State lawmakers in the Dorchester delegation are calling for the state insurance commissioner to delay rules that they say will put insurance agents who serve urban areas out of business. Lawmakers, including state Reps. Marty Walsh and Linda Dorcena Forry, met for about two hours last Wednesday with Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burnes and over 150 insurance agents, who argued that they'll be cut out of business because of the state implementing auto insurance reform.  Read more

In a few short weeks, on April 8, my administration will present the City of Boston's preliminary budget for fiscal year 2010 to the City Council. In crafting budget proposals for next year, I have challenged all departments to do more with less during these difficult economic times. As I shared in my recent address to the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, I am pursuing a three point strategy to stabilize the city's budget and move Boston forward.  Read more

District 3 City Councillor Maureen Feeney's chief of staff, Renie Smith, who has earned a stellar reputation serving the neighborhood with the councillor for 11 years, is working her last day in City Hall today, at least for the time being. Smith, who resides in the Cedar Grove neighborhood, said she's thoroughly enjoyed the job, but is looking forward to taking a little break as well.

"Maureen's just getting ready to start another campaign and I know how much work goes into that," said Smith. "I just thought it would be easier for someone new to start now.  Read more

House lawmakers voted 126-19 Thursday to create a committee of House and Senate members to handle the decennial task of re-drawing the lines of Congressional and legislative districts.

The House voted 132-23 to reject an alternative plan that called for an independent, eight-member commission to take on redistricting and deliver its recommendations to the Legislature, which would have the option of rejecting them.  Read more