In a presentation to business and government leaders, MTF President Michael Widmer described the $2 to $2.5 billion budget gap facing the state in 2012, which will likely turn out to be the most difficult year of the state's extended fiscal crisis. Compounding this predicament, should voters…

In a newly released report, Maximizing the Value of Our Human Services Dollars, the Foundation makes two major recommendations: to streamline the administrative structure of the state's human services agencies; and to close ten antiquated and expensive institutions and move clients into community…

The Senate recommends spending $31.4 billion, roughly $250 million less than the Governor in fiscal 2011 but $100 million more than the House, and does not rely on a draw from the state stabilization fund or increased taxes. However, with roughly $2 billion of one-time funds in the budget, the 2012…

MTF President Michael J. Widmer presented to the Boston Economic Club an update on state and local finances.

In a presentation to business and government leaders, MTF President Michael J. Widmer described the enormous fiscal problems that will face the state and municipalities at least through fiscal 2012 - even with an economic recovery. The state has depended heavily on federal stimulus dollars and "…

The Governor's reliance on more than $2 billion of one-time funds in his $31.7 billion fiscal 2011 budget will require major budget cuts in 2012. According to the Foundation's analysis, even if revenues grow by $1 billion in 2012, the state would still confront a $2.5 billion shortfall with…

State tax revenues for fiscal 2011 will total $18.953 billion, a $674 million increase over the fiscal 2010 revised benchmark, according to a new forecast today by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.MTF President Michael J. Widmer, who presented the forecast at the annual consensus revenue…

Despite steps taken by the Governor and Legislature, the fiscal 2010 budget is $300 - $500 million out of balance. Because of the heavy reliance on one-time funds in 2010, the state faces a structural deficit of $3 billion in fiscal 2011, which will require spending reductions comparable to cuts in…

Cities and towns across the Commonwealth are facing enormous fiscal pressures which will only worsen over the next two years and likely beyond. Confronted by structural deficits in good times, municipalities have had to deal with major cuts in local aid during two recessions this decade. There will…

President Michael J. Widmer presented MTF's revised fiscal 2010 revenue forecast to the Senate and House Ways and Means Committee.