Mass. rating plan deemed unfair to high-poverty schools

Report faults state system for not using ‘growth’ as bigger factor

• Civic Journal

• Aug 2, 2017 Civic Journal

MASSACHUSETTS GETS A poor grade from a Washington-based policy organization on how its plan to comply with a new federal education law treats schools with high rates of poverty. But a

CommonWealth’s Summer 2017 issue is out!

• Civic Journal

• Jul 11, 2017 Civic Journal

Our Summer 2017 issue is out today, and the cover story is a great read about the reelection bid of Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera. Rivera has made it through most

Dempsey pitches higher pot tax

Says lower rate means less money for treatment, beds

• Civic Journal

• Jul 7, 2017 Civic Journal

THE HOUSE’S TOP BUDGET OFFICIAL on Friday made a pitch for a higher tax rate on recreational marijuana during a press conference unveiling the Legislature’s fiscal 2018 budget proposal. Rep.

Mandatory minimum drug sentences costly mistake

DA talking points obscure real issues

• Civic Journal

• Jun 2, 2017 Civic Journal

SUPPORTERS OF MANDATORY minimum sentences for drug crimes are circulating a set of disconnected talking points on Beacon Hill that obscure the real issues. The debate is heating up as

Report: Inmate levels down but spending keeps rising

At sheriff facilities, it’s one guard for every two prisoners

• Civic Journal

• May 16, 2017 Civic Journal

THE NUMBER OF INMATES in the state’s prisons and jails is going down, but the cost of operating those facilities is going up, largely because correctional institutions are adding more

Boston reentry initiative hits the skids

Award-winning program to aid those leaving prison loses federal funding

• Civic Journal

• May 14, 2017 Civic Journal

BOSTON’S WIDELY ACCLAIMED prisoner reentry program, which is aimed at reducing recidivism by helping offenders who are released from prison with everything from employment and housing to addiction services, was

Mass. voters strongly back criminal justice reform, new poll says

Residents favor preventive measures over incarceration

• Civic Journal

• May 11, 2017 Civic Journal

MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS STRONGLY support reform of the state’s criminal justice system, including elimination of mandatory minimum sentences and a greater emphasis on rehabilitation and education programs than incarceration, according to

Pollack takes issue with N-S Rail Link backers

Says it’s not inconsistent to pursue the link and S. Station expansion

• Civic Journal

• May 8, 2017 Civic Journal

TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY STEPHANIE POLLACK said on Monday that she saw no inconsistency in pushing ahead with a $2 billion plan to expand South Station even as the state is spending

Legislators call for broader criminal justice reform

State needs to seize the opportunity for change, say lawmakers

• Civic Journal

• Apr 25, 2017 Civic Journal

LAWMAKERS GATHERED OUTSIDE the House chamber Tuesday to declare their commitment to wide-ranging criminal justice reforms, further evidence of a push on Beacon Hill for changes that go beyond a

Voc-tech tension

Massachusetts vocational schools are a big success story, but are they shutting out those who might need them most?

• Civic Journal

• Apr 13, 2017 Civic Journal

KELSEY CLARK, A SENIOR at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, is showing a visitor work from her graphic design portfolio. There is a pointillism-style poster she drew