“The problem with new programs is that they always look good, until you can’t afford them and people come to depend on them.”

Bruce Tarr, Republican leader of the Massachusetts Senate. Tarr was objecting to the budget proposal released by Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, which calls for a 7.4 percent spending increase. Tarr said increased spending and bonding in areas such as infrastructure and higher education may be popular but argued that stagnating revenues mean the commonwealth should not be taking on so many additional obligations. (WCVB – Jan. 26, 2025)