Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney frequently boasts how he and his team "were able to turn around the job losses" in Massachusetts during his single term as governor.

The architects of Rhode Island's pension overhaul plan said Friday their proposal won't reduce benefits that public workers have already earned, but stressed the need for a "one-time" comprehensive fix rather than piecemeal changes.

Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a $30.6 billion budget that he said lowers overall state spending while laying the groundwork for an ongoing economic recovery in Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts House voted Tuesday to dramatically strengthen the power of city and town leaders to change health insurance plans for municipal employees over the objections of unions.