Republicans thought Gov. Maura Healey’s annual address “presented a rosy picture” that “fell short of reality;” while top Democrats in the Legislature said they were glad she highlighted past successes, but didn’t jump on board with every one of her outlined future priorities.
The man widely viewed as the heir apparent as speaker has a message for the state’s business community, which has complained about the economic climate since voters passed the Millionaire Tax two years ago: Get over it.
State representatives are ready to move forward on a proposed property tax rebalancing plan for the city of Boston after Mayor Michelle Wu agreed to scale back the changes.
The House budget chief wants to “get something done in the shortest period of time possible” to revive an economic development bill, but he will not commit to keeping already-approved tax relief measures in the final legislation with taxpayer rebates already flowing via another route.
With help from some large contractors, workers have completed close to 60 percent of planned maintenance and construction work about 18 days into the 30-day Orange Line shutdown, MBTA officials said Tuesday as Beacon Hill continues to sort through the aftermath of a stinging federal safety report.
House leaders detailed a $3.65 billion spending package Monday that would invest a record budget surplus and much of the state’s surplus federal COVID aid in housing, hospitals, schools and workforce development.
With a vote possible in the House next week on a transportation revenue bill, the details of such a package remain in development and its possible components include measures dealing with the gas tax and ride-share fees.
Not taking action to address a housing shortage in the state could drive an “enormous amount” of young workers and families out of Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker said Tuesday as he announced plans to propose a tweaked version of a housing production bill he advocated for last session.
