House Republicans Vote Against $500 Million in Tax Increases

Representative Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk) supported tax-free transportation proposal defeated by Democrats

(A press release from the Republican representatives) House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R- North Reading), Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk), ranking Republican on the Joint Committee on Transportation, and Representative Peter Durant (R-Spencer) were joined by the House Republican Caucus in voting against a Democratic-led transportation finance proposal which contained $500 million in tax increases.  “By electing to raise taxes in the Commonwealth, Democrats on Beacon Hill have indicated their willingness to help fund Governor Patrick’s legacy project,” said Representative Jones. “Unfortunately, despite the House Republican Caucus’ proposal of an alternative transportation finance plan – free from any statewide tax …

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Norton Student to Take Part in Project 351

A Norton student will participate in a community service initiative organized by Governor Deval Patrick.

A Norton Middle School student will be joining Governor Deval Patrick this Saturday as part of the governor's Project 351 initiative. Hannah John, an eighth grader, will join other students from across the Commonwealth Saturday, Jan. 26 for the day of service. If weather doesn't cooperate, however, the event could be postponed for the following weekend. Hannah was selected for Project 351 by principal Michael O'Rourke and vice principal Ronnie Goldstein because of her academic and leadership qualities.  "We thought that Hannah would be a good choice to sort of follow in the mold of the student we had last year," Goldstein said. The student chosen last year was Ryan DiGregorio. Chaired by Governor Deval Patrick, the non-profit organization …

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PATCH FACTS

5 Things Nov. 3: No Means Yes, The Grinch and More

Your Patch Facts for the day.

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section. 1. No Means Yes No Means Yes will perform at Trinity Bar & Restaurant 9:30 p.m. to close. Cover is $3 at 9 p.m. 2. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” Dr. Seuss' “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” will be held at Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston. Tickets are $35 to $125. Enter code PATCH and get 15 percent off tickets to select shows. For tickets, dates and more information visit http://www.citicenter.org/grinch/. 3. Governor Patrick signs bill to improve the long-term …

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Chat LIVE with Gov. Deval Patrick

The governor will take your questions starting 1:30 p.m.

  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.

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Legislature Rejects Governor Patrick's 'Three-Strikes' Amendment

The governor on Saturday sent 'Melissa's Bill' back to the Legislature.

Gov. Deval Patrick set in motion a wave of criticism when he proposed an amendment to the "three strikes"/Melissa's Bill on the grounds it lacked sufficient provisions for judicial discretion.  Warning of possible unintended "unjust consequences" that can arise from mandatory sentencing laws, Patrick wrote in a letter to the Legislature, "None of us is wise or prescient enough to foresee each and every circumstance in which the new habitual offender provisions may apply." On Monday afternoon, the House rejected Patrick's amendment by a vote of 132-23, according to The Boston Globe. Later on Monday, the Senate also rejected the amendment, according to WCVB, Channel 5. The bill's fate is up in the air, as the legislature's summer session …

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