State House News Service
$13 million in state aid may be recovered from Evergreen solar
With the Patrick administration facing criticism for heavily subsidizing a company that is bailing on Massachusetts, Greg Bialecki, the state's economic development secretary, defended public investments in Evergreen Solar Tuesday.
Health costs eating away at school budgets
As health care costs continue to drain school budgets of resources for classrooms, the pressure on the legislature to strike a compromise with organized labor on insurance plan design and Group Insurance Commission enrollment criteria will mount next session with a push from the business community, the State House News Service reported last week.
Wind siting bill not expected to move
Senate President Therese Murray's push to approve a bill intended to streamline the siting of land-based wind turbines — a proposal opposed by some in western Massachusetts and on Cape Cod as intended to usurp local control — isn't gaining ground in the final weeks of the session, Sen.
DPU approves Cape Wind-National Grid contract
Admitting that its power is "expensive in light of today's energy prices," state regulators on Monday approved a 15-year contract for Cape Wind to sell half its energy to National Grid, arguing the contract "is both cost-effective and in the public interest.
Doctor shortage, patient waits heightened by insurance mandates
Despite years of state efforts to encourage more doctors and patients to pursue primary care, a new study shows primary care doctors in Massachusetts are in short supply, a microcosm of a national problem that researchers say will only worsen as the country's population ages.
State officials see merit in NStar merger with Northeast Utility
It's too early to know the impact on rates and customer service for Massachusetts customers of this week's merger announcement between utility giants NStar and Northeast Utilities, a top state energy official said Tuesday.
Governor signs law to simplify removal of abandoned boats
A new law, signed by Gov.
Senate passes casino bill, Island lawmaker votes no
The push to bring casinos and racetrack slot parlors to Massachusetts is now a race against time, as the House and Senate prepare to reconcile a pair of expanded gambling bills that have a wide gulf between them.
Senators stake out positions on casino gambling
Competing ideologies clashed during the opening round of the Senate casino debate Wednesday, with several camps emerging: casino proponents, backers of slot machines at racetracks, advocates for Native American tribes, outright opponents of all forms of expanded gambling, and Republican critics who say Democrats are depending too heavily on gambling for economic development solution.
May homes sales surged
Home and condo sales in Massachusetts surged for the fourth consecutive month in May, as buyers looked to close deals before the end of June in order to take advantage of an expired tax credit, according to the CEO of a firm that released new housing data Tuesday.
State report highlights hospital assets
State House News Service — The hospitals that remain in Massachusetts following nearly two decades of heavy consolidation held $17.
Senator Reid sets swearing-in process for new senator
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to seat a new Massachusetts senator as soon as results of a January 19 special election are certified...