Last week, the Senate released its fiscal year 2018 Ways and Means Budget recommendation. The Senate proved to be a leader on line items supported by the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus, including Regional Transit Authorities, dual enrollment, Community College workforce grants, and adult basic education. However, there was one notable absences. The Senate budget proposal did
New study to identify strategies to spur growth by increasing mobility
MassINC-led research will focus on leveraging existing Gateway City transportation assets
Boston – MassINC—a nonpartisan think-tank that has vigorously advocated for state investment in Gateway Cities over the years—has launched a new initiative aimed at better understanding and acting upon opportunities to make mobility a catalyst for economic development outside of Greater Boston. The researchers will look closely at opportunities to cluster residential, office, and other
Finding Common Ground
Recapping the Fourth Annual Criminal Justice Reform Coalition Policy Summit
Finding Common Ground The Fourth Annual Criminal Justice Reform Coalition Policy Summit brought together over 300 leaders on Monday morning at the Omni Parker House in Boston. The program, entitled Finding Common Ground, featured a two-part conversation on reform and reinvestment, presentations of new polling (slides) and research, and remarks from a diverse group of thought leaders. Representative Katherine
Correctional Spending Soars While Prison Population Declines, According to New Report from MassINC
“Getting Tough on Spending” Report Shows Waste, Inefficiencies in Staffing
The report, Getting Tough on Spending, an 18 percent increase in spending for the Department of Correction and county sheriff departments between fiscal 2011 and 2016, while the prison population declined by almost 3,000 or 12 percent. The research further shows that this growth is focused primarily on raises and new hires for correctional officers,
New MassINC Poll: Voters embrace end to mandatory minimum sentencing, support second chance reforms
See Prison Contributing to Recidivism, Support More Aggressive Criminal Justice Reforms
Click here for the topline results. BOSTON – Massachusetts voters strongly favor judicial discretion over mandatory minimum sentencing and broadly support more aggressive reforms to the criminal justice system than are now being considered by legislators, a new MassINC poll shows. The poll and two new policy research reports on the state’s criminal justice system
“There is no issue more worthy of our efforts, and no time left for inaction.”
The MassCJRC Journal
Massachusetts is at a crossroads. For years, leaders at the highest levels of state government have been promising to take on comprehensive criminal justice reform; to mine the data, to develop policies based on what we need and what is proven to work, and to bring these proposals forward for a vote. In the summer
Beacon Hill takes another look at regional transportation funding
The Gateway Cities Journal
Gateway City leaders testified at a State House hearing this week in favor of legislation to give voters the option to raise funds for local transportation projects through dedicated taxes. The bill, which is sponsored by Gateway Cities caucus co-chair Senator Eric Lesser, mirrors legislation championed by former caucus co-chair Senator Ben Downing. Senator Downing’s
MICCR hosts third annual convening
Project leaders come together
Senior academic researchers from across the country converged in Massachusetts this week for the third annual Massachusetts Institute of College and Career Readiness (MICCR). Over the past three years, these researchers have partnered with local Gateway City educators to develop and evaluate a range of projects designed to ensure students graduate well-prepared for post-secondary success.
Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus
Talks TDI and other FY 2018 budget priorities
The Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus met today, led by co-chairs Rep. Antonio Cabral and Sen. Eric Lesser, to discuss budget priorities and proposed amendments. A small victory for Gateway Cities came with the return of the English Language Learner’s in Gateway Cities line item (7009-6400). The program, which began with $3.2 million is FY 2013,
Ben Forman testifies before the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Revenue
In support of “An Act Relative to Regional Transportation Ballot Initiatives” (H. 1640)
Below is MassINC Research Director Ben Forman’s testimony in support of regional ballot initiatives to fund transportation projects in Massachusetts. Ben testified before the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Revenue on April 10, 2017. Joint Committee on Revenue In support of “An Act Relative to Regional Transportation Ballot Initiatives” (H. 1640) Ben Forman Research Director, MassINC