Governor's Office FAQs
Boards & Commissions
How can I submit an application to serve on a state board or commission?
How can I apply for a one-day license to officiate at a wedding ceremony?
How can I become a Notary Public?
How can I become a Justice of the Peace?
Business & Economy
How can I find a state job in government?Who can I contact if I’m interested in starting or expanding my business in Massachusetts?
Education
Who can I contact with questions regarding the John & Abigail Adams Scholarship?
Federal Government
How can I obtain assistance with my immigration status?Who can I contact regarding issues with my Social Security or Medicare?
Health & Human Services
How do I apply for Food Stamps?
Who can I contact about the new mandatory health care law?
How can I apply for MassHealth?
Who can I contact about child support?
Who can I contact if I feel I am the victim of discrimination?
Housing
How can I apply for fuel assistance?
How can I apply for Section 8 Housing?
Who can I contact regarding home foreclosure?
Governor’s Office
How can I contact the Governor’s Press Office?How can I invite Governor Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Murray or the First Lady to my event?
How do I request a proclamation, citation, greeting letter, grant letter, Eagle Scout/Girl Scout letter, photograph or autograph?
Labor and Workforce
How can I get information on filing for unemployment benefits?
How can I get information on filing for workers compensation?
Where can I learn about rules governing the health and safety of my workplace or report unsafe working conditions?
How can I find help getting a job or enrolling in a training program in my community?
How can I find a state job in government?
How can I get information on paying the employer fair share assessment for the new universal health care law?
Legal & Judicial
How can I get a pardon or commutation?
How can I address concerns about my criminal record?
Who do I contact regarding the actions of a judge?
Who do I contact with a complaint against a State Police Officer?
The Governor is a lawyer. Can he help with my case?
Revenue & Consumer
Who can I contact regarding issues with my state taxes?
Who can help me regarding an issue with my phone, cable or electric provider?
Transportation
How can I make a comment regarding the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority?
Who can I contact to resolve issues with the Registry of Motor Vehicles?
I've noticed trash on the side of one of the highways, who can I contact?
State Government
How can I check the status of a bill before the Legislature?
Who are my state representative and senator?
How can I submit an application to serve on a state board or commission?
To be considered for one of the many boards and commissions, please send a cover letter and your resume to:
Office of the Governor
State House
Room 280
Boston, MA 02133
Attn: Appointments Office
How can I apply for a one-day license to officiate at a wedding ceremony?
Please visit our site regarding One Day Marriage Designations. The website contains the application form and a list of procedures for receiving an authorization to solemnize a marriage. Applications, along with a letter of recommendation and a $25 processing fee, make checks payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, should be sent to the Appointments Office. While every effort will be made to process applications on time, please send your application at least six weeks prior to the proposed wedding date. For additional questions call the Appointments Office at (617) 725-4055.
How can I become a Notary Public?
To apply for a commission as a Notary Public, please fill out the following Notary Public Application and mail it to the Governor’s Council. For more information and the Executive Order pertaining to Notaries, please visit the Notary Public page.
How can I become a Justice of the Peace?
Please contact the Governor’s Council office at (617) 725-4015.
How can I find a state job in government?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has many exciting employment opportunities throughout state government. Please visit the Commonwealth Employment Opportunities website to search the latest position openings.
Who can I contact if I’m interested in starting or expanding my business in Massachusetts?
The Business Resource Team is here to help businesses identify and access state programs and resources that match their current needs. Whether you’re expanding, relocating, hiring new employees or looking for working capital, the Team is here to help you. Please contact the Business Resource Team by filling out this form on their website or by calling them at 1-877-BIZTEAM (249-8326).
Who can I contact with questions regarding the John & Abigail Adams Scholarship?
Please direct all questions to the Board of Higher Education at 617-994-6950 or the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 617-727-9420.
How can I obtain assistance with my immigration status?
Governor Patrick appreciates how difficult immigration matters can be for you and your family. Unfortunately, the Governor’s Office does not have the level of immigration expertise to advise you or advocate on your behalf. We encourage you to speak to an attorney or legal aid organization for further assistance. You can also contact our senators in Washington, DC.
Who can I contact regarding issues with my Social Security or Medicare?
Unfortunately, because these are federal government programs, Governor Patrick is unable to assist with these issues. We encourage you to contact Senator Kirk, Senator Kerry or your United States Representative.
Senator Paul Kirk
2400 JFK Building,
Boston, MA 02203
Phone: 617-565-3170; 877-472-9014
Fax: 617-565-3183
Senator John Kerry
One Bowdoin Square
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-565-8519
Fax: 617-248-3870
Congressman John Olver
1111 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-5335
Fax: 202-226-1224
Congressman Richard Neal
2208 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-5601
Fax: 202-225-8112
Congressman James P. McGovern
430 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-6101
Fax: 202-225-5759
Congressman Barney Frank
2252 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-5931
Fax: 202-225-0182
Congressman John F. Tierney
120 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-8020
Fax: 202-225-5915
Congressman Edward J. Markey
2108 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-2836
Fax: 202-226-0092
Congressman Michael F. Capuano
1232 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-5111
Fax: 202-225-9322
Congressman Stephen F. Lynch
235 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-8273
Fax: 202-225-3984
Congressman William D. Delahunt
1317 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-3111
Fax: 202-225-5658
How do I apply for Food Stamps?
This is a program for families and individuals who meet certain income and resource guidelines. To apply for Food Stamps, you may fill out the Food Stamps application. Or you may go to your local Department of Transitional Assistance Office that serves your city or town.
Once the application is received, you will be contacted by a DTA staffer and an interview will be conducted, usually over the phone. For more information about the Food Stamp program, please call the Department of Transitional Assistance at 1-800-249-2007.
Who can I contact about the new mandatory health care law?
Governor Patrick is actively involved with implementing the new landmark mandatory health care law. The Commonwealth Health Connector was established to help you find the right health plan for you, your family or employees. If you have a question about picking a plan, developing a payment schedule or general questions, call the Connector at 617-933-3140 or visit the Health Connector website.
How can I apply for MassHealth?
MassHealth offers benefits to a wide range of people who meet eligibility rules, including family size and income. If you are under age 65 and want to apply for MassHealth, you must fill out an application called a Medical Benefit Request (MBR) and send it, with proof of your household’s income, to MassHealth. A Medical Benefit Request can be downloaded here. If you are aged 65 or older or if you are any age and need long-term-care services, you need to ask for different application called the Senior Medical Benefit Request (SMBR) for Seniors and People Needing Long-Term-Care Services. A Senior Medical Benefit Request can be downloaded here. All applications can be requested and sent to you by calling the MassHealth Customer Service Center at 1-800-841-2900. All applications can be sent to:
MassHealth Enrollment Center
Central Processing Unit
P.O. Box 290794
Charlestown, MA 02129-0214
For questions regarding general eligibility, benefits, enrolling into a health plan and dental benefits, please call the MassHealth Customer Service Center at 1-800-841-2900.
Who can I contact about child support?
Governor Patrick is concerned about the welfare of all children of the Commonwealth. The Child Support Enforcement Division of the Department of Revenue provides a range of services to custodial parents or guardians of children under the age of 18 to help ensure they receive financial support from absent parents. Please contact the Child Support Enforcement Division at 617-660-1234.
Who can I contact if I feel I am the victim of discrimination?
Please contact the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination regarding all discrimination issues. The Commission Against Discrimination can be reached online here or by calling 617-994-6000.
How can I apply for fuel assistance?
To apply for fuel assistance, please call the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program at 1-800-632-8175. LIHEAP assists eligible low-income individuals and families with the cost of heating their homes during the winter season. For further information and a list of community energy assistance agencies, please visit the LIHEAP's Cold Relief website.
How can I apply for Section 8 Housing?
The Section 8 Housing program is a federal government program providing financial aid to help low-income people rent apartments. To apply for a Section 8, please contact your local housing authority. Find a list of housing authorities here or call the Department of Housing and Community Development at 617-994-8200. The Governor’s Office cannot influence the Section 8 application or approval process in any way. If you need immediate, temporary housing, please contact DHCD at 617-573-1100.
Who can I contact regarding home foreclosure?
If this is an emergency and you are facing foreclosure on your home within 5 business days, please contact the Division of Banks at 617-956-1501.
For other foreclosure issues, please call the NeighborWorks’ HOPE Hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE (4673). Counselors on the HOPE Hotline are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to advise you on the resources available to Massachusetts homeowners.
How can I get information on filing for unemployment benefits?
There are two ways to file an unemployment insurance claim: by telephone or in person. By phone, you can call the Division of Unemployment Assistance’s TeleClaim Center at 1-877-626-6800 if you are calling from the following area codes: 351, 413, 508, 774, and 978. If you call from any other area code, please call the TeleClaim Center at 617-626-6800. For hearing impaired customers, the TTY/TTD: 1-888-527-1912
If you choose to do so, you may file your claim in person at a Walk-In Center. Please visit the Division of Unemployment Assistance for a list of Walk-In Centers and hours of operations.
How can I get information on filing for workers compensation?
If you have been injured on the job and would like to file for workers compensation, you should contact the Department of Industrial Accidents by telephone at 617-727-4900, extension 470 for the Public Information Desk. Also, a please visit the online guide for injured workers for more information.
Where can I learn about rules governing the health and safety of my workplace or report unsafe working conditions?
If you have concerns about workplace safety and health programs, please contact the Division of Occupational Safety by telephone at 617-626-6975. For more information, please visit the Division of Occupational Safety website.
How can I find help getting a job or enrolling in a training program in my community?
One-Stop Career Centers provide access to a wide variety of services including computerized listings of jobs, referrals to jobs, current labor market information, job search resources and workshops. For more information, please contact the Department of Workforce Development at 617-626-5300 or visit the Division of Career Services website.
How can I get information on paying the employer fair share assessment for the new universal health care law?
For questions related to employer obligations under this program, please contact the division at 617-626-6560. For more detailed information, please visit the Division of Unemployment Insurance website.
How can I contact the Governor’s Press Office?
To reach the Governor’s Press Office, please call 617-725-4025.
How can I invite Governor Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Murray or the First Lady to my event?
All scheduling requests must be made in writing to the Scheduling Office. Please visit our scheduling requests page.
How do I request a proclamation, citation, greeting letter, grant letter, Eagle Scout/Girl Scout letter, photograph or autograph?
Please see our recognition request guidelines.
How can I get a pardon or commutation?
In order to be considered for a pardon or commutation, you are required to submit a petition to the Governor’s Council. An executive clemency overview, including petitions for pardons and commutations, is available online, or can be mailed to you by contacting the Governor’s Council at 617-725-4015. All questions regarding the clemency process and petition status should be directed to either the Governor’s Council or to the Advisory Board of Pardons at 508-650-4542.
How can I address concerns about my criminal record?
For concerns regarding your criminal record, please visit the Criminal History Systems Board website or call them at 617-660-4600.
Who do I contact regarding the actions of a judge?
Governor Patrick has no role in issues relating to judicial conduct. If you have a concern in this area, you may contact the Commission on Judicial Conduct at 617-725-8050.
Who do I contact with a complaint against a State Police Officer?
To file a complaint regarding allegations of misconduct against a State Police Officer, please contact the Division of Standards and Training within the Department of State Police. That office can be reached at (508) 820-2300. Alternatively, you may contact the Civil Rights Division in the Attorney General's Office at (617) 727-2200, or fill out a civil rights complaint form here.
The Governor is a lawyer. Can he help with my case?
While Governor Patrick is an attorney, his role as Governor prevents him from becoming involved with citizens’ private legal matters. If you need legal assistance, please visit the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation.
Additionally, if you have concerns about the behavior of a specific attorney, you can contact the Board of Bar Overseers at (617) 728-8700.
Who can I contact regarding issues with my state taxes?
Issues with state taxes should be directed to the Department of Revenue's Taxpayer Assistance hotline at 617-887-6367.
Who can help me regarding an issue with my phone, cable or electric provider?
You can reach the Consumer Division of the Department of Telecommunications & Cable at 617-305-3531.
How can I make a comment regarding the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority?
Since the MBTA is a quasi-independent agency, Governor Patrick has no administrative control over its daily business. Issues regarding the MBTA can be directed to their Complaints/Commendations line at 617-222-5215.
Who can I contact to resolve issues with the Registry of Motor Vehicles?
Issues with the RMV should be directed to the Ombudsman’s Office at 617-973-7777. Alternatively, you can call the RMV’s main number at 617-351-4500 or visit the RMV website.
I've noticed trash on the side of one of the highways, who can I contact?
Massachusetts has hundreds of highways and roads criss-crossing our state. The care for these roads fall under different jurisdictions. If you believe your road is local, we encourage you to contact your city or town department of public works. For issues with the Massachusetts Turnpike, please call the Turnpike Authority at 617-248-2800; for all major highways please call MassHighway at 617-973-7800. The Department of Conservation & Recreation is responsible for the maintenance of Boston metropolitan roadways and state bridges, including Storrow Drive, Memorial Drive and Soldiers Field Road, and the MetroParkway system. They can be reached at 617-727-1058. If you have questions or are unsure who oversees a particular road, please called the Executive Office of Transportation at 617-973-7000. If you are interested in the Adopt-a-Highway program, please call them at 617-973-7755 or visit the Adopt-a-Highway website.
How can I check the status of a bill before the Legislature?
Bill histories can be found at the Legislative Tracking System website.
Who are my state representative and senator?
To find your legislator, visit My Election Information, sponsored by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Alternatively, you can view legislators by town on the General Court page.