual flagman or flagwoman.

Governor Deval Patrick has expressed hopes of replacing police officers on construction sites with flagmen. Police details are one of the oldest--and most controversial--local traditions, and Patrick won't have an easy time getting this done. The detail is great for police officers in that they can make more cash, but it hits taxpayers hard. As Casey Ross at the Herald points out, "We are the only state that does not use flagmen." There will always...

We're playing a little game we call "what's Tommy's name not on?" The Zamboni that smoothes the ice at the Frog Pond? It's on there. The welcome sign to Boston? It's on there. The toothbrushes the Boston Public Health Commission distributes? It's on there (and happens to be absurdly huge.) The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center? Yeah, that's it. Menino's name does not adorn the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is not yet called...