Economy

The State We’re In: Senator Jim Welch

State Senator Jim Welch(D) – West Springfield and the Hampden Senate District, discusses Governor Baker’s just-released proposed state budget for Fiscal Year 2017 as well as his recent trip to Colorado as part of a legislative Committee studying the impact of the...

Springfield Innovation District

TDI Fellow Laura Masulis discusses her assignment with Mass Development, the misconceptions about Downtown Springfield, and how she plans to unite business owners and make the Springfield Innovation District more inviting and welcoming to the residents and visitors....

Pipeline Debate, Pt. 2

In the second installment of our two-part look at the controversial pipeline proposal for Berkshire and Franklin counties, Carolee McGrath continues her discussion with 2nd Berkshire District Rep. Paul Mark who opposes the pipeline, and Benji Borowski from the...

Pipeline Debate, Part 1

In the first of a two-part series, Carolee McGrath discusses the controversial pipeline proposal for Berkshire and Franklin counties with Benji Borowski from the Coalition to Lower Energy Costs, who supports the pipeline project, and 2nd Berkshire District Rep. Paul...

Consumer Reports: Electric Bills

Many Americans pay for and consume electricity in their homes without knowing the ins and outs of what the options they have as consumer. Connecting point Contributor Carolee McGrath is joined by Janice Garrett, Director of the Consumer Protection Unit, to learn about...

The State We’re In: Rep. Todd Smola

State Representative Todd Smola, (R) West Warren and the First Hampden District, discusses the Commonwealth’s financial situation after Gov. Baker announced mid-year budget cuts. We’ll look at Fiscal Year 2017 spending priorities as the 2016 legislative session and...

The State We’re In: State Rep. John Scibak

State Representative John Scibak, (D) South Hadley and the Second Hampshire District and House Chair for the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, looks at the state’s financial situation as Gov. Baker’s first year in office draws to a close. We’ll look at...

Tipping in Stores & Restaurants

On January 1, the minimum wage in Massachusetts was bumped up to $10 an hour. But some don’t feel that’s enough of a raise. There is a $15 an hour minimum wage movement, with proponents across the country pushing for higher hourly rates for workers. The...