Senator Brownsberger was one of six senator interviewed by The Boston Globe regarding their concerns with Governor Baker’s Early Retirement Incentive Program. The Globe reports, “The senators, who range from conservative to liberal, said the pension-sweetening bill is fiscally irresponsible — creating additional pension costs for the state in future years — and they worry the plan could gut some state agencies to the point of hurting services.”
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.
Proposed Project: Massachusetts Ave Bridge over Commonwealth Avenue in Back Bay Replacement
MassDOT hosted an informational meeting about the proposed Mass. Ave, – Comm. Ave. bridge replacement project. This post includes a brief description of the proposed project, which will include bicycle lanes and will be constructed in summer 2016.
FY16 Budget Priorities Letter to Senate Ways and Means
Today, Senator Brownsberger submitted this letter to the Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee outlining his budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2016. He lists many items of importance, but his top priorities are increased Chapter 70 (education) funding; full funding for the Special Education Circuit Breaker Fund; full funding for the Department of Conservation and Recreation; substantial fund increases for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation; full funding of Charter School Reimbursements to local school districts; and full funding of Kindergarten Development Grants.