Last fall, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation released a Stabilization Fund report that drew attention to the risks the state runs by failing to rebuild “rainy day” reserves during times of economic recovery. This companion brief explores how...

I am Eileen McAnneny, President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to provide accurate, unbiased research with balanced, thoughtful recommendations that strengthen the state's finances and economy in order to...

In a presentation to business and government leaders, MTF President Michael J. Widmer described the enormous fiscal problems that will face the state and municipalities at least through fiscal 2012 - even with an economic recovery. The state has...

MTF proposes tighter standards for using the Commonwealth's rainy day fund, ensuring that the fund is tapped only if deteriorating economic conditions cause a significant drop in state revenue growth. ...

In a unique collaborative report, MTF and the United Way call for several major changes in the state's welfare program to help recipients achieve long-term economic independence and self- sufficiency, a goal that serves the interests of families,...

While the state's leaders have agreed on a plan to fill the huge revenue shortfall in 2002, even larger deficits in 2003 and beyond remain unaddressed. Almost $1.3 billion will be drawn from reserves in 2002, and another $134 million of "savings"...

The Foundation's updated analysis of spending changes over the past two fiscal years concludes that the state has reduced expenditures by $1.9 billion in a host of programs -- not including the additional spending cuts that will be needed to address...

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...

In its annual review of state finances, the Foundation cautions that while the Commonwealth is in its third year of financial recovery, the state's leaders now face the challenge of choosing from a long list of competing funding priorities that far...

Governor Patrick's fiscal 2008 state budget includes a proposed spending increase of 3.8 percent. Tables 1 and 2 summarize his recommendations by category and track spending from 2001 to 2008. After adjusting for inflation, proposed 2008 spending is...