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April 15, 2026

Tax Day: A Reflection on State Income Taxes and Competitiveness 

April 15th is more than a filing deadline – it’s a moment to reflect on how tax policy shapes the economic trajectory of Massachusetts. As residents finalize their returns, a broader question looms: are current tax policies helping the state grow, or quietly pushing people and capital...
April 15, 2026

New Study Calls for Reducing or Eliminating Parking Requirements for New Housing

Data show the requirements increase rents, reduce housing development 
March 27, 2026

Massachusetts Faces Tax Policy Choice as New Analysis Finds Prior Rate Reductions Did Not Reduce Long-Term Revenue

Historical evidence shows revenues rose after early-2000s tax cuts; FY2002 decline driven by economic shock, not policy
March 17, 2026

Sunshine Week 2026

Sunshine Week is an opportunity to celebrate transparency in government. Unfortunately, this year we once again observe it by pointing out major shortcomings in open government—starting with the Massachusetts Legislature’s continued refusal to practice it. Voters spoke clearly in 2024: they want the...
February 2, 2026

A Steady-State Budget in a Moment of Crisis 

Governor Maura Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget totals $62.8 billion, a 3.8 percent year-over-year increase. The budget avoids sweeping new initiatives and largely preserves existing structures. That might be defensible in a period of stability. It is indefensible now. 
January 23, 2026

Statement of Jim Stergios, Executive Director of Pioneer Institute on State of the Commonwealth Address

“Families won’t feel relief as long as state spending keeps growing at twice the pace of their paychecks. Massachusetts families listening to the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth are confronting rising housing, energy, and healthcare costs even as state government continues to expand. Real affordability starts with slowing state spending, cutting waste, strengthening oversight of government agencies, and redirecting savings to local...
December 9, 2025

Massachusetts Subsidized Housing Inventory Update Shows Record Number of Communities Exceed Critical Threshold

This edition of The House Call explores the 2025 update to Massachusetts’ Subsidized Housing Inventory, showing a spike in the number of communities that have at least 10% of their housing stocks in the Inventory. It also explains the housing-related ballot questions that could...