Dear Senator Brownsberger, This is Gang Zhao, a father with kids in Belmont public schools. We are organizing a Chinese culture school with Winchester School of Chinese Culture (WSCC) for Belmont residents in September 2012. It is a non profit organization to introduce Chinese language skills and culture to Belmont students. WSCC is a highly …
Jobs Bill Update
The Senate passed its version of the jobs bill last night, with some interesting features.
Another Tough Vote on Sentencing Reform
Over the past week, both branches of the legislature approved a compromise sentencing bill. The compromise is a very thoughtful improvement over the bill that I voted against last November, but it leaves much to be done.
Senate 304 and Citizens United
Senate 304 is the practical Massachusetts response to the Citizens United Case.
Senate passes Transparency and Financial Management Reforms
The Senate passed a strong bill addressing the dry but important subject of financial policy making. Having financial policies — as opposed to making ad hoc decisions about spending and debt — forces government to think more clearly about it’s long term financial prospects.
Community Preservation Act changes incorporated in FY13 Budget
The FY13 budget includes important changes to the Community Preservation Act and, most notably, provides additional funding. The funding from the state level is substantial, but is only a contingent commitment in FY13 and not at all guaranteed in future years. The budget does give municipalities additional flexibility to apply local revenues to CPA purposes.