Chris Van Buskirk
@bychrisvan.bsky.social
Covering Massachusetts state politics for WBUR | [email protected]
BALLOT Q SPENDING: The coalition of business groups behind a proposed 2026 ballot question to lower the state income tax, and another to trigger more frequent tax refunds, has so far shelled out $1.6M to gather the signatures for their campaigns. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
Massachusetts business groups have so far spent $1.6M in bid to lower the state income tax
A coalition of business groups has shelled out $1.6 million so far to advance two ballot questions to lower the Massachusetts income tax and trigger more frequent tax refunds when the state collects s...
www.wbur.org
December 11, 2025 at 9:23 PM
BALLOT Q SPENDING: The coalition of business groups behind a proposed 2026 ballot question to lower the state income tax, and another to trigger more frequent tax refunds, has so far shelled out $1.6M to gather the signatures for their campaigns. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
NORFOLK DA RACE: Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey's perceived missteps in the twice-failed prosecution of Karen Read and the initial investigation into the death of Sandra Birchmore have spurred four candidates to run for his job. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
Norfolk DA Morrissey’s controversial cases have spurred several rivals to run for his seat
Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey has fielded some of Massachusetts’ highest-profile cases in recent years — from the prosecution of Karen Read in the death of her boyfriend to the in...
www.wbur.org
December 10, 2025 at 2:15 PM
NORFOLK DA RACE: Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey's perceived missteps in the twice-failed prosecution of Karen Read and the initial investigation into the death of Sandra Birchmore have spurred four candidates to run for his job. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
GOLDBERG CHALLENGER: Elizabeth Dionne, a select board member in Belmont and a registered Republican, launched a campaign for state treasurer, making her one of the first candidates to formally challenge Democratic Treasurer Deborah Goldberg. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
Belmont Select Board member Elizabeth Dionne to run for state treasurer
Elizabeth Dionne, a select board member in Belmont and a registered Republican, launched a campaign for state treasurer Tuesday, making her one of the first candidates to formally challenge Democratic...
www.wbur.org
December 9, 2025 at 8:37 PM
GOLDBERG CHALLENGER: Elizabeth Dionne, a select board member in Belmont and a registered Republican, launched a campaign for state treasurer, making her one of the first candidates to formally challenge Democratic Treasurer Deborah Goldberg. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
MINOGUE CASH: Michael Minogue's personal contributions to his gubernatorial campaign in Oct. and Nov. exceed fundraising by his Republican rivals, and top the more than $2.8M Gov. Maura Healey has raised from donors over the previous 11 months. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
December 8, 2025 at 9:00 PM
MINOGUE CASH: Michael Minogue's personal contributions to his gubernatorial campaign in Oct. and Nov. exceed fundraising by his Republican rivals, and top the more than $2.8M Gov. Maura Healey has raised from donors over the previous 11 months. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
POLITICAL DEFENSE: Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins is accepting political donations to pay for his legal defense in a federal case in which he is accused of extorting a cannabis company, according to a filing with state campaign finance regulators. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
Suffolk Sheriff Steven Tompkins accepting political donations to pay for legal defense
Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins is eyeing political donations to pay for his legal defense in a federal case where he is accused of extorting a cannabis company, according to a filing with stat...
www.wbur.org
December 8, 2025 at 8:59 PM
POLITICAL DEFENSE: Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins is accepting political donations to pay for his legal defense in a federal case in which he is accused of extorting a cannabis company, according to a filing with state campaign finance regulators. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
MINOGUE MONEY: Michael Minogue, a former biotech executive running for governor of Massachusetts as a Republican, pumped another $2 million of his own cash into his campaign last month, records show. That comes after he gave his campaign $1.5 million in October. #mapoli
December 5, 2025 at 6:37 PM
MINOGUE MONEY: Michael Minogue, a former biotech executive running for governor of Massachusetts as a Republican, pumped another $2 million of his own cash into his campaign last month, records show. That comes after he gave his campaign $1.5 million in October. #mapoli
GOP BATTLE LINES: Beacon Hill Republicans are starting to throw their support behind the party’s candidates for governor, as the three contenders jockey for support more than eight months out from the primary election. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
Mass. lawmakers hope early endorsements of GOP candidates for governor drum up support
The three Republicans vying to challenge Gov. Maura Healey are jockeying for endorsements, a year ahead of the election.
www.wbur.org
December 4, 2025 at 5:34 PM
GOP BATTLE LINES: Beacon Hill Republicans are starting to throw their support behind the party’s candidates for governor, as the three contenders jockey for support more than eight months out from the primary election. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
RENT CONTROL: Supporters of the rent control ballot question campaign, dubbed “Keep Massachusetts Home,” say their effort pits working-class residents struggling to afford housing against corporate landlords, who consistently raise rents. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
Rent control supporters say ballot question pits struggling residents against corporate landlords
Housing advocates are advancing a ballot question for next year's election that would overturn Massachusetts’ decades-long ban on rent control. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the measure would be bette...
www.wbur.org
December 2, 2025 at 8:18 PM
RENT CONTROL: Supporters of the rent control ballot question campaign, dubbed “Keep Massachusetts Home,” say their effort pits working-class residents struggling to afford housing against corporate landlords, who consistently raise rents. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
NATURE BALLOT Q: Nature groups say a proposed ballot question for next year’s election could raise more than $100 million to help preserve natural areas and create more outdoor recreational spaces in Massachusetts, including trails and parks. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
Nature groups say ballot proposal would tap $100 million from Mass. sales tax for conservation
A coalition of more than 60 conservation and nature groups say a proposed ballot question for next year’s election could raise millions to help conserve natural areas and create more outdoor recreatio...
www.wbur.org
December 1, 2025 at 6:25 PM
NATURE BALLOT Q: Nature groups say a proposed ballot question for next year’s election could raise more than $100 million to help preserve natural areas and create more outdoor recreational spaces in Massachusetts, including trails and parks. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/12...
MIGRANT PROTECTIONS: Immigrant rights advocates called on Beacon Hill Democrats Tuesday to pass a trio of policies they argued would bolster protections for migrants who are being targeted for deportation. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
Immigrant groups want Beacon Hill to bolster protections for migrants in Massachusetts
Immigrant rights advocates called on Beacon Hill Democrats Tuesday to pass a trio of policies they argued would bolster protections for migrants who are being targeted for deportation amid a push by P...
www.wbur.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:24 PM
MIGRANT PROTECTIONS: Immigrant rights advocates called on Beacon Hill Democrats Tuesday to pass a trio of policies they argued would bolster protections for migrants who are being targeted for deportation. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
GOP GOV PRIMARY: Michael Minogue, a wealthy former biotech executive running for gov, told me he does not " identify with a party," but also argues there are " two parties and you had to pick." More in a lengthy Q&A. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
We asked, they answered: GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue
WBUR sat down with gubernatorial candidate Michael Minogue to discuss immigration, his strategy for taking on Healey, his past support for President Trump and the White House’s focus on Massachusetts.
www.wbur.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:24 PM
GOP GOV PRIMARY: Michael Minogue, a wealthy former biotech executive running for gov, told me he does not " identify with a party," but also argues there are " two parties and you had to pick." More in a lengthy Q&A. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
MASSGOP BACKS DEATON: John Deaton secured a key endorsement Thursday from the Massachusetts Republican Party in his bid for U.S. Senate, giving him an edge over potential primary rivals despite losing his last Senate run. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
John Deaton wins early MassGOP endorsement in Senate race
The attorney and cryptocurrency advocate secured a key endorsement from the state Republican Party, giving him an edge over potential primary rivals.
www.wbur.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:13 PM
MASSGOP BACKS DEATON: John Deaton secured a key endorsement Thursday from the Massachusetts Republican Party in his bid for U.S. Senate, giving him an edge over potential primary rivals despite losing his last Senate run. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
BALLOT QUESTIONS: Ballot questions about rent control, all-party state primaries and funding for water and nature conservancy are among those expected to clear a major hurdle Wednesday to advance toward the 2026 ballot. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
Ballot questions on rent control, all-party primaries and legislative stipends expected to move forward
Ballot questions about rent control, all-party state primaries and funding for water and nature conservancy were among those expected to clear a major hurdle Wednesday to advance toward the 2026 ballo...
www.wbur.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
BALLOT QUESTIONS: Ballot questions about rent control, all-party state primaries and funding for water and nature conservancy are among those expected to clear a major hurdle Wednesday to advance toward the 2026 ballot. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
TAIWAN TRIP: The Taiwanese government paid thousands of dollars to fly New England lawmakers to Taiwan for a multi-day visit this month that included a stay at a five-star hotel in Taipei and meetings with top officials, according to an ethics filing and lawmakers. www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
Taiwanese government paid thousands for New England lawmakers to visit
In his ethics filing, state Sen. Adam Gomez said the trip promoted the interests of Massachusetts because the state “shares a mutual interest with Taiwan on trade, investment, and innovation.” State l...
www.wbur.org
November 17, 2025 at 2:10 PM
TAIWAN TRIP: The Taiwanese government paid thousands of dollars to fly New England lawmakers to Taiwan for a multi-day visit this month that included a stay at a five-star hotel in Taipei and meetings with top officials, according to an ethics filing and lawmakers. www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
SHELTER SPENDING: Months after Gov. Maura Healey's administration stopped regularly publishing shelter data, public records released to @wbur.org show the state has so far shelled out roughly $109M in FY26 on the emergency assistance program and related services. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
The state has spent $109 million on emergency shelter services since July
There were 2,047 families in emergency shelters this week, down from more than 7,600 at the peak in July 2024, according to state data. As a result, costs are falling.
www.wbur.org
November 6, 2025 at 10:46 PM
SHELTER SPENDING: Months after Gov. Maura Healey's administration stopped regularly publishing shelter data, public records released to @wbur.org show the state has so far shelled out roughly $109M in FY26 on the emergency assistance program and related services. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch’s campaign has paid a $55K penalty to resolve allegations that it received thousands of dollars in illegal corporate contributions, anonymous donations, prohibited checks and donations where the true source of the money was not clear. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
Quincy mayor's campaign pays $55K to resolve campaign finance violations
State campaign finance regulators found that in 2022 to 2023, Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch's campaign received thousands of dollars in illegal corporate contributions, anonymous donations, prohibited chec...
www.wbur.org
November 5, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch’s campaign has paid a $55K penalty to resolve allegations that it received thousands of dollars in illegal corporate contributions, anonymous donations, prohibited checks and donations where the true source of the money was not clear. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
LEGISLATIVE AUDIT: A year after voters gave State Auditor DiZoglio the green light to audit the Legislature, she remains locked in a stalemate with lawmakers who oppose the effort and with AG Campbell, who has yet to agree to let DiZoglio file a legal challenge. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
State legislative audit stuck in limbo one year after voters approved ballot initiative
At the crux of the deadlock: Democratic lawmakers’ refuse to participate in an audit — they argue it violates separation of powers principles. DiZoglio wants to sue them into compliance, but Attorney ...
www.wbur.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:38 PM
LEGISLATIVE AUDIT: A year after voters gave State Auditor DiZoglio the green light to audit the Legislature, she remains locked in a stalemate with lawmakers who oppose the effort and with AG Campbell, who has yet to agree to let DiZoglio file a legal challenge. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
MINOGUE MONEY: Michael Minogue, a wealthy former biotechnology executive, poured $1.5M of his own money into his campaign for governor and raised more than $373K from individual donors during his first month in the race, according to state records and his spox. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
GOP mega-donor Michael Minogue pours $1.5 million into his own Mass. gubernatorial campaign
The former biotech executive's funding far outpaced his Republican opponents last month, his first in the race. All three are well behind Gov. Maura Healey’s $4.4 million campaign war chest.
www.wbur.org
November 4, 2025 at 10:13 PM
MINOGUE MONEY: Michael Minogue, a wealthy former biotechnology executive, poured $1.5M of his own money into his campaign for governor and raised more than $373K from individual donors during his first month in the race, according to state records and his spox. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
BEACON HILL EFFICIENCY? With just weeks left before they close out formal business for the first half of the two-year term, legislative Democrats have managed to send a brief list of major bills to Gov. Maura Healey's desk. Critics expected more. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
State legislators pledged efficiency, but critics expected more amid Trump's attacks on Mass.
Legislative leaders in Massachusetts kicked off this session with pledges to get more business done. But a WBUR analysis found that most of the major bills that cleared the House or Senate have sat un...
www.wbur.org
November 4, 2025 at 12:56 PM
BEACON HILL EFFICIENCY? With just weeks left before they close out formal business for the first half of the two-year term, legislative Democrats have managed to send a brief list of major bills to Gov. Maura Healey's desk. Critics expected more. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Chris Van Buskirk
Gov. Healey raised thousands of dollars for her reelection from a group of Florida lawyers from Morgan & Morgan @wbur.org @bychrisvan.bsky.social
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
Healey raised thousands from Florida lawyers last month, records show
Gov. Maura Healey traveled to Miami for roughly 24 hours last month to hold a pair of fundraisers for her campaign and the state Democratic party, a trip that appeared to net tens of thousands of doll...
www.wbur.org
November 2, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Gov. Healey raised thousands of dollars for her reelection from a group of Florida lawyers from Morgan & Morgan @wbur.org @bychrisvan.bsky.social
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
HEALEY’S CABINET: Gov. Maura Healey’s cabinet has seen major turnover this year, in roles from veteran services to transportation, as the first-term Democrat faces reelection in 2026 and a continuing onslaught from the Trump administration. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
Nearly half of Gov. Healey's cabinet has turned over as she heads into an election year
Gov. Maura Healey’s cabinet has seen major turnover this year, in roles from veteran services to transportation, as the first-term Democrat faces reelection in 2026 and a continuing onslaught from the...
www.wbur.org
October 27, 2025 at 11:47 AM
HEALEY’S CABINET: Gov. Maura Healey’s cabinet has seen major turnover this year, in roles from veteran services to transportation, as the first-term Democrat faces reelection in 2026 and a continuing onslaught from the Trump administration. #mapoli www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Chris Van Buskirk
Mass. state lawmakers want to investigate sheriff spending - and withhold $120 million in supplemental funding. Sheriffs say they went over budget for union raises, medical care for prisoners + free phone calls @wbur.org @bychrisvan.bsky.social
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
Mass. sheriffs point to labor, medical, phone call expenses amid budget scrutiny
Massachusetts street lawmakers threatened to withhold funds from county sheriffs and investigate their spending last week amid scrutiny on overspending. But sheriffs said budget overruns were largely ...
www.wbur.org
October 20, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Mass. state lawmakers want to investigate sheriff spending - and withhold $120 million in supplemental funding. Sheriffs say they went over budget for union raises, medical care for prisoners + free phone calls @wbur.org @bychrisvan.bsky.social
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Chris Van Buskirk
Trump admin pauses Cape Cod bridge funding @wbur.org @bychrisvan.bsky.social www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
Trump administration pauses Cape Cod bridge funding
The federal government said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would be “immediately pausing over $11 billion in lower-priority projects and considering them for cancellation” as a result of the federal...
www.wbur.org
October 18, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Trump admin pauses Cape Cod bridge funding @wbur.org @bychrisvan.bsky.social www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Chris Van Buskirk
Republican super PACs bringing in big bucks to oppose @massgovernor.bsky.social @wbur.org @bychrisvan.bsky.social
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
Super PAC targets Gov. Healey as Republican race ramps up
The super PAC, dubbed Commonwealth Unity, has more than $1 million since it was created in May, records show. It has spent just over $34,000 to oppose Healey thus far.
www.wbur.org
October 16, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Republican super PACs bringing in big bucks to oppose @massgovernor.bsky.social @wbur.org @bychrisvan.bsky.social
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10...
SHELTER DATA: Gov. Healey’s administration no longer publishes a public, regular accounting of how much the state is spending in the current fiscal year on emergency shelters housing homeless families because a state law mandating the data expired. #mapoli www.bostonherald.com/2025/10/12/g...
Healey stopped publishing regular accounting of state-run shelter spending
The lack of information about fiscal year 2026 spending comes as the Healey administration spent $978.2 million in fiscal year 2025 on the emergency assistance program and related services.
www.bostonherald.com
October 12, 2025 at 2:16 PM
SHELTER DATA: Gov. Healey’s administration no longer publishes a public, regular accounting of how much the state is spending in the current fiscal year on emergency shelters housing homeless families because a state law mandating the data expired. #mapoli www.bostonherald.com/2025/10/12/g...