politics

Bill pushes greater access to state budget

Dan Crowley — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

Open government advocates are hailing passage of a state budget transparency bill by a legislative committee this week.

The bill would establish a comprehensive state budget Web site that would detail, to anyone with a computer, all state revenue and spending.

Municipal confab to feature Patrick

Ben Storrow — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

NORTHAMPTON - Gov. Deval Patrick will headline a star-studded field of state lawmakers at the 2010 Conference for Franklin and Hampshire County Municipal Officials March 27 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Northampton.

House passes anti-bullying measure

Owen Boss — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

BOSTON - In the wake of several recent high-profile bullying cases, House lawmakers Thursday evening unanimously passed legislation targeting school bullying that will require school administrators to report bullies to the police.

The state Senate passed similar legislation last week.

Democrats sweeten health bill, plan Sunday vote

AP Wire — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

WASHINGTON - Historic health care change in the balance, Democrats plowed fresh billions into insurance subsidies for consumers on Thursday and added a $250 rebate for seniors facing high prescription drugs, last-minute sweeteners to sweeping $940 billion legislation headed for a climactic weekend vote.

Statehouse on verge of approving cell phone rules for drivers

Kristin Palpini — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

State lawmakers have been debating cell phone limits for more than seven years. Legislation now before them may be the one to become law.

Senate ships jobs bill to Obama

AP Wire — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

WASHINGTON - Companies that hire unemployed workers will get a temporary payroll tax holiday under a bill that easily won final congressional approval Wednesday.

The bipartisan 68-29 vote in the Senate sends the legislation to the White House, where President Barack Obama has promised to sign it into law.

Democrats closing in on House votes for health care

AP Wire — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama and Democratic leaders saw momentum gather behind their sweeping health care legislation Wednesday, as they picked up commitments of support in the House from Democratic quarters where defections were most feared - liberals, abortion opponents and backbenchers.