The Governor has accepted political responsibility for fixing the MBTA and has asked the legislature for a set of tools. While there are some elements I cannot support in the Governor’s bill, most notably the reduction in contributions into the Transportation Fund, we should be giving him as much as we can of what he has asked for.
Author Archives: Will Brownsberger
Drivers Licenses and Drug Crimes
In 1989, when the crack epidemic was on the front page every day, the Massachusetts legislature was among the first in the nation to pass a law requiring that the registrar of motor vehicles suspend the driver’s license of anyone convicted of any drug crime. It’s about time we revisited that law.
Accountability for the MBTA
The central recommendation of the Governor’s MBTA task force was greater accountability for the MBTA. I agree — the management team needs direct accountability to the Governor. That accountability will give the team the strength it needs to sharpen its focus and make change happen.
Film Tax Credit
In conjunction with his budget, Governor Baker proposed the elimination of the Film Tax Credit. On this issue, I agree with the Governor. While I am basically eager to encourage every job-creating industry in Massachusetts, the film tax credit is just too generous to one particular industry — no other industry receives a subsidy as deep as that offered by the film tax credit.
Great Statement on the Olympics
Scott Lehigh’s recent column on the the Olympics (this post includes a link) does a great job in summarizing my frame of mind. I like the Olympics idea and feel we can eventually work through most of the concerns about venues, transportation, etc. But I’m most concerned about the possibility of the taxpayers picking up the tab.
Understanding the Governor’s Early Retirement Incentive Program
The Governor’s Early Retirement Incentive costs half a billion dollars more than a hiring freeze and has the potential to damage the essential missions of many state agencies.