Spare Change News

Author: Michael Norton

  • Experts Say Global Conditions, Uncertainty Slowing Economic Growth

    By Michael Norton STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, SEPT. 27, 2012–The Massachusetts economy has downshifted to a “lower gear,” held back by deteriorating global conditions, with slower growth expected to continue in the coming months, according to the latest from Massachusetts economic analysts. According to a summary released Thursday morning of a MassBenchmarks…

  • Patrick Signs $32.5 Billion State Budget, Vetoes $32.1 Million in Spending

    By Michael Norton STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE JULY 8, 2012…Gov. Deval Patrick on Sunday signed a $32.5 billion state budget that raises state aid for public schools by 4.5 percent and counts on $700 million in health care cost savings to achieve balance. Patrick found only $32.1 million in objectionable spending in the budget crafted…

  • IMMIGRANT ACTIVISTS DITCH HUNGER STRIKE, PLAN TO THANK PATRICK INSTEAD

    By Michael Norton STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, JUNE 26, 2012. Encouraged by Gov. Deval Patrick’s statements Monday after they questioned his commitment to defeating “anti-immigrant” budget proposals, activists have called off a planned hunger strike and State House sit-in and instead will send thank-you delegations to Patrick’s office and hold a press…

  • MASS. HOME SALES SLUMP TO LOWEST LEVEL IN 21 YEARS

    By Michael Norton STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, JAN. 24, 2012….Home sales in Massachusetts in 2011 hit their lowest levels since 1990, despite low interest rates and “soft” median sales prices that dropped 3 percent last year, real estate market analysts reported Tuesday. At just 15,122, condominium sales also plummeted 16 percent last…