Fiscal Outlook for FY13 and Beyond

Last week, the House passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2013 budget. The Senate will deliberate the budget in the last full week of May. The House based its predicted revenue numbers on one-time budget fixes in the amount of $140 million, rather than the Governor’s proposed long-term revenue increases through new taxes.  The …

Campaign contributions and independent expenditures: legalities and limitations

The following chart delineates the restrictions afforded under the U.S. Constitution, federal statute, and Massachusetts statute with regard to individuals’ election-related spending. This next chart delineates the restrictions afforded under the U.S. Constitution, federal statute, and Massachusetts statute with regard to corporations election-related spending. In the above chart, I specify “business corporation” because Massachusetts allows …

Upcoming Event- The Courts, the Congress, and the Future of Marriage Equality

On Thursday, May 3, at 4 pm, Congressman Barney Frank, Mary L. Bonauto, Director of the Civil Rights Project at GLAD (Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders), and Maura Healey, Chief  of the Public Protection & Advocacy Bureau in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, will speak at the Boston Bar Association on the topic of …

Transportation Bond Bill Passes Senate with Funding for Localities

On Thursday, the Senate passed legislation to provide funding to continue current transportation-related projects through Fiscal Year 2013. The Chapter 90 funds appropriated by this bill for local projects, including roadway and bridge  repairs, will support the infrastructure of the Commonwealth’s cities and towns.  This appropriation of $200 million (equivalent to last year’s appropriation) represents …