In The News

"While it appears the state will close out fiscal 2008 this month in fairly good financial shape, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation is warning that the 2009 state budget could deplete nearly half the commonwealth's reserves, taking a $2.1 billion fund balance to just $1.2 billion."

"A Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report released this week said flattening enrollment in Commonwealth Care could limit the cost boost to $100 million higher than projections."

"While many unions rightfully decry the cuts in employees they face with budget reductions, the monies available are finite and getting tighter. A report last year from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation shows that health care costs are about 10 percent of municipal budgets but left unchecked and unchanged, at an estimated 13 percent annual increase, it will consume about 23 percent by the year 2018."

"In Massachusetts, the law has made local governments more reliant on fluctuating revenues from income and sales taxes, said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation."

Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said his group favors the use of civilian flagmen, believing it will save taxpayers "tens of millions of dollars."

"'We're seeing a plethora of authorizations last year and this year,' said Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, which studies state finances closely.

"'There's enormous competition,' Widmer said, adding that a legislative authorization was 'no guarantee' that projects would be funded anytime soon."

"About 49.7 percent of operational overrides passed in fiscal 2005, and 54.3 percent in fiscal 2006, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. Only 34.9 percent passed in fiscal 2007, and news reports pegged the figure in fiscal 2008 at about 40 percent."

"A number of groups and individuals have lined up against the [ballot initiative], including social services advocates, legislative leaders and the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation."

"Speaking to the North Shore Chamber of Commerce last week, Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation said the proposed tax-code changes being considered in conjunction with the Fiscal 2009 budget would constitute 'the largest tax increase on corporations in the state's history' that 'will undercut the long-term strength of our economy.'"

"Michael J. Widmer has been president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation since 1992. Though he supports the bill for fairness, he knows the measure would cost the state and ultimately, the taxpayers."