At the Chamber's Financial Services Forum this morning, Congressman Barney Frank, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, called for increased regulation of financial markets.

The Wall Street Journal noted the Chairman's offer to exchange greater oversight of "credit-creating institutions" for access to the Federal Reserve as a lender of last resort.

The Boston Globe noted Congressman Frank's "renewed" call for expanded regulation.

Bloomberg's Alison Vekshin noted the call for formation of a financial services risk regulator.

CNBC has been debating the proposal all day, and interviewed Congressman Frank here.

Reuters and the CBS News Politico also have the story.

View photos of the event here.

At yesterday's Government Affairs Forum, House Speaker Sal DiMasi vocalized his opposition to casino gaming in Massachusetts, outlined his new proposal to grow renewable energy jobs in the Commonwealth, and offered his thoughts on changes to municipal government.

With the legislature holding a major casino hearing yesterday after the speech, the Speaker's comments on gaming dominated press coverage.

The Boston Globe covered the speech in today's front page story encompassing the day's casino news. And also laid out the full prepared text.

The Boston Herald ran several articles referencing the Speaker's address, including gambling pieces by Casey Ross and Scott Van Voorhis, as well as an editorial on casinos, a story on the Speaker's plan for municipalities, and editorial thoughts on the Speaker's non-casino ideas.

The Boston Business Journal gives a rundown of the speech.

NECN ran several pieces featuring the address throughout the day. (Here and here).

WCVB Channel 5 did the same. (Here and here). 

The extensive media coverage of the event further solidified the Chamber's Government Affairs Forum as the region'sleading platform for public policy leaders to make news.

In the Speaker's own words, "The Chamber’s Government Affairs breakfasts are a meaningful way for leaders in government to get together with leaders in business to share ideas and work together to improve our great Commonwealth."

View photos of the event here.

Massachusetts Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Dan O'Connell joined Paul Guzzi & Mike Nikitas this week to discuss the economy, the pending life science legislation, and the possibility of casino gaming in the Commonwealth.  Then, Boston Globe business columnist Steve Bailey checked in on casinos, health care, and his next move. Check out the video below.

Cover Story:

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Business/Housing-and-economic-development-in-Mass-/1205709495.html

The Briefing Room:

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Business/Casino-controversy-in-the-Bay-State/1205709740.html

The Business Beat with Steve Bailey:

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Business/Business-Beat-with-Steve-Bailey/1205710127.html

On Sunday's edition of This Week in Business, Paul Guzzi and Mike Nikitas will be joined by Rich Holbrook, Chairman & CEO of Eastern Bank. He will discuss the economy from a banking perspective and how that industry has changed in the last year to adapt to the housing crisis.

Also, in the Briefing Room, Paul & Mike will be joined by Doug Beaudoin, principal for strategy and operations at Deloitte Consulting LLP. They will discuss health care cost increases and the consumer perspective. Plus Steve Bailey will be back to discuss the House passage of the life sciences bill and the continued impact of managed competition in the auto insurance industry.

Be sure to tune in to This Week in Business, Sunday at 12:30 on NECN.

On last Sunday's edition of This Week in Business, Alan LeBovidge, executive director of the Mass Turnpike Authority and Maura Banta, corporate citizenship and corporate affairs regional manager for IBM, joined Chamber president & CEO Paul Guzzi and NECN anchor Mike Nikitas.

View the video here

The Chamber released the following statement today in response to the corporate tax proposal outlined by Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi:

“The Chamber is encouraged by the revenue-neutrality of, and corporate tax rate cut included in, Speaker DiMasi’s proposal.  Given the sluggish employment market and the uncertain economic prospects that lie ahead for Massachusetts, it is essential to view any tax proposal through the lens of its impact on economic development, job creation, and overall competitiveness.  The Chamber looks forward to working with the legislature and administration to achieve a resolution that will address budgetary needs while enhancing competitiveness in these difficult economic times.”

Brooke Botello is the featured member of our Boston's Future Leaders alumni in today's edition of the Metro.

Brooke has worked at McDermott Ventures, a Boutique Strategic Communication, Public Affairs and Public Relations firm since her arrival in Boston over 4 years ago. She is also a contributing writer for Colors Magazine.

For today's column, Chamber president & CEO Paul Guzzi asked Brooke about working in Boston, advice for young grads, and other topics.

PG: What is your favorite thing about working in Boston?

BB: Boston is a world-class city with a small-town feel. I noticed immediately after moving here that everyone knows each other and there’s no 6 degrees of separation here. Most people want to really invest in making Boston great. It’s inspiring.

PG: If you could have a dinner with anyone, who would it be & why?

BB: Al Franken. I’ve read everything he’s written. He’s intelligent, unafraid to take on the opposition and laugh out loud funny.

PG: What piece of advice would you give a young college graduate starting out on his/her career?

BB: Meet with as many people in as many industries as possible. Even if you think you have no interest in the field. When you have all the information, then you can make informed decisions about your career.

Read the full interview here.

 

 

This morning Attorney General Martha Coakley addressed Chamber members at the Government Affairs Forum.

For photos of the event, click here.

For more information on the event, click here

On Sunday's edition of This Week in Business, Paul Guzzi and Mike Nikitas will be joined by John Bitner, senior vice president and chief economist at Eastern Investment Advisors. He will discuss the volatile state of the economy following Monday’s global stock sell off, the Federal Reserve's cut in the interest rate, and the economic stimulus package deal announced yesterday.

Also, in the Briefing Room, Paul & Mike will be joined by Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria, president of Bridgewater State College and special education advisor to Governor Deval Patrick.  Dr. Mohler-Faria will lend insight to the Governor's proposed educational budget as well as the status of the educational system in Massachusetts. Plus, Steve Bailey weighs in on the Blue Cross Blue Shield healthcare plan and last night's State of the State address.

Be sure to watch This Week in Business, Sunday at 12:30 p.m. on NECN.

 

Rob Nagi is this week's featured Boston Future Leader in yesterday's Metro column.