THE COVID-19 CRISIS has put a $600 million transportation funding package in the Massachusetts Legislature on pause. Plummeting fare and tax revenues have left lawmakers faced with a dilemma: the need to invest more in our statewide transportation system remains urgent, yet the funding tools relied upon in “normal” times are untenable. Rather than delaying infrastructure […]
Samarth Gupta
Posted inOpinion
Eviction rates alarming in Gateway Cities
THE HOUSING MARKETS in Gateway Cities are characterized by blighted properties, an increased vacancy rate, and tepid long-term growth in home values, according to a recent report by MassINC and the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations. The conversation on neighborhood stabilization in these communities has centered on homeownership; however, ensuring stabilization also requires limiting […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Mass. should embrace 21st century gun control measures
MASSACHUSETTS HAS BEEN a progressive leader in common-sense gun control. The Commonwealth requires permits for gun purchases, maintains an assault weapons ban, restricts magazine capacity, and mandates universal background checks for the private sale of firearms. On top of these measures, applicants for gun licenses have to take a gun safety course, and the licensing […]