Recently, many colleagues and constituents whom I greatly respect have urged me to vote Yes on a Senate resolution urging Congress to change the First Amendment. After a lot of reflection, I can’t support that.
Endangered Species Act
Recent land development disputes in Western Massachusetts have triggered calls for revisions in Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. I oppose these revisions. The species protection process appears to be well run and to pose little impediment to development.
MBTA Funding, Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
The final component of MBTA funding for Fiscal 2013 is now almost settled.
A Fresh Perspective on Campaign Finance Reform
The writings of Wendy Kaminer shed a very important perspective on the Citizens United Case.
Tax Expenditures Imposed on Local Governments
With regard to tax expenditures, I think it is important that the legislature review and reconsider the many tax expenditures it has imposed on local governments. Millions of local tax dollars are lost as a result of the huge local property tax breaks private golf courses and public utilities receive. For example, the Oakley Country …
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Progress on Controlling Special Interest Tax Breaks
Many citizens would welcome lower taxes, but most also question the effectiveness of special tax breaks for particular groups or industries. Special tax breaks tend to encourage crony capitalism by placing the government in the position of picking winners and losers in the economy. Fortunately, we have recently started to make some progress towards bringing special interest tax breaks under better control.