Week Ending July 29, 2011
Governor Announces Support for a Single Slot Parlor
With the House Speaker DeLeo’s (D – Winthrop) announcement earlier this month that legislative debate on gambling will begin in September, the Governor on Wednesday announced his support for a single competitively bid slot parlor as part of a bill to allow for casino gaming in-state. The Governor said that expanded gambling will be approved, but that the details of the bill, such as the tax rate charged to casinos, the regulatory framework and other aspects, are still being worked out. According to Senate President Murray and Speaker DeLeo, these details are being finalized by the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, which has multiple expanding gaming bills before it. The debate on gaming legislation and redistricting are expected to take up much of the legislature’s agenda for September, October and November.
House and Senate Approve Sales Tax Holiday for August
This week the House and Senate both gave final approval to a bill suspending sales tax in Massachusetts for the second weekend in August. On a vote of 123-23 in the House and 28-9 in the Senate, the legislature voted to suspend sales tax on items that cost less than $2,500. The bill is expected to cost the state $20 million during the two day period on August 13th and 14th. Governor Patrick said he intends to sign the sales tax holiday bill when it reaches his desk.
Massachusetts Unemployment Rates Up in Parts of State, Down in Others
The unadjusted unemployment figures for labor markets across the state were released this week. The data showed that the unemployment rate increased in 17 areas, and decreased in another eight labor markets. The new statistics show that the jobless rate was down from May to June in geographic areas including Barnstable, Pittsfield, Fall River, Nantucket and Tisbury. The statewide employment rate was down .7% from one year ago.
Home Sales Down Significantly in First Half of the Year
The Warren Group released a report this week which showed a dramatic decrease in single family home and condo sales last month. June had the lowest home sales volume of any month in the last 20 years and also saw the tenth straight drop for home sales in the last twelve months. Tim Warren, CEO of the Warren Group attributes the large drop in sales to the inflated homes sale numbers from June, which were affected the availability of homebuyer tax credits.
Unofficial Summer Recess Begins on Beacon Hill
After passing a bill earlier today that would reform the state’s court systems including adding a civilian overseer and how the court’s hiring process works, the House and Senate adjourned until Monday for an informal session. The legislature will be taking an informal August recess, with no formal sessions or committee hearings scheduled for the month. However, the State House will be still be active, with committees reviewing legislation and committee hearings being scheduled for the fall.
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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