Information Resources

The willingness of some to accept the soundbytes that Middleboro is in the same fiscal situation as ALL other cities and towns, without some investigation, is troubling.

For those interested in other sources, the following offer information:

http://davideisenthal.typepad.com/the_eisenthal_report/2007/10/are-massachuset.html

The question remains what is to do be about those communities that are on the fiscal edge. To some extent, these are local problems that must be solved locally. Some local governments may need to improve their credibility with their voters so that they can obtain overrides of Proposition 2 1/2. Such credibility enhancers might include adopting Section 18 of Chapter 32B of the Massachusetts General Laws, which requires retirees to enroll in Medicare. Another might be negotiating higher employee contributions to medical insurance plans. A number of communities have already taken one or both steps.

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center
http://www.massbudget.org/
(MBPC offers email subscriptions)

Massachusetts Municipal Association
http://www.mma.org/

Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation:
http://www.masstaxpayers.org/