By Bob Katzen
“This report confirms what we have been warning about for years, and now multiple reports conclude: Massachusetts is pursuing an energy policy that is both expensive and unreliable. The state is forcing a rapid transition to intermittent power sources without a realistic plan to keep the lights on or control costs. Even under these aggressive mandates, fossil fuels are still required to keep the lights on, and families are left paying more for a system that is less dependable.”
—Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Fiscal Alliance Foundation on a new report from Eco Nuclear Solutions that he says reinforces serious concerns about Massachusetts’ energy policies — finding that the state’s current decarbonization strategy will dramatically increase electricity costs while failing to ensure reliable power.
“In an era of dangerous federal overreach, Somerville is using every lever it has to help protect all its residents. These are some of the most consequential actions we’ve seen at the local level in Massachusetts to safeguard civil liberties for everyone. We applaud the city’s actions … and we encourage other municipalities to follow suit.”
—Gideon Epstein, policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, on the Somerville City Council updating important new provisions to protect residents’ free speech rights and further restrict local collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.
“The state’s managed care plans need to act in good faith on behalf of their members and the financial resources of our state’s Medicaid program. Our investigation found that United Healthcare knowingly violated these obligations by manipulating health assessments to increase its profits. This lawsuit sends a clear message that no company is above the law, and my office will hold companies accountable for exploiting vulnerable residents and misusing taxpayer dollars.”
—Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell on her office filing a lawsuit against UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, alleging the company falsely manipulated the health status of MassHealth members enrolled in its Senior Care Options plan to secure higher payments from the state. The complaint estimates that the scheme defrauded MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program, of at least $100 million.
“USS Constitution Mini Golf is a creative and welcoming way to bring Massachusetts history to life during this celebratory year. Experiences like this help visitors and residents connect with Boston Harbor and the stories that shaped America, while highlighting the history, culture and sense of discovery that make destinations across Massachusetts so special and engaging for all ages.”
—Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, on the USS Constitution Museum‘s launching of the USS Constitution Mini Golf, a new free 9-hole course on the Charlestown Navy Yard designed to give residents and visitors a fun, accessible way to engage Boston’s role in the story of American independence.