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Tax credit challenged

abagley — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:37:43 -0600

"I think the concern we have with the film tax credit has been the cost which has been upwards of $100 million a year," said Michael Widmer, executive director for the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "The key test here for Massachusetts is, do you get enough bang for the buck?"

Mass. credit strategy gets nod

abagley — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:19:47 -0500

Andrew C. Bagley, director of research and public affairs for the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a business-backed group, said the latest credit reports amount to a validation that state government is not burying its head in the sand; it is dealing with the budget, and may well save $10 million to $15 million a year.

$5M Cape ME office remains unstaffed

abagley — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:54:49 -0500

Andrew Bagley, director of research for the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said state operating budgets across the board have suffered "huge losses" over the past two years. By the time an infrastructure project is completed, its operating budget could have been slashed, he said.

Cahill’s warnings absent in bond issue

abagley — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:46:08 -0500

At least one independent analysis, by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, has concluded that the health care law had put minimal additional strain on the state budget.

Mass. lawmakers OK nearly $16 billion in borrowing

abagley — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:57:03 -0500

"They always pass these authorizations with a lot of fanfare as if they are going to spend the money immediately, but a lot of these bond bills are over five or ten years," Widmer said.

Administration looks to accelerate life science borrowing

abagley — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:55:03 -0500

Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said use of more than $75 million a year would be ill-advised.

Cahill calls for turnpike overhaul

abagley — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:27:59 -0500

Budget watchdog Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, also blasted the administration's plan.

Pike rescue plan raises questions at Statehouse hearing

abagley — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:13:58 -0500

Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a business-backed budget watchdog group, said a gas tax increase and tolls on Interstate 93 heading into Boston are needed and inevitable because of the Turnpike's financial problems, even if lawmakers don't acknowledge it yet.

State may bail Pike out; what about T?

abagley — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:31:12 -0500

According to the Patrick administration, the T's financial situation is also on its radar. But yesterday, Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Association, said he would be concerned if the state helped ease the T's debt. He instead suggested the state should increase the gas tax and the agencies should hike fares to boost revenue.

Treasurer accused of inaction on Pike

abagley — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:50:13 -0500

Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the administration's proposal does not solve the Turnpike Authority's underlying financial problems and could lead to huge losses for the state.