Latest news with #stateGovernment
CBS News
2 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Map shows where state-owned land in Massachusetts could be developed for new housing
Land that's owned by the state could soon become spots for new housing in Massachusetts. Over the past year, a team has worked to find state-owned sites that could be developed. "In total, we've identified more than three dozen sites covering about 450 acres of land that can be used to build several thousand homes," Gov. Maura Healey said Monday. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said that in additional to affordable housing, there will also be new middle-income housing, "for the folks who are working hard, don't need or qualify for a subsidy, but can't afford some of the housing prices that we're seeing in communities, places that used to be affordable." State-owned land in Massachusetts that could be developed for housing. Click here for an interactive map showing state-owned land that's being developed for housing. There are more than 1,500 housing units on state land in the pipeline right now. Among the sites being developed are the former Boston State Hospital campus in Mattapan, the old Veterans home in Chelsea and a site near the Roxbury Crossing MBTA station. The former Department of Unemployment Assistance building in Brockton and the South Campus at Salem State University are also being turned into housing. Over the next six months, Healey said developers will submit proposals that will transform vacant buildings in Lowell and Fitchburg, as well as sites at Bridgewater State University and Middlesex Community College. In total, 17 more sites will be made available to developers over the next year. Other sites being eyed for housing development include the now-closed MCI Concord prison and the old Lowell Superior Courthouse building.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Where's the budget?' Floridians grow impatient over state budget battle
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — As Florida eyes the skies for hurricane season, there's another storm brewing over at the statehouse, Lawmakers have yet to hammer out a budget plan and the clock is ticking. State senators and representatives have been back home in their districts for about a month now, and their constituents have one big question: where's the state budget? DUI driver who killed Lake Placid teen drove 5x the legal limit 'They're wondering when we're going to complete the budget; there's, there's a lot of that more than I anticipated,' said State Senator Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach. With weeks to go before the new fiscal year kicks off, 8 On Your Side spoke to several local leaders in the bay area to get to the bottom of the budget battle. 'What I assured them is a number of things, #1 is that there will be a state budget,' said State Representative Berny Jacques, R-Seminole. 'There will be no state government shutdown. They can take that to the bank. Secondly, I make sure that they know that we are going to cut wasteful spending in state government. That's not negotiable. There will be cuts to wasteful spending. And third, I let them know that the key functions of government will be funded everything from public safety to education. Those things will be funded in an adequate and a strong manner.' 'I do anticipate us getting this budget done by June 30,' said Senator DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach. 'We will eventually get our heads together and hash this out, come to an agreement, and pass a budget that I think all of us would be very proud of.' 'The work is still ongoing,' said State Representative Adam Anderson, R-Palm Harbor. 'We still need to get our budget done, it's the one thing that we're constitutionally required to do when the legislature meets and we're still working on that. It's a process that involves a little bit of a shift from where we've been in the past.' So, what's the hold up? According to lawmakers, it's the tax reform package.'We're trying to decide, you know, the tax package,' DiCeglie said. 'There are sales tax elements to it. We've got sales tax holidays that are element.' DiCeglie said they want to tackle this issue carefully and make sure that two, three years down the road, they aren't putting future legislatures in a position to have to raise taxes. House members agree, hoping this time around they can shift the narrative of past sessions, saying it's not just about the year ahead.'Whenever we go through a change from what the status quo is, you know, sometimes it could look a little bit messy from the outside, but everyone's on the same page to be able to get to the arrival point,' Anderson said. 'There might be a little difference of opinion of how we get there, but those things are getting flushed out and the conversations are ongoing.' The governor continues to flag major issues with budget delays, saying budget delays are already affecting Floridians back home from getting sales tax relief — like his 2nd Amendment tax holiday, a hurricane preparation sales holiday, and a boater fuel sales tax.'You only have one job, one real job in the legislature, and that's to do the appropriations and the budget,' DeSantis members extended the budget deadline until June 6, which is only one week away. So, can they pass a budget before then? Some lawmakers are not too hopeful, waiting for the governor to step in. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Free Malaysia Today
7 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak's education reforms: from vision to action
While in Sarawak this week to celebrate Hari Gawai, I would like to take a moment to commend the state government for its courageous and forward-looking approach to education reform. At a time when debates in Peninsular Malaysia continue to circle around whether or not to reform, Sarawak has charged ahead. It has asserted its autonomy and demonstrated clear resolve through a series of landmark educational policies that signal a deep and genuine commitment to uplifting its people. Embracing English Perhaps the most striking move has been Sarawak's decision to diverge from national policy by reinstating English as the primary medium of instruction in all its schools. This isn't just a linguistic shift—it's a strategic move toward global readiness. Proficiency in English remains critical for accessing knowledge in science, technology, and international arenas. By prioritising this, Sarawak is preparing its youth for global engagement, ensuring they are not left behind in an increasingly competitive world. Restoring academic benchmarks Sarawak has also reintroduced Standard 6 assessments, bucking the federal trend of abolishing them. This decision underscores the state's focus on academic benchmarking and early interventions. These exams provide a vital checkpoint to gauge students' preparedness for secondary education, allowing for targeted support where needed. It's a clear statement: excellence must be measurable, and progress must be tracked. Free tertiary education Most transformative of all, Sarawak has instituted free education for all Sarawakians—from primary school to technical colleges and universities. This sweeping policy removes financial barriers and opens doors for every child, regardless of background. It's a bold reminder that education is not a privilege for the few, but a fundamental right for all. A strong education system does far more than produce graduates. It nurtures thinkers, problem-solvers and future leaders. It cultivates resilience, vision, and a sense of civic responsibility—elements essential for building a robust and inclusive society. Blueprint for the future Sarawak's approach is more than a state policy—it's a reformed blueprint for how education can be harnessed as a catalyst for comprehensive development. Economically, a well-educated population forms the backbone of a skilled and innovative workforce. As the world revolves toward a knowledge economy, Sarawak's investment in human capital positions it to attract high-value industries, foster entrepreneurship, and move beyond reliance on traditional sectors like timber and oil palm. By shifting toward the digital economy, green technology, advanced manufacturing, aviation and logistics, Sarawak is staking a claim in the industries of the future. An educated workforce brings with it adaptability, innovation and the ability to command higher wages, ultimately lifting communities out of poverty and into prosperity. Social cohesion through education Education is equally powerful as a social force. It breaks cycles of underemployment and marginalisation. It fosters understanding across ethnic and cultural divides—a vital function in a diverse state like Sarawak. Educated citizens are better equipped to engage in meaningful discourse, to advocate for social justice, and to drive inclusive progress. In essence, education builds not just careers but character—and many a community. Healthy democracy Politically, an educated electorate is the bedrock of a functioning democracy. Informed citizens can hold leaders accountable, insist on accountability, transparency, and contribute to better governance. Sarawak's long-term vision is clear: to cultivate a generation of leaders who are capable, grounded and committed to the people they represent. Education, in this light, becomes the great equalizer. It levels the playing field and opens doors that once seemed sealed and shut. For Sarawak to thrive as a model of inclusive and sustainable development, education must remain central—not just as a policy priority, but as a guiding principle. The returns on this investment—economic, social, and political—are immeasurable. However, I do hope that progress in education does not erase or dissipate the cultural aspects, customs and heritage diversity of its populace. To all Sarawakians, I wish you Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai—a long life, wellness, and a bountiful Gawai. The author can be reached at: rosli@ The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
ABC News
28-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Labor faces funding crossroads for Adelaide freight bypass ahead of state budget
It is estimated almost 500,000 trucks travel down Adelaide's South Eastern Freeway into South Australia's bustling metropolitan road network annually. Discussions about how to move this freight away from the city have swirled through communities surrounding the state's major freight routes for years. However, progress on such a concept has been harder to achieve. The potential for a bypass around Truro, a small town along the Sturt Highway which connects South Australia to Victoria, was assessed by the state government in the late 2000s. A South Australian Highway High Productivity Vehicles Freight Network Access project was then identified as a priority in 2016 by Infrastructure Australia. Momentum began to grow in 2021 when former Commonwealth and state governments committed to the project, until it was eventually canned in a federal infrastructure review in 2023, taking more than $202 million in funding off the table. Fast-forward to the recent federal election campaign and Adelaide's biggest freight thoroughfares sat in the state's most marginal electorates of Boothby and Sturt. It did not take long for a conversation to reignite, nor for a proposal for a Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass to become a cornerstone election promise, as both major parties jostled for votes. The freight bypass project is far more comprehensive than earlier proposals. The $1 billion plan promises to deliver a Truro bypass, duplication of the Swanport Bridge near Murray Bridge, and upgrades between Monarto and the Sturt Highway. And while both major parties seemed to agree the project was the way forward in starting to address the state's freight conundrum, there was one key difference. Federal Labor was willing to fork out 50 per cent of the money needed to fund the proposal, while the Coalition put a hefty 80 per cent on the table. Premier Peter Malinauskas remained tight-lipped on just how much money his government was willing to stump up, however he made it clear that he would welcome "better than a 50:50 split". "This is a national highway project, it's not a local metropolitan road, so we think that 50:50 should only be a baseline; we'd love to see it grow from there," he said in April. Two months on, Labor was emphatically returned to government, holding onto Boothby, taking hold of Sturt and recording a statewide swing of more than 5 per cent. And as the state government prepares to hand down its fourth budget — its last before the state election — SA Labor finds itself at its own crossroads. It recognises a need to build a bypass, but is it willing to commit to an equal split, or will Mr Malinauskas take the fight to Canberra to get a bigger slice of the pie? It is hard to find a more popular premier in Australia than Peter Malinauskas. He stormed to victory in 2022 with promises to fix the South Australia's hospital ramping crisis and not introduce new taxes. But despite ramping hours reaching its highest numbers ever under his watch, the premier has seized multiple opportunities to grow his popularity. From bringing the AFL Gather Round to South Australia, to the eleventh-hour rescue of the Whyalla steelworks, Mr Malinauskas has drawn a lot of attention to the state. He appeared alongside South Australian Labor senate candidates on corflutes during this year's federal election — a sign of his widespread appeal. Even former Liberal leader Peter Dutton complemented the premier at a pre-election function, calling him the "smoothest" in the country. However, the bypass challenge is shaping up a little differently for Mr Malinauskas. To see the "better" split he previously welcomed, he will need to call upon his Canberra counterparts to waive its current equal-share infrastructure funding policy. It is the same policy introduced after the review that promptly put the previous Truro bypass to rest and saw the end of 80 per cent federal contributions. The Malinauskas government has already announced it will partner 50:50 with the Commonwealth to deliver two major infrastructure projects in Adelaide, splitting a combined total of $330 million, ahead of its June budget. It remains to be seen whether a city freight bypass will follow suit. "The state government has said we will appropriately consider funding arrangements for all federal partnerships as part of our normal budget process," a SA government spokesperson said.
ABC News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Crime to continue dominating politics
Samantha Donovan: Combating crime has emerged as a key priority for voters around the country. Survey data released before the federal election showed crime had jumped from the ninth to the third top issue voters want addressed. And political analysts are expecting it'll also be an issue in coming state elections. Kimberley Price has more. Kimberley Price: Getting tough on crime is a rising priority for politicians across Australia. As state and territory governments deal with community frustration about crime. Political scientist Paul Williams from Griffith University says, particularly in post-COVID Australia, voters are putting pressure on their leaders. Paul Williams: There's no doubt that no matter where you live in Australia, which state or territory, city or regions or bush, youth crime is an issue. And I think that it's something that, you know, any state or territory government that doesn't address it is bound to be punished by the electorate. Kimberley Price: That pressure is leading to some big and often expensive commitments. The latest is Victoria. After passing its stricter bail laws, the government has earmarked $727 million to increase capacity in jails. That'll include a thousand new adult prison beds and 88 new beds in youth detention. Enver Erdogan is the Victorian Minister for Corrections. Enver Erdogan: We have made significant investments in the physical infrastructure across our corrections and youth justice system. This is about scaling up the system. Kimberley Price: This comes after elections in Queensland. The Northern Territory and Western Australia all saw campaigns fought with tough on crime policies. There's clear data showing that voters are increasingly looking for politicians that tackle crime. Research from Roy Morgan released during the federal election campaign showed crime was rated the third most significant issue of concern for voters behind cost of living and health. Julian McCrann is the head of the Roy Morgan poll. Julian McCrann: It really came up as one of the big increases for any of the issues that we measure, which was not expected. But when you think about what's been going on, particularly Queensland, Victoria, Northern Territory, you can understand why. Kimberley Price: In Victoria, a by-election for the state seat of Prahran in February highlighted this growing political reality. Julian McCrann: And that swung from the Greens to the Liberals. When you look at the conservative side of politics, they do tend to offer a tougher approach. And when crime is high or perceived to be high, at least it is effective. Kimberley Price: While governments are toughening up bail laws and promising to put more people behind bars, there are critics who argue that does little to fix the problem. David Murray from Jesuit Social Services believes the Victorian government is reacting to public pressure rather than proven methods. David Murray: You know, in Victoria, it's a small number. And the police have identified a small group of people who are committing very large numbers of repeat offences. But it's a very tiny number of people, relatively. So, yes, I think the government is, in a sense, captured by this volatile and sort of very dramatised media discussion. We have long advocated and continue to advocate for a stronger investment and commitment to addressing the drivers of criminal behaviour. Kimberley Price: Professor Williams believes it will be a major focus at upcoming elections. Paul Williams: Given that the sting seems to be coming out of the cost of living crisis, it's therefore likely that other issues are going to overtake cost of living. And the most likely candidate for a state like Victoria where there have been crime problems is youth justice. So I'm expecting, you know, youth crime to actually dominate the Victorian election. Samantha Donovan: That's Professor Paul Williams from Griffith Uni, Kimberley Price reporting.
