Beacon Hill leaders stifle debate among legislators – Boston Globe

It won’t come as a bolt from the blue that freewheeling debate, robust dissent, and meaningful roll call votes have become endangered species on Beacon Hill…

But it is one thing to know in the abstract that the proceedings of the Massachusetts Legislature have little in common with the civics-class version of “How a Bill Becomes a Law.” It is something else to actually measure the disparity. That’s what MassINC, the nonpartisan Boston think tank, did this spring in CommonWealth, its quarterly magazine.

A boost for RTAs – Berkshire Eagle

MassInc, a nonpartisan Boston-based think tank, reported at a forum hosted Friday at BRTA headquarters that while Regional Transportation Authorities (RTAs) receive about one-third of their budget from the state, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority receives 57 percent of its budget from the state…

MassInc offered two revenue-generating proposals to benefit RTAs, one involving a payroll tax and a second, preferable option linked directly to transportation.

New method could enhance BRTA funding – Berkshire Eagle

A report by MassInc., a nonpartisan nonprofit from Boston, suggests that implementing one of two new regional funding streams would allow the state’s 15 regional transportation agencies that include the BRTA to receive the additional money they need to provide services that promote economic growth…

Berkshire County currently receives $1 for every $20 in sales tax revenue that goes out of the region to pay for the MBTA, which is the lowest ratio in the state, said Ben Forman of MassInc.

“We’re over-investing in Boston,” Forman said, “and under-investing in the RTAs.”

Poll: Scott Brown, Elizabeth Warren still tied in Mass. Senate race – Patriot Ledger

U.S. Sen. Scott Brown and likely Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren remained locked in a tight contest despite the recent controversy over Warren’s claims of a trace of Native American ancestry.

Polling data released on Thursday by the MassINC Polling Group show Warren, a Harvard Law professor and consumer advocate , with 43 percent of voter support to Brown’s 41 percent.

The survey of 438 registered voters had a margin of error of 4.7 percent.

MassINC poll shows Sen. Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren in tight race – Springfield Republican

A new poll conducted by MassINC shows Republican Senator Scott Brown slightly behind his chief Democratic rival Elizabeth Warren in the Massachusetts Senate race.

According to the survey of 438 registered voters conducted between April 25-28, Warren is leading over Brown 43 percent to 41 percent among the general population, although the difference in within the poll’s margin of error, which is 4.7 percent…

Catholics preferred Brown over Warren 46 percent to 39 percent, but overall Christian voters choose the candidates at a comparable rate. Voters who identify as atheists or agnostic preferred Warren by a large margin.

“These poll numbers show that the so-called Catholic vote continues to be significant, but has several sub-components,” said Steve Koczela, president of the MassINC Polling Group.

Koczela noted that slightly less than half (44 percent) of Massachusetts voters identify as Catholic, a quarter as another Christian denomination and 20 percent “none”, atheist, or agnostic.

Report finds Steward Health Care System in the red – Boston Business Journal

An independent consultant hired by Rhode Island state regulators has painted an alarming financial picture of Steward Health Care System, the privately held chain operator that is aggressively buying up New England community hospitals.

Commonwealth Magazine obtained the report by consultants Enterprise Management Corp., and published some of the details contained therein, which Enterprise called financial “red flags.”

Experts: Fall River behind in economic recovery, but there’s hope – Fall River Herald News

A poll released Wednesday by the nonpartisan MassINC Polling Group reported a consumer confidence index of 79.2 for the second quarter of the year, up slightly from the prior quarter but a large improvement over October 2011, when it was 59.6.

In the poll, 41 percent said the next 12 months will bring good times for businesses, compared with 37 percent who said bad times are ahead. A year ago, only 22 percent said they predicted good times ahead.

“People expect the next year to be better for them but haven’t seen things get better just yet,” said Steve Koczela, the president of the MassINC Polling Group, which conducted the survey. “At the macro level, residents see improvements under way. But they are still waiting for things to get better at home.”

Our Opinion: Speed, extent of hospital mergers needs close watch – Patriot Ledger

A looming shift in health care continues to feed a frenzy of hospital mergers and acquisitions, raising questions about whether the debt being incurred poses a threat to patient care.

The most aggressive buyer to date has been Steward Health Care System, which has bought hospitals in Quincy, Brockton, Taunton and now Stoughton, where it has agreed to acquire New England Sinai Hospital for $40 million…

The financial strain this expansion can exert on a parent company was examined this week in a story by Commonwealth magazine about Steward’s plan to buy two Rhode Island hospitals.

The magazine reports that documents tied to the regulatory review in that state show that Steward reported a net loss of $56.9 million and a negative cash flow of $32.9 million in fiscal 2011 and had a working capital shortfall of $43.6 million.

Commercial food waste to be banned – Boston Globe

State environmental officials are preparing to ban hospitals, universities, hotels, large restaurants, and other big businesses and institutions in Massachusetts from discarding food waste in the trash beginning in 2014, ameasure that in coming years they hope to extend to homes as well.

Officials said the proposed rules, designed to save space in landfills and reduce emissions of gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, will make Massachusetts the first state with such a comprehensive prohibition on commercial food waste…

The new disposal rules come as the Patrick administration faces criticism for falling behind in its efforts to blunt the effects of climate change. A recent report by MassINC, an independent Boston think tank, found the state is on track to fall about a third behind its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.

MassINC: Consumer confidence holds steady – Boston Business Journal

Consumer confidence among Massachusetts residents has remained roughly even in the second quarter, the Boston Business Journal reports, citing newly released data from The MassINC Polling Group (MPG).

Guest Opinion: Mass. rising to the challenge on climate change – The Herald News

In 2010, the state released a serious plan showing how it would reduce emissions 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 — an interim target called for in the law. A recent MassINC report assessing progress finds that, while we’re making real headway, there is still a significant likelihood that we’ll fall short of this mark…

Living up to our commitment to reduce climate change will require public buy-in for implementing these kinds of small but meaningful programs. Broad public support will not come without communication and leadership from state officials. A MassINC survey conducted last year found that while a majority of residents support state action on climate change, Massachusetts residents have almost no knowledge of the state’s effort.

Education, economic development keys to improving cities like Worcester – Telegram & Gazette

Nearly all the panelists at a forum on Gateway Cities tonight agreed that improving education and attracting economic development are the keys to improving post-industrial cities like Worcester and Pittsfield, but each had a unique take on getting there.

The second annual Massachusetts Bar Association Gateway Cities Forum at the Worcester County Courthouse on Main Street was a way for the bar association to see how the resources of its members could be tapped, said Robert L. Holloway, president-elect of the organization.

Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray said that in deciding on funds for Gateway Cities — cities across the state with populations between 35,000 and 250,000 with incomes and education levels below state averages — the state needs to recognize the differences specific to each city, and be flexible with resources.

Benjamin Forman, research director for MassINC, said Gateway Cities typically have an under-utilized workforce, and said that despite the relatively good signs Gateway Cities have shown through the economic downturn — population and job growth — residents are still struggling. The education gap needs to be addressed through increased focus on early education, an extended school day, and facility upgrades, he said.

Investing in commonwealth’s Gateway Cities – Lowell Sun

During a forum at UMass Lowell on April 11, Massachusetts’ 24 Gateway Cities, including Lowell, were described as desirable locations for innovators, entrepreneurs, businesses and artists. These communities boast distinctive assets, including educational and medical institutions and historic buildings.

Letter: Hub business leaders find green goals good for earth, bottom line – Boston Globe

Last Sunday’s story about MassINC’s report (“Ambitious emissions plan called lagging,” Page A1) was right to draw attention to Massachusetts’ nation-leading climate change goals. Lost in the speculation about progress toward the state’s goals, however, is the momentum gathering since the Clean Energy and Climate Plan was adopted. This momentum is particularly strong among business leaders, who are realizing that climate action is good for their bottom lines as well as the environment.

Letter: Critique of state’s emissions plan starts key dialogue – Boston Globe

The group MassINC has done a public service by providing a thoughtful critique of the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan (“Ambitious emissions plan called lagging,” Page A1, April 22). As a state, we must begin to appreciate the long-term implications of global warming. Both the state’s ambitious plan and this analysis of the first two years of its implementation are healthy signs of a vital discussion.

Report: Future hazy for Mass. greenhouse gas reduction goals – Boston Business Journal

Massachusetts could be confronted by a 2- to 6-foot rise in sea level and up to two months per year with temperatures surpassing 90 degrees if global greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, according to a report released this month by MassINC and the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA). Massachusetts has committed to a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2020. But this report, titled “Rising to the Challenge: Assessing the Massachusetts Response to Climate Change,” questions the state’s ability to meet this goal in just eight years.

Editorial: Sounds of silence on Beacon Hill – Metro West Daily News

In what today’s legislative leaders say is the interest of efficiency, the amount of debate and the number of rollcall votes have decreased sharply compared to 25 years ago.

According to a new analysis by CommonWealth magazine, the House was in session for roughly 10 hours a week in the 1985-86 term.In the 2009-2010 term, the House was in session an average of five hours a week.

In the 1985-86 session, the House held 1,655 rollcall votes. In the 2009-2010 session, House members answered the clerk’s rollcall just 513 times.

The Senate numbers are similar. It was in session an average of six hours a week back when Senate President William Bulger wielded the gavel; it met an average of three hours a week under its current president, Therese Murray. There were 851 Senate rollcall votes 25 years ago, but less than half that many in the most recent full session.

CommonWealth magazine’s senior investigative reporter Jack Sullivan appeared on Emily Rooney to discuss the week in the news. Topics covered included racist tweets that hit the web following the Bruins’ loss to the Washington Capitals, presidential politics, and the water bottle ban in Concord. Listen to the full appearance here.

Governor hailed as champion of solar energy at Westford park – Lowell Sun

A report released this week by Mass Inc., an independent, nonpartisan think tank, assessed the state’s response to climate change. It gave recommendations needed to reach Patrick’s goal of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020.

When it came to solar, the report recommended the state monitor the costs of solar energy and make adjustments to its solar programs, if necessary.

State falling short in cutting greenhouse gases – Cape Cod Times

The state is falling behind in meeting its ambitious goals to combat climate change, according to a report released by MassINC, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank.

“Massachusetts has been a leader,” said Benjamin Foreman, one of the authors of the 127-page report. “Part of leadership is doing what you say you’re going to do.”

Although Foreman gave the state an A-minus grade for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, an A-plus is really what’s needed to address climate change, he said.

Mass. efforts to reduce climate-changing emissions may fall short – ClimateWire

Massachusetts may fail to meet its 2020 goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new report.

The analysis from MassInc, an independent think tank, says it is not clear who is in charge of the state’s overall efforts to cut emissions, and warns that there are not clear enough metrics to certify the states’s progress toward its goals.

Under its Clean Energy and Climate Plan, the state has a goal to reduce emissions 25 percent below 1990 levels by the end of the decade.

Many initiatives related to transportation, in particular, such as clean-car consumer incentives, have been slow to launch, the researchers said.

“Because there is not any publicly accessible central scorecard of emissions, milestones and projected effects of different initiatives, it is difficult for an outside analyst — or even someone within state government — to know how well or poorly some state programs are performing,” says the report, which was prepared in conjunction with the Clean Energy States Alliance.

Holyoke debate has begun on whether to establish director of arts, culture and tourism – The Republican

Mayor Alex B. Morse said establishing a director of arts, culture and tourism would help the city mobilize the talents and strengths of its creative sectors…

The plan gained momentum as Morse and a dozen city employees, business people and residents involved in arts and culture attended a Gateway Cities Creative Placemaking Summit on April 11 in Lowell. 

The Boston Herald

The Bay State is at risk of missing its 2020 greenhouse gas emission reduction target unless a number of immediate issues — including lack of coordination, measurement and accountability — are addressed, according to a new report released by the think tank MassINC.

The study, titled “Rising to the Challenge: Assessing the Massachusetts Response to Climate Change,” praises Gov. Deval Patrick for signing the Global Warming Solutions Act in 2008, which commits the state to reducing emission to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, but says more action is needed to help the state meet its emissions mark, including launching stalled initiatives within the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020; adding measurement and coordination where little exists; and appointing a cabinet-level climate administrator to manage all aspects of the cross-agency program.

Ambitious Mass. emissions plan called lagging – Boston Globe

Four years after Governor Deval Patrick announced ambitious plans to blunt the impact of global warming, the state is falling behind in its efforts to reduce emissions of gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, according to the first comprehensive review of the administration’s climate change goals.

The report by MassINC, a nonprofit, independent think tank in Boston, found that the state is not on track to meet its interim goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.

The state also could face major challenges in meeting its overall goal of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050, according to the study.

The report found that unless the administration makes changes or there are significant shifts in the energy market, the state risks falling well below its 2020 target.

Mayor calls for Office of Cultural Development creation – Holyoke Sun

This week, Mayor Alex B. Morse called for the creation of an Office of Cultural Development, which includes hiring a Director of Arts, Culture and Tourism. The City Council must approve the mayor’s requests.

The move came after Morse attended the Gateway Cities Creative Placemaking Summit in Lowell last week. Twelve city and community leaders accompanied Morse to the summit. The mayor took part in a roundtable discussion with mayors from Fitchburg, New Bedford and Worcester.

Fall River Herald News

If the city is going to attract more residents and businesses and prosper economically, arts and culture will need to play a large role, legislators and other officials said Wednesday, when state funding was announced for a group of projects in Fall River.

In a survey published in December by MassINC, a non-partisan research group, seven out of 10 people who live in a gateway city said having quality arts and cultural events in the city were extremely or very important. Nearly half said they attended a museum, art gallery or concert in the previous year.

Gateway Cities seen spurring Lowell laurels – Lowell Sun

Yesterday, city and cultural leaders from many of the state’s 24 Gateway Cities, including Lowell, Fitchburg, Worcester, Holyoke and New Bedford, gathered at the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center to discuss “Creative Placemaking,” using arts and culture as catalysts for economic development and community revitalization.

“Gateway cities drive regional economies,” said Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, adding the state is often Boston-centric and by funding economic development, infrastructure, housing and education programs that specifically target the Gateway Cities, the administration is “leveling the playing field.”

The Eagle-Tribune

 By bicycle, on foot and in vans, residents of the city will fan out across the neighborhood around the North Canal on Saturday, choosing their favorite spots, as well as their least-favorite, as part of a “power of 10 placemaking” exercise designed to eventually make that part of the city more liveable, accessible and enjoyable.

Perhaps coincidentally, the Boston-based think tank MassINC held a conference in Lowell yesterday entitled “The Gateway Cities Creative Placemaking Summit,” during which representatives from Haverhill and Lawrence, as well as Lowell and other immigrant cities such as Lynn and Fitchburg, got together to discuss problems facing their communities.

Some #WorcPoli reading – Worcester Magazine
CommonWealth Magazine revisits the infamous “Booze Cruise” story that led to former Worcester US Rep. and then-head of MassPort Peter Blute’s resignation and de-railment of his political career, and comes up with new revelations, including the conveniening of a grand jury investigation and allegations that Blute was “set up.”

Lowell — at the Intersection of Place and Creativity – Lowell City Manager’s Blog

A gathering of Gateway City elected officials and key players in the arts and culture scene met today to talk about importance of “placemaking” to the economic vitality and success of communities.   Boston-based think tank MassINC and The Massachusetts Cultural Council brought together Gateway Cities mayors, economic development directors, corporate and civic leaders for a first-ever summit on “Creative Placemaking” – an economic development strategy that uses arts and culture investments as catalysts for growth and urban revitalization. Local leaders were joined by national arts and culture experts, state and federal officials, artists, practitioners and entrepreneurs all focused on the practical aspects of advancing these transformative projects.