After decades of debate, the Massachusetts Legislature passed and Gov. Deval Patrick signed legislation providing for casino gambling in the Bay State. The law creates the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to regulate casino gambling and authorizes three licenses for a resort casino in three regions of the state: Eastern Massachusetts between Boston and Worcester, Western Massachusetts which encompa...
A look at recent developments in New England higher education shows a region struggling to hold onto its historical research prowess and adding new health programs, but also facing rising costs and declining funds.Holding onto research power University of Connecticut Vice President for Research Suman Singha reported to university trustees that research dollars are drying up. Resear...
All six New England states have completed the initial step in their budget processes in this very difficult fiscal year.In mid-June, we reported that Connecticut and Vermont had completed budgets in record time, followed by completions in Maine and New Hampshire. Now, Massachusetts and Rhode Island ...Massachusetts BudgetTo the consternation of labor leaders, Democratic lawmakers in Massachusetts,...
In mid-June, we reported that Connecticut and Vermont had completed budgets in record time. Now it's Maine and New Hampshire's turn in this very difficult budget year. Maine State Budget
After a rocky start, Maine's newly elected Republican Gov. Paul LePage got much of what he asked for, as the Republican-controlled Legislature approved a $6.1 billion two-year budget, which included the eliminatio...
Two newly elected Democratic governors pushed through ambitious legislative agendas in record time, with the support of legislatures controlled by Democrats. Both states took bold steps to jumpstart the economy in their states by passing bills to create jobs and to cut costs. Connecticut passed the biggest tax increase in the state's history, while Vermont passed the nation's first single-payer he...
Governors, Legislators Seek Concessions From Labor
Deep Cuts Applied to Higher Education and Scholarship Programs
K-12 Treading Water After Losing Stimulus Funds
Connecticut
Gov. Dannel Malloy’s two-year plan to deal with a $3.2 billion deficit (in the first year alone) relies on significant concessions from labor to the tune of $1.5 billion. Unions gave Malloy strong support in his race...
The author, NEBHE consultant and former director of the Caucus of New England State Legislatures Carolyn Morwick, notes that this update on state budgets was accurate as of March 29, but events are changing rapidly in the six state capitals.
Connecticut Biennial Budget
Gov. Dan Malloy’s two-year $40 billion budget calls for $1.5 billion in new taxes, which includes hikes in the sales an...
The good news is that the New England states are showing slight gains in revenue collections. The bad news is that it will not be enough to stave off a new round of budget cuts for the coming fiscal years. States are preparing budgets for FY12 and FY13 while addressing shortfalls in FY11 budgets. Most states have spent stimulus funds to avoid massive layoffs in K-12 districts and higher education....
It’s over. Gone are the acrimonious debates, boisterous crowds, vicious campaign attack ads, incessant robo calls and campaign paraphernalia cluttering street corners, highways, lawns and sidewalks. The voters have spoken in New England and across the nation.Nationally, Republicans swept races for governor, the state legislatures and the U.S. Congress. According to the National Conference of...
Like the traditional four seasons in New England, election season has the potential to bring about stunning change. This year, races at the gubernatorial, federal and state legislative levels will have significant impacts on education and policy in the region for years to come.The political landscape in New England will be dramatically altered following the Nov. 2 midterm elections. At least four ...
After decades of debate, the Massachusetts Legislature passed and Gov. Deval Patrick signed legislation providing for casino gambling in the Bay State. The law creates the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to regulate casino gambling and authorizes three licenses for a resort casino in three regions of the state: Eastern Massachusetts between Boston and Worcester, Western Massachusetts which encompa... 
A look at recent developments in New England higher education shows a region struggling to hold onto its historical research prowess and adding new health programs, but also facing rising costs and declining funds.Holding onto research power University of Connecticut Vice President for Research Suman Singha reported to university trustees that research dollars are drying up. Resear...