Fiscal year (FY) 2019 begins on July 1st and budget conferees in both the House and Senate are working to complete their compromise budget in time for the start of the year. This brief outlines several of the issues that are being negotiated and...

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts may be on track to end fiscal year 2019 with a surplus of approximately $522 million according to a new analysis. MTF outlined a framework for handling any fiscal 2019 surplus, including (1) Add to the state’s “rainy...

Despite efforts over the past decades, previous reforms have failed and the T continues to deteriorate, threatening our vibrant economic recovery. Bold action is urgently needed. Five months after the T’s complete shutdown, we cannot lose the sense...

A college degree unequivocally increases earnings, and with income inequality at the forefront of state and national policy debates, it is important for the state to consider policies that encourage all Massachusetts residents to save for college....

The FY 2017 Conference Committee report released yesterday reconciles the House and Senate budgets while assuming $750 million less in tax revenue than previous spending plans. This analysis outlines the Conference Committee plan for balancing the...

As you begin your deliberations, we respectfully request that you omit, in Section 1B, line-item 0710-0002 and Section 15 of Senate bill 2076, which would establish and fund of a tax expenditure review commission under the control of the State...

The Senate recommends spending $31.4 billion, roughly $250 million less than the Governor in fiscal 2011 but $100 million more than the House, and does not rely on a draw from the state stabilization fund or increased taxes. However, with roughly $2...

In a letter to conferees, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation urges legislators to reject the Senate proposal to address the issue of soaring municipal health care costs and take decisive action to provide municipal relief. Cities and towns should...

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts boasts a robust economy with a well-paid and highly educated workforce, and maintaining both is critical to the long-term health and stability of our state. To do this, Massachusetts must ensure not only that it...