MBTAAnalysis: A look inside the MBTA

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The MBTA shuttles over a million passengers a day around Greater…

The Clock is Ticking…….

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The clock is ticking towards December 30, 2017.  As part of…

If Kant had had a nose for public policy

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Passed on by a friend with a mathematical appreciation for symmetry,…

Cut the Income Tax! Raise the Sales Tax! Lower and Raise Property Taxes!

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Hey, its not my idea. It's a proposal floated by a consultant…

CPOE Initiative

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The combined use of limited, or selective, provider networks and a defined contribution strategy presents an immediate opportunity for government entities and employer groups to achieve significant and sustainable health insurance savings and reduce medical cost trends, while maintaining coverage levels and quality of care. This solution illustrates the impact of changes in consumer behavior that occur as a result of economic conditions and opportunities.

Health Insurance Cost Control

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The combined use of limited, or selective, provider networks and a defined contribution strategy presents an immediate opportunity for government entities and employer groups to achieve significant and sustainable health insurance savings and reduce medical cost trends, while maintaining coverage levels and quality of care. This solution illustrates the impact of changes in consumer behavior that occur as a result of economic conditions and opportunities.

A National Market for Individual Health Insurance

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Health insurance markets are regulated by the states under the McCarran-Ferguson Act (15 U.S.C. 1011) of 1945. The 'purpose clause' of the Act states that regulation and taxation of the business of insurance by the states is in the public interest. As a result of McCarran-Ferguson, every health insurer must be licensed in the policyholder's state of residence. The states have responded with a complex patchwork of mandates and laws that vary widely across the country.

Ashburnham – Westminster Animal Control Agreement

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Ashburnham - Westminster Animal Control Agreement

Hubbardston – Templeton Animal Control Agreement

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Hubbardston - Templeton Animal Control Agreement

Amesbury, Salisbury, and Newburyport Animal Control Agreement

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Amesbury, Salisbury, and Newburyport Animal Control Agreement

Somerset – Swansea Animal Control Agreement

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Somerset - Swansea Animal Control Agreement

Sterling-West Boylston Shared Building Inspection Contract and Agreement

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Sterling-West Boylston Shared Building Inspection Contract and Agreement

Hawlemont Regional School District GIC Consolidation Agreement

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Hawlemont Regional School District GIC Consolidation Agreement

Holbrook GIC Consolidation Agreement

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Holbrook GIC Consolidation Agreement

Mohawk Trail GIC Consolidation Agreement

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Mohawk Trail GIC Consolidation Agreement

Saugus GIC Consolidation Agreement

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Saugus GIC Consolidation Agreement

Amesbury, Salisbury, and Newburyport Public Health Agreement

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Amesbury, Salisbury, and Newburyport Public Health Agreement

Sudbury-Wayland Septage Disposal Agreement

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Sudbury-Wayland Septage Disposal Agreement

Attleboro – North Attleborough Sewer Agreement

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Attleboro - North Attleborough Sewer Agreement

Attleboro – North Attleborough Water Agreement

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Attleboro - North Attleborough Water Agreement

Massachusetts Healthcare Reform: A Framework for Evaluation

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Passed in 2006, the Massachusetts healthcare reform bill represents an innovative approach to healthcare reform in the United States. The bill (Chapter 58 of the Massachusetts Laws of 2006) has four main goals: to use an individual mandate to expand access to near universal levels; to establish guidelines for employers' fair share' contribution and involvement; to reorganize insurance markets and manage the distribution and subsidization of several insurance plans through the new Massachusetts "Connector"; and to establish transparency that will aid in understanding and assessing the bill's cost and quality of care.

Start Here Before Cutting Into the Safety Net

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This policy brief recommends $311 million in savings between now and the end of the fiscal year, through emergency and targeted cuts, returning the state workforce to 2004 levels, ending corporate welfare, and consolidating several state functions. By combining these with a $300 million withdrawal from the rainy day fund and a reasonable 4 percent cut in local aid ($200 million), the Governor could avoid further cuts to the safety net and core services.

Focusing on What Works

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"Focusing on What Works" was presented in 2009.

Learning from Springfield

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Like most municipalities, Springfield relies in large part on local property tax revenue to deliver services. However, collecting property tax became a challenge when, in 2004, the City was struggling to avoid financial collapse. Its woes were not due just to a lagging economy and shrinking property values.

Start Here Before Cutting Into the Safety Net

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Common Sense Budget Actions Author(s): — Publication date:…

2009 Better Government Competition – Containing Healthcare Costs

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2009 Better Government Competition Compendium of Winning Entries - Containing Healthcare Costs