Testimony to the Executive Office of Transportation on Police Details [PDF file]
Author(s): Jim Stergios — Publication date: 2008-09-15
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Reform of police details is of real and symbolic importance to the prospects of addressing our long-term transportation infrastructure needs. It can achieve significant savings that could be used to fix
more roads. At the same time it can help address a credibility gap faced by the Commonwealth stemming, in large part, from the management of the Big Dig. [read more...] Regarding the Governor’s Deficient Bridge Repair Proposal [PDF file]
Author(s): Jim Stergios — Publication date: 2008-06-04
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Thank you to Chairman Montigny and Chairman
Flynn and to the Committee members for the opportunity to testify today. I am Jim Stergios, Executive Director of Pioneer Institute. I am pleased to come before you today and offer our support for House 4743, the Governor’s proposal to fix structurally deficient bridges. Although the proposal is not perfect, we believe that the Governor
and his staff have worked proactively to remedy some of the original proposal’s shortcomings. Given concerns raised in our recent testimony on other issues, I am happy to be appearing before you today in support
of the proposal. [read more...] Testimony to the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets [PDF file]
Author(s): Steve Poftak — Publication date: 2008-03-13
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Thank you to Chairman Montigny, Chairman Flynn, members of the
Committee, and Committee staff for the opportunity to testify today.
My name is Steve Poftak and I am the research director at Pioneer
Institute. As I have testified previously, we should be mindful of the
overall debt levels, both direct and indirect, of the Commonwealth when
reviewing the range of bond authorizations before us. In my previous
testimony, I had originally estimated that the Commonwealth, including
authorities, had $36 billion in debt. Administration and Finance
reported on Tuesday that the actual number is $50 billion, meaning that,
with contingent liabilities included, there is over $14,500 in liabilities
for each person in the Commonwealth. [read more...] Testimony to the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets (1/31/08) [PDF file]
Author(s): Steve Poftak — Publication date: 2008-01-31
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Thank you Chairman Montigny, Chariman Flynn, members of the committee and committee staff for the opportunity to testify today.
I want to begin by complementing the work of Undersecretary Gonzalez and his team -- Lonsdale Koester and Tom Ryan in particular. In a very short period of time they have grappled with a complex and idiosyncratic part of state government. I offer my good wishes to Karl Ostberg in her new rols going forward. [read more...] Testimony to the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight [PDF file]
Author(s): Charles D. Chieppo and Jamie Gass — Publication date: 2008-01-29
Category: Education
Abstract: Chairwoman Wilkerson, Chairman Cabral, members of the Committee,
thank you for this opportunity to testify today. I am Charlie Chieppo
and with me is Jamie Gass. We represent Pioneer Institute, a nonpartisan
public policy research think tank.
The issue before the Committee today – the Governor’s proposed
Article 87 legislation to change educational governance – would, we
believe, deliver a staggering blow to the unprecedented education
reforms that have, over the last 15 years, made Massachusetts the
unquestioned leader in K-12 student achievement.
[read more...] Testimony to the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets [PDF file]
Author(s): Jim Stergios — Publication date: 2008-01-16
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: Good morning, Chairman Montigny and Chairman Flynn, and members
of the Joint Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
My name is Jim Stergios, and I am executive director of Pioneer
Institute. Pioneer is a non-partisan public policy research institute.
Regarding the issue before the committee today – the $500m bond
authorization for the life sciences industry in Massachusetts and the
related matters of its implementation through the Massachusetts Life
Sciences Center – I would like to preface my comments by noting
Pioneer Institute’s strong support for a vibrant, growing, and dynamic
life sciences sector. [read more...] Our Legacy of Neglect [PDF file]
The Longfellow Bridge and the Cost of Deferred Maintenance
Author(s): Steve Poftak — Publication date: 2007-09-11
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Founded in 1988, Pioneer Institute is a non-partisan public policy think tank committed to keeping Massachusetts economically competitive and to strengthening the core values of an open society. To inspire market-driven policy reforms, Pioneer promotes individual freedom and responsibility and limited, accountable government. The Institute has changed the intellectual climate in Massachusetts by commissioning timely and rigorous academic studies from leading scholars. Pioneer injects new ideas into the public debate through forums and lectures, transcripts, the media and outreach to legislators, business groups and the general public. [read more...] Go slow on expanded gambling in the Commonwealth [PDF file]
Legislative testimony by Stephen J. Adams, Pioneer CEO/President
Author(s): Stephen J. Adams, Pioneer CEO/President — Publication date: 2003-05-31
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Chairman Bosley, Chairman Morrissey, honorable members, thank you for this opportunity to speak to
you on this important issue. I am Stephen Adams, President and CEO of Pioneer Institute for Public
Policy Research. I am here to urge the Legislature and the Governor to go slow in considering whether
to expand high-stakes gambling in Massachusetts. [read more...] State employees' health insurance contribution [PDF file]
Remarks by Stephen J. Adams, Pioneer President/CEO, at a State House news conference
Author(s): Stephen Adams — Publication date: 2003-04-14
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Remarks by Stephen Adams, CEO/President of Pioneer Institute, at a State House news conference
April 14, 2003, featuring Governor Mitt Romney on a proposal to increase state employees'
contribution for health care coverage from 15 percent to 25 percent of the total cost of the premium. [read more...] Governor Romney's FY2003 state budget proposal [PDF file]
Remarks by Stephen J. Adams, Pioneer CEO/President, at a State House news conference
Author(s): by Stephen Adams, CEO/President of Pioneer Institute — Publication date: 2003-02-27
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Governor Romney’s budget is a refreshing and serious-minded effort to transform the political culture
on Beacon Hill. He is offering a new model of governance in Massachusetts…a shift from the current
approach…where citizens work to keep state government afloat…to one where state government
works for its citizens. [read more...] The Next MBTA Commuter Rail Contract [PDF file]
Legislative testimony by Charles D. Chieppo
Author(s): Charles D. Chieppo — Publication date: 2002-12-03
Category: Better Government
Abstract: I would like to thank the chairmen and members of the committee for inviting me to testify today. My
name is Charles Chieppo and I direct the Shamie Center for Restructuring Government at Pioneer
Institute, a public policy think tank that focuses on Massachusetts issues. [read more...] The Boston Convention Center's shrinking market [PDF file]
Legislative testimony by Charles Chieppo
Author(s): Charles Chieppo — Publication date: 2001-05-22
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Over four years ago consultants told us that if we built this convention center it would generate 6,841
new jobs, 794,000 hotel room nights, attract an annual $436 million into our economy, and raise $45
million in new tax receipts each year for the Commonwealth. Those projections were part of a 1997
feasibility study on which the legislation to build this convention center was based. Now that four of
those five years have passed, we can look at how the consultants did in their projections. [read more...] Standards-based education reform in Massachusetts [PDF file]
James Peyser speech to the Boston Economic Club
Author(s): James Peyser — Publication date: 2001-02-21
Category: Education
Abstract: In all the discussion about MCAS, we have lost sight of why MCAS exists. It's not about testing for
testing's sake, it's about education reform. We have a serious problem in this Commonwealth and this
country, and it's not testing; it's under-achieving schools and students. So before telling you about how
we are implementing MCAS and what it's effects have been, I want to go back to square one and
revisit why we are implementing standards-based school reform in the first place. [read more...] Staying the course on MCAS [PDF file]
James Peyser statement before the Boston City Council
Author(s): James Peyser — Publication date: 2000-12-11
Category: Better Government
Abstract: There is a temptation to pull out the microscope and over-interpret the MCAS results, in our
impatience to pass final judgment on whether our efforts at standards-based reform can be declared a
success. As difficult as it is, we have to avoid jumping to conclusions, positive or negative, on the
basis of still thin data. Nevertheless, looking at the big picture, there is reason to be cautiously
optimistic and, in particular, there is reason for us to redouble our efforts and stay the course. [read more...] School vouchers and expanded parental choice in education [PDF file]
James Peyser remarks at a Brandeis University-sponsored debate
Author(s): James Peyser — Publication date: 2000-10-19
Category: Education
Abstract: In the 1999 administration of the MCAS English/Language Arts test, not one 10th grader from a
Boston district high school scored in the highest performance category. Only 34 students were rated as
proficient. Over 70 percent of these sophomores failed the test outright. As bad as the performance on
the English test was, the results of the math test were even worse. While these numbers are shocking,
it is more shocking to realize that Boston is far from the worst big city school system in the United
States. Places like Washington, D.C., Detroit, and Newark make Boston look good. [read more...] Privatization and the MBTA [PDF file]
Legislative testimony by Charles D. Chieppo
Author(s): Charles D. Chieppo — Publication date: 1999-07-15
Category: Better Government
Abstract: The facts in this case are straightforward. The Federal Transportation Authority provides most of the
funding for the MBTA's capital projects. Due to the expense of the current contract with Amtrak, the
FTA has urged the T to open the operation of its commuter rail service to competitive bids. The T split
the operations into four parts, with this cleaning and repair piece being the first put out to bid. [read more...] Teacher re-certification [PDF file]
Legislative testimony by James A. Peyser
Author(s): James A. Peyser — Publication date: 1999-06-15
Category: Education
Abstract: I am testifying today in my capacity as chairman of the Board of Education in support of House Bill
1692, which would establish a testing program as part of teacher re-certification. Since the Board has
not yet taken a position on this bill, the views I will express today are my own. [read more...] Budget policy and education reform [PDF file]
Legislative testimony by James A. Peyser
Author(s): James A. Peyser — Publication date: 1999-04-14
Category: Education
Abstract: I am testifying today in my capacity as chairman of the Board of Education. It is not my objective
today to talk about the specifics of this year's budget submission. Rather, it is my intention to raise
some more general topics for your consideration regarding what I believe to be the most important
long-term school finance issues, some of which I hope will be addressed during this legislative
session. All of my comments revolve around a single premise: budget policy should reinforce the
goals of education reform and, in particular, should directly support efforts to increase student
performance. [read more...] Increasing the number of charter schools in the Commonwealth [PDF file]
Legislative testimony by James A. Peyser
Author(s): James A. Peyser — Publication date: 1999-04-08
Category: Education
Abstract: In November 1998, the Board endorsed a legislative proposal that would increase the statutory limit on
the total number of charter schools from 50 to 100. In addition, the Board's bill would allow the Board
to grant charters to the most promising school proposals, whether Commonwealth or Horace Mann,
without regard to existing caps on either category. [read more...] |
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