By Bob Katzen

“A [federal government] shutdown could create challenges for certain spending accounts in the [state’s] General Federal Grants Fund, revenue collected through federal reimbursement and for [state] programs run and funded primarily by the federal government.”

—From a memo from the Healey Administration to state government officials which are girding for the possibility of a federal government shutdown, instructing them to summarize concerns about their ability to address payroll concerns and to lay out their plans to protect Massachusetts residents and resources.

“Massachusetts leads the nation in education and innovation because we know success starts in our classrooms and with our young people. STEM Week is about inspiring curiosity, creativity and confidence in young people across the state. By investing in hands-on STEM experiences, we’re preparing students of all ages to solve problems, pursue new ideas and lead the future economy.”
— Gov. Healey announcing that her administration has awarded over $464,000 in STEM Design Challenge grants to several non-profit and public education organizations, supporting STEM learning opportunities statewide for students from elementary school through high school.

“Proposition 2 1/2 was put in place through significant pressure and advocacy from the business community against municipal government’s advocacy several decades ago. And we, I think, are continuing to feel the strain in these economic times under that.”
—Boston Mayor Michelle Wu suggesting it might be time for the state to take another look at and perhaps modify or repeal Proposition 2 1/2, which bars local governments from imposing property tax hikes in excess of 2.5 percent, without voter approval.

“Mayor Wu is using a budget discussion as a cover to push her real agenda: higher taxes for Massachusetts. If it weren’t for Prop 2½, the cost of living in Boston would be even higher than it already is. Families and small businesses are already being crushed by housing costs, inflation and energy bills, yet Mayor Wu thinks the answer is to chip away at the only safeguard taxpayers have against runaway property taxes.”
—Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.

“The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing that, starting September 22, all driver education classroom instruction provided by professional driving schools will transition back to an in-person format. The RMV has been in communication with driving schools, customers and other stakeholders, explaining how this change will result in enhanced student engagement, stronger learning outcomes, equal opportunities for all schools, and improved road safety.
—From an announcement from the RMV that the option of remote (virtual) driver education classes that was introduced as an accommodation during the pandemic, will no longer be offered and effective September 22, a live instructor will be required to teach all classes, including the parent class.