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 …
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
John Kerry will replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.
With only three dissenting votes, the U.S. Senate has confirmed John Kerry as the new Secretary of State. Kerry will take over for Hillary Clinton, who is leaving her post after four years. The move means Kerry will have to resign as Massachusetts' senior senator. According to a Tweet from WCVB political reporter Janet Wu, Kerry's resignation has reportedly been sent to Gov. Deval Patrick and is effective as of 4 p.m. Friday. U.S. Congressman Ed Markey, D-MA, has announced he is running for the seat. U.S. Congressman Stephen Lynch, D-MA has hinted that he may run. Former United States Senator Scott Brown (R-Wrentham) is the leading Republican candidate, but he hasn't announced that he will run after losing losing to Elizabeth Warren in …
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 …
Money would help pay to improve transportation system and education in the commonwealth.
Governor Deval Patrick is expected to propose $1 billion in new taxes to help pay to improve the state’s transportation system and expand early education programs, reported The Boston Globe. Patrick is expected to announce the plan at his State of the Commonwealth speech Wednesday night. The plan is to increase the state income tax from 5.25 percent to 5.66 percent, which would raise $1 billion. Patrick’s plan would also need to raise other taxes and fees to pay for the spending increases of $1.5 billion next year and $2 billion annually after that, according to The Globe. What do you think of the governor's proposal? Do you support raising taxes to fund these programs?
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Congressman Stephen Lynch is deciding on whether to run for John Kerry's Senate set.
Massachusetts Congressman Stephen Lynch said he is definitely considering running for John Kerry's senate seat. Lynch was on the Joe Ligotti Show on WTKK Radio Saturday afternoon and said he would be honored to be a Senator. Kerry has been nominated by President Barack Obama to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state and is expected to be confirmed. Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to appoint an interim Senator until a special election can be held. The Boston Herald is reporting Barney Frank is the leading candidate for the interim position. Frank didn't seek reelection to Congress after redistricting was finalized. Instead, he announced his retirement. Patrick has said he isn't interested in the position. Massachusetts Attorney …
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 …
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The governor will take your questions starting 1:30 p.m.
- GOVERNMENT
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Thursday, September 27, 2012
Gov. Deval Patrick will answer your questions during our live chat at 1:30 p.m. To join the chat, enter your name and question in the widget above. We will try to get to as many questions as we can within the allotted 45 minutes, but can't guarantee every question will make it into the chat.
Ask Gov. Deval Patrick about any topic you like during our live chat at 1:30 p.m.
Gov. Deval Patrick will take your questions live on Patch this afternoon. The governor will spend 45 minutes fielding your questions as they come. Head on over to our homepage from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Thursday to join our chat. You'll simply have to provide your name, and you'll be able to ask your questions immediately. If you can't make the live chat, leave your questions as comments to this article, and we'll do our best to add them to the queue. We will publish the live chat transcript immediately and a recap first thing on Friday morning. Questions submitted will be subject to moderator approval. No vulgar or libelous comments will be allowed. Because we expect a high volume of questions for the chat session, we will keep the …
Ken B.
6:14 pm on Friday, May 10, 2013
"Clean energy" like $58 million down the toilet for Evergreen Solar ? more ›