With the final Senate version of the fiscal 2006 budget $358 million higher than the House, the members of the 2006 budget conference committee will face the challenge of reducing the reliance on one-time revenues to pay for additional spending,...

According to a new Foundation analysis, the fiscal 2006 budget recently adopted by the House takes a straightforward and constructive approach to the Commonwealth's finances over the coming year, with limited spending growth-only 2.5 percent over...

In its annual review of state finances, the Taxpayers Foundation warns that largely uncontrollable growth in spending for core programs is outpacing the revenue growth that can be expected to be generated by the state's economy and tax base over the...

Governor Romney has proposed minimal spending growth in his state budget for fiscal 2006, reflecting the reality that the Commonwealth will face tight budgets for the foreseeable future. However, fiscal balance in the proposed budget-which would also...

Over the next two fiscal years, state tax revenues will rise between four and five percent annually as a result of gradually improving economic conditions, according to the Foundation's new forecast. However, despite the improved tax outlook, the...

As part of the Academy for New State Legislators held at UMass Amherst, MTF President Michael J. Widmer provided incoming representatives and senators with an overview of key state and local financial issues. The presentation traces the impacts of...

In this updated analysis, the Foundation concludes that despite the improving economy and declarations of budget surpluses, the state is still confronting a large and growing structural deficit. Even with tax revenues on track to exceed budget...

The crisis in the state's finances has entered a new and challenging phase. While improved revenues have led some to conclude that the crisis is over, the reality is much less certain.

While the strong revenue performance of recent months is welcome news, the state's budgetary difficulties are far from over. Even with the improving revenue picture, 2005 revenues will barely be sufficient to support ongoing spending in state...

The 2005 budget moved one step closer to its final form last week with Governor Romney's exercise of his veto power under the Massachusetts Constitution. With the Legislature scheduled to conclude formal sessions for the year before the end of July,...