• March 1 2010
    Governor's 2011 Budget: The Worst is Yet to Come [1]

    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.

    Full Publication (PDF) [2]

Recent Publications [3]

MTF In The News [68]

Effort launched for college aid [69]

in

Mar 9 2010

Effort launched for college aid [71]

By Dan Ring, The Republican

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.
Full article [72]
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A candidate in search of the common touch [74]

in

Mar 7 2010

A candidate in search of the common touch [76]

By Michael Levenson, The Boston Globe

Romney left a balanced budget with no surplus, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [76]
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Williamstown budget allows wage boost [78]

in

Mar 5 2010

Williamstown budget allows wage boost [80]

By Meghan Foley, North Adams Transcript

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.
Full article [80]
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House Speaker DeLeo Banks On Casinos, Slots [82]

in

Mar 5 2010

House Speaker DeLeo Banks On Casinos, Slots [83]

By Curt Nickisch, WBUR

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.
Full article [83]
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Report calls for steep cuts in budget [85]

in

Mar 5 2010

Report calls for steep cuts in budget [87]

By Matt Murphy, The Sentinel and Enterprise

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.
Full article [87]
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‘Crisis mode’ for municipal health plans' [89]

in

Mar 5 2010

‘Crisis mode’ for municipal health plans' [91]

By Scot Lehigh, The Boston Globe

"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.
Full article [91]
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DeLeo stirs political pot over casinos [93]

in

Mar 5 2010

DeLeo stirs political pot over casinos [94]

By Kyle Cheney, Michael Norton and Jim O'Sullivan, State House News Service / Eagle Tribune

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.
Full article [94]
Forward to a friend [95]

Taking sides on Mass. film tax credit [96]

in

Mar 4 2010

Taking sides on Mass. film tax credit [98]

By Mark Shanahan & Meredith Goldstein, The Boston Globe

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.
Full article [98]
Forward to a friend [99]

Is the MA film tax credit a Hollywood handout or economic boost? [100]

in

Mar 4 2010

Is the MA film tax credit a Hollywood handout or economic boost? [101]

By Mike Beaudet, FOX TV

"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.
Full article [101]
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State Leaders Look To Cut Movie Tax Credits [103]

in

Mar 4 2010

State Leaders Look To Cut Movie Tax Credits [104]

WCVB TV

"This is the most costly tax credit with the least economic benefit, in my experience," said Michael Widmer, of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation
Full article [104]
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Drivers hit with 20 RMV fee hikes [106]

in

Mar 4 2010

Drivers hit with 20 RMV fee hikes [108]

By Hillary Chabot, The Boston Herald

"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.
Full article [109]
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Economic straits play supporting role for film tax credit arguments [111]

in

Mar 3 2010

Economic straits play supporting role for film tax credit arguments [112]

State House News Service / Cape and Plymouth Business

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.
Full article [112]
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Business group sees job growth in tax law changes [114]

in

Mar 3 2010

Business group sees job growth in tax law changes [116]

By Kyle Cheney, Dedham Transcript / State House New Service

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.
Full article [116]
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Solons fight to keep holidays [118]

in

Mar 3 2010

Solons fight to keep holidays [119]

By Jessica Van Sack, The Boston Herald

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.
Full article [120]
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Editorial: Grim times require a leaner government [122]

in

Mar 3 2010

Editorial: Grim times require a leaner government [123]

The Eagle Tribune

From the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation on the governor's budget for the 2011 fiscal year: "The worst is yet to come."
Full article [123]
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Reports calls for bigger state spending cuts, warns of $5B budget gap [125]

in

Mar 1 2010

Reports calls for bigger state spending cuts, warns of $5B budget gap [126]

By Michael Norton and Jim O’Sullivan, The Boston Herald / State House News Service

"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."
Full article [126]
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Even an improving economy can't save state budget [128]

in

Mar 1 2010

Even an improving economy can't save state budget [129]

The Metro

"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.
Full article [129]
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Unions safeguard health benefits [131]

in

Mar 1 2010

Unions safeguard health benefits [133]

By Sean P. Murphy, The Boston Globe

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.
Full article [133]
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More calling for Lawrence receivership [135]

in

Mar 1 2010

More calling for Lawrence receivership [136]

By Bill Kirk, The Eagle Tribune

"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.
Full article [136]
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Unions’ support is no lock for Patrick [138]

in

Mar 1 2010

Unions’ support is no lock for Patrick [139]

By Brian C. Mooney, The Boston Globe

"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.''
Full article [139]
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Hacks pocketing $2.5M in get-out-of-jail fees [141]

in

Feb 28 2010

Hacks pocketing $2.5M in get-out-of-jail fees [143]

By Jessica Fargen, The Boston Herald

"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."
Full article [144]
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Look Who Supports National Health Reform [146]

in

Feb 24 2010

Look Who Supports National Health Reform [147]

WBUR.org

"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
Full article [147]
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Sales tax cut a tough sell [149]

in

Feb 22 2010

Sales tax cut a tough sell [151]

By Stephanie Bergman, The Sun Chronicle

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."
Full article [151]
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Answers sought for future of Pike tolls [153]

in

Feb 21 2010

Answers sought for future of Pike tolls [154]

By Ashley Studley, MetroWest Daily News

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.
Full article [154]
Forward to a friend [155]

Curious Why Some Workers Can Cash In Sick Days [156]

in

Feb 19 2010

Curious Why Some Workers Can Cash In Sick Days [157]

By David Wade, WBZ TV

"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.
Full article [157]
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State gets $132.7m boost from US [159]

in

Feb 19 2010

State gets $132.7m boost from US [160]

By Matt Viser, The Boston Globe

"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.''
Full article [160]
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Their time is money [162]

in

Feb 18 2010

Their time is money [163]

By G. Jeffrey MacDonald, The Boston Globe

"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.''
Full article [163]
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Patrick challengers offer ideas to close budget gap [165]

in

Feb 18 2010

Patrick challengers offer ideas to close budget gap [166]

By Michael Levenson, The Boston Globe

"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.'
Full article [166]
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Sales-tax issue likely to dominate 2010 campaign season [168]

in

Feb 18 2010

Sales-tax issue likely to dominate 2010 campaign season [169]

By Nancy Reardon, The Patriot Ledger

"It's going to be a hot-button issue," said Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [169]
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Deval Patrick seeks toll czar for Pike upgrade [171]

in

Feb 16 2010

Deval Patrick seeks toll czar for Pike upgrade [172]

By Hillary Chabot, The Boston Herald

"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."
Full article [172]
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Gov. Deval Patrick eyes electronic system that could eliminate toll collectors on Mass. Pike [174]

in

Feb 14 2010

Gov. Deval Patrick eyes electronic system that could eliminate toll collectors on Mass. Pike [175]

By Dan Ring, The Republican

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.
Full article [175]
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Tax Credit Cap Threatens Bay State’s Burgeoning Film Industry [177]

in

Feb 12 2010

Tax Credit Cap Threatens Bay State’s Burgeoning Film Industry [178]

By Andrea Shea, WBUR

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.
Full article [178]
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New senator Scott Brown was a quiet presence in Massachusetts [180]

in

Feb 12 2010

New senator Scott Brown was a quiet presence in Massachusetts [181]

By Amy Goldstein, Lucy Shackelford and Dan Keating, The Washington Post

"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.
Full article [181]
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Patrick will limit health insurance rate hikes [183]

in

Feb 10 2010

Patrick will limit health insurance rate hikes [184]

By Jim O'Sullivan, State House New Service / Dedham Transcript

"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."
Full article [184]
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Gov. Patrick seeks electronic tolling on Mass. Turnpike [186]

in

Feb 9 2010

Gov. Patrick seeks electronic tolling on Mass. Turnpike [187]

By Brad Puffer, NECN

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."
Full article [188]
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Big paydays for unused state employee sick time [190]

in

Feb 9 2010

Big paydays for unused state employee sick time [191]

By Mike Beaudet, FOX TV

"This is very sweet indeed," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "We'd all like to have it."
Full article [191]
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Patrick looks to end toll-taker jobs [193]

in

Feb 8 2010

Patrick looks to end toll-taker jobs [194]

WBZ TV

The president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation Michael Widmer calls the potential move a vital step in the state's shortfall on transportation funding.
Full article [194]
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Beacon Hill bids to boost business [196]

in

Feb 8 2010

Beacon Hill bids to boost business [197]

By Andrea Estes and Michael Levenson, The Boston Globe

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.''
Full article [197]
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Deval Patrick puts toll takers on notice [199]

in

Feb 8 2010

Deval Patrick puts toll takers on notice [200]

By Hillary Chabot, The Boston Herald

"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.
Full article [201]
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Despite recessions, public-sector pay rises [203]

in

Feb 7 2010

Despite recessions, public-sector pay rises [204]

By Christopher Scott, The Lowell Sun

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.
Full article [204]
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Police exodus stirring concern [206]

in

Feb 7 2010

Police exodus stirring concern [207]

By Maria Cramer, The Boston Globe

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.
Full article [207]
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Baker left facts behind [209]

in

Feb 6 2010

Baker left facts behind [210]

By Adrian Walker, The Boston Globe

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.''
Full article [210]
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Our view: Lean times demand fundamental change in way government works [212]

in

Feb 5 2010

Our view: Lean times demand fundamental change in way government works [213]

The Salem News

Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation describes the pace of recovery as still "anemic" here.
Full article [213]
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Some Mass. lawmakers pay little or no federal income tax [215]

in

Feb 5 2010

Some Mass. lawmakers pay little or no federal income tax [217]

WCVB TV

``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.''
Full article [217]
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Watchdog: Health plan change could cost millions less [219]

in

Feb 3 2010

Watchdog: Health plan change could cost millions less [220]

By Cate Lecuyer, The Salem News

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.
Full article [220]
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Budget reflects dire realities, Obama says [222]

in

Feb 2 2010

Budget reflects dire realities, Obama says [223]

By Susan Milligan and Alan Wirzbicki, The Boston Globe

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.'
Full article [223]
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Billerica, Westford tax watchdogs guard the municipal purse strings [225]

in

Feb 1 2010

Billerica, Westford tax watchdogs guard the municipal purse strings [226]

By Billerica, Westford tax watchdogs guard the municipal purse strings, The Lowell Sun

"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."
Full article [226]
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Law school attack might threaten public college system [228]

in

Jan 31 2010

Law school attack might threaten public college system [229]

By Steve Urbon, South Coast Today

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.
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Tipping the balance [231]

in

Jan 31 2010

Tipping the balance [232]

By Kathy McCabe, The Boston Globe

"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.''
Full article [232]
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Package store owners hope to toast to alcohol tax repeal [234]

in

Jan 30 2010

Package store owners hope to toast to alcohol tax repeal [235]

Gate House News Service / Canton Journal

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.
Full article [235]
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Editorial: To stabilize state finances, cut costs at local level [237]

in

Jan 29 2010

Editorial: To stabilize state finances, cut costs at local level [238]

The Boston Globe

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.
Full article [238]
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Pension reform plan lauded [240]

in

Jan 29 2010

Pension reform plan lauded [241]

By Jim Hand, The Sun Chronicle

"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.
Full article [241]
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Gov. Patrick’s $28B budget slashes services, taxes sweets [243]

in

Jan 28 2010

Gov. Patrick’s $28B budget slashes services, taxes sweets [244]

By Hillary Chabot, The Boston Herald

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.
Full article [244]
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Patrick unveils $28.2B budget proposal [246]

in

Jan 28 2010

Patrick unveils $28.2B budget proposal [247]

South Coast Today / AP

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.
Full article [247]
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Patrick Budget Relies Heavily On Uncertain Federal Funding [249]

in

Jan 28 2010

Patrick Budget Relies Heavily On Uncertain Federal Funding [250]

By Steve Brown, WBUR

"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."
Full article [250]
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Gov. proposes spending hike [252]

in

Jan 28 2010

Gov. proposes spending hike [253]

By John J. Monahan, The Worcester Telegram

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.
Full article [253]
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Lucrative perk remains for those fired from state jobs [255]

in

Jan 26 2010

Lucrative perk remains for those fired from state jobs [256]

By Michael Jonas, Patriot Ledger / CommonWealth Magazine

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."
Full article [256]
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Speaker betting casinos would swell state coffers [258]

in

Jan 22 2010

Speaker betting casinos would swell state coffers [260]

By Ethan Forman, The Salem News

"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 ..."
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Marquis touts achievements, looks to future [262]

in

Jan 22 2010

Marquis touts achievements, looks to future [263]

By Ethan Forman, The Salem News

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation predicts there is a $3 billion "structural deficiency in this year's state budget," he said.
Full article [263]
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Massachusetts Governor Patrick Vows Jobs Amid Republican Gains [265]

in

Jan 22 2010

Massachusetts Governor Patrick Vows Jobs Amid Republican Gains [266]

By Michael McDonald, Bloomberg News

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.
Full article [267]
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Editorial: As election looms, Patrick must double down on reform [269]

in

Jan 21 2010

Editorial: As election looms, Patrick must double down on reform [270]

The Boston Globe

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.
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Coakley, Brown face off at the polls on Tuesday [272]

in

Jan 18 2010

Coakley, Brown face off at the polls on Tuesday [274]

By Keith Ferguson, Walpole Times

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.
Full article [274]
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I-Team: Lawmakers Getting Paid Something Extra [276]

in

Jan 18 2010

I-Team: Lawmakers Getting Paid Something Extra [277]

By Joe Shortsleeve, WBZ TV

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."
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Property Taxes Clobber Hurting Homeowners [279]

in

Jan 15 2010

Property Taxes Clobber Hurting Homeowners [280]

By Steve Cook, UPI.com

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.
Full article [280]
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Next decade holds the promise of change, the peril of avoiding it [282]

in

Jan 10 2010

Next decade holds the promise of change, the peril of avoiding it [283]

By Steve Urbon, South Coast Today

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.
Full article [283]
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Massachusetts tax collections for December $194 million higher than projections [285]

in

Jan 7 2010

Massachusetts tax collections for December $194 million higher than projections [286]

By Dan Ring, The Republican

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.
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Massachusetts weathered fiscal storm better than most, more pain ahead [288]

in

Jan 1 2010

Massachusetts weathered fiscal storm better than most, more pain ahead [289]

By Nancy Reardon, Medfield Press / GateHouse News Service

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.
Full article [289]
Forward to a friend [290]

Business can’t win on taxes [291]

in

Jan 1 2010

Business can’t win on taxes [292]

By Jay Fitzgerald, The Boston Herald

"The (corporate tax cut) is sort of a Band-Aid on a gaping wound," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Full article [292]
Forward to a friend [293]

Economists hopeful, but wary on Mass. economy [294]

in

Dec 31 2009

Economists hopeful, but wary on Mass. economy [295]

By Bob Salsberg, The Daily Comet / AP

"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.
Full article [295]
Forward to a friend [296]

Massachusetts has weathered fiscal storm better than most, but more pain ahead [297]

in

Dec 30 2009

Massachusetts has weathered fiscal storm better than most, but more pain ahead [298]

By Nancy Reardon, Taunton Gazette / GateHouse News Service

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.
Full article [298]
Forward to a friend [299]

Tough times loom ahead [300]

in

Dec 28 2009

Tough times loom ahead [301]

By Derek Gentile, The Berkshire Eagle

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.
Full article [301]
Forward to a friend [302]

Nation following state's lead with mandates [303]

in

Dec 26 2009

Nation following state's lead with mandates [304]

By Sopan Deb, The Sun Chronicle

"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"
Full article [304]
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Our view: Municipalities facing pension tsunami [306]

in

Dec 21 2009

Our view: Municipalities facing pension tsunami [307]

The Salem News

"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.
Full article [307]
Forward to a friend [308]

State revenue projected to improve [309]

in

Dec 17 2009

State revenue projected to improve [310]

By John J. Monahan, The Worcester Telegram

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.
Full article [310]
Forward to a friend [311]

Revenue growth, spending cuts eyed for FY11 [312]

in

Dec 17 2009

Revenue growth, spending cuts eyed for FY11 [313]

By Jim O’Sullivan and Gintautas Dumcius, Arlington Advocate / State House News Service

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.
Full article [313]
Forward to a friend [314]

State tax revenue on the rebound, officials now say [315]

in

Dec 17 2009

State tax revenue on the rebound, officials now say [316]

By Matt Viser, The Boston Globe

"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.''
Full article [316]
Forward to a friend [317]

2011 state deficit pegged at $3 billion [318]

in

Dec 17 2009

2011 state deficit pegged at $3 billion [319]

By Nancy Reardon, The Enterprise

"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.
Full article [319]
Forward to a friend [320]

Mass. Taxpayers Foundation sees 3.7 percent revenue growth in FY11 [321]

in

Dec 16 2009

Mass. Taxpayers Foundation sees 3.7 percent revenue growth in FY11 [322]

Arlington Advocate / State House News Service

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.
Full article [322]
Forward to a friend [323]

Business group predicts state tax receipts will start to go up next year [324]

in

Dec 16 2009

Business group predicts state tax receipts will start to go up next year [325]

The Enterprise / State House News Service

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.
Full article [325]
Forward to a friend [326]

Editorial: Get public employee pensions under control [327]

in

Dec 16 2009

Editorial: Get public employee pensions under control [328]

The Eagle Tribune

"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.
Full article [328]
Forward to a friend [329]

Mass. Taxpayers Association director Michael Widmer criticizes Patrick administration for hiring 1,300 new workers during budget [330]

in

Dec 15 2009

Mass. Taxpayers Association director Michael Widmer criticizes Patrick administration for hiring 1,300 new workers during budget [331]

The Republican / AP

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.
Full article [331]
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Editorial: Budget woes mounting [333]

in

Dec 15 2009

Editorial: Budget woes mounting [334]

The Boston Herald

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.
Full article [335]
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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/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100301/governors_2011_budget_the_worst_yet_come
[2] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Gov 2011 budget bulletin with header 2a.pdf
[3] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications
[4] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100309/state_and_local_finances
[5] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/state_local_finances_03_09_10.pdf
[6] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/revenue/20091216/mtf_forecast_limited_revenue_growth_fiscal_2011_large_s
[7] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Revenue Forecast.pdf
[8] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20091210/state_fiscal_crisis_no_end_sight
[9] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/State fiscal crisis bulletin with header.pdf
[10] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/municipal/20091101/municipal_finance_data_39th_edition
[11] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/MFD_39.pdf
[12] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20091027/a_great_success
[13] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/wsj_editorial_mjw.pdf
[14] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20091009/mtf_forecast_fiscal_2010_revenues_600_million_be
[15] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/revenue forecast with header_oct_09.pdf
[16] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20091006/state_and_local_finances_update
[17] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/econ_presentation_10_06_09.pdf
[18] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20090914/overview_state_and_local_finances
[19] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/mass_fiscal.pdf
[20] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/20090806/massachusetts_taxpayers_foundation_receives_prestigious_
[21] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/gra_award.pdf
[22] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20090723/health_law_costs_aren’t_problem
[23] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Health law costs aren.pdf
[24] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20090505/new_revenue_forecast
[25] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/revenue forecast.PDF
[26] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20090501/massachusetts_health_reform_the_myth_uncontrollable_costs
[27] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Health care-NT.pdf
[28] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/taxes/sales_tax/20090428/the_sales_tax_debate_update
[29] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/sales_tax_backgrounder_house_update.pdf
[30] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20090330/mtf_recommendations_saving_1_billion_unaffordable_health_care_cost
[31] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/MBTA with header.pdf
[32] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/MBTA report - NT.pdf
[33] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20090310/state_finances_a_large_and_growing_crisis
[34] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/03_10_09_fiscal_house.pdf
[35] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/taxes/gas_tax/20090303/comprehensive_transportation_reform_and_finance_p
[36] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/transportation group releaseII (2).pdf
[37] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Business group transportation reform and finance plan.pdf
[38] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2009/20081231/fy_2009_budget_summary
[39] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/BudSumm_update_12_30_08.pdf
[40] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20081215/mtf_forecast_dramatic_drop_revenues_fiscal_2009_
[41] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Economic forecast.pdf
[42] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20081210/foundation_testimony_special_municipal_relief_commission
[43] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Special Municipal Relief Commission.pdf
[44] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/20081201/in_appreciation
[45] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/municipal/20081101/municipal_financial_data_38th_edition
[46] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF_MFD_38thEd.pdf
[47] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/taxes/income_tax/20081001/foundation_releases_major_report_wideranging_c
[48] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Question 1_press_release.pdf
[49] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF_Question1_Analysis.pdf
[50] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/transportation/20080917/draft_regulations_use_civilian_flaggers
[51] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Police details testimony 9-15-08.pdf
[52] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/health_care/20080905/employer_fair_share_contribution
[53] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Fair Share Regulations.pdf
[54] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/transportation/20080727/the_billiondollar_bailout_mass_cant_afford
[55] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Widmer_op-ed_july_2008.pdf
[56] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2009/20080723/letter_23_business_groups_house_speaker_dimasi_a
[57] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Assessment Letter.pdf
[58] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2009/20080721/mtf_warning_rush_23_billion_turnpike_bailout_pos
[59] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF Warning on Turnpike Bailout.pdf
[60] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2009/20080710/mtf_calls_for_substantial_spending_cuts_now_to_a
[61] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Cuts now to avoid deeper cuts later.pdf
[62] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2009/20080618/budget_conference_committee_fiscal_perils_ahead
[63] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/Budget conference committee.pdf
[64] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/transportation/20080601/mtf_urges_legislature_scale_back_governor’s_3_billion_bridge_pr
[65] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/MTFBridgetTestimony.pdf
[66] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2009/20080501/state_faces_large_deficits_both_fiscal_2008_and_
[67] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF Budget Deficits 08 and 09 Bulletin.pdf
[68] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news
[69] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/education/20100309/effort_launched_college_aid
[70] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/education
[71] http://www.masslive.com/hampfrank/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-25/1268124307290510.xml&coll=1
[72] http://www.masslive.com/hampfrank/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-25/1268124307290510.xml&coll=1
[73] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1056
[74] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/economy/20100307/a_candidate_search_common_touch
[75] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/economy
[76] http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/03/07/charles_baker_is_a_candidate_in_search_of_the_common_touch/
[77] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1053
[78] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/municipal/20100305/williamstown_budget_allows_wage_boost
[79] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/municipal
[80] http://www.thetranscript.com/ci_14517769
[81] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1055
[82] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/economy/20100305/house_speaker_deleo_banks_on_casinos_slots
[83] http://www.wbur.org/2010/03/05/casino-gambling-2
[84] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1052
[85] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100305/report_calls_steep_cuts_budget
[86] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/fy_2011
[87] http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/tablehome/ci_14510993
[88] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1048
[89] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/health_care/20100305/‘crisis_mode’_municipal_health_plans
[90] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/health_care
[91] http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2010/03/05/crisis_mode_for_municipal_health_plans/
[92] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1050
[93] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/economy/20100305/deleo_stirs_political_pot_over_casinos
[94] http://www.eagletribune.com/punewshh/local_story_063221552.html?keyword=secondarystory
[95] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1049
[96] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/taxes/tax_credits/20100304/taking_sides_mass_film_tax_credit
[97] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/tax_credits
[98] http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2010/03/04/hanks_launches_the_pacific/
[99] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1047
[100] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/taxes/tax_credits/20100304/is_ma_film_tax_credit_a_hollywood_handout_or_e
[101] http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/undercover/is-the-ma-film-tax-credit-a-hollywood-handout-of-economic-boost-20100303
[102] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1046
[103] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/taxes/tax_credits/20100304/state_leaders_look_to_cut_movie_tax_credits
[104] http://www.thebostonchannel.com/politics/22733022/detail.html
[105] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1045
[106] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/transportation/20100304/drivers_hit_with_20_rmv_fee_hikes
[107] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/transportation
[108] http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100304drivers_hit_with_20_rmv_fee_hikes/srvc=home&position=also
[109] http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100304drivers_hit_with_20_rmv_fee_hikes/srvc=home&position=also
[110] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1044
[111] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/taxes/tax_credits/20100303/economic_straits_play_supporting_role_film_tax
[112] http://www.businessconnector.biz/news/show/671
[113] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1051
[114] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/taxes/corporate_tax/20100303/business_group_sees_job_growth_tax_law_chang
[115] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/corporate_tax
[116] http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x655499272/Business-group-sees-job-growth-in-tax-law-changes
[117] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1043
[118] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/municipal/20100303/solons_fight_keep_holidays
[119] http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100303solons_fight_to_keep_holidays_pledge_to_uphold_history/srvc=home&position=1
[120] http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100303solons_fight_to_keep_holidays_pledge_to_uphold_history/srvc=home&position=1
[121] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1042
[122] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100303/editorial_grim_times_require_a_leaner_government
[123] http://www.eagletribune.com/puopinion/local_story_062032746.html?keyword=secondarystory
[124] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1041
[125] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100301/reports_calls_bigger_state_spending_cuts_warns_5b
[126] http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100301reports_calls_for_bigger_state_spending_cuts_warns_of_5b_budget_gap/
[127] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1039
[128] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100301/even_improving_economy_cant_save_state_budget
[129] http://www.metro.us/us/article/2010/03/02/03/4750-72/index.xml
[130] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1038
[131] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/health_care/20100301/unions_safeguard_health_benefits
[132] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/pensions
[133] http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/03/01/mass_law_helps_keep_cities_towns_from_cutting_health_costs/
[134] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1037
[135] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/municipal/20100301/more_calling_lawrence_receivership
[136] http://www.eagletribune.com/punews/local_story_060021053.html
[137] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1036
[138] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100301/unions’_support_no_lock_patrick
[139] http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/03/08/unions_support_is_no_longer_a_lock_for_patrick/
[140] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1054
[141] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20100228/hacks_pocketing_25m_getoutofjail_fees
[142] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/fy_2010
[143] http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20100228hacks_pocketing_25m_in_get-out-of-jail_fees_conflict_of_interest_alleged_but_defenders_say_current_system_is_best_we_can_do/srvc=home&position=recent
[144] http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20100228hacks_pocketing_25m_in_get-out-of-jail_fees_conflict_of_interest_alleged_but_defenders_say_current_system_is_best_we_can_do/srvc=home&position=recent
[145] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1035
[146] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/health_care/20100224/look_who_supports_national_health_reform
[147] http://commonhealth.wbur.org/health-care-for-all/2010/02/look-who-supports-national-health-reform/
[148] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1034
[149] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/taxes/sales_tax/20100222/sales_tax_cut_a_tough_sell
[150] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sales_tax
[151] http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2010/02/22/news/6968834.txt
[152] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1033
[153] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/transportation/20100221/answers_sought_future_pike_tolls
[154] http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x723438424/Answers-sought-for-future-of-Pike-tolls
[155] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1032
[156] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100219/curious_why_some_workers_can_cash_in_sick_days
[157] http://wbztv.com/local/sick.days.cash.2.1507076.html
[158] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1031
[159] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100219/state_gets_1327m_boost_us
[160] http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/02/19/state_gets_1327m_boost_from_us/
[161] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1030
[162] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/municipal/20100218/their_time_money
[163] http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/02/18/seniors_trimming_tax_bills_by_voluntering_in_andover_other_suburbs/
[164] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1029
[165] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100218/patrick_challengers_offer_ideas_close_budget_gap
[166] http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/02/18/patrick_challengers_offer_ideas_to_close_budget_gap/
[167] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1028
[168] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/taxes/sales_tax/20100218/salestax_issue_likely_dominate_2010_campaign_sea
[169] http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x590378143/Sales-tax-issue-likely-to-dominate-2010-campaign-season
[170] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1027
[171] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/transportation/20100216/deval_patrick_seeks_toll_czar_pike_upgrade
[172] http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100216deval_patrick_seeks_toll_czar_for_pike_upgrade/
[173] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1026
[174] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/transportation/20100214/gov_deval_patrick_eyes_electronic_system_could_eliminate_toll_co
[175] http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/gov_deval_patrick_eyes_electro.html
[176] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1025
[177] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/taxes/tax_credits/20100212/tax_credit_cap_threatens_bay_state’s_burgeonin
[178] http://www.wbur.org/2010/02/11/film-credit
[179] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1024
[180] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/economy/20100212/new_senator_scott_brown_was_a_quiet_presence_massachusetts
[181] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/11/AR2010021105010.html?hpid=topnews
[182] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1023
[183] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/health_care/20100210/patrick_will_limit_health_insurance_rate_hikes
[184] http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x1631824288/Patrick-will-limit-health-insurance-rate-hikes
[185] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1022
[186] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/transportation/20100209/gov_patrick_seeks_electronic_tolling_mass_turnpike
[187] http://www.necn.com/pages/landing/?blockID=177242&feedID=4559
[188] http://www.necn.com/pages/landing/?blockID=177242&feedID=4559
[189] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1021
[190] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/transportation/20100209/big_paydays_unused_state_employee_sick_time
[191] http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/undercover/big-paydays-for-unused-sick-time
[192] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1020
[193] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/transportation/20100208/patrick_looks_end_tolltaker_jobs
[194] http://www.wbz.com/topnews/Patrick-looks-to-end-toll-taker-jobs/6310383
[195] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1017
[196] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100208/beacon_hill_bids_boost_business
[197] http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/02/08/patrick_murray_offer_new_plans_to_boost_businesses_job_creation/
[198] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1016
[199] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/transportation/20100208/deval_patrick_puts_toll_takers_notice
[200] http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100208deval_patrick_puts_toll_takers_on_notice_governor_eyes_electronic_booths_on_pike/srvc=home&position=0
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[203] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100207/despite_recessions_publicsector_pay_rises
[204] http://www.individual.com/story.php?story=114286686
[205] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1018
[206] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/municipal/20100207/police_exodus_stirring_concern
[207] http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/02/07/police_exodus_stirring_concern/
[208] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1014
[209] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100206/baker_left_facts_behind
[210] http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/02/06/baker_figure_cooked_up/
[211] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1012
[212] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100205/our_view_lean_times_demand_fundamental_change_way
[213] http://www.salemnews.com/puopinion/local_story_035234032.html?keyword=topstory
[214] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1019
[215] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/taxes/income_tax/20100205/some_mass_lawmakers_pay_little_or_no_federal_in
[216] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/income_tax
[217] http://www.wickedlocal.com/bridgewatereast/topstories/x655690261/Some-Mass-lawmakers-pay-little-or-no-federal-income-tax
[218] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1013
[219] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/health_care/20100203/watchdog_health_plan_change_could_cost_millions_less
[220] http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_034235543.html
[221] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1011
[222] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100202/budget_reflects_dire_realities_obama_says
[223] http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2010/02/02/at_38_trillion_obamas_2011_budget_remains_austere/
[224] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1010
[225] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100201/billerica_westford_tax_watchdogs_guard_municipal_
[226] http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_14306105
[227] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1006
[228] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/education/20100131/law_school_attack_might_threaten_public_college_system
[229] http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100131/NEWS/1310330/-1/NEWS06
[230] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1009
[231] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/municipal/20100131/tipping_balance
[232] http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2010/01/31/towns_struggle_to_keep_up_with_pensions/
[233] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1008
[234] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/taxes/sales_tax/20100130/package_store_owners_hope_toast_alcohol_tax_repe
[235] http://www.wickedlocal.com/canton/news/business/x231966277/MASS-MARKET-Package-store-owners-hope-to-toast-to-alcohol-tax-repeal
[236] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1007
[237] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100129/editorial_to_stabilize_state_finances_cut_costs_l
[238] http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2010/01/29/to_stabilize_state_finances_cut_costs_at_local_level/
[239] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1005
[240] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/pensions/20100129/pension_reform_plan_lauded
[241] http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2010/01/29/news/6856798.txt
[242] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1004
[243] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100128/gov_patrick’s_28b_budget_slashes_services_taxes_s
[244] http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100127gov_patrick_releasing_2011_state_budget
[245] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1003
[246] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100128/patrick_unveils_282b_budget_proposal
[247] http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100128/NEWS02/1280351
[248] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1002
[249] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100128/patrick_budget_relies_heavily_on_uncertain_federa
[250] http://www.wbur.org/2010/01/28/ma-budget
[251] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1001
[252] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100128/gov_proposes_spending_hike
[253] http://www.telegram.com/article/20100128/NEWS/1280694/1116/NEWSREWIND
[254] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/1000
[255] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/pensions/20100126/lucrative_perk_remains_those_fired_state_jobs
[256] http://www.patriotledger.com/news/state_news/x1685420913/Lucrative-perk-remains-for-those-fired-from-state-jobs
[257] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/999
[258] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100122/speaker_betting_casinos_would_swell_state_coffers
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[260] http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_022001250.html?keyword=secondarystory
[261] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/998
[262] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100122/marquis_touts_achievements_looks_future
[263] http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_022001836.html
[264] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/997
[265] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100122/massachusetts_governor_patrick_vows_jobs_amid_rep
[266] http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aMzoATlLjNp0&pos=9
[267] http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aMzoATlLjNp0&pos=9
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[269] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100121/editorial_as_election_looms_patrick_must_double_d
[270] http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2010/01/21/as_election_looms_patrick_must_double_down_on_reform/
[271] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/995
[272] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/taxes/20100118/coakley_brown_face_polls_tuesday
[273] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/taxes
[274] http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/x1063249595/Coakley-Brown-face-off-at-the-polls-on-Tuesday
[275] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/991
[276] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20100118/iteam_lawmakers_getting_paid_something_extra
[277] http://wbztv.com/local/beacon.hill.lawmakers.2.1434182.html
[278] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/990
[279] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/municipal/20100115/property_taxes_clobber_hurting_homeowners
[280] http://www.upi.com/Real-Estate/2010/01/15/Property-Taxes-Clobber-Hurting-Homeowners/8381263578021/
[281] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/994
[282] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100110/next_decade_holds_promise_change_peril_avoiding_i
[283] http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100110/NEWS/1100314
[284] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/993
[285] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20100107/massachusetts_tax_collections_december_194_millio
[286] http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/massachusetts_tax_collections.html
[287] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/989
[288] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/revenue/20100101/massachusetts_weathered_fiscal_storm_better_most_more_pa
[289] http://www.wickedlocal.com/medfield/news/x1689187972/Massachusetts-weathered-fiscal-storm-better-than-most-more-pain-ahead
[290] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/992
[291] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20100101/business_can’t_win_taxes
[292] http://news.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1222353
[293] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/988
[294] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20091231/economists_hopeful_wary_mass_economy
[295] http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20091231/APN/912312375
[296] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/987
[297] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20091230/massachusetts_has_weathered_fiscal_storm_better_m
[298] http://www.tauntongazette.com/news/business_news/x1689186080/Massachusetts-has-weathered-fiscal-storm-better-than-most-but-more-pain-ahead
[299] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/986
[300] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20091228/tough_times_loom_ahead
[301] http://www.berkshireeagle.com/local/ci_14079122
[302] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/985
[303] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/health_care/20091226/nation_following_states_lead_with_mandates
[304] http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2009/12/26/news/6671803.txt
[305] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/984
[306] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/municipal/20091221/our_view_municipalities_facing_pension_tsunami
[307] http://www.salemnews.com/puopinion/local_story_355001259.html
[308] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/982
[309] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20091217/state_revenue_projected_improve
[310] http://www.telegram.com/article/20091217/NEWS/912170641/1052
[311] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/983
[312] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20091217/revenue_growth_spending_cuts_eyed_fy11
[313] http://www.wickedlocal.com/arlington/news/x967378601/Revenue-growth-spending-cuts-eyed-for-FY11
[314] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/980
[315] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20091217/state_tax_revenue_rebound_officials_now_say
[316] http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/12/17/outlook_for_state_tax_revenues_improving_officials_say/
[317] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/979
[318] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20091217/2011_state_deficit_pegged_3_billion
[319] http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/x1599181801/2011-state-deficit-pegged-at-3-billion
[320] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/978
[321] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20091216/mass_taxpayers_foundation_sees_37_percent_revenue
[322] http://www.wickedlocal.com/arlington/news/x1431152801/Mass-Taxpayers-Foundation-sees-3-7-percent-revenue-growth-in-FY11
[323] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/981
[324] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/revenue/20091216/business_group_predicts_state_tax_receipts_will_start_go
[325] http://www.enterprisenews.com/business/x1599181166/Business-group-predicts-state-tax-receipts-will-start-to-go-up-next-year
[326] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/976
[327] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/municipal/20091216/editorial_get_public_employee_pensions_under_control
[328] http://www.eagletribune.com/puopinion/local_story_350013036.html
[329] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/974
[330] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2010/20091215/mass_taxpayers_association_director_michael_widme
[331] http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/mass_taxpayers_association_dir.html
[332] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/forward/975
[333] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/in_the_news/public_finance/budget/fy_2011/20091215/editorial_budget_woes_mounting
[334] http://www.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/editorials/view.bg?articleid=1218643&srvc=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: bostonherald/news/opinion (Columnists & Opinion - News & Opinion - BostonHerald.com)
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