Government & Politics

Rental rates saw a large increase in Worcester in 2023, but not as large of an increase seen in other midsize American metros.

Weighing potential impacts on hospitals in their districts, senators have been privately discussing financial challenges roiling the Steward Health Care system, according to one South Boston lawmaker.

Following the public comment period, the plan will be put in front of the Planning Board for final approval some time this winter. 

Gov. Maura Healey's push to increase state support for the MBTA could help the agency navigate the year ahead, but it would not be enough to solve a projected budget gap, officials said Thursday.

The Healey administration wants to tap new revenue sources and keep spending growth somewhat constrained in a $58.15 billion state budget that officials pitched as putting Massachusetts on a "glide path" toward potentially better financial conditions further down the road.

While the bill has a long path ahead of it, advocates for more government transparency are encouraged that a House-Senate committee on Tuesday gave a favorable report to a bill whose sponsors say it will bring needed "sunlight" to the legislative process and subject the governor's office to the public records law.

Applications for the first grants from a new fund meant to support cannabis entrepreneurs in communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs are due next month, with $2.3 million available to help qualified business licensees with urgent financial needs.

All four metropolitan areas of Central Massachusetts saw significant jumps in their unemployment rates in December.

The legislation (H 4172), which Healey dubbed the HERO Act, calls for 17 different spending and policy changes with a combined goal of expanding benefits, modernizing services, and ensuring that veterans of all backgrounds are included and represented.

Sen. Cindy Friedman, Senate co-chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, acknowledged that lawmakers always need to pick their battles when asked about the Legislature's ability to tackle health care disparities alongside other crises, including financial challenges at Steward Health Care that could lead to more facility closures across Massachusetts.