Economy

Baker doubling down on failed biotech strategy

Opinion

Baker doubling down on failed biotech strategy

State subsidies have marginal impact but amount to $74,500 per job

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HERE WE GO again. Government giveaways to industries will benefit all of Massachusetts, so the story goes. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that story is true. In 2008, then-Governor Deval Patrick argued that by giving away $1 billion to build the biotech industry, the Commonwealth would spur the creation of hundreds of thousands of(...)

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Round three on renewable energy

Plugging In

Round three on renewable energy

Supporters’ own data disproves their case

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A RECENT OPINION PIECE in Commonwealth (“The Upside of Renewables” by Peter Rothstein and Michael Behrmann) attempts to rebut an earlier piece by me which pointed out the high cost and lack of reliability of renewable energy. However, any objective analysis of their data undercuts their arguments that renewables are economically productive. First, in response(...)

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Taxes don’t make millionaires move

Opinion

Taxes don’t make millionaires move

National study shows very little migration driven by levy hikes

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MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATORS APPROVED the so-called Fair Share Amendment last week, setting the stage for it to appear on the 2018 statewide ballot, where voters will decide whether to impose a “millionaire’s tax” on top income-earners to fund transportation and education. Critics will undoubtedly raise one important question: If the state passes this tax, will large(...)

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Don’t just sell, sell to your employees

Opinion

Don’t just sell, sell to your employees

Few firms are familiar with worker ownership models

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SMALL BUSINESSES IN MASSACHUSETTS will soon face a generational impasse. As baby boomers begin to retire, the businesses they have built will need new owners, but who these owners will be is still unclear. While baby boomers collectively own more than 50 percent of businesses with employees in America, only 28 percent of them have a(...)

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Sources: Higher tax, new opt-out in pot bill

Sources: Higher tax, new opt-out in pot bill

House measure would keep treasurer in charge but expand oversight board

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STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE RETAIL MARIJUANA SALES would be taxed at a maximum rate of 18.75 percent under legislation being developed by the House in preparation for a Thursday vote that would also alter the oversight and local control of an industry legalized by voters last November, according to sources within the Legislature or close(...)

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House to roll out rewrite of legal pot bill

House to roll out rewrite of legal pot bill

Reps set to vote on changing ballot question on Thursday; Senate plans unclear

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STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE HOUSE LEADERSHIP WILL unveil its proposal to overhaul the voter-backed law legalizing marijuana in Massachusetts on Wednesday, setting up an expected debate and vote before the full membership on Thursday. The bill’s details have been held tightly by those writing the legislation, but it is widely expected to address the tax(...)

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State bond rating drops one notch

State bond rating drops one notch

Agency cites failure to build up rainy day fund

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STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE WITH SLUGGISH REVENUES testing Gov. Charlie Baker’s ability to balance investment needs with fiscal prudence, one of the country’s largest credit rating agencies on Friday downgraded the state’s bond rating with an admonishment for its approach to savings. S&P Global Ratings lowered its rating for Massachusetts bonds to AA from AA+(...)

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Baker replaces another authority chief

Baker replaces another authority chief

Commonwealth Corp post filled quickly; 4 board members abstained

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GOV. CHARLIE BAKER has engineered the appointment of a new president at Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public authority engaged in workforce training efforts. J.D. LaRock, a Northeastern University executive, was voted in as president of the authority last month, with his appointment effective July 1. He is replacing Nancy Snyder, whose contract is up at the(...)

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We must learn from Seaport District failures

Tracking Transportation/ Opinion

We must learn from Seaport District failures

The next tests come at Allston Landing, Suffolk Downs

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THEY WERE GATHERED in the spectacular replica of the US Senate chamber at the Edward Kennedy Institute, a panel of local thought leaders discussing how Boston’s past might inform Boston’s future.  The discussion, organized under the auspices of Imagine Boston 2030, drew a large crowd because among its panel members were legends of the city’s(...)

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Western Mass. needs regional economic development plan

Opinion

Western Mass. needs regional economic development plan

Initiatives could help close east-west divide -- and boost lagging state revenue

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THE MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET process demonstrates economic progress does not always create revenue for the Commonwealth. Total employment is eclipsing previous highs, unemployment rates are below four percent, and per capita state GDP is strong. Yet the state’s budget is difficult to balance and news stories about revenue shortfalls feel like waking up in Groundhog Day.(...)

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