As part of the Academy for New State Legislators held at UMass Amherst, MTF President Michael J. Widmer provided incoming representatives and senators with an overview of key state and local financial issues. The presentation traces the impacts of...

Over the next two fiscal years, state tax revenues will rise between four and five percent annually as a result of gradually improving economic conditions, according to the Foundation's new forecast. However, despite the improved tax outlook, the...

In this updated analysis, the Foundation concludes that despite the improving economy and declarations of budget surpluses, the state is still confronting a large and growing structural deficit. Even with tax revenues on track to exceed budget...

Cities and towns are facing a combination of higher property taxes and employee layoffs as a result of cuts in state aid, according to the Foundation's 34th annual analysis of local revenues and spending. Although the 2005 state budget provides...

In a recently released analysis, MTF concludes that the burden of taxes and fees in Massachusetts relative to other states has fallen substantially since the mid-1990s and now ranks in the bottom tier of states. The tax comparison updates a key part...

The crisis in the state's finances has entered a new and challenging phase. While improved revenues have led some to conclude that the crisis is over, the reality is much less certain.

The 2005 budget moved one step closer to its final form last week with Governor Romney's exercise of his veto power under the Massachusetts Constitution. With the Legislature scheduled to conclude formal sessions for the year before the end of July,...

In a recent news release, the Foundation called on the Legislature to enact a major overhaul of the state's transportation agencies. Both the full Senate and the Joint Transportation Committee have put forth comprehensive and thoughtful proposals to...

While the strong revenue performance of recent months is welcome news, the state's budgetary difficulties are far from over. Even with the improving revenue picture, 2005 revenues will barely be sufficient to support ongoing spending in state...

In a major report released today, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation called on state leaders to remove a series of financial and bureaucratic obstacles to educational excellence at the University of Massachusetts.