Entries by Editorial Staff

The Cash Incentive Saftey Initiative: City of Gallup, New Mexico

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Roe Paper No. 9 2007 Author(s): Eric Honeyfield — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: The City of Gallup, NM, like many governmental bodies that employ field crews, suffered from an ever-increasing number of worker’s compensation claims and associated annual increases in worker’s compensation insurance premiums. The implementation of the Cash Incentive Safety Initiative has both improved the health of employees and reduced costs associated with absent and injured workers. As explained below, there is real potential for similar programs to benefit municipal and state governments nationwide. [wpdm_package id=96]

The Clinical Performance Improvement Initiative: Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission

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Roe Paper No. 13 2007 Author(s): Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: The Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission (GIC) has embarked on a groundbreaking plan to control costs, improve healthcare quality, and promote cost-efficiency. Labeled the Clinical Performance Improvement (CPI) Initiative, this multi-year effort has the potential to save the Commonwealth and its enrollees tens of millions of dollars, while improving the quality of care. [wpdm_package id=99]

The Estuaries Project: Massachusetts Estuaries Project

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Roe Paper No. 11 2007 Author(s): — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: The Massachusetts Estuaries Project, through the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth School of Marine Science and Technology (SMAST), supports the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in the development and implementation of policies to protect nitrogen-sensitive coastal embayments. The Project collects data and develops models to manage and restore the 89 embayment systems that comprise the coastline of southeastern Massachusetts. The Project encompasses new technologies, regulatory approaches and funding mechanisms to reduce the costs of conducting estuarine restoration. [wpdm_package id=98]

The Electronic Grants System for Education: Michigan Department of Education

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Roe Paper No. 10 2007 Author(s): Michigan Department of Education — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: The Michigan Electronic Grants System (MEGS) is an initiative that permits online education grant applications to feed directly into the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) system. By removing a time-consuming step from the application process, MEGS has improved performance and slashed administrative costs without any additional state funds. A similar program could benefit both the Massachusetts Department of Education (DOE) and the grant applicants who hope to put state funds to work. [wpdm_package id=97]

Consolidating Off-Road Vehicle Registration

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Roe Paper No. 8 2007 Author(s): — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: Massachusetts suffers from a wastefully duplicative system for registering motor vehicles. There are separate registration sites and bureaucracies for on-road and off-road vehicles. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) registers cars, busses, trucks, motorcycles and all other on-road vehicles. The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs’ (EOEA) Registration and Titling Bureau registers off-road vehicles—boats, snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles (ATVs). [wpdm_package id=95]

The Bid-to-Goal Program: San Diego Metropolitan Wastewater Department

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Roe Paper No. 7 2007 Author(s): — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: Bid-to-Goal is a program originally developed by the City of San Diego’s Metropolitan Wastewater Department (MWWD), in conjunction with consulting firm Henningson, Durham and Richardson (HDR), in 1997 as an “optimization strategy” to more cost-effectively implement large public works initiatives. By means of a binding pact between the city and public sector employees, the MWWD had hoped to create a hybrid dynamic that incorporates the most desirable features of both public and private sector contracting. [wpdm_package id=94]

A Reform of Workers’ Compensation Insurance

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Roe Paper No. 6 2007 Author(s): — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents has implemented numerous reforms that have improved the safety of workplaces throughout the state since Governor Mitt Romney’s election in 2002. In the process, the DIA has reduced the number companies that do not adhere to the state’s worker compensation laws.

A Reform of Wetlands Regulations

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Roe Paper No. 5 2007 Author(s): Kurt Gaertner — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: The cost of housing in Massachusetts absorbs too much of the average resident’s income and drives people and businesses out of the state. According to recent research studies, the problem is not a lack of land but an excess of regulation. I propose a concrete and politically palatable policy reform to ensure that septic and wetland regulations are used to protect the environment and public health. This reform would remove the temptation for towns to misuse these rules to discourage development. [wpdm_package id=92]

The Wetlands Bankting Program

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Roe Paper No. 4 2007 Author(s): John DeVillars — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: In spite of stringent federal, state and local wetlands regulations in Massachusetts, too many fragile ecosystems are still threatened by development. A primary reason for this is that the Commonwealth’s wetlands mitigation regulations are poorly designed, difficult to implement and costly to regulate. In many permitting situations a new, privatized approach to mitigation—wetlands banking—could help ensure that our wetlands are more fully and cost-effectively protected and restored. [wpdm_package id=91]

The Building Permitting Automation Efficiency Program

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Roe Paper No. 3 2007 Author(s): — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: Buildings in Florida’s Miami-Dade County typically fill up as quickly as they can be built. Between glimmering high-rise towers for vacationers or retirees, banks and offices that serve as the nerve centers of Miami’s southward- looking economy, or schools and public buildings to support a growing population, South Florida has the look of a perpetual hard-hat zone. This steady pace of needed construction is maintained by an innovative building department and its Building Permitting Automation Efficiency Program. [wpdm_package id=90]

The Performance Bonus Pay Program: Dallas County, Texas Motor Vehicle Divison

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Roe Paper No. 2 2007 Author(s): — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: Governing magazine’s July 2003 cover story was entitled “Who’s Afraid of the DMV: For Most People, Motor Vehicle Offices are the Face of Government. It’s Not a Pretty Face.” Most motor vehicle departments project an image of bureaucratic lethargy. By improving their performance and efficiency, they could better serve customers and improve the government’s public image. [wpdm_package id=89]

The Charter Agencies Initiative

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Roe Paper No. 1 2007 Author(s): Jim Chrisinger — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: Iowa’s Charter Agencies Initiative, originally developed by the Public Strategies Group, a Minnesota-based government-consulting firm, is one in a series of programs implemented by Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to address the ballooning state budget. The program stresses increased efficiency, reduced costs, and greater freedom for state agencies (and the Governor’s office) to offer better value to Iowa’s citizens. [wpdm_package id=88]

Rehabbing Urban Redevelopment: Working Paper on Building the Next Urban Economy

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This report surveys 14 Massachusetts cities outside the immediate Boston metropolitan market, which other studies have identified as “weak market” or “gateway” cities. A number of the Commonwealth’s cities have had difficulty adapting to large-scale changes in the national and global economies. The hollowing out of the industrial and commercial bases and subsequent flight of the middle class have undermined the vitality and functional purpose of these cities. Through this paper we have hoped to start a dialogue about the integration of state policy initiatives and local performance. Rehabbing Urban Redevelopment

Housing Programs in Weak Market Neighborhoods

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Author: Peter A. Gagliardi, Executive Director, HAP Inc. This paper will focus on programs that subsidize the building or rehabilitation of units for owner occupancy, as opposed to the development of rental properties. Most weak market neighborhoods already feature a high proportion of renters and high rates of vacancy.Many one- and two-family homes, once owner-occupied, have become investor owned, often by default, and have suffered from deferred maintenance and poor property management practices. Increasing homeownership is a broadly shared goal for weak market neighborhoods, and our recommendations support these efforts. In section two, this paper will define and present examples of weak market neighborhoods; section three argues that revitalization of weak market neighborhoods should be a policy priority for the […]

Education Reform in Massachusetts: Using Student Data to Improve District Performance

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Authors: Jamie Gass and Grant Wynn This study, produced by Pioneer Institute’s Center for School Reform, analyzes school district performance assessment data reported by the Massachusetts Office of Educational Quality and Ac- countability (EQA). This agency regularly audits school districts to evaluate their progress in implementing the reforms articulated by the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 (MERA). Education Reform in Massachusetts: Using Student Data to Improve District Performance

Housing Programs in Weak Market Neighborhoods: Developing the Right Tools for Urban Revitalization

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Author: Peter A. Gagliardi, Executive Director, HAP Inc. This paper will focus on programs that subsidize the building or rehabilitation of units for owner occupancy, as opposed to the development of rental properties. Most weak market neighborhoods already feature a high proportion of renters and high rates of vacancy.Many one- and two-family homes, once owner-occupied, have become investor owned, often by default, and have suffered from deferred maintenance and poor property management practices. Increasing homeownership is a broadly shared goal for weak market neighborhoods, and our recommendations support these efforts. In section two, this paper will define and present examples of weak market neighborhoods; section three argues that revitalization of weak market neighborhoods should be a policy priority for the […]

Education Reform in Massachusetts: Using Student Data to Improve District Performance

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Authors: Jamie Gass and Grant Wynn This study, produced by Pioneer Institute’s Center for School Reform, analyzes school district performance assessment data reported by the Massachusetts Office of Educational Quality and Ac- countability (EQA). This agency regularly audits school districts to evaluate their progress in implementing the reforms articulated by the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 (MERA). Education Reform in Massachusetts: Using Student Data to Improve District Performance

Education Reform in Massachusetts: Aligning District Curricula with State Frameworks

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This study produced by Pioneer Institute’s Center for School Reform, analyzes school district performance assessment data reported by the Massachusetts Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (EQA). This agency audits school districts regularly to evaluate their progress in implementing the reforms articulated by the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993. Education Reform in Massachusetts: Aligning District Curricula with State Frameworks

Measuring Up? The Cost of Doing Business in Massachusetts

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Author: Global Insight This study shows that, on average, Massachusetts firms have costs 20-30% higher than similar companies in Texas, North Carolina, and New Hampshire in nine key industries. As a result, average after-tax profit levels in those states are about twice as high as in Massachusetts. Doing business in nearby Rhode Island is also cheaper in most of these industries, leading to profit levels that are about 25% greater there. In fact, the only states in this study over which the Bay State has a competitive advantage are New Jersey and New York, where costs are typically 5% and 15% higher, respectively. Measuring Up? The Cost of Doing Business in Massachusetts

Measuring Up? The Cost of Doing Business in Massachusetts

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Author: Global Insight This study shows that, on average, Massachusetts firms have costs 20-30% higher than similar companies in Texas, North Carolina, and New Hampshire in nine key industries. As a result, average after-tax profit levels in those states are about twice as high as in Massachusetts. Doing business in nearby Rhode Island is also cheaper in most of these industries, leading to profit levels that are about 25% greater there. In fact, the only states in this study over which the Bay State has a competitive advantage are New Jersey and New York, where costs are typically 5% and 15% higher, respectively. Measuring Up? The Cost of Doing Business in Massachusetts

The Elephant in the Room: Unfunded Public Employee Health Care Benefits and GASB 45

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Authors: Eric S. Berman, CPA, Deputy Comptroller, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Elizabeth K. Keating, CPA, Ph.D, Lecturer on Law, Harvard Law School, Harvard University This paper will review Statement 45’s potential impact on governments and review existing disclosures in financial reports as well as bond offering statements. The paper will discuss the Statement’s impact on budgets and governmental operations, including collective bargaining. Funding options under Statement 45 will be detailed, including the advantages and disadvan- tages of irrevocable trusts and OPEB bonds. The paper will also discuss the impact of Medicare Part D subsidies received by governments, as well as the bond rating implications of policy decisions surrounding OPEB. Finally, the paper will discuss case law that has already come […]

Leaving Money on the Table: The 106 Pension Funds of Massachusetts

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Author: Ken Ardon The focus of this paper is the choice that local retirement boards have of managing their own investors or investing all or a portion of their assets in PRIT. Most local boards choose to retain control of their investments. In 2004, 55 out of the 104 local systems invested entirely on their own, 29 had some assets invested in PRIT or the PRIT seg- mentation program, and only 20 invested entirely with PRIT. Leaving Money on the Table: The 106 Pension Systems of Massachusetts Public Employee Benefits Series: Part 2

The Elephant in the Room: Unfunded Public Employee Health Care Benefits & GASB 45

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Authors: Eric S. Berman, CPA, Deputy Comptroller, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Elizabeth K. Keating, CPA, Ph.D, Lecturer on Law, Harvard Law School, Harvard University This paper will review Statement 45’s potential impact on governments and review existing disclosures in financial reports as well as bond offering statements. The paper will discuss the Statement’s impact on budgets and governmental operations, including collective bargaining. Funding options under Statement 45 will be detailed, including the advantages and disadvan- tages of irrevocable trusts and OPEB bonds. The paper will also discuss the impact of Medicare Part D subsidies received by governments, as well as the bond rating implications of policy decisions surrounding OPEB. Finally, the paper will discuss case law that has already come […]

Leaving Money on the Table: The 106 Pension Funds of Massachusetts

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Author: Ken Ardon The focus of this paper is the choice that local retirement boards have of managing their own investors or investing all or a portion of their assets in PRIT. Most local boards choose to retain control of their investments. In 2004, 55 out of the 104 local systems invested entirely on their own, 29 had some assets invested in PRIT or the PRIT seg- mentation program, and only 20 invested entirely with PRIT. Leaving Money on the Table: The 106 Pension Funds of Massachusetts

Long-Term Leasing of State Skating Rinks: A Competitive Contracting Success Story

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Author: Susan Frechette This paper looks at the success of competitive contracting in addressing long-term cap- ital needs, reducing operating costs, and expanding access to state-owned skating rinks since the 1990s. It argues that the lessons learned from the experience can be applied notonly to other assets in recreation portfolio that are suffering from budget cuts and neglect, but also to many other services and activities that the Commonwealth has been performing directly. Long-Term Leasing of State Skating Rinks: A Competitive Contracting Success Story

Long-Term Leasing of State-Owned Skating Rinks: A Competitive Contracting Success Story

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Author: Susan Frechette This paper looks at the success of competitive contracting in addressing long-term cap- ital needs, reducing operating costs, and expanding access to state-owned skating rinks since the 1990s. It argues that the lessons learned from the experience can be applied notonly to other assets in recreation portfolio that are suffering from budget cuts and neglect, but also to many other services and activities that the Commonwealth has been performing directly. Long-Term Leasing of State Skating Rinks: A Competitive Contracting Success Story