BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE WEDNESDAY FEB. 4, 2026) — One of THE PLANET‘s major premises , derived from a lifetime of study, much of it close-up with first-hand research and experience, holds that ALL government is corrupt. It’s simply a matter of degree. That much is inarguable. When power and money combine, especially in the public sector where we entrust the skunks to police themselves, you can bet your Davy Crockett iron-ons that imposture exists.
Which is why we are proud to continue a journalistic tradition begun by Ambrose Bierce and brought to art by Henry Louis Mencken. A journalist taking artillery practice on feckless politicians hands society with one of its most precious safeguards of sanity.
For anyone who wants to defend to shrill, banshee matriarchy that passes for state “government,” THE PLANET presents this reality check–information from the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.
Massfiscal.com
Clean Heat Tax On Hold As Healey Pivots Towards Election ️
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| The Healey administration has quietly delayed implementation of the Clean Heat Standard, a costly new energy mandate that would raise home heating bills across Massachusetts. Originally scheduled to take effect in 2026, the policy is now pushed to January 2028, safely after the next gubernatorial election. Independent analysis estimates the mandate would increase annual heating costs by hundreds of dollars, hitting working families, seniors, and small businesses the hardest.
Despite claiming the delay is about affordability reviews, state agencies have already been collecting detailed data for years. The timing reveals a clear political calculation, not new information.
Read more about how the Clean Heat Standard raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the true cost of the state’s Net Zero agenda by clicking here .
Watch our latest reporting on this breaking development here . |
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That Time of Year: U-Haul Report Shows MA Ranks Near Bottom for Growth as Residents Keep Leaving
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| Massachusetts once again ranked in the bottom five of the U-Haul Growth Index, landing 46th nationwide and dead last in New England. The latest data reinforces what families and employers already feel every day: high taxes, soaring housing costs, and rigid Net Zero mandates are making the Commonwealth harder to afford. While Beacon Hill continues to dismiss outmigration concerns, the numbers show residents are voting with their feet year after year. Even the Boston Globe is now acknowledging the trend, reporting that Massachusetts had a net loss of more than 33,000 residents to other states in 2025 alone ➡️.
As states like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina continue attracting people and businesses, Massachusetts remains stuck doubling down on policies that drive costs higher. Read more about why this data is a warning sign for the state’s economic future and why leaders can no longer ignore the consequences of their decisions.
Read the full statement here. |
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Temporary Energy Discounts Don’t Solve Beacon Hill’s Broken System ⚡
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| During Governor Healey’s State of the Commonwealth address, she announced $180 million in temporary electric and gas bill reductions for February and March. Let us be clear: this is a political gimmick that does nothing to fix the root causes of record-high energy costs. Years of opposition to natural gas infrastructure, rigid Net Zero mandates, and regulatory add-ons have left Massachusetts families paying some of the highest utility bills in the nation. All her bill does is shift the increase in our monthly bills to less energy intensive months and use ratepayer dollars to cover bills temporarily. It’s not meaningful reform and it’s not saving you anything.
Until Beacon Hill repeals the Net Zero by 2050 mandates and addresses underlying infrastructure problems, households will continue to shoulder the burden. Energy affordability cannot be solved with short-term fixes. We call on the state to deliver real, lasting solutions.
Read our full statement here and watch our video on Healey’s deferred payment gimmick here. |
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Prominent Massachusetts Manufacturers Call it Quits
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| Massachusetts is facing another stark reminder that Beacon Hill’s economic policies are driving employers out of the state. Just months after Curia Global was celebrated as “Manufacturer of the Year” by the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus, the company quietly announced it will close its Burlington facility, eliminating 81 jobs. Now, Cape Cod Potato Chips is shutting down its Hyannis plant, moving production out of state and cutting 49 more jobs, ending decades of local operations. These closures underscore a growing pattern: high taxes, high utility bills, rigid Net Zero mandates, and a burdensome regulatory environment are making Massachusetts uncompetitive.
During her recent State of the Commonwealth, Governor Healey made a big deal about convincing TransMedics, a company already based in Somerville, from moving to New Hampshire. Our position: It should not require millions in special tax incentives to convince businesses to stay here. If Massachusetts were truly competitive, companies would stay without being bribed.
Awards, photo ops, and ceremonial praise cannot replace affordability and real reform. MassFiscal calls on Beacon Hill to repeal the Net Zero by 2050 mandate, lower taxes, and restore policies that allow employers and working families to thrive or the state will continue losing the jobs that once made it strong.
Watch our video here. |
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———- ooo ———-
The Loon Left, which has taken the once-respected liberal left from Boardwalk to Baltic Avenue, might be happy with all this, but tell you what: The Kapanskis hate it, and a debased electoral process prevents them from doing anything about it.
Right, Lumpy?
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“Murderers, violent criminals, sex abusers–in other words, the ‘houseless’ and ‘undocumented citizens‘ — Sir Donald Turpentine, Knight of the Bath.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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Blogger Dan Valenti’s post SCAPEGOATS Governor Maura Healey (and the other women state leaders) for all of the economic problems in Massachusetts.
What about….?
Trump’s BIG federal funding cuts to Medicaid (Mass-Health), SNAP, homeless programs, public education, and so on? Trump’s federal budget cuts is negatively impacting Massachusetts’ state budget.
Massachusetts state lawmakers being excessively unproductive, not helping the local taxpayers in Boston and other municipalities by always and predictably under-funding state aid to cities and towns, and doing very little to defend the liberal state from Trump’s conservative policies?
Boston’s 2 years in a row double digit local tax increases? How come Boston’s state lawmakers are not assisting Boston with increased state aid to Boston’s financially constrained municipal government? Boston’s local taxpayers should NOT be facing a second straight year of double-digit local tax increases in 2026.
Governor Maura Healey is campaigning for reelection in 2026 by saying that she will stand up to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Is that the reason for this blatantly anti-Governor Maura Healey blog post?
My heart goes out to all of the marginalized common people, families, small businesses, and so on in Massachusetts (and beyond), who blogger Dan Valenti is fighting for by writing, blogging, and allowing the proverbial “Jon Melle from Pittsfield, MA”, who resides in Southern New Hampshire, to publish my political letters, while The Berkshire Eagle and other liberal newspapers in Massachusetts have blacklisted my FREE SPEECH for the past over 2 decades of my 50.5-year-old life. They advocate for government transparency and freedom of the press, but have silenced my voice for many years – DOUBLE STANDARDS!
I share blogger Dan Valenti’s advocacy for the little guy that he describes as the fictional Kapanski family who works hard to live in Pittsfield, MA, and who the state and local career politicians treat as their ATM, a doormat on a good day, and a toilet to shit on an the bad days.
I don’t share his SCAPEGOATING of Governor Maura Healey and the other liberal women elected officials in the Boston Statehouse. We live in a DEMOCRACY whereby Governor Maura Healey and other liberal women politicians should NOT be blamed for all of the economic problem in Massachusetts.
JM, I’m quoting your last paragraph and have a couple of questions for you.
You state, “I don’t share his SCAPEGOATING of Governor Maura Healey and the other liberal women elected officials in the Boston Statehouse. We live in a DEMOCRACY whereby Governor Maura Healey and other liberal women politicians should NOT be blamed for all of the economic problem in Massachusetts.”
My first question, where does the Governor of any state rank, in terms of Executive Officer of that particular state? **Think chain of command** Who signs the bills.
My second question, why can’t women be blamed for their political blunders, fraudulently (and criminally) spending US/MA taxpayer money on illegal aliens, and pushing green energy scams and racist DEI agendas, on MA citizens?
My third question, do you work? If not, why not? If you can volunteer at your local VA, as you claim to do, why can’t you work a cash register at WalMart? Or sweep floors and empty garbage at Target? Your posts are heavily leaning towards Marxist positions, but they are articulate. Meaning, you could work a cash register or sweep floors. I’ve seen the people rounding up carts at WalMart. You could do that too. You’re just lazy, not disabled. You use that term as a crutch. I’m disabled too, but I’ve worked fulltime all my life and raised kids. I never adopted a “victim mentality” like you have. My family never would have allowed it.
My last question, define in your terms, “Scapegoating of Governor Healey.” Dan wrote a couple of articles about her crushing MA businesses/taxpayers with taxes, green energy scams, and illegal aliens. Others and I posted stories about businesses and families moving out of MA, because of all this. We even provided links to back up the stories.
So, what is “Scapegoating Governor Healey?”
Sounds to me, people are holding her accountable. You know, kind of like you claim to do in all your posts. Or as you call it, a Democracy.
Well, except for your two dream-gals, Gov Maura Healey and Tricia Farley-Country Buffet (d-illegal aliens). They are untouchable in your puppy-love stricken eyes.
Didn’t I read on here TFCB blocked your emails because you began expressing your love for her or you began complimenting her on her looks in your emails to her?
I hope it’s not true, but it would certainly explain your “untouchable” political position of those two.
You are an idiot.
The reason taxes are so high in this state is because MA is a sanctuary state run by Democrats. Who do you think is paying to house, feed, educate and treat illegal aliens? It’s costing billions of dollars that could have been used to assist citizens of this country who work for a living and pay taxes.
The federal government is correct in withholding funds from sanctuary states as nowhere in the constitution are rights extended to illegal aliens.
Move to a Marxist country! Oh wait, you would lose all your benefits!
“I don’t share his SCAPEGOATING of Governor Maura Healey and the other liberal women elected officials in the Boston Statehouse. We live in a DEMOCRACY whereby Governor Maura Healey and other liberal women politicians should NOT be blamed for all of the economic problem in Massachusetts.” -JM
Melle, You are batshit crazy defending the batshit crazy Democrats.
Healey is worse than Newsome. And hell is too nice of a place for both them.
It’s her mess, her state, she exceeded her quota for abusing the Commonwealths citizens as AG, and she’s out doing herself as governor.
Hence, I reject your statement and I consider it stupid.
The managed decline of America,by unaccountable imperialist tyrants,at the citizens peril.
Seeing the pattern yet?
“NO KINGS” was more
Typical projection of narcissistic sociopaths, to elicit reaction from the ” useful idiots”
Dan omitted that Moran Healey , states Taxatwoshits isn’t a sanctuary state, then the next day signs sanctuary state executive orders..
Leah Foley’s attitude at press briefing, shows she is getting pressured to prosecute fraud and corruption. She best get busy, special prosecutor,has already been chosen.
Time to prosecute the prosecutors.
Odds Timmy arrests the dancing dean for witness intimidation?
Obviously he had contact with witnesses at Taconic game.
Or is he still providing party favors for 7 North St stupor bowl party? Timmy looks to need another cycle of south American ozempic.
Let’s see how long the planet delays submission,of post.
Tom Betit
2/4/25@3:30 am
Cold in your home this winter?
Ask D-Maura Healey why LIHEAP funding for low income mASSachusetts CITIZENS has been cut?
Could it be because she and D-Beacon Hill cohorts stole 1 BILLION DOLLARS in TAXPAYER/CITIZEN funds to finance CRIMINAL ALIENS? They are housed/fed/warm and cozy/educated for free.
Bovine and Piglike, D-T F B 2nd Berk Rep , granted the same invaders drivers licenses, which by not coincidence, VOTER REGISTRATION.
As far as “clean heat” Healey/she/him/it can screw itself and him/her/she/it dyke wife/husband. I have a wood stove and a woodlot. It is so green it makes more fuel than I can burn.
While we are on the topic of screwed up mASSachusetts, let’s talk the DOT. Have you seen the new rotaries on the Rt 7 State highway?
Both in THE PITT near BMC and at 5 Corners in Williamstown? The centers are lined, with brick pavers WIDER THAN THE ROADWAY IT SELF! Why?
Watch ANY semi-/18 wheeler try to traverse these obstacles to traffic. Who are the DOT “Engineers” who designed them? Who are the DOT officials that approved them?
I know THE PITT has Ricky Rumpus fouling up traffic….look at the ski jump he installed on Holmes Rd.
The Williamstown rotary is particularly STUPID. It forces traffic going south to nearly stop, at the bottom of a steep hill on Rt 7. Can’t get a run on the hill going north.
I agree. Massachusetts citizens continue to get unfair and unequal treatment. It’s disgusting and all of these Mass. politicians should be booted out, but they have that core following that keeps them in power. This core following is a group made up of hardcore leftists who only care about their ideology because it keeps them wealthy and brainwashed younger people and women.
It seems like Gov Maura Healey and her criminal syndicate (aka- MA democRAT party) are trying like hell to keep the Green Energy Scam alive and grifting.
With residents leaving and businesses packing up and heading south, it makes good business sense for Gov Healey to financially squeeze businesses more, with bull$hit energy mandates like Net Zero, DEI mandates, and punishing taxes.
**Somebody better check on Jonathan Melle. He doesn’t like to read mean things about his “sweetie” Maura. It hurts his feelings.
She did pass the HERO Act after booting US Veterans out of their housing in favor of illegal aliens. In JM’s mind, this more than made up for her $hitty treatment of our Vets. He gets to type his reply on The Planet, from his warm house in NH.
The pressure to restrict natural gas, which is a clean burning fuel (carbon/oxygen and water byproducts) compels energy plant in the Northeast to burn oil (which yields acidic emissions and contribute acid rain).
The impact on homeowners is that since and energy plant eats at least 300,000 gallons per day, supply of heating oil is reduced. Prices are rising fast.
It hurts home owners, and it makes no environmental sense.
Someone posted: **Somebody better check on Jonathan Melle….He gets to type his reply on The Planet, from his warm house in NH.
My reply to Governor Maura Healey: We live in an era of political extremism. Blogger Dan Valenti and his readers are pulling “the Kelly Ayotte CRINGE card” by using you to describe all of the economic problems facing the people in Massachusetts. Jon Melle:Maura Healey::Joyce Craig:Maura Healey.
Just like Kelly Ayotte, blogger Dan Valenti and his readers/posters are all imperfect hypocrites for using Joyce Craig, Maura Healey, the disabled man named Jon Melle, and so on, to criticize us to justify their pro-Trump, conservative political extremism.
I want the country, the U.S.A., to succeed. I want New Hampshire to succeed. I want Massachusetts to succeed. I do NOT want political extremism. I don’t want endless conflicts and criticisms. If a political leader fails to deliver on their Agenda, then they should step down from their elected office to let new people in.
Enough already with the same old career politicians, Divide and Conquer political games, the Write the Narrative propaganda, and all of the other distractions. The government serves the people, not the other way around. It should NOT be all about MONEY and POWER. It should be about the government delivering positive outcomes for the people. Good leaders invest in people and the communities that we live in.
Lastly, I believe that overall, Governor Maura Healey has done a great job leading on Veterans issues in Massachusetts. As a disabled Veteran myself, I wish to say, Thank You.
While I’m waiting on Dan’s robot……Let’s talk more on Ricky Rumpus/PITT DPW
How is that bump out, southbound, on South St/intersection of RTs 7/20 working?
Blocking traffic much, when south bond Trucks on RT 7, needs to turn west into RT 20?
Ricky?
MIA!
Lotsa big piles of snow on Pittsfield roads partially blocking intersection views. See any city workers trying to clean them up or downsize them? NO? Well they was a big payloader and a couple of city trucks cleaning all the snow out of the Colonial theater parking lot taday.
Cuz special interests rule the day in Pittsfield. They be prioritized ya knows.
(and the Colonial pays for its own maintenance, right?) No they don’t and neither will the special interests that will truly own, and profit from the renovated Wahconah Park Emporium/Aventuredome. Ya mean the one the taxpayers are paying dearly for? Yah dat one. Goldkang Group or sumptin.
OOooohhhh myyyy
GIMMEE
Thanks for pointing this out. Lumpy is to snow removal what Jeffrey Epstein was to 14-year-old girls. Or something like that. Lumpy, Volton, Dumpster, Lady Boots … they don’t give a F— about what’s left of the hard-working, taxpaying citizens.
Bravo Dan, great column. Thanks for printing MassFiscal’s excellent piece on Healey’s shenanigans re: Clean Heat Standards and the upcoming guv election.
Healey, as state AG, took credit for cancelling two gas pipelines which has resulted in the current MA energy crunch.
Worst Guv Eva!
See my post which is in transit. Home oil prices are rising, even as gas is falling, because energy plants cannot run on natural gas. They are monopolizing the supply of home heating oil.
Here’s the cost of anti-natural gas environmental policy: acid rain and economic stress.
The Agenda… Beer food and high taxes.
The South County Crazies (SCC) have finally used their critical thinking and realized all those protestors are being mowed down by LENCO Bearcats
Can’t wait to see them picket ‘Ol Lennyland
Dems protecting illegal alien voting base – pathetic!
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/03/schumer-threatens-to-shut-down-government-so-republicans-cant-stop-noncitizens-from-voting/
Schummer had the lead with Biden importing 20 Million new criminalinvaders, er D-voters.
Question for The Planet.
Why does the typing formatting only appear sporadically, along with the post/edit function?