News Roundup

New Bedford to benefit from new Gateway Cities grants

Gov. Deval Patrick has included almost $10 million for programs targeted at closing the student achievement gap in Gateway Cities in the fiscal 2013 budget proposal he released today.

Fitchburg and Leominster students included as education secretary announces $10 millon for Gateway Cities

By Evan Lips MediaNews BOSTON -- Gov. Deval Patrick's proposed budget will set aside nearly $10 million in grants for the state's 24 Gateway Cities, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Paul Reville announced in a media conference call Tuesday.
Read more [Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise - Local News]

In Romney's tax returns, details on Mormon tithe

Mitt Romney's newly released tax returns provide more than an accounting of the Republican presidential candidate's remarkable personal wealth. The documents also give a rare glimpse into tithing to the Mormon church by one its most prominent members.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Local rep touts supplemental budget items

The supplemental state budget making its way through the Legislature contains several items that will make helpful differences in SouthCoast, state Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral said Tuesday.

Mass. Gov.: Boost programs for struggling students

Gov. Deval Patrick's proposed state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 will include increased funding for programs aimed at helping struggling students in the state's most financially strapped cities.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

Today in the news: Mitt Romney paid 14% in taxes

Your daily news briefing, with the video of the day, the top news and the quote of the day.

$5M shortfall likely to force layoffs in Shrewsbury schools

With a projected budget shortfall of about $5.3 million in fiscal 2013, Superintendent Joseph Sawyer said layoffs will be likely to help the district close the gap.

Saugus school budget hearing

Superintendent of Schools Richard Langlois announced there will be a public hearing on the proposed fiscal 2013 School Department budget on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Roby School Administration Building, 23 Main St.

Wayland residents want to change budget process

Residents seeking lower taxes and more oversight of the budget proposed a number of annual Town Meeting articles during last night’s warrant hearing.

Board delays action on Hudson Police budget

Selectmen last night bypassed the Police Department’s fiscal 2013 budget request until next week over concerns about funding a vacant lieutenant position.

The Old Sachem: Pats, Brady prove everybody wrong

What’s your choice for the biggest mistake in pro sports?

Mine is the geniuses of the National Football League and its annual draft where teams scoop up collegiate stars for big money than fill out their picks with low budget players who probably won’t make the team.

The Old Sachem: Pats, Brady prove everybody wrong

What’s your choice for the biggest mistake in pro sports?

Mine is the geniuses of the National Football League and its annual draft where teams scoop up collegiate stars for big money than fill out their picks with low budget players who probably won’t make the team.

The Old Sachem: Pats, Brady prove everybody wrong

What’s your choice for the biggest mistake in pro sports?

Mine is the geniuses of the National Football League and its annual draft where teams scoop up collegiate stars for big money than fill out their picks with low budget players who probably won’t make the team.

The Old Sachem: Pats, Brady prove everybody wrong

What’s your choice for the biggest mistake in pro sports?

Mine is the geniuses of the National Football League and its annual draft where teams scoop up collegiate stars for big money than fill out their picks with low budget players who probably won’t make the team.

$58,000

By The Numbers: Georgetown's highway budget

Marblehead school superintendent kicks off budget discussion

Superintendent Gregory Maass is recommending hiring an assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment, a human resources director and a supervisor of technology in the Marblehead School Department’s Fiscal 2013 budget, all to be paid for “from realigning existing resources.”

Wayland COA hosts informational session on senior tax credit

An informational seminar on the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. at the Wayland Council on Aging. Among the speakers will be Brian Lynch of the state Department of Revenue and Catherine Lawrie-Gillespie, constituent services director for State Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham.

Local vehicle taxes start to rebound in Massachusetts

Motor vehicle tax collections rose in more than 250 towns and cities last fiscal year, marking a turnaround for a key local revenue source that stalled during the recession as drivers held onto their aging clunkers.

East Bridgewater begins budget process

Town Administrator George Samia has asked all department heads to submit a level-funded budget – and a second budget showing a 2 percent cut – as he and the town’s financial team begin the number crunching process.
Read more [Brockton Enterprise - News]

Canton schools push for nearly 6% budget hike

The Canton School Committee voted Jan. 19 to approve a preliminary $32,254,434 school spending plan for fiscal 2013, which starts on July 1. The “needs based/enhancement budget” represents a 5.96-percent - or $1,813,456 increase - over this year.

Patrick to seek hike in cigarette tax

Gov. Deval Patrick will propose hiking the Massachusetts cigarette tax by 50 cents per pack as part of a plan to raise $260 million in new revenues for the state budget, the administration said Friday.

School budgets could see boost in Governor's budget

Town and city leaders can expect a boost of $145 million in school aid and level funding for the other main source of state aid to municipalities when Gov. Deval Patrick releases his fiscal 2013 budget proposal next week.

School budgets could see boost in Governor's budget

Town and city leaders can expect a boost of $145 million in school aid and level funding for the other main source of state aid to municipalities when Gov. Deval Patrick releases his fiscal 2013 budget proposal next week.

School budgets could see boost in Governor's budget

Town and city leaders can expect a boost of $145 million in school aid and level funding for the other main source of state aid to municipalities when Gov. Deval Patrick releases his fiscal 2013 budget proposal next week.

Full-day kindergarten not included in Wellesley superintendent's budget

Superintendent Bella Wong did not include an expected proposal for full-day kindergarten in her recommended fiscal 2013 budge request for Wellesley schools.

Wong recommended a total fiscal 2013 budget of $63,841,782.68 – including special tuition, transportation and inclusion (STTI) – a 6.76 percent increase over the fiscal 2012 budget of $59,723,892.

HINGHAM COMMENTARY: Assessments: aiming to get them right

There are two parts to every enterprise — the expenses (or budget) that express what the enterprise intends to accomplish; and the revenues that will pay for those expenses. In our form of government, the selectmen initiate the process that decides what expenses Hingham will incur in a fiscal year. The various departments submit their salary and other expense needs to the selectmen. The largest submission comes from the school department, well over 65 percent of the proposed budget. The Advisory Committee reviews those budget submissions; modifies them as they see fit; and then recommends to Town Meeting the amounts for each department’s salaries and expenses. Town Meeting, our ultimate local authority, then approves or disapproves those recommendations.

Tarr's meals tax holiday plan 'out of order' in Senate

Republican-led attempts to offer a statewide meals tax holiday in mid-March were defeated again Thursday, this time without a vote. The House voted 116-39 Wednesday to send the idea to a study, a move proponents said would kill the plan. When the plan emerged Thursday in the Senate as an amendment to a similar $131 million budget bill, Sen. Bruce Tarr (D-Gloucester) was stopped short of proposing the meals tax holiday. Senate President Murray ruled the amendment out of order because it dealt with state tax revenues

Tarr's meals tax holiday plan 'out of order' in Senate

Republican-led attempts to offer a statewide meals tax holiday in mid-March were defeated again Thursday, this time without a vote. The House voted 116-39 Wednesday to send the idea to a study, a move proponents said would kill the plan. When the plan emerged Thursday in the Senate as an amendment to a similar $131 million budget bill, Sen. Bruce Tarr (D-Gloucester) was stopped short of proposing the meals tax holiday. Senate President Murray ruled the amendment out of order because it dealt with state tax revenues

Tarr's meals tax holiday plan 'out of order' in Senate

Republican-led attempts to offer a statewide meals tax holiday in mid-March were defeated again Thursday, this time without a vote. The House voted 116-39 Wednesday to send the idea to a study, a move proponents said would kill the plan. When the plan emerged Thursday in the Senate as an amendment to a similar $131 million budget bill, Sen. Bruce Tarr (D-Gloucester) was stopped short of proposing the meals tax holiday. Senate President Murray ruled the amendment out of order because it dealt with state tax revenues

STATE HOUSE NEWS: Patrick budget to boost education aid by $145 Million

Massachusetts cities and towns would receive a $145 million increase in education aid under the fiscal 2013 budget Gov. Deval Patrick plans to file next week, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray announced Friday morning during a speech to local officials.

Tarr's meals tax holiday plan 'out of order' in Senate

Republican-led attempts to offer a statewide meals tax holiday in mid-March were defeated again Thursday, this time without a vote. The House voted 116-39 Wednesday to send the idea to a study, a move proponents said would kill the plan. When the plan emerged Thursday in the Senate as an amendment to a similar $131 million budget bill, Sen. Bruce Tarr (D-Gloucester) was stopped short of proposing the meals tax holiday. Senate President Murray ruled the amendment out of order because it dealt with state tax revenues

Rep. Conroy joins colleagues in passing supplemental budget

State Rep. Tom Conroy, D-Wayland, joined his colleagues in the Legislature in passing supplemental funding legislation shortly before the fiscal 2013 budget cycle begins. The legislation freezes a scheduled increase in the unemployment insurance assessment paid by all employers, and also includes supplemental funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the currently underfunded MassHealth Senior Care Adult Day Health program, and the Department of Social Services' Foster and Child Tuition and Fee Assistance Program.

Tarr's meals tax holiday plan 'out of order' in Senate

Republican-led attempts to offer a statewide meals tax holiday in mid-March were defeated Thursday, this time without a vote.

Tarr's meals tax holiday plan 'out of order' in Senate

Republican-led attempts to offer a statewide meals tax holiday in mid-March were defeated again Thursday, this time without a vote. The House voted 116-39 Wednesday to send the idea to a study, a move proponents said would kill the plan. When the plan emerged Thursday in the Senate as an amendment to a similar $131 million budget bill, Sen. Bruce Tarr (D-Gloucester) was stopped short of proposing the meals tax holiday. Senate President Murray ruled the amendment out of order because it dealt with state tax revenues

Wellesley taxpayers cut a break on paying traffic, parking costs

The Wellesley taxpayer should see a bit of relief because of realignment of the traffic and parking operating budget for fiscal 2013, according to Hans Larsen, executive director of the Board of Selectmen.

Holbrook schools seek funds for teachers

School officials are seeking a $352,238 budget increase to $12.6 million for the 2012-2013 school year, including funding for more teachers to reduce high class sizes.

Battle brewing between Stoughton schools and selectmen over new budget

School officials say they will make their case directly to the Finance Committee and town meeting after selectmen on Tuesday voted to slash the school department’s fiscal 2013 budget request by $1.5 million.

Wenham Selectmen consider finance staffing

Selectmen ponder Town Hall staffing and budgets.

Belmont's preliminary budgets look promising

The town and school preliminary budgets have been revealed. 

Officials seek to clear up confusion over tax bills

Residents may be scratching their heads after seeing their tax bills rise, drop or simply not add up.

Many Fitchburg-area restaurants hungry for meals-tax holiday

BOSTON -- The Restaurant and Business Alliance announced Monday that state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will offer a state meals-tax holiday amendment to the supplemental budget, a proposal that has evoked mixed reactions from local
Read more [Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise - Local News]

Romney: I'll release tax records in April

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney says he's "happy" to release his tax records and suggested he would do so in April if he becomes the Republican nominee for president.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Paul promises deep cuts in military spending

Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul says he will make deep cuts to the military budget even though many voters in South Carolina and elsewhere are employed by the military.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Guest column: Proposed MBTA cuts too disruptive to South Brookline

On Jan. 3, the MBTA announced two different proposals to raise fares and cut service to combat a $161 million budget gap. Both proposals that the MBTA outlined would severely impact MBTA service around the state, but Brookline, and particularly South Brookline, would be hit especially hard. While I understand that fares may need to be raised and that some service cuts may be necessary, the MBTA should reconsider its plans to shutter the 51 and 60 buses.

Massachusetts income tax rate falls, slightly

The income tax in Massachusetts dropped Jan. 1, but don’t plan to buy a new car or house with the money you’ll save.

STATEHOUSE ROUNDUP: All is fare as 2012 begins

And so 2012 began on the Hill, not with the doe-eyed promise of renewal that a new year brings, but with the hulking tendrils of the MBTA’s budget woes gripping the jugular of Bay State workers, threatening to cast thousands off the T and onto the roads, scraping the lining of commuters’ wallets and in some cases eliminating residents’ only route to work.

Lawmakers seek ways to curb state spending

BOSTON -- More spending cuts will be needed to balance the budget next fiscal year, warn state officials, who add that despite a rise in tax receipts times are still tight.
Read more [Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise - Local News]

Finance panel looks at budget

The town’s Finance Committee has scheduled an all-day session next month to review the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Town Manager Mark Haddad has proposed a $29.2 million budget for fiscal year 2013, a figure that represents a 3.21 percent increase over the current year’s budget. The Finance Committee will begin its public meeting with the Board of Selectmen and department heads to review their budget requests at 9 a.m. Feb. 11.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Scituate property-tax appeals expected to rise

Scituate assessors are expecting an increase in tax-abatement filings this year, as a townwide revaluation and an increase in the property tax rate produce higher bills.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Schools juggling requests, resources

While Braintree High School’s headmaster wants to offer two new electives, to better prepare students better for college, the school may have to allocate its resources to large class sizes and the core curriculum. It’s just one of the budgetary choices facing the town in the coming months.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Plymouth meals tax referendum voter turnout low, with one exception

All across Plymouth, early reports from all but one of the town's 15 precincts indicated that, despite the tenor of the debate that proceeded it, most registered voters couldn't be bothered to go to the polls Saturday.

In The Classroom: Budget season has arrived

Over the past few weeks, Ashland school administrators have been busy putting together their budget requests for fiscal year 2013, which begins July 1.

BUDGET 2013: Plymouth town manager’s proposed budget would increase tax rate by about 36 cents

It was supposed to be about the town’s 2013 bottom line, but it took a while to get there.

A crowd had gathered in the Mayflower Room – recognizable faces including those of the police and fire chiefs and the superintendent of schools – in anticipation of the news.

Taxpayers to meet

Taxpayers to meet

Rhode Island rife with plans for new casinos

Proposals for casinos are emerging across Rhode Island as the state looks to compete with casinos coming to Massachusetts. The...
Read more [Boston Herald - Regional News & Opinion]

Retiree health care could force New Bedford tax hikes or service cuts

NEW BEDFORD — The city could have to increase property taxes dramatically or decimate city services in order to pay for unfunded retiree health care liabilities of nearly $480 million unless steps are taken to control costs, according to a new...

Winett: Flawed assessments led to high taxes

Framingham’s FY2012 residential taxes went up 9.1 percent, and its commercial taxes went down 4.1 percent compared with FY2011 taxes. The average tax on single family homes went up 11.1 percent, and the average tax on other residential properties only went up 2.6 percent. Furthermore, the tax of many single family homes went up more than 20 percent.

Winett: Flawed assessments led to high taxes

Framingham’s FY2012 residential taxes went up 9.1 percent, and its commercial taxes went down 4.1 percent compared with FY2011 taxes. The average tax on single family homes went up 11.1 percent, and the average tax on other residential properties only went up 2.6 percent. Furthermore, the tax of many single family homes went up more than 20 percent.