- March 1 2010
The Governor's reliance on more than $2 billion of one-time funds in his $31.7 billion fiscal 2011 budget will require major budget cuts in 2012. According to the Foundation's analysis, even if revenues grow by $1 billion in 2012, the state would still confront a $2.5 billion shortfall with virtually no state and federal reserves to help close the gap. In addition, should the voters this November approve a ballot initiative to reduce the state's sales tax from 6.25 to 3 percent, the state will face a $5 billion structural gap in fiscal 2012, as well as an immediate $1 billion revenue shortfall in fiscal 2011.
- December 2008
Effort launched for college aid
in
Mar 9 2010
Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said he supports funding for public higher education, but the massive fiscal crisis in state government will not end any time soon. The budget problems will be especially bleak for the fiscal year that starts in July of next year when stimulus money could be gone.
A candidate in search of the common touch
in
Mar 7 2010
Romney left a balanced budget with no surplus, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Williamstown budget allows wage boost
in
Mar 5 2010
Patrick's desire to level-fund local aid may be the best case scenario with some state legislators and the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation predicting that local aid will be cut by 5, 10, or as much as 15 percent for fiscal year 2011, he said.
House Speaker DeLeo Banks On Casinos, Slots
in
Mar 5 2010
But Mike Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation says DeLeo is using today's economy for political expediency. After all, Widmer says, the economic benefit of gaming won't be realized for years.
Report calls for steep cuts in budget
in
Mar 5 2010
Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Michael Widmer recommended leaving the "rainy day" fund untouched next year. He also suggested that $160 million in anticipated federal Medicaid reimbursements and $300 million to be saved by restructuring some debt under Patrick's proposal be put back into reserves instead of spending it immediately.
‘Crisis mode’ for municipal health plans'
Mar 5 2010
"That would be the biggest thing the state can do to help municipalities deal with their enormous fiscal problems,'' said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
DeLeo stirs political pot over casinos
in
Mar 5 2010
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation earlier this week also questioned the jobs promises historically attached to expanded gambling proposals and indicated it would likely analyze any new claims.
Taking sides on Mass. film tax credit
in
Mar 4 2010
Patrick is proposing to cap the tax credit at $50 million a year, down from about $125 million, and the governor's got a supporter in Michael Widmer, president of the Mass. Taxpayers Foundation. "In my 20 years at the foundation . . . I would say this is probably the most costly tax credit with the least economic benefit in my experience,'' said Widmer.
Is the MA film tax credit a Hollywood handout or economic boost?
in
Mar 4 2010
"This is probably the most costly tax credit with the least economic benefit in my experience - $125 million a year is the estimate for the next fiscal year," said Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
State Leaders Look To Cut Movie Tax Credits
in
Mar 4 2010
"This is the most costly tax credit with the least economic benefit, in my experience," said Michael Widmer, of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation
Drivers hit with 20 RMV fee hikes
Mar 4 2010
"The state faces a tough dilemma. With the collapse of state revenues they need to raise fees to preserve some services, yet with the financial pressures families are facing, it's the worst possible time," said Michael Widmer, president of Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Economic straits play supporting role for film tax credit arguments
in
Mar 3 2010
Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Mass. Taxpayers Foundation since 1992, said the state could effectively employ a blend of 2,000 police officers, firefighters and teachers for the cost of the program.
Business group sees job growth in tax law changes
Mar 3 2010
The chamber's proposals also face competition from a pair of initiative petitions hurtling toward the November ballot that would slash the state sales tax by more than half and repeal the sales tax on alcohol, both of which are polling favorably among voters. Together, those plans would drain $2.5 billion from the state's tax base, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Solons fight to keep holidays
in
Mar 3 2010
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said taxpayers would wring $5 million more "worth of work" from state and city of Boston employees by repealing the paid days off.
Editorial: Grim times require a leaner government
in
Mar 3 2010
From the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation on the governor's budget for the 2011 fiscal year: "The worst is yet to come."
Reports calls for bigger state spending cuts, warns of $5B budget gap
in
Mar 1 2010
"We've got this huge structural deficit in fiscal 2012 even if the ballot questions aren't approved by the voters," Widmer said. "If they are, it's a $5 billion hole."
Even an improving economy can't save state budget
in
Mar 1 2010
"The state budget is so heavily dependent on federal and state reserves that even with an economic recovery, the fiscal 2012 budget will have a huge hole in it and essentially no reserves remaining," said Michael Widmer, president of the foundation.
Unions safeguard health benefits
Mar 1 2010
Consolidating all municipal plans into the state GIC would save more than $1 billion a year by 2018, according to estimates by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation and the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, two nonpartisan business-backed watchdog groups.
More calling for Lawrence receivership
in
Mar 1 2010
"It's imperative that Lawrence have some kind of receivership similar to Springfield," said Widmer. He was referring to legislation approved during the Romney administration in 2004 that put that Western Massachusetts city under control of a five-person finance control board.
Unions’ support is no lock for Patrick
in
Mar 1 2010
"The public employee unions are used to getting their way on Beacon Hill, and this is a broad array of issues in which they've sustained setbacks,'' said Michael J. Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation. "The governor has shown leadership in taking on a host of issues that are near and dear to the hearts of public employee unions. Whether the public will give the governor credit is an open question, but the vast majority certainly support these initiatives.''
Hacks pocketing $2.5M in get-out-of-jail fees
in
Feb 28 2010
"This is a striking amount of money these fees are generating for these clerks," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "They are paid well. This should be part of their responsibilities."
Look Who Supports National Health Reform
in
Feb 24 2010
"It's no secret that the reimbursements from the federal government help fund health reform. National health reform will be important in its own right, and it will also be important for Massachusetts in terms of funding on a long term basis." - Mike Widmer, President, Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation
Sales tax cut a tough sell
in
Feb 22 2010
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said his group opposes the measure because the state could not afford to reduce the sales tax. "Where would this money come from, what programs would be cut?" Widmer said. "We've already had two, three, four rounds of cuts."
Answers sought for future of Pike tolls
Feb 21 2010
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said electronic tolling is the way of the future. ``In 10, 20, 30 years from now, I think it will be the major way in which we fund transportation investments,'' he said.
Curious Why Some Workers Can Cash In Sick Days
in
Feb 19 2010
"This is a troubling policy," says Michael Widmer who heads the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. Widmer says that since this kind of deal is virtually unheard of in the private sector, that public employees shouldn't get it either. "Clearly at a time of fiscal crisis this should be examined, and frankly, it should be abolished as quickly as possible," says Widmer.
State gets $132.7m boost from US
Feb 19 2010
"It's a bit of good news,'' said Michael J. Widmer, president of the business-funded Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, who follows the budget closely. "It doesn't change the fact that we've got two more difficult fiscal years ahead, but additional revenue is certainly good news.''
Their time is money
in
Feb 18 2010
"Given the fiscal realities of cities and towns, it's very difficult to broaden these programs,'' says Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a business-backed research group. The tax work-off "is a transfer of the taxpayer burden to other taxpayers. There are a lot of needy people who aren't seniors. So in terms of equity, there is a question raised.''
Patrick challengers offer ideas to close budget gap
in
Feb 18 2010
"In good economic times, it might be an asset to be the incumbent governor and show spending increases for good causes,'' said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "This kind of fiscal meltdown might be a serious disadvantage to the incumbent.'
Sales-tax issue likely to dominate 2010 campaign season
in
Feb 18 2010
"It's going to be a hot-button issue," said Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Deval Patrick seeks toll czar for Pike upgrade
Feb 16 2010
"Clearly they're doing more than having exploratory meetings," said Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation Executive Director Michael Widmer, who supports Patrick's plan. "This shows a serious intent to move forward."
Gov. Deval Patrick eyes electronic system that could eliminate toll collectors on Mass. Pike
Feb 14 2010
Supporters of an "open road electronic toll collection" said the change is needed to replace or supplement the state's 23.5-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax. Because of inflation and more efficient motor vehicles, the gasoline tax is expected to return less money to the state over the coming years, said Michael J.
Tax Credit Cap Threatens Bay State’s Burgeoning Film Industry
in
Feb 12 2010
But Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation called the film tax credit a "bad deal," and said the proposed cap is a step in the right direction. "Our preference would be to do away with the tax credit altogether," he said, pointing to a Department of Revenue report estimating the film credit's cost at $125 million for 2011.
New senator Scott Brown was a quiet presence in Massachusetts
in
Feb 12 2010
"Scott's going from a position in which [he] didn't have much impact," said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a nonprofit policy group that often advises the state legislature.
Patrick will limit health insurance rate hikes
in
Feb 10 2010
"It appears to be a hard cap," said Michael Widmer, a key architect of the 2006 health care coverage expansion law and president of the Mass. Taxpayers Foundation, a business-backed think tank. "I have serious concern about anything that approaches rate regulation."
Gov. Patrick seeks electronic tolling on Mass. Turnpike
Feb 9 2010
Michael Widmer heads the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. He says he is pleased Massachusetts is considering ways to both alleviate traffic and save money. "In the end it will be like our electrical and water bills the more you use the more you pay."
Big paydays for unused state employee sick time
Feb 9 2010
"This is very sweet indeed," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "We'd all like to have it."
Patrick looks to end toll-taker jobs
Feb 8 2010
The president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation Michael Widmer calls the potential move a vital step in the state's shortfall on transportation funding.
Beacon Hill bids to boost business
Feb 8 2010
Michael Widmer, president of the business-funded Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, praised the new efforts on Beacon Hill. "Massachusetts is legendary for placing obstacles in the way of businesses seeking to preserve jobs, expand, or locate in the state,'' he said. "Streamlining the byzantine process would be a critical step in improving the state's business climate.''
Deval Patrick puts toll takers on notice
Feb 8 2010
"This is a vital step given the state's enormous shortfall in transportation funding," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, who also served on Patrick's Transportation Finance Committee.
Despite recessions, public-sector pay rises
Feb 7 2010
Steve Poftak and Andrew Bagley, research directors for the Pioneer Institute and Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, respectively, have followed the escalation of public salaries and agree with Edwards.
Police exodus stirring concern
in
Feb 7 2010
Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the bonus program is not justified in light of the state's fiscal crisis and the societal expectation that officers should have a higher degree than a high school diploma now that departments have become more professionalized.
Baker left facts behind
in
Feb 6 2010
Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation is a budget expert, and he was baffled by Baker's claim, too. Noting that Governor Deval Patrick took over in the middle of fiscal 2007, he assessed the financial picture this way: "When you cut through it all, in 2007 we had a balanced budget with no surplus.''
Our view: Lean times demand fundamental change in way government works
in
Feb 5 2010
Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation describes the pace of recovery as still "anemic" here.
Some Mass. lawmakers pay little or no federal income tax
in
Feb 5 2010
``Absolutely the effect of it is double-dipping,'' said Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. ``It's understandable there may be a per diem for travel from western Massachusetts into the State House that the state provides. But then there is this huge benefit that the federal government provides on top of it.''
Watchdog: Health plan change could cost millions less
Feb 3 2010
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said giving local leaders control over the health insurance they offer, or letting them join the state plan, is the key to significant savings as many municipalities face substantial cuts and potential layoffs.
Budget reflects dire realities, Obama says
in
Feb 2 2010
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said that the state won't be able to rely on one-time federal spending after this year. "As good as this is,'' he said, "it simply delays the day of reckoning.'
Billerica, Westford tax watchdogs guard the municipal purse strings
in
Feb 1 2010
"I think a lot of people have come out of the woodwork with the Tea Party movement," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a Boston-based policy group that monitors grass-roots political campaigns. "Groups like that are diverse and people are joining for many different reasons."
Law school attack might threaten public college system
in
Jan 31 2010
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation in 2004 proposed just such a change to untie the hands of college administrators who each year have to wrestle with all the uncertainties that come with fluctuating state support. MTF President Michael Widmer told The Standard-TImes, "We never addressed the issue of whether it is constitutional.
Tipping the balance
Jan 31 2010
"It's like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off,'' said Andy Bagley, research director at the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a nonprofit fiscal watchdog group. "When cities and towns see payments go up 50 percent, when local aid is cut, it's a pretty tough time to find another five, six or seven million dollars.''
Package store owners hope to toast to alcohol tax repeal
in
Jan 30 2010
He says voters are clearly more angry now than they were a year ago, and would be more eager to vote for the tax repeal, even though it means giving up nearly $100 million a year in revenue for the state. That's not chump change. But there's another ballot question this year that could punch a much bigger hole in the state budget by shaving the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent. Widmer estimates that could cost as much as $2.5 billion a year, or nearly 10 percent of the entire state budget.
Editorial: To stabilize state finances, cut costs at local level
in
Jan 29 2010
So far, only a handful of communities have made the change. But the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation and the Boston Municipal Research bureau credibly estimated in 2007 that moving all communities into the commission would save more than $200 million in fiscal year 2011 alone.
Pension reform plan lauded
in
Jan 29 2010
"I think it's a very thoughtful and comprehensive package," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation. Widmer said the second round of reforms are actually more important and would result in more savings than the first.
Gov. Patrick’s $28B budget slashes services, taxes sweets
in
Jan 28 2010
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the budget is savvy because it doesn't touch local aid in what looks to be a competitive election year. Cities and towns depend on the $5.2 billion in local aid, which funds everything from schools to city government.
Patrick unveils $28.2B budget proposal
in
Jan 28 2010
Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the biggest unknown in Patrick's budget is the reliance on $600 million in federal aid that Congress has yet to approve. Patrick said he's confident the money will be there, but Widmer said if the extra money isn't approved, more cuts will be needed.
Patrick Budget Relies Heavily On Uncertain Federal Funding
in
Jan 28 2010
"If we don't get that second round of money it would be a $600 million hole," Widmer said. "Then we clearly have to have major cuts in local aid and other parts of the budget. That additional money is what allows this budget to minimize the cuts that all of us expected would take place."
Gov. proposes spending hike
in
Jan 28 2010
Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said that federal funding will be the key to the governor's plan to level-fund local aid. Without that additional $600 million in federal aid to the state, he said, "There is absolutely no way," aid to cities and towns could be maintained at current levels.
Lucrative perk remains for those fired from state jobs
in
Jan 26 2010
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, calls the termination provisions "a total giveaway" and says last year's reform bill failed to get the job done. "All the publicity was focused on the legislative abuses, but the most extensive abuse has been in the executive branch," he said. "The larger problem was totally ignored."
Speaker betting casinos would swell state coffers
Jan 22 2010
"Right now we are in an unprecedented fiscal position. As a matter of fact, Michael Widmer (director) of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation reported that state revenues for fiscal year 2010, will be $18 billion, a drop-off of $3.8 billion from 2008. Year to date ... this is the biggest two-year decline since World War II ..."
Marquis touts achievements, looks to future
in
Jan 22 2010
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation predicts there is a $3 billion "structural deficiency in this year's state budget," he said.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick Vows Jobs Amid Republican Gains
in
Jan 22 2010
Lawmakers face a state budget gap of more than $2 billion in the fiscal year starting July 1 as federal recovery aid runs out, according to Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a Boston-based policy group.
Editorial: As election looms, Patrick must double down on reform
in
Jan 21 2010
Meanwhile, valuable discretionary initiatives are suffering; outlays for higher ed, local government, and economic development shrank from $3 billion in 2001 to $2.4 billion in 2010, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. In contrast, health and pension benefits for state employees and retirees grew by $1.1 billion.
Coakley, Brown face off at the polls on Tuesday
in
Jan 18 2010
Coakley, however, recently took a shot at Brown for backing a fiscal year 2004 state budget that contained over $390 million in fee increases likened to tax hikes by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
I-Team: Lawmakers Getting Paid Something Extra
in
Jan 18 2010
Mike Widmer of the Massachusetts Tax Payers Association says he never knew about it. "I was surprised, I usually know about these things. I was taken back that there was $7,200 in compensation that was out of the public lime light."
Property Taxes Clobber Hurting Homeowners
in
Jan 15 2010
Massachusetts homeowners saw property taxes rise an average of 5.1 percent statewide in 2009 after a 4.8 percent hike in 2008. Now, 276 of the state's 351 municipalities can't raise taxes any higher without getting local voter approval, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Next decade holds the promise of change, the peril of avoiding it
in
Jan 10 2010
Michael Widmer, director of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, doesn't see Massachusetts going back to the way it once did business when the recession eases.
Massachusetts tax collections for December $194 million higher than projections
in
Jan 7 2010
Andrew C. Bagley, director of research for the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation in Boston, agreed, saying the December tax collections are definitely a good economic sign. "We may have bottomed out and started to climb out of an incredibly deep fiscal hole," Bagley said.
Massachusetts weathered fiscal storm better than most, more pain ahead
in
Jan 1 2010
Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, has been a vocal critic of choosing what he calls short-term fixes over long-term plans. "You take advantage of the opportunity in a fiscal crisis to make changes that will help over the long term," he said.
Business can’t win on taxes
Jan 1 2010
"The (corporate tax cut) is sort of a Band-Aid on a gaping wound," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Economists hopeful, but wary on Mass. economy
Dec 31 2009
"We're in for a very tough fiscal 2011 (starting July 1) and I think that's going to lead to major layoffs in cities and towns around the state," said Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Massachusetts has weathered fiscal storm better than most, but more pain ahead
Dec 30 2009
Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, has been a vocal critic of choosing what he calls short-term fixes over long-term plans. "You take advantage of the opportunity in a fiscal crisis to make changes that will help over the long term," he said.
Tough times loom ahead
Dec 28 2009
Although the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a non-profit, independent financial assessment organization, projects a slight uptick in state revenues in the upcoming fiscal year, state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli said Sunday that rising energy and infrastructure costs within the state will negate any gains.
Nation following state's lead with mandates
in
Dec 26 2009
"Romney might've said it, but that doesn't mean anyone else thought it," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "It's not reasonable to ever have assumed that the legislation would reduce costs. It was about greater access. It was widely understood at the time that this was chapter one. In chapter two, we would have to address costs"
Our view: Municipalities facing pension tsunami
Dec 21 2009
"It's just not responsible to kick it another 10 years out so we have another generation of taxpayers paying the burden," Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, told a reporter recently.
State revenue projected to improve
in
Dec 17 2009
Michael J. Widmer, executive director of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Association, a Boston-based business group, said that starting in January employers will see an increase of 30 to 40 percent in their unemployment insurance taxes, which are already among the highest rates in the country.
Revenue growth, spending cuts eyed for FY11
Dec 17 2009
Widmer said the state could face further fiscal 2010 gaps of up to $500 million, even after a round of October budget remedies, largely cuts, totaling $484 million, along with a structural deficit next year that even with anticipated tax collection gains could hit $3 billion.
State tax revenue on the rebound, officials now say
Dec 17 2009
"I do feel that we have reached, or are close to reaching, the bottom,'' said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "It's been a long slide, to say the least.''
2011 state deficit pegged at $3 billion
Dec 17 2009
"We're facing a very difficult fiscal 2011 that will probably require cuts to the magnitude of 2010," said Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Mass. Taxpayers Foundation sees 3.7 percent revenue growth in FY11
Dec 16 2009
State tax collections will remain flat this fiscal year but grow at a 3.7 percent clip in fiscal 2011, according to Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimates. "We see the beginning of an economic recovery but it will be slow and employment growth in fiscal 2011 will be minimal," foundation president Michael Widmer told the News Service Tuesday afternoon.
Business group predicts state tax receipts will start to go up next year
in
Dec 16 2009
BOSTON - State tax collections will remain flat this fiscal year but grow at a 3.7 percent clip in the fiscal year that begins next July, according to Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimates. "We see the beginning of an economic recovery but it will be slow and employment growth in fiscal 2011 will be minimal," foundation president Michael Widmer said.
Editorial: Get public employee pensions under control
Dec 16 2009
"It's just not responsible to kick it another 10 years out so we have another generation of taxpayers paying the burden," Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, told Huggins.
Mass. Taxpayers Association director Michael Widmer criticizes Patrick administration for hiring 1,300 new workers during budget
in
Dec 15 2009
Michael J. Widmer, executive director of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Association, told the Boston Herald there needs to be better scrutiny of new state hires during a financial crisis.
Editorial: Budget woes mounting
Dec 15 2009
But the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimates that the combination of executive branch and legislative action actually only solved about $450 million of the shortfall - which is broader than anyone wants to admit. And no one seems to want to take the even more difficult steps to close it.