Massachusetts: Massachusetts

By Joseph Williams, Globe Staff WASHINGTON -- Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, whose father was an auto executive during the industry's post-World War II heyday, today called GM's bankruptcy "a sad day" for the nation as well as "a son...

New report from big time Boston think tanks Rappaport Institute and Collins Center says there's gold in them thar GIC hills:

 The study finds that, by joining the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), Springfield cut increases in its health care costs an estimated $14 million to $18 million over two years. It saved an additional $5 million per year by requiring eligible municipal retirees to enroll in Medicare Part B as a precondition of receiving supplemental health coverage from the City. These two actions, together, reduced increases in the City’s health care costs an estimated 15-19% annually, on average, with savings growth each year due to compounding.

Please join us for a live chat with Rep. Niki Tsongas of Massachusetts' 5th congressional district.  Send in your questions and comments using the box at the bottom of the chat window -- we will get to as many of them as we can.

BMG chats with Rep. Niki Tsongas - 11 a.m.

We're pleased to welcome Representative Niki Tsongas (MA-05) to Blue Mass. Group tomorrow today at 11 for a live chat using the fabulous Cover It Live tool.  Starting at 11 a.m., we'll be asking Rep. Tsongas questions about the goings-on in our nation's capital and in Massachusetts' 5th congressional district, and we'll be taking your questions and comments as well.  It's just like talk radio, except in writing and without the racism.  ;-)

So please check in at BMG tomorrow today at around 11.  The chat window will appear automatically - you don't need any special software.