Tagged: massachusetts

Leading economists say there is considerable uncertainty weighing heavily on the economic outlook for Massachusetts. But, for now, the state’s economy is doing comparatively well with signs of confidence in the future for small businesses.  WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

Patrick Administration officials are introducing a long term economic development plan at a series of meetings across the state with local government and business leaders.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.

            The plan focuses on workforce development, nurturing  the innovation economy, and empowering communities to develop their local economies.  State Representative Joseph Wagner of Chicopee who chairs the Joint Committee on  Economic Development and Emerging Technologies says local leaders had a say in developing the plan and now have a roll to implement it.

Two Massachusetts businessmen, who happen to be brothers, may be competing to build a resort casino in the downtown area of the state’s third largest city.   WAMC”s Paul Tuthill reports.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is holding its first meeting after taking control of the state racing commission.  WAMC’s Tristan O’Neill reports…

The new five-member gambling panel is charged with licensing and overseeing up to three casinos and a slots parlor in Massachusetts.

Under the casino law approved by lawmakers and signed by Governor Deval Patrick, the panel is charged with overseeing virtually all gambling in the state, except for the lottery.

That includes taking over the responsibilities of the state racing commission.

Senator Scott Brown’s campaign says the Republican incumbent won’t take part in a debate hosted by the Kennedy Institute  and U-Mass Boston.  WAMC”s Paul Tuthill reports.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will host a public forum on problem gambling.  WAMC’s Tristan O’Neill reports…

Members of the commission, the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling, Harvard Medical School Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Debi LaPlante and other research and gaming experts will be on hand for the commission's fourth public forum aimed at educating the commission and the community about issues associated with the introduction of expanding gambling in Massachusetts.

Governor Deval Patrick and education officials are planning to honor Massachusetts' top teachers at a Statehouse ceremony.  WAMC’s Tristan O’Neill reports…

As part of today's event, awards will be presented to the 2012 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, the 2012 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year and winners and finalists of the 2011 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Massachusetts has spent over $300 million in the last four years to boost the life sciences industry with administration officials insisting the initiative has been a great success.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.

           Patrick administration officials say the life sciences initiative has so far lured dozens of new companies to the state, and led existing ones to expand.   Brian Jamele of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center says the public money that was spent leveraged almost $1 billion in private investment.