Tagged: massachusetts

A new economic report is painting a much brighter picture of job growth in Massachusetts.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports…

MassBenchmarks released an analysis on Wednesday showing that the state appeared to have added 38,900 jobs during the first nine months of 2011. That compares with a revised estimate issued last month by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics that showed Massachusetts only gained 2,300 jobs during the same period - a figure that had been questioned by Governor Deval Patrick and other state officials.

            After almost two years of lobbying, a band of liberal political activists have persuaded Massachusetts Democratic Congressman Richard Neal to endorse some of their legislation.. This as the veteran congressman faces a Democratic primary challenge in a newly drawn district.   WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is pressing lawmakers to push back a key deadline by as much of a year, saying taking over the duties of the state racing commission will make it harder to get new casinos up and running.  WAMC's Tristan O’Neill reports…

Commission chairman Steven Crosby said the panel will meet the May 20 deadline if needed, but said delaying the takeover makes more sense.

Crosby said the commission is also working to better respond to city and town leaders who are already asking questions about potential casinos in their communities.

Gasoline prices in Massachusetts continue to climb, although not as rapidly as in recent weeks.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports…

The average price for unleaded regular self serve gasoline in Massachusetts rose two cents last week.  The average price, according to a survey by AAA is $3.89 per gallon. Prices ranged between $3.78 and $3.99 per gallon.  The price is 23 cents per gallon more than a year ago.

Gasoline prices have gone up for five straight weeks, but some energy analysts believe a peak is near.

Paul Tuthill, WAMC News.

Last minute tax filers in Massachusetts have until midnight to double-check their math before submitting their state and federal tax returns this year. 

Budget writers in the Massachusetts House have proposed a $32.3 billion state spending plan.

Massachusetts House leaders are preparing to unveil their version of the state budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1.