Elections

The Download/ Politics

Baker likes the center

By , , 0 Comments

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 Center into a broader economic development agency, opted instead for a five-year extension of his Democratic predecessor’s life science initiative. He said he would ask(...)

Read More »

Millionaire’s tax heads toward voters

Politics

Millionaire’s tax heads toward voters

Likely to be dominant political issue in Mass. next year

By , , , 1 Comment

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 more than $1 million a year. Meeting in a rowdy joint session, the House and Senate voted 134-55 to put the constitutional amendment on the(...)

Read More »

Blue state chauvinism

Politics/ Opinion

Blue state chauvinism

Millionaire’s tax makes federal system more regressive

By , 3 Comments

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 parts of the country. The amendment would overturn a constitutional prohibition on graduated income taxation in favor of what has been dubbed a millionaire’s tax(...)

Read More »

The Download/ Politics

Baker under fire from all sides

By , , , 0 Comments

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 who frequently disagrees (politely) with the president. Newton Mayor Setti Warren is the latest entrant on the Democratic side. At an event in front of(...)

Read More »

Lawsuit challenges Lowell at-large voting

Politics

Lawsuit challenges Lowell at-large voting

Says approach leads to all white city government

By , 0 Comments

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 government. In the suit, filed in US District Court in Boston on Thursday, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice alleges that the(...)

Read More »

The great union loophole

Politics/ Opinion

The great union loophole

Labor can donate to pols, but not businesses

By and 2 Comments

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 loophole, upheld last week in Superior Court, does just that. The union loophole allows unions to contribute up to $15,000 to state candidates, while limiting(...)

Read More »

The road less traveled

Politics/ Spring 2017

The road less traveled

Distance from Boston is an obstacle to statewide office

By , , 0 Comments

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 out 50 miles, and the percentage rises to 85 percent. Most analysts say the state’s political axis tilts toward Greater Boston because that’s where the(...)

Read More »

1 2 3 4 5 >>|