Published on Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (http://www.masstaxpayers.org)

Recent Publications [4]

MTF In The News [135]

Hopkinton home values rise [136]

in

Feb 4 2012

Hopkinton home values rise [138]

By David Riley, Hopkington Crier

“It's consistent with our general sense of the slowly, very slowly, improving Massachusetts economy, and housing with it,” said Michael Widmer, president of the nonpartisan, business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [138]
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Gov's plan 'tight' [140]

in

Jan 31 2012

Gov's plan 'tight' [142]

By Chris Camire, Sentinel and Enterprise

"This puts the pressure on the Legislature, because if you don't get the new savings and the new revenues, you'll have to cut more deeply than the governor has in this budget," said Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [142]
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Editorial: Pay-as-you-go plan must come to an end [144]

in

Jan 30 2012

Editorial: Pay-as-you-go plan must come to an end [146]

The Republican

Springfield has $761.6 million in the unfunded liabilities, which translates to more than $12,000 in unfunded liabilities per single-family home; Holyoke would be on the hook for $300 million, which translates to a liability of more than $18,000 per single-family home. And eight other cities in the commonwealth are in similar straits.
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Parking attendants haul in OT pay at Massport [148]

in

Jan 30 2012

Parking attendants haul in OT pay at Massport [150]

By John Zaremba, The Boston Herald

“It sounds awfully high. It sounds like a fairly well-paying position,” said Andrew Bagley of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. “If there’s been no change, that’s a problem. If the governor has called them out, saying this is something you need to balance better and they haven’t, then that’s something that needs a closer look.”
Full article [151]
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What One Massachusetts Tax Watchdog Says About 'RomneyCare' [153]

in

Jan 30 2012

What One Massachusetts Tax Watchdog Says About 'RomneyCare' [154]

By Kenneth Rapoza, Forbes

RomneyCare is also not breaking the bank in Massachusetts, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, an independent research group that many call the state’s version of the Congressional Budget Office. “There’s a lot of wild accusations that the law is breaking the bank in Massachusetts, and that is simply not the case,” said Michael Widmer, president of the Foundation.
Full article [154]
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Retailers join up to cure health insurance woes [156]

in

Jan 29 2012

Retailers join up to cure health insurance woes [157]

By Jennifer Heldt Powell, The Boston Herald

“I think we will see some meaningful relief,” said Michael Widmer, head of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Association. “I’m hopeful that we’ll see some innovation as well. Employers are increasingly beginning to say ‘we need to be a part of the solution,’ and their employees as well.”
Full article [158]
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The Gingrich Counterattack in Florida [160]

in

Jan 28 2012

The Gingrich Counterattack in Florida [162]

By Eugene Kiely, Robert Farley, Ben Finley, D’Angelo Gore and Brooks Jackson, Yahoo News India / FactCheck.org

We reported on this a number of times in 2008, when Romney’s GOP primary opponents kept bringing it up. It’s true that the independent Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation put the total of increased fees and corporate taxes under Romney at $740 million to $750 million per year.
Full article [162]
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Cuts in Massachusetts Governor's Budget Proposal Draw Attention [164]

in

Jan 26 2012

Cuts in Massachusetts Governor's Budget Proposal Draw Attention [165]

By Lucas Willard, WAMC

Mike Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Tax Payers Foundation, recognizes that the current economic climate makes it challenging to address all of the State's needs in the current budget.
Full article [166]
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Governor's Budget Puts Emphasis On Education [168]

in

Jan 26 2012

Governor's Budget Puts Emphasis On Education [169]

By Sarah Birnbaum, WGBH

But Beacon Hill lawmakers in the past have rejected similar tax proposals from the governor. And Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation questioned whether they would accept them this time around. "Those tax proposals I think are reasonable but nonetheless this is an election year so there’s an open question on whether or not the legislature will approve them," he said.

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South Shore locals and politicians protest MBTA changes with petitions, calls to action [171]

in

Jan 26 2012

South Shore locals and politicians protest MBTA changes with petitions, calls to action [172]

By Jessica Bartlet, The Boston Globe

Keenan pointed to numerous studies, including a 2009 review of MBTA finances by former John Hancock CEO David D'Allessandro, a 2007 Massachusetts Transportation Finance Commission study, and a 2002 Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report entitled "MBTA Capital Spending: Derailed by Expansion," all of which conclude that expansion was not badly needed and the consequences would be severe.
Full article [172]
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FACT CHECK: Santorum Half Right on Obamacare and Romneycare [174]

in

Jan 26 2012

FACT CHECK: Santorum Half Right on Obamacare and Romneycare [175]

By Naureen Khan, National Journal

Regarding Santorum’s criticisms of high health care costs and unreasonable waiting times in Massachusetts as a result of the health care plan enacted by Romney, the nonpartisan FactCheck.org has already found those claims shaky at best. Costs for the plan had initially increased more than expected, but have lately come in line with projections by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [175]
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Patrick budget relies on host of fixes [177]

in

Jan 26 2012

Patrick budget relies on host of fixes [178]

By Kyle Cheney, The Salem News / State House News Service

Michael Widmer, President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, described the governor's budget as "fiscally responsible" but said it was built on "question marks" about health care savings and initiatives that lawmakers are unlikely to support.
Full article [178]
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Is Romney a tax cutter? [180]

in

Jan 23 2012

Is Romney a tax cutter? [182]

By Jeanne Sahadi, CNN

The new revenue: But since the tax cuts were relatively small, the revenue taxpayers saved was "vastly less" than the roughly $700 million in additional annual revenue the foundation estimates was raised because of other measures Romney signed, according to Michael Widmer, the foundation's president.
Full article [182]
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Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation says unfunded retiree health care liability is growing for towns and cities [184]

in

Jan 22 2012

Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation says unfunded retiree health care liability is growing for towns and cities [185]

By Jim Kinney, The Republican

The foundation, a Boston-based independent, nonprofit organization that conducts research on state and local taxes, government spending, and the economy, says the liabilities are not some hypothetical obligation but represent actual amounts taxpayers owe in today’s dollars for retiree health-care benefits already earned by current retirees and eligible employees and payable during the next 30 ye
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Property values continue to drop, but not as sharply [187]

in

Jan 22 2012

Property values continue to drop, but not as sharply [188]

By David Riley, The Enterprise

“It’s consistent with our general sense of the slowly, very slowly, improving Massachusetts economy, and housing with it,” said Michael Widmer, president of the nonpartisan, business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [188]
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Patrick administration avoids local aid cut in budget proposal [190]

in

Jan 21 2012

Patrick administration avoids local aid cut in budget proposal [191]

By Andrew Ryan, The Boston Globe

“It’s going to be very tight,’’ said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. “There are going to be a number of places where there are budget cuts. “It’s better news than the last several years for sure, but it’s also a fifth consecutive year of budget squeeze,’’ he said.
Full article [191]
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Fact Check: Final South Carolina Debate [193]

in

Jan 20 2012

Fact Check: Final South Carolina Debate [194]

By Lori Robertson, Robert Farley, Eugene Kiely, Brooks Jackson and D’Angelo Gore , NJ Today / FactCheck

A much lower estimate was issued by the nonpartisan Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, whichestimated that the law cost $707 million in fiscal 2010, with the state paying half of that and the federal government paying the rest.
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State lost 6,200 jobs in December, experts say [196]

in

Jan 20 2012

State lost 6,200 jobs in December, experts say [197]

By Kyle Cheney, The Lynn Item / State House News Service

"The job picture is much more sobering than it was six months ago, which will only place further pressure on the already strained state finances," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "As a result, we are seeing greater demand for state programs while experiencing slower revenue growth."
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Mass. Gov. to seek hike in cigarette tax [199]

in

Jan 20 2012

Mass. Gov. to seek hike in cigarette tax [200]

By Bob Salsberg, The Boston Globe / AP

Michael Widmer, president of the independent Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, noted that lawmakers had previously rejected some of the governor’s revenue proposals and questioned whether they would be more willing to accept them this around.
Full article [200]
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Massachusetts housing market is slowly stabilizing [202]

in

Jan 18 2012

Massachusetts housing market is slowly stabilizing [203]

By David Riley, The Enterprise

This marks the second year in a row of increases in the number of municipalities that saw improvements or stabilization in home values. “It’s consistent with our general sense of the slowly, very slowly, improving Massachusetts economy, and housing with it,” said Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
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More Budget Cuts Loom Despite Rising Tax Revenue [205]

in

Jan 16 2012

More Budget Cuts Loom Despite Rising Tax Revenue [206]

By Paul Tuthill, WAMC

Michael Widmer, the president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation predicts state budget writers will find a way to boost local aid.
Full article [206]
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Editorial: A cure for local budgets [208]

in

Jan 16 2012

Editorial: A cure for local budgets [209]

The Boston Herald

Speaking of “fixed” costs (see above) the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation is out with a truly frightening report on the threat posed to municipal budgets by the cost of providing health care to retirees.
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Report says Brockton owes more for healthcare than other big MA cities [211]

in

Jan 15 2012

Report says Brockton owes more for healthcare than other big MA cities [212]

By Garo Hagopian, WATD

The study, from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, shows that Brockton owes more per household than any of the ten cities analyzed. Brockton owes just under $700 million in health care benefits for current and future retirees over the next 30 years.
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Brockton ranked last in unfunded health care cost study [214]

in

Jan 14 2012

Brockton ranked last in unfunded health care cost study [215]

By Erik Potter, The Enterprise

A report released by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation showed that Brockton owes more, per household, in unfunded future health care costs than any of the 10 cities it analyzed. In today’s dollars, Brockton owes $693 million in health care benefits for current and future retirees over the next 30 years.
Full article [215]
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Retiree Health Costs Threaten Cities in Massachusetts [217]

in

Jan 13 2012

Retiree Health Costs Threaten Cities in Massachusetts [218]

By Martha Bebinger, WBUR

“Neither of those options are feasible,” says MTF president Michael Widmer. He recommends scaling back retiree benefits and/or changing what cities and towns have promised current employees. Specifically, Widmer suggests increasing the age by which municipal workers can retire early from 55 to 60 and extending the number of years they must work (now 10) to receive full health coverage.
Full article [218]
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City has $186M liability looming [220]

in

Jan 13 2012

City has $186M liability looming [221]

By Chris Camire, Sentinel and Enterprise

Fitchburg is facing a $186.6 million liability for retiree health-care benefits, jeopardizing funds for local services, according to a new study by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [221]
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Study claims Lowell facing $432.7M deficit for retirees' health-care costs [223]

in

Jan 13 2012

Study claims Lowell facing $432.7M deficit for retirees' health-care costs [224]

By Chris Camire, The Lowell Sun

Lowell is facing a $432.7 million liability for retiree health-care benefits, jeopardizing funds for local services, according to a new study by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
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Brockton’s health care bill tops most Mass. cities, report says [226]

in

Jan 13 2012

Brockton’s health care bill tops most Mass. cities, report says [227]

By Kyle Cheney, State House News Service / The Enterprise

Brockton fares the worst among 10 Massachusetts cities in a survey of unpaid health care benefits for public employees. The report by the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation says each owner of an average single-family home in Brockton would have to pay nearly $19,826 to pay down the city’s debt.
Full article [227]
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Huge retirement shortfall in cities reported [229]

in

Jan 13 2012

Huge retirement shortfall in cities reported [230]

By Travis Andersen, The Boston Globe

“Simply put, the tax increases needed to fund these massive liabilities would crush these cities and their local economies,’’ and voters would never approve them, leading to service cuts unless there are legislative changes, foundation president Michael Widmer said.
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Retiree health care could force New Bedford tax hikes or service cuts [232]

in

Jan 13 2012

Retiree health care could force New Bedford tax hikes or service cuts [233]

By Charis Anderson, SouthCoast Today

The report, "The Crushing Burden of Municipal Retiree Health Care Liabilities," found that New Bedford would have to raise the average single family property tax bill by $633 a year for 30 years to help cover its unfunded retiree health care liability.
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Cities face billions in deficit for retiree health care [235]

in

Jan 13 2012

Cities face billions in deficit for retiree health care [236]

Boston Business Journal

A report by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation has determined that cities across Massachusetts face billions of dollars in liability for retiree health-care benefits, jeopardizing funds for local services, the Lowell Sun and other media report.
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Fact check: Gingrich's attacks on Romney [238]

in

Jan 12 2012

Fact check: Gingrich's attacks on Romney [239]

By Lori Robertson and Robert Farley, Factcheck.org / USA Today

At one Republican debate in 2008, Romney said the fees needed to be adjusted for inflation and to cover the cost of services, but Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Michael Widmer told us then that the increase "wasn't tied to any analysis of the cost of delivering those services" and the group characterized those fees as "far in excess of any reasonable measure of the cost of services."
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Gingrich blasts Romney for ‘gun tax’ hike in Mass. [241]

in

Jan 11 2012

Gingrich blasts Romney for ‘gun tax’ hike in Mass. [242]

By Michael Levenson, The Boston Globe

All told, Romney raised fees by about $375 million and closed tax loopholes that raised another $375 million in revenue, according to Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a nonpartisan, business-backed budget watchdog group.
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Romney Talks Economy, Opponents’ Mass.-Bashing, Time As Governor [244]

in

Jan 7 2012

Romney Talks Economy, Opponents’ Mass.-Bashing, Time As Governor [245]

By Karen Anderson, WBZ TV

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation confirms when Romney was Governor, the state was 47 of 50 in terms of job creation. Romney credits already-strong employment for that statistic.

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Mayor Kezer's inaugural address [247]

in

Jan 4 2012

Mayor Kezer's inaugural address [248]

The Daily News

According to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation's annual report, 75 percent of all Massachusetts communities are at their maximum levy capacity. Amesbury is one of the 25 percent of communities that has pulled itself away from the edge of that cliff by no longer taxing at the levy limit.
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Beware of Mitt, say Bay State conservatives [250]

in

Dec 31 2011

Beware of Mitt, say Bay State conservatives [251]

By Edward Mason and Tom Mashberg, Salon

“Did he make government smaller and simpler – no, it looked very much like what it did four years earlier,” said Michael Widmer, president of the nonpartisan Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. “There was very little reform to show for his four years.”

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On Beacon Hill, committees secretly do much of work [253]

in

Dec 25 2011

On Beacon Hill, committees secretly do much of work [254]

By Lester Black and Andrea Aldana, MetroWest Daily News

“I would say this was one of the most impressive sessions over the past 30 years in terms of legislation passed,” said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Association.
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Rick Perry says that as governor, Mitt Romney raised business taxes 20 percent in Massachusetts [256]

in

Dec 23 2011

Rick Perry says that as governor, Mitt Romney raised business taxes 20 percent in Massachusetts [257]

By Gardner Selby, Austin American Statesman / PolitiFact

Andrew Bagley, a foundation spokesman, told us in an interview that Massachusetts businesses paid $377 million more in taxes in fiscal 2007, which included several months of Romney’s last year as governor, than the $1.6 billion they were averaging annually before the recession that socked the state as Romney was sworn in during fiscal 2003. The state’s fiscal year runs from July through June.
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Editorial: The big squeeze [259]

in

Dec 21 2011

Editorial: The big squeeze [260]

Cape Cod News

It has been more than three decades since Proposition 2½ became the law of the land here in the commonwealth, but there is no question that the last few years have been the hardest on municipalities...In fact, according to a recent report by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, the last two years have been the most difficult for Massachusetts cities and towns in 30 years.
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Analyzing Romney’s Leadership On Health Care [262]

in

Dec 20 2011

Analyzing Romney’s Leadership On Health Care [263]

By Martha Bebinger, WBUR

“There was a logjam for weeks and weeks,” says Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. “There were various options being considered but none of them satisfied both the House and Senate.” Widmer drafted some of those options and shuttled them across the marble lobby between the offices of the Speaker and Senate President. Governor Romney was not part of the negotiations, but Widmer kept Romney’s Secretary Murphy, in the loop.
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Provision lets Westford unions reopen contracts [265]

in

Dec 19 2011

Provision lets Westford unions reopen contracts [267]

By Sarah Favot, The Lowell Sun

Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said agreeing to reopener clauses is a "dangerous practice" for municipalities, although he couldn't comment specifically on Westford's contracts. "It's a risky proposition for any community, especially in this era with very tight budgets," he said. "It just makes it more difficult to manage your compensation costs."
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Fiscal woes at peak for towns [269]

in

Dec 17 2011

Fiscal woes at peak for towns [270]

Holliston Tab

Michael J. Widmer, president of the Taxpayers Foundation, has called for further steps to rein in public employee pension costs and address unfunded liabilities for public retiree health care, which are estimated between $25 billion and $30 billion statewide.
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Mass. taxpayers to gain bit of relief starting Jan. 1 [272]

in

Dec 16 2011

Mass. taxpayers to gain bit of relief starting Jan. 1 [274]

By Noah Bierman, The Boston Globe

Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the small reduction announced yesterday is a positive step toward meeting the 5 percent promise, but acknowledged there is a price to be paid. “On the other hand, given the realities of 2013, this will likely mean additional budget cuts,’’ he said.
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Falling home prices, rising taxes squeeze towns [276]

in

Dec 15 2011

Falling home prices, rising taxes squeeze towns [278]

By Matt Carroll, The Boston Globe

“Cities and towns are facing a permanent fiscal squeeze, in which costs are rising faster than revenues,’’ said Michael Widmer, president of the foundation.
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Romney’s Jobs Record As Governor Is Up For Debate [280]

in

Dec 15 2011

Romney’s Jobs Record As Governor Is Up For Debate [281]

By Deborah Becker, WBUR

“The administration rarely put together a comprehensive economic strategy,” said Mike Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. He says Romney’s policies on the environment and against human stem cell research made the state less able to compete against lower-cost areas of the country.

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Casino pitch: tax revenue of $10m [283]

in

Dec 15 2011

Casino pitch: tax revenue of $10m [285]

By Mark Arsenault, The Boston Globe

A casino resort and hotel complex would generate considerable local property, meal and room taxes, but “it would take the examination of the real proposal to verify a number that high,’’ Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said, referring to the estimate.
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As Governor, Romney Balanced Budget By Hiking Fees [287]

in

Dec 14 2011

As Governor, Romney Balanced Budget By Hiking Fees [288]

By Chris Arnold, NPR

Mike Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, tells NPR that Romney raised state revenues more than he cut them. Widmer says most of those 19 tax cuts Romney talks about were pretty modest. Some were weekend sales tax holidays. "He raised corporate taxes. He also raised fees very dramatically in his first year," said Widmer.

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Opinion: European woes weigh on Beacon Hill [290]

in

Dec 14 2011

Opinion: European woes weigh on Beacon Hill [291]

The Daily News

"The small growth in tax revenues will put great strains on the fiscal 2013 budget with increases in nondiscretionary spending outpacing the additional revenues available," Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation testified.
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State revenues expected to slow [293]

in

Dec 13 2011

State revenues expected to slow [294]

By John J. Monaham, The Worcester Telegram

“I think we are all looking at a very limited number of new jobs created over the next year or two. I think that is the theme today, that we are in for a long haul,” said Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
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Editorial: Happy New Year indeed [296]

in

Dec 13 2011

Editorial: Happy New Year indeed [297]

The Boston Herald

And even with sluggish job growth and a not-exactly perking along economy, state revenues for fiscal 2013 (beginning July 1, 2012), are likely to increase by around 3.9 percent, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation
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Tax credit challenged [299]

in

Dec 13 2011

Tax credit challenged [301]

By Patrick Cassidy, Cape Cod Times

"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?"
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Taxpayers in line for slight income tax cut [303]

in

Dec 13 2011

Taxpayers in line for slight income tax cut [304]

AP / The Lawrence Eagle Tribune

Fiscal experts including Widmer were quick to point out that while the state's modest economic recovery is causing tax revenue to grow at a higher clip, Massachusetts is still taking in less in total taxes than it did prior to the Great Recession. The state is forecast to collect $700 million less in taxes in fiscal 2012 than it did in fiscal 2008.
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Bay State officials predict job growth will slow [306]

in

Dec 13 2011

Bay State officials predict job growth will slow [307]

By Kyle Cheney, State House News Service / The Boston Globe

Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, estimated that the state would add a negligible number of jobs over the next fiscal year. An uptick in income tax collections would occur, he added, largely because of anticipated increases in wages and salaries.
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Top legislator in Massachusetts says state government is facing $1 billion shortfall for next fiscal year [309]

in

Dec 12 2011

Top legislator in Massachusetts says state government is facing $1 billion shortfall for next fiscal year [310]

By Dan Ring, The Republican

Widmer said the state's tepid tax revenue growth stems from a sluggish forecast for the national economy and weakening employment for the nation and the state. Widmer estimated the state will add only 9,000 jobs this fiscal year and will lose 5,000 jobs in the next fiscal year because of weakness in the national and global economies.
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Taxpayers Foundation predicts "tepid" state revenue growth [312]

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Dec 12 2011

Taxpayers Foundation predicts "tepid" state revenue growth [314]

By Eric Convey, Boston Business Journal

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation Monday predicted "tepid" state revenue growth for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The group predicted revenue will grow by $822 million, or 3.9 percent, to $22 billion for fiscal 2012.
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Report: State aid still tight for cities, towns [316]

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Dec 12 2011

Report: State aid still tight for cities, towns [317]

Gloucester Times

Rocked by the economic downturn of the last few years, Massachusetts cities and towns have seen their budgets gored by cuts to local aid — and may be forced to cope with revenue shortages for "the foreseeable future," according to a new report issued the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
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Some question value of Patrick's jobs-creation trips [319]

in

Dec 11 2011

Some question value of Patrick's jobs-creation trips [320]

By Chris Camire, The Lowell Sun

"I think it's a necessary and a good thing to do, but in limited doses -- maybe a couple a year," said Widmer. "I say that because I think there are intangible benefits to having Massachusetts visible in key foreign countries, especially given our economy. But at the same time, they never produce any dramatic impacts. The rhetoric around them tends to be greater than is realistic."
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Inaccuracies aside, forecasting hearing seen as essential to budgeting [322]

in

Dec 11 2011

Inaccuracies aside, forecasting hearing seen as essential to budgeting [324]

By Kyle Cheney, State House News Service / The Boston Herald

“This is a hazardous occupation. It is unpredictable,” said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, who has been tasked year after year with taking delivering to state government officials his best guess about future tax collections. “This is clearly an art form, not a science.
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Editorial: Local budget blues [326]

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Dec 10 2011

Editorial: Local budget blues [327]

The Boston Herald

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation released its annual report on municipal finances this week and it’s another sorry tale of budgets battered by the bad economy and the associated drop in tax revenue. The report notes that cities and towns experienced “the most difficult two-year period in the Proposition 2 1⁄2 era” over the last two fiscal years.
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Abington's accountant to get $24,000 in unused vacation, sick time [329]

in

Dec 10 2011

Abington's accountant to get $24,000 in unused vacation, sick time [330]

By Matt Stout, The Abington Mariner

Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, called such benefits a reflection of an “earlier era” that are no longer affordable – “if they ever were so.” “With a permanent squeeze on municipal finances, cities and towns need to pull back exceedingly generous and unreal benefits,” Widmer said.
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Mitt has always plummeted in the polls [332]

in

Dec 9 2011

Mitt has always plummeted in the polls [333]

By Edward Mason and Tom Mashberg, Salon

Romney was hurt by a slow economic recovery — while the jobless rate fell, the state was 47thin the nation in job creation, according to the Center for Labor Market Studies. He also raised $375 million of business taxes, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
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Unproven Jobs Claim in Pro-Romney Ad [335]

in

Dec 9 2011

Unproven Jobs Claim in Pro-Romney Ad [336]

By Robert Farley, Factcheck.org / AM 950 Radio

Romney closed that $1.2 billion gap and passed a balanced budget. But as we noted in 2007, his oft-touted cuts in wasteful programs and duplicate agencies made only a small dent, saving about $10.5 million dollars, according to an estimate by the independent, nonpartisan Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
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Tax limit puts strain on town budgets [338]

in

Dec 8 2011

Tax limit puts strain on town budgets [339]

By Krista Kano, MetroWest Daily News

“The constraints on municipal revenues heighten the urgency of addressing the escalating costs of employee and retiree benefits,” Michael J. Widmer, president of the Taxpayers Foundation said in a press release.
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No end in sight to money squeeze for cities and towns [341]

in

Dec 7 2011

No end in sight to money squeeze for cities and towns [342]

By Kyle Cheney, State House News Service / Taunton Daily Gazette

“The constraints on municipal revenues heighten the urgency of addressing the escalating costs of employee and retiree benefits,” said Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed foundation, in a statement accompanying the report.
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Towns rely on property taxes for cash [344]

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Dec 7 2011

Towns rely on property taxes for cash [345]

By Christine Lee, WWLP

“Long term, this is a problem because if you put more and more of the cost on property taxpayers that obviously is very difficult for families and individuals who are feeling their own fiscal pressures to say the least,” said Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation president Michael Widmer.
Full article [345]
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Business confidence up in Mass. [347]

in

Dec 7 2011

Business confidence up in Mass. [348]

By Christine Lee, WWLP

“It's clearly small in measure, because there's an awareness that we have national and global problems like the European debt problems, which could send us back, U.S. and Massachusetts, back into another recession,” said Michael Widmer, President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [348]
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Report: Mass. communities still facing fiscal woes; higher burden falling on property taxes [350]

in

Dec 7 2011

Report: Mass. communities still facing fiscal woes; higher burden falling on property taxes [351]

By Steve LeBlanc, The Republic / AP

"Passage of municipal health reform was a huge accomplishment ... but much more remains to be done," Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said in a statement.
Full article [351]
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Municipal budgets most stressed since ’80, report says [353]

in

Dec 7 2011

Municipal budgets most stressed since ’80, report says [354]

By Brian MacQuarrie, The Boston Globe

“The numbers demonstrate just how difficult this recession and fiscal crisis have been for cities and towns,’’ said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. “Their revenues have been virtually flat, while their costs have grown, which has meant cuts in schools, public safety, and other basic services for most cities and towns.’’
Full article [354]
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The legacy of Romney's healthcare Rx [356]

in

Dec 2 2011

The legacy of Romney's healthcare Rx [357]

By Ros Krasny and Toni Clarke, Reuters

In a 2009 report, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, which has done independent research on state spending and tax policies for almost 80 years, estimated that expanding healthcare coverage added a relatively small $88 million a year to state spending over the first four years.
Full article [357]
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Unemployment is steady in most Mass. cities and towns [359]

in

Nov 30 2011

Unemployment is steady in most Mass. cities and towns [360]

By David Riley, The Herald News

Such disparities existed long before the economic downturn, but they are worse now, said Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Mass. Taxpayers Foundation. “In the wealthier suburbs, you tend to have professionals and (people with) higher education who are able to find jobs or maintain jobs even in difficult economic times,” he said.
Full article [360]
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Cape Cod towns expect health savings [362]

in

Nov 25 2011

Cape Cod towns expect health savings [363]

By Doug Fraser, Cape Cod Times

"This is the most important municipal reform in years, if not decades," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "It promises to save a large amount of money for every city or town while still preserving generous health care benefits for employees and retirees."
Full article [363]
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Legislature earns good mid-term productivity grade [365]

in

Nov 23 2011

Legislature earns good mid-term productivity grade [366]

By Jon Chesto, GateHouse News Service

Municipal health insurance: Widmer sees the big change in municipal health insurance as a much more effective and immediate way to achieve cost savings than the pension reform. It also showed that the Democrats who rule Beacon Hill aren't always ruling at organized labor's behest.
Full article [366]
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Martha's Vineyard towns to trim health costs – but how much? [368]

in

Nov 22 2011

Martha's Vineyard towns to trim health costs – but how much? [369]

By Steve Myrick, The Martha's Vineyard Times

Health care consultant Bob Carey wrote the study for the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, which describes itself as a non-partisan public policy organization. The study compared premiums and cost-sharing for 31 specific plans: 28 municipal plans, two state plans, and one federal plan. The municipalities studied do not include any Island towns, but represent cities and towns of various sizes.
Full article [369]
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Arciero's Reform Bill Unanimously Passes The House [371]

in

Nov 22 2011

Arciero's Reform Bill Unanimously Passes The House [372]

By Andrew Silvia, Westford Patch

The bill follows a measure passed by the House in Arciero's last term that eliminated such pensions for elected officials, and this latest step has seen praise from government watchdogs, such as Michael J. Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "Special pensions are very costly and should be eliminated," said Widmer. "They are just another example of sweetheart deals."
Full article [372]
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Home values in Mass. fall 3.2% [374]

in

Nov 21 2011

Home values in Mass. fall 3.2% [375]

By Matt Carroll, The Boston Globe

“The high cost of housing has always been an economic obstacle for recruiting people to the area,’’ noted Widmer. The relatively small growth in average taxes, Widmer said, reflects few tax overrides being passed by town residents. “That is a marginally good development,’’ he said.
Full article [375]
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Lawmakers Approve Mass. Pension Bill [377]

in

Nov 15 2011

Lawmakers Approve Mass. Pension Bill [378]

WBUR

The Massachusetts Legislature has approved an overhaul of the state’s pension system that would raise the minimum retirement age for future state employees to 60. The measure aims to save $5 billion over the next 30 years and reduce the state’s $17 billion unfunded pension liability. Backers also say it will help preserve the state’s credit rating, which was recently upgraded by Standard & Poor’s.

“It’s a positive step,” said Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Michael Widmer. “On the other hand, the pension legislation applies only to new hires, so it won’t have any short-term impact of any significance."

Full article [378]
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East Bridgewater fire chief's status in lawyer's hands [380]

in

Nov 12 2011

East Bridgewater fire chief's status in lawyer's hands [381]

By Maria Papadopoulos, The Enterprise

Taxpayers have a right to know about a public employee’s extended sick leave, and how a municipality is handling their claims, said Mike Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "They’re paying for it, and it reflects a policy that they have a right to know about,” Widmer said.
Full article [381]
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Hub police suit may have wide impact [383]

in

Nov 7 2011

Hub police suit may have wide impact [384]

By Maria Cramer, The Boston Globe

"This is a very important case for cities and towns in terms of their finances,’’ said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. “If they are forced to pick up the state’s share of the Quinn Bill costs, it will be another blow to municipal finances.
Full article [384]
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Mitt Romney and reorganizing government [386]

in

Nov 4 2011

Mitt Romney and reorganizing government [387]

By Ed O'Keffe, The Washington Post

But Mike Widmer, head of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a nonpartisan public policy organization devoted to Bay State fiscal policy, said Romney’s reforms were just modest, top-level attempts to fix things. “Reforms are tough,” he added. “If one’s really trying to save money and change how government delivers services, they’re really tough.
Full article [387]
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A have and have-not world [389]

in

Nov 3 2011

A have and have-not world [390]

By Bruce Mohl, Commonwealth Magazine

Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Tax­payers Foundation, which represents business interests on Beacon Hill, doesn’t support a progressive income tax in Massachusetts, but he does agree with Kaufman that income inequality is a growing problem, not just in Massa­chusetts but across the nation.
Full article [390]
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Pieces of the Dream [392]

in

Nov 3 2011

Pieces of the Dream [394]

By Gabrielle Gurley, Commonwealth Magazine

A 2006 Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report found that the state higher education system stands to gain millions of dollars in new revenues under the bill. If the in-state tuition policy for public colleges and universities had been in place in 2009, up to 660 undocumented students would have enrolled, bringing in between $2.1 and $2.7 million.
Full article [394]
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Massport Pays $83K Annually For Human Traffic Light [396]

in

Oct 31 2011

Massport Pays $83K Annually For Human Traffic Light [397]

WCVB TV

Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation said it's a waste. "Why in this day and age, we have a policeman manually operating a traffic light at this exorbitant cost totally bewilders me," he said.
Full article [397]
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Fact Checker biography: Romney’s fiscal policies as governor [399]

in

Oct 31 2011

Fact Checker biography: Romney’s fiscal policies as governor [400]

By Josh Hicks, The Washington Post

Romney also raised new revenue with more than just fee hikes. He closed 22 tax loopholes worth between $850 million and $1.2 billion, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, an independent watchdog group. A recent New York Times article reported an even higher estimate of $1.5 billion in loophole closures.
Full article [400]
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Belmont Seeks New Tools to Control Health Costs [402]

in

Oct 28 2011

Belmont Seeks New Tools to Control Health Costs [403]

By Susan Danseyar, Belmont Patch

Ultimately, members of the committee – along with Town Administrator Tom Younger – took what they heard during the discussion along with the advice of Town Moderator Mike Widmer (former chairman of the Warrant Committee and president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation) and agreed the plan design option looks much more promising than joining the GIC.
Full article [403]
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Teachers' generous sick leave benefits far outstrip what private sector provides employees [405]

in

Oct 23 2011

Teachers' generous sick leave benefits far outstrip what private sector provides employees [406]

By Charis Anderson, South Coast Today

"There is clearly a double standard, in which public sector benefits are out of line with what's available in the private sector," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a nonpartisan public policy organization.
Full article [407]
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Q&S with Mike Widmer [409]

in

Oct 21 2011

Q&S with Mike Widmer [410]

By Mary E. Arata, Nashoba Publishing

Selectman Stephen Themelis of Pepperell asked about the cost-of-living in the face of devalued incomes for the so-called fractured middle class that Widmer identified. "I suspect we're going to see hundreds if not thousands of books on this topic over the next decade," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [410]
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Fact checking the CNN Republican debate in Las Vegas [412]

in

Oct 19 2011

Fact checking the CNN Republican debate in Las Vegas [413]

By Glenn Kessler, The Washington Post

“The law has not blown a hole in the state budget, according to a 2009 analysis by the fiscally conservative Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. The group concluded that out of a state budget of $30 billion, the coverage expansion added just $88 million a year to state spending over the first four years.”
Full article [413]
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Making DREAM a reality [415]

in

Oct 11 2011

Making DREAM a reality [416]

By Jim Coogan, Cape Cod Times

In a much more recent analysis, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimated that the payback from this change could be as much as $7.4 million over four years. So it makes good economic sense. We've already invested in the K-12 education of these students. Why throw that away? It seems such a waste.
Full article [416]
Forward to a friend [417]

Casinos could pilfer Massachusetts Lottery revenues [418]

in

Oct 8 2011

Casinos could pilfer Massachusetts Lottery revenues [419]

By Dan Ring, The Republican

The taxes could generate $100 million in annual local aid, but that would possibly be only enough to prevent a decrease in state aid that would result from declining sales at the Lottery, said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [419]
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Our View: Take steps to keep flagger program on track [421]

in

Oct 4 2011

Our View: Take steps to keep flagger program on track [422]

South Coast Today

The result has been a toothless effort that has fallen far short of expectations. "The hype surrounding this reform has always been much greater than the reform itself," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, when questioned about the flagger regulation by NECIR.
Full article [422]
Forward to a friend [423]

Job picture mixed under Romney [424]

in

Oct 2 2011

Job picture mixed under Romney [426]

The Advertiser / AP

Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, described Romney's jobs record as "mixed," saying Romney failed to take the long view in his planning. "The administration never really put together an overall economic development strategy to improve the state's economic competitiveness," he said.
Full article [426]
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Seeking Taxes, Romney Went After Business [428]

in

Oct 2 2011

Seeking Taxes, Romney Went After Business [429]

By Michael Barbaro, The New York Times

However, by 2005, when Mr. Romney proposed his third round of corporate tax loophole closings, “frustrations had reached a boil,” said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [430]
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Can the state rein in MassHealth? [432]

in

Oct 2 2011

Can the state rein in MassHealth? [433]

By David Riley, Milford Daily News

"Without cutting benefits and eligibility, it's very hard to do this on a sustained basis," said Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Mass. Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [433]
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Medicaid provider accused of fraud [435]

in

Oct 1 2011

Medicaid provider accused of fraud [436]

By Patricia Wen and Brian Ballou, The Boston Globe

Andrew Bagley, director of research and public affairs for the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said even though the alleged Medicaid fraud announced yesterday is a tiny fraction of the state’s $10.4 billion MassHealth budget, these high-profile prosecutions help keep in check the thousands of MassHealth providers.
Full article [436]
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State Aid to Belmont Should Remain Steady [438]

in

Sep 29 2011

State Aid to Belmont Should Remain Steady [439]

By Susan Danseyar, Belmont Patch

“Now, we’re looking at 2013 and that will be the first year, if we stay on this anemic recovery, in which (the Legislature) won’t start with budget cuts but with very limited new dollars to begin to restore the cuts of the last four years,” Widmer said. But there will be huge competition for those limited dollars, he cautioned.
Full article [439]
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Romney’s Health Care Law Killed Jobs? [441]

in

Sep 27 2011

Romney’s Health Care Law Killed Jobs? [442]

By Lori Robertson, FactCheck.org

Widmer also doesn’t buy the Beacon Hill study. “There is no evidence to conclude that Massachusetts health reform has cost jobs,” he said.
Full article [442]
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Editorial: It's all in the details [444]

in

Sep 27 2011

Editorial: It's all in the details [445]

Cape Cod Times

The result has been a toothless effort that has fallen far short of expectations. "The hype surrounding this reform has always been much greater than the reform itself," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, when questioned about the flagger regulation by NECIR.
Full article [445]
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Editorial: Some reform is better than none at all [447]

in

Sep 27 2011

Editorial: Some reform is better than none at all [448]

The Daily News

People are living longer, which is why the age at which those in the private sector can collect Social Security keeps going up; and some 39 other states, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, have enacted reforms similar to those being contemplated on Beacon Hill.
Full article [448]
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Editorial: Beacon Hill 'reform' yields more hype than change [450]

in

Sep 27 2011

Editorial: Beacon Hill 'reform' yields more hype than change [451]

Lawrence Eagle Tribune

"There's a huge opportunity for more savings that are going unrealized," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "The hype surrounding this reform has always been much greater than the reform itself."

Full article [451]
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3 Years After Law, Civilian Flagger Use Is Limited [453]

in

Sep 26 2011

3 Years After Law, Civilian Flagger Use Is Limited [454]

By Deborah Becker, WBUR

“The law has worked, but given the enormous publicity and political pushback from the police and unions, probably the citizens thought we were biting off much more than we actually did.”
Full article [454]
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Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation | 333 Washington Street, Suite 853 | Boston, MA 02108 | Tel: (617) 720-1000 | mtf_info@masstaxpayers.org

Source URL: http://www.masstaxpayers.org/home

Links:
[1] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20120113/crushing_burden_municipal_retiree_health_care_liabilities
[2] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/NewsRelease_RetireeHealthCareLiabilities.pdf
[3] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/OPEB Report-10 Cities.pdf
[4] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications
[5] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/revenue/20111212/mtf_forecast_weakening_jobs_picture_slows_revenue_growt
[6] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/2013 Revenue Forecast.pdf
[7] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/municipal/20111207/municipal_financial_data_41st_edition
[8] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MFD 41 News Release.pdf
[9] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/mfd_41.pdf
[10] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/pensions/20110914/foundation_urges_passage_meaningful_pension_reforms
[11] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Pension Letter on Senate Proposal.pdf
[12] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/PERAC Pension Forum_Sept 2011_v1.pdf
[13] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20110723/boston_globe_oped_dont_overreach_health_cuts
[14] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/OPED.pdf
[15] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/education/20110718/revenues_undocumented_immigrants_paying_instate_rates_update_2006_re
[16] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/In-state tuition.pdf
[17] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20110614/mtf_analysis_enhanced_retiree_benefits_would_undercut_municipal_he
[18] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF_analysis_retiree_costs.pdf
[19] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20110510/mtf_analysis_shows_huge_savings_cities_and_towns_under_health_plan
[20] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF Municipal Health Spreadsheet_Press Release.pdf
[21] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Municipal Health Costs by Community.xls
[22] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20110503/broad_coalition_commends_house_leadership_passage_municipal_health
[23] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/support_for_muni_health_reform.pdf
[24] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/transportation/20110425/mbtas_debt_trap
[25] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/mbta_rev1.pdf
[26] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/pensions/20110407/testimony_governors_pension_reform_proposal
[27] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Pension testimony.pdf
[28] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20110407/municipal_retiree_health_care_liabilities_massachusetts_sorted_pop
[29] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Municipal Retiree Health Care Liabilities_04_07_2011_Population.pdf
[30] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20110407/municipal_retiree_health_care_liabilities_massachusetts_listed_alp
[31] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Municipal Retiree Health Care Liabilities_04_07_2011_Alpha.pdf
[32] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20110405/municipal_health_plans_gilded_benefits_bygone_era
[33] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Muni health_MTF final.pdf
[34] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2012/20110215/retiree_health_care_brick_broke_municipalities%E2%80%99_
[35] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/OPEB_press_release.pdf
[36] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/The Brick That Broke Municipalities' Backs_Feb 25 2011.pdf
[37] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/pensions/20110118/mtf_release_support_pension_reform_proposals
[38] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF release on pension reforms.pdf
[39] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/20110118/civil_service_isn%E2%80%99t_probation
[40] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Civil service.pdf
[41] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/municipal/20101216/municipal_finance_data_40th_edition_0
[42] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF_40th edition_news release.pdf
[43] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/mfd_40_0.pdf
[44] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2012/20101214/mtf_forecast_revenue_growth_fy11_and_fy12_state_
[45] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Revenue forecast.pdf
[46] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2012/20101021/question_3_proponents_inflate_state_spending
[47] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Question 3 news release.pdf
[48] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/pensions/20100924/senate_presidents_forum
[49] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Senate Presidents' Forum.pdf
[50] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2012/20100922/question_3_heading_over_cliff
[51] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF Question 3 News Release.pdf
[52] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF Question 3 Report.pdf
[53] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2012/20100916/state_finances_heading_over_cliff
[54] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/state_finances_09_16_10.pdf
[55] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20100818/an_open_letter_legislators_and_candidates
[56] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/open_letter_legis.pdf
[57] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100816/maximizing_value_our_human_services_dollars
[58] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF_human_services.pdf
[59] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20100609/urgent_legislative_action_needed_address_soaring_municipal_health_
[60] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF_letter_municipal_health.pdf
[61] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100606/senate_2011_budget_proposal
[62] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Summary.pdf
[63] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100324/the_state%E2%80%99s_enormous_fiscal_challenges_a_turbule
[64] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/boston_econ_club_3_24_2010.pdf
[65] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20100317/oped_caps_hurt_health_system
[66] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Globe op-ed.pdf
[67] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/pensions/20100315/mtf_supports_urgent_action_pension_reform
[68] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Gov pension plan with header.pdf
[69] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100309/state_and_local_finances
[70] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/state_local_finances_Mar_10.pdf
[71] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100301/governors_2011_budget_the_worst_yet_come
[72] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Gov 2011 budget bulletin with header 2a.pdf
[73] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/revenue/20091216/mtf_forecast_limited_revenue_growth_fiscal_2011_large_s
[74] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Revenue Forecast.pdf
[75] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20091210/state_fiscal_crisis_no_end_sight
[76] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/State fiscal crisis bulletin with header.pdf
[77] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/municipal/20091101/municipal_finance_data_39th_edition
[78] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MFD_39.pdf
[79] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20091027/a_great_success
[80] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/wsj_editorial_mjw.pdf
[81] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20091009/mtf_forecast_fiscal_2010_revenues_600_million_be
[82] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/revenue forecast with header_oct_09.pdf
[83] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20091006/state_and_local_finances_update
[84] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/econ_presentation_10_06_09.pdf
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[368] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/health_care/20111122/marthas_vineyard_towns_trim_health_costs_%E2%80%93_how_much
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[384] http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/11/07/boston_police_sue_to_have_city_pay_states_share_of_quinn_bill/
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[394] http://www.commonwealthmagazine.org/News-and-Features/Features/2011/Fall/004-Pieces-of-the-Dream.aspx
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[402] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/health_care/20111028/belmont_seeks_new_tools_control_health_costs
[403] http://belmont.patch.com/articles/new-tools-for-controlling-health-costs
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[405] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/education/20111023/teachers_generous_sick_leave_benefits_far_outstrip_what_private_secto
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[418] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/municipal/20111008/casinos_could_pilfer_massachusetts_lottery_revenues
[419] http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/10/casinos_could_pilfer_lottery_r.html
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[421] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/transportation/20111004/our_view_take_steps_keep_flagger_program_track
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[428] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/taxes/corporate_tax/20111002/seeking_taxes_romney_went_after_business
[429] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/02/us/politics/romneys-strategies-as-governor-bucked-his-ceo-image.html?scp=2&sq=barbaro&st=cse
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