State House News Service - NewBostonPost (Page 179)

Massachusetts

Bay State lawmakers call for dropping federal PARCC test

BOSTON – A quarter of state legislators urged Education Secretary Jim Peyser and other policymakers to reject federal PARCC academic assessment testing, raising concerns about cost and the readiness of schools to administer the computer-based exam. Rep. Keiko Orrall, a Lakeville Republican, and Rep. Marjorie Decker, a Cambridge Democrat, spearheaded the

Massachusetts

Treasury officials discuss state debt, rating agency concerns

STATE HOUSE — Months after being left frustrated by the Baker administration's performance before his committee, a key House Democrat on Thursday resumed his questioning over the governor's decision to limit capital spending – this time with a Treasury official. Rep. Antonio Cabral, a New Bedford Democrat and

Maura Healey

Crosby: Commission to focus on ‘key issues’ raised by fantasy sports

STATE HOUSE — Midway into a review of pay-to-play daily fantasy sports, Attorney General Maura Healey said she will leave it to lawmakers to decide whether to continue to permit the relatively novel form of gaming in the state. "What I have said is important is that there needs to

Massachusetts

Charter school legislative course may circle until January

BOSTON – A decision from the state Senate on whether to pursue charter school expansion or leave the issue for Massachusetts voters to settle next year may not come until early January, Senate President Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst) said Wednesday after a private bipartisan meeting to weigh the pros and cons. The

Massachusetts

Carbon tax plan calls for broad redistribution of $$$

STATE HOUSE — Sen. Michael Barrett joined environmentalists and economists in calling for a substantial gas tax increase Tuesday, calling it a "user fee on pollution" and promoting rebates and payouts that would be delivered to all residents. The proposal, backed by nearly four dozen House and Senate Democrats,

Beacon Hill

Baker, Walsh urge swift action on opioid bill

STATE HOUSE — Boston Mayor Marty Walsh joined Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday to urge the Legislature to "swiftly act" on the governor's bill aimed at stemming the tide of opioid addiction that they say kills four people a day in Massachusetts. The legislation filed by the

Massachusetts

Charter school campaign claims to have surpassed signature threshold

STATE HOUSE — On the eve of a high-stakes Senate caucus, activists planning to put a charter school expansion question before voters in November 2016 say they've already compiled more than 100,000 signatures, three weeks before those signatures are due to be presented to local offices for certification.

boston

CLT questions claims made by backers of higher tax on millionaires

STATE HOUSE — Opponents of a proposed additional income tax on millionaires claim the group pushing for a new tax on those with incomes above $1 million a year are potentially misleading voters with claims that new tax revenues will only be spent on transportation and education. "You can'