Week Ending July 8, 2011
Governor Reviewing FY2012 Budget
After the House and Senate passed the FY2012 budget last Friday, it was sent to Governor Patrick’s desk for his consideration. Under the Massachusetts Constitution, the Governor is granted 10 days to review a bill after the Legislature sends it to him for consideration. The Legislature also passed a $1.25 billion ten day budget last week to fulfill state spending starting last Friday. On Wednesday of this week, Governor Patrick met with House Speaker Bob DeLeo (D-Winthrop) to discuss the municipal health care reform plan that was included in the conference committee budget. Although details of the Governor’s meeting with the Speaker were not made public, the Governor earlier in the week voiced his uncertainty over whether he could sign off on the plan. The Governor said he was happy with the savings achieved but not sure if labor’s role was meaningful enough. The Governor has until Monday to sign the budget, file amendments and hand down vetoes.
Joint Committee on Health Care Finance Continues to Hold Hearings on Health Reform Legislation
The Committee, which has held hearings across the state on Gov. Patrick’s proposal to reduce health care spending, held another hearing on Friday in Sandwich, MA. Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) testified at the hearing which was held in her district. She voiced general support for the legislation, calling it a good first step, but said that some of the provisions needed to be examined in more depth and reworked in some cases. Murray also said passing the legislation was an “economic imperative” and she hopes the committee advances the bill soon.
Democrats Announce Fundraising Totals for 2nd Quarter
City Year co-founder Alan Khazei raised the most money in the buildup to unseat Republican Senator Scott Brown, according to 2nd quarter fundraising totals announced on Tuesday. Khazei, who lost in the Democratic primary for the United States Senate to Attorney General Martha Coakley last year, raised over $920,000, the single highest total for all announced Democrats. Newton Mayor Setti Warren raised $122,000, former Lt. Governor candidate Robert Massie raised $82,800 and State Representative Thomas Conroy of Wayland raised $61,000. Senator Brown raised $1.8 million in the 2nd quarter, increasing his campaign account to $9.6 million. In a Suffolk/7NEWS poll from April, 55% of voters believe Brown deserves to be re-elected. The Democratic primary is scheduled for September of this year.
Business Confidence in Massachusetts Falls
Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) measures business confidence in the state through a survey it sends out to its members. The AIM confidence index is currently at 50, a 1.7% decrease since June. A score of 50 is considered neutral and any rating below 50 signifies generally negative sentiments about business confidence in the state. AIM President Richard Lord attributed the last two months declining conditions to the high unemployment in the state. The index has remained at 50 or above for the previous nine months. The index reached its all-time low in February 2009.
John Nunnari, Assoc AIA
Executive Director, AIA MA
jnunnari@architects.org
617-951-1433 x263
617-951-0845 (fax)
MA Chapter of American Institute of Architects
The Architects Building
52 Broad Street, Boston MA 02109-4301
www.architects.org
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