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WBUR People: Ted Siefer


Recent Stories By Ted Siefer

Beacon Hill Debates Real Impact Of Film Tax Credits

Published February 25, 2010
Would "Shutter Island" star Leonardo di Caprio, with Boston in the background, inspire a filmmaker to set up shop in Massachusetts? That was the debate Thursday on Beacon Hill. (Paramount Pictures)

BOSTON — Film tax credits: Economic stimulus or corporate welfare? That was the question at a Beacon Hill hearing Thursday. Rep. Steven D’Amico (D-Seekonk) said Massachusetts has seen a scant return on investment.

Report: People With Special Needs Live In Squalid Public Housing

Published February 24, 2010
The report includes a photograph from the Orleans Housing Authority with the caption "Rusted and broken baseboard heater"

BOSTON — A report by the state auditor finds that people with special needs live in squalid conditions at state-funded public housing throughout Massachusetts, including in Boston.

Mass. Economy Keeps Shrinking, Despite National Growth

Published January 29, 2010

BOSTON — The Massachusetts economy shrunk slightly in the final months of 2009 — even as the national economy grew by 5.7 percent, its fastest pace in six years.

Senate Candidates Spar Over Health Care Reform

Published December 23, 2009

BOSTON — The national health care bill moving toward passage in Washington this week took center stage in a debate Tuesday night among the state’s would-be senators.

Treasurer Cahill Defends Costly Legal Bills

Published December 19, 2009

State Treasurer Tim Cahill is defending the use of high priced lawyers to fight a lawsuit brought by a lottery vendor alleging it was shut out of state contracts in favor of a company that donated to Cahill’s political campaign.

Boston City Council Nixes Term Limits

Published December 16, 2009

BOSTON — In its last meeting of the year Wednesday, the Boston City Council voted seven-to-six against establishing mayoral term limits.

Panel Rules Rastafarian Bag Screener Can Keep His Dreads

Published November 17, 2009

BOSTON — A Rastafarian baggage screener at Logan Airport can keep his dreadlocks. In a ruling Monday, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said the religious rights of Josue Brissot were violated when his supervisors pressured him to cut off his locks, which are important in Rastafarian belief.

Gov. Patrick, Unions Discuss Possible Furloughs

Published October 19, 2009

BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick has begun negotiations with public employee union representatives as he devises large budget cuts that could include laying off up to 2,000 state workers.

MassHealth Enrollment, Costs Grow

Published October 13, 2009

BOSTON — New figures show enrollment in MassHealth — the state Medicaid program — has surged by 80,000 people since May of last year, an increase likely to complicate efforts to bridge a major budget shortfall this fiscal year.

State Revenues Plunge, Despite Sales Tax

Published October 2, 2009

BOSTON — State revenue collections have come in more than a quarter-billion dollars below expectations for September, despite a new sales tax and signs of economic recovery.

Swine Flu Claims 12th Victim In Mass.

Published October 2, 2009

BOSTON — A 55-year-old woman from Middlesex County has died from swine flu, the first victim of the virus in Massachusetts this fall and the 12th this year.

MassVOTE Rallies Support To Appoint Interim Senator

Published September 1, 2009

BOSTON — The voting rights group MassVOTE is organizing supporters behind a proposal to allow the governor to appoint an interim senator until a special election is held to fill the seat left vacant by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

AG Settles With Emerson Over Student Loans

Published July 21, 2009

BOSTON — Emerson College has agreed to pay the state nearly $776,000 to settle charges the school steered loan-seeking students to lenders that gave incentives to its financial aid staff.

Menino, Unions Clash Over Charter Schools

Published July 21, 2009

BOSTON — Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and teacher union officials squared off on Beacon Hill Tuesday over a controversial proposal to expand charter schools in Boston.

Reverse Discrimination Ruling Could Affect Mass. Cases

Published June 30, 2009

BOSTON — A Supreme Court ruling Monday supporting the reverse-discrimination claims of a group of mostly white firemen in New Haven, Conn. could have implications for similar cases in Massachusetts.

Supreme Court Rejects Mass. Drug Evidence Policy

Published June 25, 2009

BOSTON — The Supreme Court ruled against the Commonwealth today in a case that could have significant implications for how drug cases are prosecuted.

Toll Hike Vote Delayed, Again

Published June 24, 2009

BOSTON — The suspense over whether toll hikes will go into effect next week on the Mass Pike will continue until Monday, after the Turnpike Authority put off a vote scheduled for Thursday due to the unsettled status of the state budget.

Report: Poor Communication Led To Near Collision At Logan

Published June 24, 2009

BOSTON — Investigators are blaming a breakdown in communication for a near disaster last week at Logan Airport when a construction worker drove his truck into the path of a departing plane.

Report: Fewer Candidates Vying For Office In Mass.

Published June 15, 2009

BOSTON — A new report is raising concerns that the cost of mounting a political campaign may be keeping candidates out of the running in Massachusetts.

Menino Clashes With Rivals Over The BRA

Published May 22, 2009

BOSTON — Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is considering expanding the functions of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, even as his mayoral opponents call for curtailing the power of agency.

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