government transparency Archives

Tag Archive for: government transparency

An Examination of the Commonwealth Rainy Day Fund

July 25, 2023

Established in 1987, the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund has been a key component of the financial stability of Massachusetts. As of recently, it's seen spectacular growth. Why?

Installing bike and bus lanes requires public debate

June 12, 2023

The problem isn’t with the concept of bike lanes but, rather, the lack of public conversation or transparency. Municipal governments are changing the infrastructure and character of entire neighborhoods and small commercial centers with little input from those most affected.

Massachusetts Needs a Comprehensive Performance Management Framework

0 Comments

August 9, 2022

Many states have made promoted government efficiency and effectiveness by setting goals and tracking their progress. Massachusetts tried making a performance structure, but in 2014 it was discontinued. Today, the state lacks a comprehensive structure to track progress.

New Hampshire Tax Burden Dramatically Less than Massachusetts

0 Comments

July 14, 2022

New Hampshire collects less than half the amount of taxes per capita as Massachusetts. How do they do it, and which strategy produces better outcomes?

Putting in the Extra Hours: The Spike in Mass. Department of Public Health Overtime Pay during COVID-19

June 3, 2021

During the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) payroll data presented a 29.09% increase in the average employee’s overtime pay from the previous year. Pioneer wanted to dig deeper into the Department’s compensation trends to put the $5M bump in 2020 DPH overtime pay into perspective.

New Pioneer Institute Hotline Allows Public to Report Violations of Open Meeting Law

0 Comments

June 16, 2020

With most public meetings taking place remotely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pioneer Institute has unveiled an online hotline that allows members of the public to report potential violations of the Commonwealth’s and other states' Open Meeting Law.

In The Era Of COVID-19, Mass. Needs To Get Long-Term Care Right

0 Comments

May 20, 2020

This op-ed originally appeared in WGBH News. In much of the…

Sunshine Week 2020 – When Government Transparency Is More Important Than Ever

0 Comments

March 20, 2020

COVID-19 has overshadowed what was supposed to be Sunshine Week, but vigilance on behalf of open government is even more crucial during times like these, when the public has limited access. But government transparency is important at all times. Each year during Sunshine Week, Pioneer reviews some of its recent work to increase public accountability in Massachusetts government.