All Reports
Recent
The Pandemic Persists: Pain Points for the Children of Massachusetts
Policymakers have the responsibility and an opportunity to make smart and fair policy choices that will support children and families. This is particularly true now …
Unemployment Insurance Saved the Massachusetts Economy. How Can We Ensure It Will Be Strong for the Future?
More than any other economic program, Unemployment Insurance (UI) has helped the Massachusetts economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI enabled many families to remain safe …
Raising Rates on Unearned Income: An Equitable Way to Avoid Cuts and Support a Robust and Just Recovery
For each one percentage point increase in the state tax rates applied to unearned income, the Commonwealth could raise roughly $465 million a year to …
REPORT CATEGORIES
ALL REPORTS
Wrong time for Massachusetts to introduce a charitable tax deduction?
A new tax subsidy initially approved two decades ago, the state charitable deduction, is set to automatically go into effect in January 2021, reducing revenue by $300 million annually. Are there ways to stem revenue loss and limit the subsidy to high incomes? Learn more about what the state charitable deduction could mean for the Commonwealth amid COVID-19.
FAQ: Status of the Mass. Early Education Sector During and Beyond the Coronavirus Outbreak
Introduction Quality early education and care (EEC) is not only critical for helping young children to learn and grow, it’s also vital to our economy …
7 questions you have on the state budget and COVID-19, but were afraid to ask
How has the crisis affected the state budget and what does this mean? MassBudget has compiled the answers to some commonly asked questions and we want to hear from you. Read the latest and share your thoughts!
Federal Student Loan Debt Relief Significant, but Insufficient
A college degree is an important first step for many to pursue their dreams. Unfortunately, this dream is increasingly out of reach for many students from low-income backgrounds, including students of color and non-traditional students.
How will the Federal Reserve’s new loan program for states affect Massachusetts?
What is the Municipal Liquidity Facility? How does it work? How does it help Massachusetts? Learn more about how the Federal Reserve’s new loan program for states affects the Commonwealth.
How is COVID-19 affecting the state budget?
Learn about how the pandemic is impacting the state budget process, essential programs, and how the Commonwealth can prepare for the road to recovery amid COVID-19.
That’s A Relief Part II: Federal Fiscal Relief for Community Development in the CARES Act
Read That’s A Relief Part I: Federal Fiscal Relief to Massachusetts in Recently-Passed Legislation here. The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act,” or …
That’s A Relief Part I: Federal Fiscal Relief to Massachusetts in Recently-Passed Legislation
Learn what federal relief though the CARES Act, the Coronavirus Relief Fund, and other recently passed legislation means for the Commonwealth during the public health crisis.
Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis: Filling Gaps in Federal Cash Support for Individuals and Families
Congress enacted billions of dollars in new direct cash assistance to individuals and families during the crisis, but there’s still work to be done to ensure people are not left behind. Learn what state-level solutions are available to fill the gaps.
Testimony to the Senate Economic Roundtable: We must ensure collective well-being and economic security in the Commonwealth
Read the full testimony from our President, Marie-Frances Rivera, for the Massachusetts Legislature’s April Virtual Economic Roundtable, originally scheduled for April 7, 2020.
Keeping Promises and Investing in Our Recovery: Why We Must Fund the Student Opportunity Act
With statewide school closures, we must ensure that children are safe, fed, and do not fall behind. Learn how COVID-19 is impacting the Student Opportunity Act, and what can be done to ensure that all schools have enough resources to fully support each and every child when they reopen their doors.
Spotlight on Equity: Testing and Treatment for Everyone, Regardless of Income, Health Insurance Coverage, or Immigration Status
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic exposes disparities in our health care system. It also highlights how interconnected we are to each …
Amid plummeting state tax collections, the Commonwealth has options
It’s a sudden economic freefall like no other. By some estimates, Massachusetts will have 473,000 COVID-induced job layoffs and furloughs by summer. Most people with jobs won’t make or spend as much in the months ahead.
It’s Raining: An FAQ on Using Our State Savings Account to Respond to the COVID-19 Crisis
What is the Rainy Day Fund? The Stabilization Fund — often referred to as the “Rainy Day Fund”– is a cushion for times when state …
Driver’s licenses for immigrants without status – how would it affect Massachusetts?
This series of briefs examines the potential effects of licensing undocumented drivers in Massachusetts. The briefs look at the effects on public safety, child health, law enforcement efficiency, and the economy and state finances.
