The report card is out (and we flunked)
Our suburban communities still aren’t doing our part to help address Greater Boston’s housing crisis. That's one of many takeaways from yesterday’s release of The Boston Foundation’s annual Greater Boston Housing Report Card. The good news? New housing construction across Greater Boston has slowly increased. Around 15,000 new housing units were permitted in 2021, up about 2,000 units over the previous pace.
Greg Reibman
What you need to know about Question 1
The pandemic had a devastating impact on learning and well-being. And a return from isolation has reminded us what happens when we neglect our public transit, roads, and bridges. But raising taxes through a poorly-constructed amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution on the hopes that Beacon Hill will dedicate the revenue to education and transportation is not the solution.
Greg Reibman
Flummoxed by Questions 2 and 3? You're not alone
But after much deliberation, we're choosing not to issue a recommendation on Questions 2 and 3, primarily due to a lack of data in the first instance, and a faulty approach in the other. Question 2 seeks to remedy a real-world challenge: Providing affordable dental care to our employees and their families, while fairly compensating dentists.
Greg Reibman
In other words, still no progress
It’s "complicated." That’s what state Senate President Karen Spilka told reporters yesterday when asked about the $4 billion economic development bill that's still unresolved -- 79 days after lawmakers formally adjourned for the rest of 2022. "As you all know, it's very complicated. There were a lot of things that came up. So we are in constant communication about it," Spilka said Monday after meeting with House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Gov. Charlie Baker, according to Colin A. Young at State House News.
Greg Reibman
The chamber recommends 'Yes' on Question 4
The Board of Directors of the Charles River Chamber is recommending a “yes” vote on Question 4, the statewide ballot question that asks voters if they want to keep a new Massachusetts law that allows unauthorized immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. First and foremost, the chamber sees this as a public safety issue. So do the multiple studies, police chiefs, and public safety officials we consulted.
Greg Reibman
They're duking it out in Needham
Nearly two-thirds of our state Legislature will be reelected this November in an uncontested race. But one of the more interesting competitive contests is happening in one of our towns. That would be Rep. Shawn Dooley’s (R-Norfolk) efforts to oust incumbent State Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham) from a seat that includes (for the first time due to redistricting) all of Needham, plus ten other communities to the south of us.
Greg Reibman
OK boomer, here's what your Gen Zers workers want
Not paying attention to the generational differences in our workplaces can be detrimental to success. For employers looking to retain and attract Gen Z workers (those born between 1997 and 2012) that could mean providing mental health support and a more traditional work experience, according to one recent study published by Axios. Check out these results from a survey of recent graduates who were asked what they’re looking for in their future workplace.
Greg Reibman
Credit card fees are squeezing our businesses
After the cost of labor, the fees credit card companies charge restaurants, retailers, and other merchants are often those businesses’ second-highest operating costs. And those credit and debit card “swipe fees” have more than doubled in the past decade, soaring 25 percent last year alone to a record $137.8 billion.
Greg Reibman
Do all teachers hate capitalism (or just this guy)?
Has the new head of the state’s largest teachers union declared war on every employer (and parent) looking to our schools to provide the skills workers need to fill jobs? It sure feels that way. Here’s what Mass Teachers Association President Max Page told the state ed board this summer: “The focus on income, on college and career readiness speaks to a system … tied to the capitalist class and its needs for profits," Page said. “We, on the other hand, have as a core belief that the purpose of schools must
Greg Reibman
