Latest Massachusetts state government News
When should social workers separate families? A federal lawsuit raises thorny questions
BOSTON (AP) — When child welfare workers and police knocked on Sarah Perkins’ and Joshua Sabey’s front door well past midnight one weekend last summer, the parents were shocked to learn the state of Massachusetts had come to take their two young sons. It’s the kind of...
Massachusetts Senate approves $55.9 billion budget proposal
BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Senate approved a $55.9 billion state budget proposal for the new fiscal year on Thursday, setting up negotiations with the House on a final spending plan to ship to Democratic Gov. Maura Healey by July. One focus of the budget is higher education. ...
Anniversary of George Floyd's killing: Changes were made, but short of 'reckoning' on racial justice
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, and the fervent protests that erupted around the world, looked to many observers like the catalyst needed for a nationwide reckoning on racism in policing. For more than nine minutes, a white officer...
Editorial Roundup: New England
Hearst Connecticut Media. May 12, 2023. Editorial: State should enact parole reforms The far-too-easy response to crime in recent American history has been to lock people away and forget about them. This has the benefit of expedience and some emotional satisfaction,...
Editorial Roundup: Michigan
Traverse City Record-Eagle. May 7, 2023. Editorial: Transparency in Michigan The votes are in and it’s confirmed: The Great Lakes State flunks transparency. The Michigan state legislature and the judiciary are exempt from Freedom of Information Act...
Massachusetts seafood company denies allegations of discrimination by worker who complained to state
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts seafood business said Thursday that it did not discriminate against an immigrant worker who complained to the state. The worker, Paula Fortes, is a Black woman who immigrated to the U.S. from Cape Verde, an island nation off the west coast...
Massachusetts Senate unveils nearly $56B state budget plan
BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Senate unveiled a $55.8 billion state budget proposal for the new fiscal year Tuesday even as tax collections for April fell more than $2 billion below collections for the same month last year. The Senate budget would let all Massachusetts students,...
Immigrant files harassment complaint versus seafood business
An immigrant worker has filed a complaint with the state of Massachusetts against a seafood business she says subjected her to years of sexual harassment and racial discrimination on the job. The worker, Paula Fortes, is a Black woman who immigrated to the U.S. from Cape Verde, an...
Editorial Roundup: Michigan
Iron Mountain Daily News. May 5, 2023. Editorial: Motorists urged to share the road with motorcyclists As the days get longer and warm weather returns, drivers should expect an increase in motorcyclists on Michigan roadways, state officials advise. With...
Editorial Roundup: New England
Hearst Connecticut Media. April 30, 2023. Editorial: Tough choices ahead on budget talks Everyone has needs, but advocates should be straightforward about their goals As budget talk heats up in Hartford between the governor’s office and the General...
