Thursday, May 9, 2013
Results from a recent executive survey ranked Massachusetts 47th for business.
A CEO magazine ranks Massachusetts as one of the worst states in the nation for business. Chief Executive Magazine ranked Massachusetts 47th based on a survey of corporate leaders. Survey respondents reported the Bay State is one of the worst for taxation and regulation. The state Republican Party is pointing to the survey and saying that Gov. Deval Patrick and the Democratic-led Legislature are bad for the economy and business. What do you think about Massachusetts’ business climate? Is this a good state in which to do business?
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Do you agree with the governor's decision or was it too drastic?
All non-emergency drivers were ordered off the roads on Friday when Gov. Deval Patrick issued an executive order banning travel during the blizzard. (Editor's note: The ban is lifted statewide as of 4 p.m. Saturday.) Patrick's executive order is being praised by some and bashed by others, reported The Boston Globe. While former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, who was in charge of the commonwealth during the Blizzard of ’78, praised the governor’s move, others called the order “tyrannical” and say the strict ban and hefty fines were too much, according to The Globe. Those caught violating the ban would face up to a year in jail and a $500 fine. What do you think? Do you agree with the governor’s decision or do you think the travel ban …
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Gov. Deval Patrick unveiled legislation on Wednesday that would tighten gun control laws in Massachusetts while increasing funding for mental health services and enhance background checks. Is this sensible, or reactionary?
Are new proposed laws regarding guns in Massachusetts and mental health services sensible and pragmatic steps, or reactionary measures that won't increase safety? Gov. Deval Patrick introduced new legislation Wednesday along those lines in the wake of the school shootings in Newtown, CT. "I am encouraged by the palpable consensus in our Legislature that the time for action is now. All of us must pull in the same direction to bring about real change in this state and across the country," Patrick said in a press release. The bill would require gun purchasers to undergo background checks at gun shows, reduce access to high-powered rounds of ammunition, and limit licensed individuals to purchasing a maximum of one gun per month. Punishments …
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Tell us: do you think we need to increase taxes to strengthen education and transportation?
In his State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday night, Gov. Deval Patrick proposed raising the state's income tax by 1 percentage point and lowering the sales tax to pay for $2 billion in transportation improvements and early childhood education programs. "There is no good time to raise taxes. I know how tough the times have been on the people and families of the Commonwealth. And though the worst of the recession is over, many, many families still face tough decisions and have deep anxiety about the future. I would not ask if I did not believe in my heart that investing meaningfully today in education and transportation will significantly improve our economic tomorrows," Patrick said. Patrick said he wanted a more fair and …
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The fingerprint background checks would also apply to everyone seeking to adopt children or become foster parents.
The Associated Press is reporting Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is considering signing legislation that would require teachers, workers at child care centers, school bus drivers and others to submit fingerprints for criminal background checks. The fingerprint background checks would also apply to everyone seeking to adopt children or become foster parents, as the legislation is written. Fingerprints would be submitted to the Massachusetts State Police for a state criminal history check and forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history check, reported the Associated Press. What do you think? Tell us in the comments.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
The administration says the plan will spur significant job growth and pave the way for long-term growth.
Gov. Deval Patrick released his five-year capital investment plan, which heavily invests in infrastructure, housing and education, calling for $3.27 billion in spending next year. The lion's share of the 2013 cash – more than $1.8 billion – will go toward transportation and public works. Large chunks of that will go toward the Central Artery Tunnel Project, Chapter 90 municipal road and bridge projects, building a green line extension into Somerville and improving rail service between Boston and Worcester. The administration is also directing $592 million toward capital asset management, with nearly half of that directed toward higher education. "These investments will ensure that we continue on the path to economic recovery by laying …
Monday, October 8, 2012
The governor and MEMA unveiled Ping4alerts! Friday.
In addition to the well-known television and rado alerts, the Massachusetts Emergency Management System on Friday unveiled a new tool to kept Bay Staters abreast of urgent news. The latest system is called Ping4alerts! and allows residents to sign up for a free mobile communications application that will send alerts to iPhones and Android devices with immediate information and emergencies and disasters. "This newly added and innovative technology will allow Public Safety entities throughout the Commonwealth to not only alert citizens of an impending problem, but also push out many forms of specific information with detailed steps to help ensure their safety," Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray said at the MEMA Framingham headquarters, where he …
Friday, September 28, 2012
The governor, during a live chat with Patch, expressed skepticism about the legalization of medical marijuana, though he sympathized with patients in pain.
Governor Deval Patrick said he would likely vote no on Question Three this fall. During a Thursday live chat with Patch, a reader asked Patrick how he would vote on the ballot question and whether the governor was for or against the legalization of cannabis. "I am not too energized on this issue, personally. California's experience has been mixed. I will probably vote against it. I respect the opposing view, though, especially those whose concern is for people in constant pain," wrote the governor in response. Proponents say medical marijuana will help ease the pain and suffering of cancer patients and other eligible residents. Opponents, meanwhile, say the law is a back door to full legalization, and that medical marijuana can be …
Friday, August 10, 2012
The administration is investing $1.5 billion in state, federal funds for roads, bridges, and rail projects.
Today Governor Deval Patrick signed the H. 4371, “An Act Financing Improvements to the Commonwealth’s Transportation System” bill. The money will help maintain funding for transportation infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth. The bill will offer a total investment of $1.5 billion for Fiscal Year 2013. Dedham and West Roxbury will receive "no less" than $1,000,000 for maintenance and improvements to the intersection of route 1, route 109, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Parkway and Spring Street. “Our transportation infrastructure had suffered from years of neglect, so this Administration started rebuilding roads, rails and bridges in every corner of our state and creating thousands of jobs,” Governor Patrick said. “This is how we …
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
The bill increases public aid while not raising taxes.
The House and Senate overwhelming passed a $32.5 billion budget last week and Gov. Deval Patrick has until July 8 to review and sign it, or to issue vetoes. The thrust of the bill is to shore up aid to public programs while at the same time not increasing the burden to taxpayers. Overall, the 2013 budget is about 3 percent higher than this year's, but considerably tighter than previous recent years. Here are some of the bill's highlights: 1. It includes no new taxes or fees. Instead, $516 million will be taken from existing funds, including $350 million from the state's rainy day fund, leaving it over a billion dollars in the black. Still, that's down from the $2.2 billion it had in 2008. 2. It tightens welfare. The bill would limit …
Ken B.
6:14 pm on Friday, May 10, 2013
"Clean energy" like $58 million down the toilet for Evergreen Solar ? more ›