The New York Times
Food for thought: the NYT’s Paul Krugman suggests we can’t come up with good answers without asking good questions; such as, if there’s a shortage of educated workers, why haven’t the salaries of educated workers gone up?
Touring central Mass., outside the district
I joined colleagues on site visits in Worcester and Hampden counties, on another leg of the State Senate listening tour. Top: Hearing from Monson Town Administrator Evan Brassard in a new municipal building rebuilt after the original was destroyed by the tornadoes. Left: Speaking with Dan Mardirosian, Senior Operations Manager of the Worcester Tech Biomanufacturing Education & Training Center. Right: At National Grid’s NE Distribution Center.
Deeper Ties to Corporate Cash for Doubtful Climate Researcher
The New York Times
Well, well. Things just got a little hotter for a recipient of funding to belittle climate change.
New Senate rules to boost transparency, openness
Press Release
The State Senate has adopted new internal rules governing the body to increase access to information and allow for more open debate.
The rule changes reflect the priorities that newly elected Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, D-Amherst, promised in his inaugural address to the Senate last month.
Read moreTime to pass measures to ease challenges of the long-term unemployed
Boston Globe
Joan Cirillo, President and CEO of Operation A.B.L.E., makes the case for two bills I’ve filed.
Constituents, Sen. Barrett fight back against money in politics
Citizens United has allowed special interests to play an even more discouraging role in the political process. A group of constituents is fighting back by calling for an amendment to the U.S. constitution. I’m with them. I recently co-sponsored the bill filed by Sen. Jamie Eldridge and Rep. Cory Atkins.
Most Republicans Say They Back Climate Action, Poll Finds
The New York Times
Global warming bell-ringer — a huge shift from the divided public of five or so years ago.
Job Licenses in Spotlight as Uber Rises
A good, simple explanation of why taxi medallions — and other means of restricting competition and consumer choice — need a rethink.
Statewide Listening Tour Kicks Off
Barrett to Chair Senate’s Oversight Committee
Press Release
State State Senator Mike Barrett has been selected to head the State Senate’s Post-Audit and Oversight Committee, a unique body charged with overseeing implementation of all state programs run by the Governor and his appointees.
“This is a huge chance to shape policy for the district and the entire state,” Barrett said. “It means digging deep into how government operates day to day — and how it can do better. I’m honored and challenged by the assignment.”
Read more