Between the American Association of Retired Persons Foundation Tax Aide program, and the IRS Volunteer Tax Information Assistance (VITA) program, there are close to 600 sites across the Commonwealth offering free state and federal tax preparation service to low- and moderate-income tax filers as well as those 60 and older.
There’s no question that underage drinking is a serious public health problem in communities across the nation. Here in Massachusetts, we’ve made progress in reducing rates of alcohol consumption among our young people, but there’s still much more to be done.
MassDOT has scheduled a Public Hearing on the Longfellow Bridge Rehabilitation Project as follows: Thursday, March 1, 2012, 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm, State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Conference Rooms 1, 2 and 3, Boston.
Find out how to register to vote in Massachusetts. This information is for Mass. residents only.
Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. announced $400,000 in grants through the Coastal Pollution Remediation (CPR) grant program for five projects designed to protect Massachusetts coastal waters.
The Patrick-Murray Administration announced $135,000 in federal funding to support eight projects across the Commonwealth designed to protect coastal waters through the Massachusetts Bays Program Research and Planning Grants. The projects will help identify the causes of coastal habitat degradation, develop plans to address coastal water quality pollution and protect coastlines across Massachusetts.
For all you fair weather market-fans out there, there are farmers’ markets up and functioning in the cold weather, too! Local farmers work all year long to produce fresh fruits and vegetables, and more and more markets are extending their seasons to make local produce available all year long.
Throughout the month of February, the Patrick-Murray Administration will host a series of events and discussions across the Commonwealth to celebrate Black History Month, commemorating the past, present and future of African-American culture in Massachusetts.
Check out these great Valentine’s Day ideas.
$12 million in federal funding secured by Governor Patrick helped increase the capacity of the health center’s services to nearly 220,000 clinic visits annually and created more than 500 jobs.
Nearly $5 million in restitution and penalties were recovered for wage and labor violations in the Commonwealth in 2011, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced. The restitution and penalty payments are the result of cases handled by the Fair Labor Division of the Attorney General’s Office.
Learn about burn prevention, burn safety, and more.
We’ve got plenty going on at the Executive Office of Education to supply the bounce in our step.
Filing season is barely three weeks old and the story so far is refunds, with the volume and amount paid to taxpayers way up over a year ago.
The Patrick-Murray Administration is moving forward with reconstruction of the Anderson Memorial Bridge, funded by the Accelerated Bridge Program to repair or replace structurally-deficient bridges across the Commonwealth.
On this day in 1978, the storm of the century paralyzed the entire state of Massachusetts.
The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Highway Safety Division has organized the 5th annual "Dance. Don’t Chance" prom and graduation safe driving video contest for schools across the Commonwealth.
The federal Social Security Administration publishes a master death file which lists names,SSNs and places and times of death of the deceased. But what was designed to prevent fraud has now, in some instances, spawned it.
This week's flu report shows that rates of flu-like illness in the state continue along at a relatively stable clip. With the recent warmer temperatures, it's easy to forget that winter -- and the current flu season -- still have plenty of ways to go before they're over.
There are many interesting and educational things to do across the state during Black History Month.
MBTA ridership saw a record-setting year in 2011. Average weekday ridership for the entire year was 1.279 million, the highest weekday ridership for a calendar year in MBTA history.
Riders of certain MTBA bus routes can receive real-time bus schedules sent by text message to their mobile phones as part of a partnership with software company CooCoo.
The big story of the week was Governor Patrick’s FY13 budget proposal, which affirms the Patrick-Murray Administration’s ongoing commitment to our students, pre-k through higher education.
Ever wonder what you’re paying for every month when you get your bill? There are basically four parts of your electric bill.
For many children in the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), there is a need for additional support and services in order to meet their basic and life-enriching needs. Fortunately, these children have the support of the DCF Kids Fund to help provide the activities that many children take for granted.
Valentine’s Day is coming up — a holiday that’s all about heart. So what better occasion to think about ways to keep your heart healthy? Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. But the good news is that even small changes in diet and lifestyle can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall quality of life.
The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced that Massachusetts is creating a new Commercial Fisheries Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) – the first of its kind in New England – designed to help bridge the gap for commercial fishermen as they transition to the new sector management program for groundfish.
Masswildlife events of all types can be found in this area.
On February 14, 2012, the Collins Center for Public Management in the McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies at UMass Boston is hosting an all-day conference entitled: "Delivering Results: Implementing Performance Management in Massachusetts." This conference will bring together federal, state and local officials to learn how the Commonwealth is using performance management to align operations and resources to achieve better results for Mass. residents.
Today, January 25, 2012, Governor Deval Patrick filed his Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13) budget recommendation, a balanced and fiscally responsible plan that reflects the Governor's unprecedented commitment to education, health care, creating jobs and other key priorities that support long-term job growth and prosperity and will continue to accelerate the Commonwealth's economic recovery.
On January 23, 2012, Governor Deval Patrick delivered his fourth State of the Commonwealth address. In his address he promoted an ambitious agenda on getting people back to work, lowering health care costs and strengthening public safety. In each of these areas, the Governor again asked the Legislature and the people to make hard choices.
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that the December seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate was down in the Boston-Quincy-Cambridge area while the rates for the remaining twenty one areas were reflecting seasonal changes. Statewide, the December seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate was 6.5 percent, up from 6.4 percent in November. Over-the-year the statewide rate was down 1.5 percentage points from the 8.0 percent rate recorded for December 2010. All twenty-two labor area rates were down over the year.
This week, President Obama and Governor Patrick both confirmed their visions for our clean energy future. In the State of the Union speech, the President talked about the “promise of clean energy,” and said “nowhere is the promise of innovation greater than in American-made energy.” In the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth address, he brought it home, reminding us that the Green Communities Act fundamentally shifted our state’s energy focus toward efficiency and renewable energy.
Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray announced that the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget will include $11.25 million in increased funding to enhance vital services for Massachusetts veterans and their families. Lieutenant Governor Murray made the announcement with Secretary of Veterans’ Services Coleman Nee today at JobNet, Boston’s One Stop Career Center.
By aligning a unified community college system with employers, vocational-technical schools and Workforce Investment Boards, the Governor’s proposal will give community colleges the tools they need to help get people back to work. In order to help the community colleges meet this mission, Governor Patrick is proposing a $10 million increase in funding as well as a streamlined budget and leadership selection process for the campuses.
Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. announced $3,647,360 in grants to enhance parks and recreational facilities in the communities of Amherst, Holyoke, Northampton, Springfield, Westfield and Wilbraham.
The Patrick-Murray Administration announced that Taunton State Hospital, a state mental health facility, will officially close on December 31. The opening of a state-of-the-art facility, the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital, is scheduled for this summer. In developing the plan for the new facility in Worcester, the Department of Mental Health (DMH), which operates Taunton State Hospital, realigned the distribution of its continuing care inpatient beds and identified an operating budget to make the new facility possible.
Recently, the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) received a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement to provide enhanced employment services to newly arrived refugees that have multiple barriers to employment and self-sufficiency. This new ORI program, Refugee Independence through Service Enhancement or RISE, will target four refugee sub-groups, including: single refugee mothers; refugee women with low/no literacy; refugees with medical conditions; and refugees with social and psychological issues.
The first video is a slideshow highlighting some of the treasures in the State Library’s collection. The second video outlines the process of researching the legislative history, a common type of research among those coming to the library.
Boat Massachusetts is a state and nationally approved boating safety course, concentrating on the equipment and operating guidelines needed to enjoy boating in a safe and responsible way.
MassDOT RMV Registrar Rachel Kaprielian announced a new federal regulation that requires action by all 180,000 licensed commercial drivers, commercial permit holders, and new commercial applicants in Massachusetts beginning this spring.
In an effort to encourage people to report instances of abuse, neglect, and fraud related to the Medicaid system in Massachusetts, Attorney General Martha Coakley has launched an online form to make it even easier to send complaints.
Our TV show, “Consumer Affairs,” features the Undersecretary Barbara Anthony discussing various issues that come up monthly concerning consumers in Massachusetts. The show is aired on over 60 local cable channels across the state.
Delivering the keynote address at the 33rd Massachusetts Municipal Association’s annual meeting, Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray announced more than $5.2 billion in state funding to cities and towns, including a $145 million increase in K-12 Chapter 70 education aid – the highest level in history – which will be included in the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget proposal.
On January 1st, 2012, the Departments of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Public Health (DPH), and Agricultural Resources (DAR) signed a joint resolution with the mutual goal of encouraging people to maintain a healthy lifestyle through year-round outdoor recreation and quiet enjoyment in our state parks and eating locally grown and produced agricultural products.
MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has provided funding awards to aid in the repair of roadways damaged by the tornadoes that hit the central and western parts of Massachusetts on June 1, 2011, and Tropical Storm Irene on August 26, 2011.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) are conducting an investigation at Twin River Farms located at 1272 Rannapo Road, in Ashley Falls, MA, due to the possibility of raw milk being contaminated with Brucella. This investigation is being conducted in response to a suspected human case, following an individual’s contact with this farm.The presence of Brucella in raw milk represents a significant danger to public health.
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported today that the total unemployment rate was 6.8 percent, down 0.2 of a percentage point from the November rate of 7.0 percent, and well below the national rate of 8.5 percent. It is the lowest monthly rate since December of 2008. The preliminary December estimates show a decrease of 6,200 jobs in Massachusetts, for a total of 3,234,500 jobs.
Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray announced more than $14 million in grants to enhance parks and recreational facilities in 25 communities throughout the Commonwealth.
The Patrick-Murray Administration announced a first in the nation initiative to allow Massachusetts to enter into "pay for success" contracts designed to encourage innovative solutions to social problems, improve the performance of government and save taxpayer money. The Executive Office for Administration and Finance (ANF) today issued Requests for Response (RFRs) as a next step in pursuing these social innovation financing contracts.
A report published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners found Massachusetts personal auto insurance premiums decreased by 12.7 percent between 2007 and 2009, the time period when the Patrick-Murray Administration's Division of Insurance was implementing managed competition in the marketplace.
With the new alimony law effective in less than two months, we've added a new page, Law About Alimony.
Sign up to follow our Energy Smarts Twitter feed at @maenergysmarts for tips on how to save energy this winter. Here are some more tips.
Governor Deval Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray convened a meeting with cabinet secretaries and local officials to discuss economic development opportunities for the City of Springfield. The Administration joined local officials to outline priority economic development initiatives to spur job creation, economic activity and revitalization in Springfield.
An independent panel of experts studying potential health impacts of wind turbines has issued its report, Wind Turbine Health Impact Study: Report of the Independent Expert Panel. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) convened the panel in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). The panel was composed of physicians and scientists with broad expertise in areas including acoustical noise/infrasound, public health, sleep disturbance, mechanical engineering, epidemiology, and neuroscience.
Welcome to the newest category on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health blog! We created this space as a forum to discuss all of the ways that mental wellness can contribute to a healthy and productive life. In our culture, all too often we can make the mistake of focusing solely on our physical health as a measure of our overall well-being, neglecting the importance of our mental outlook in that equation.
New c.209A Forms became effective, and Mass. Legal Help has a new page that does a great job of explaining the guidelines issued in September in easy to understand language.
Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray joined state and local officials to announce a $3.2 million MassWorks Infrastructure Grant for water, sewer and roadway improvements to support the Acushnet Avenue International Market Place in New Bedford. The International Marketplace project will create 40 construction jobs, five part-time jobs and 30 full-time jobs while advancing the redevelopment of the Acushnet Avenue Marketplace.
MassDOT Secretary Richard A. Davey joined MassDOT RMV Registrar Rachel Kaprielian at the Boston Chinatown RMV branch to announce the availability of a new guide to optimize the 40-hours of supervised driving teens are required to complete under parental supervision prior to receiving their license.
Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. announced new regulations regarding the use of toxic chemicals in Massachusetts. The regulations, which took effect January 1, increase the number of companies required to report use of some of these chemicals by approximately 20 companies.
Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office is proposing a regulation that, if adopted, would clarify the standard for a finding by the AG’s Office of an intentional violation of the Open Meeting Law. The regulation would define the term “Knowing or Knowingly” used in the Open Meeting Law. A public body that “knowingly” violates the Open Meeting Law is subject to a $1,000 fine per violation. The proposed regulation was posted on the AG’s website on December 12, 2011 and published in the State Register on December 23, 2011.
The Patrick-Murray Administration announced the completion and opening of Route 24 Interchange 8B, a signature project that created jobs while investing in the state’s infrastructure to enhance long term economic development. The $35 million project created a new exit and interchange, 8B, between the existing exits 8 and 9 on Route 24 in Freetown and is funded by the Obama Administration's federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The energy efficient lighting project will replace 87 percent of the total fixtures at the Alewife Garage, which is also home to several other energy saving components such as electric vehicle charging stations, bike cages for commuters, and extensive natural lighting.
All sporting licenses and permits will now be sold electronically. Please note new changes!
Prices subject to change; children's prices may be subject to age restrictions. The age for children's admission will vary with each attraction. Family of Four refers to two adults and two children.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and MassDOT Registry of Motor Vehicles Division issued a two-year contract extension beginning in October 2013 for the enhanced vehicle emissions testing and safety inspection program, the Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program.
MassDOT asks our customers who use the Commonwealth transportation system to help shape the future of that system as part of weMove Massachusetts, a MassDOT strategic planning process.
Effective January 3, 2012, new Federal regulations (76 FR 75470, amending 49 CFR Parts 177, 383, 384, 390, 391, and 392) prohibit most use of hand-held phones by commercial motor vehicle drivers. In Massachusetts, regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are "incorporated by reference as the regulations of the Registry of Motor Vehicles" under 540 CMR 14.03.
Today the MBTA is serving more people more efficiently than ever before—with customers taking more than 1.3 million trips every weekday. Despite this, the T faces one of the most serious financial crises in its history.
Perhaps you were waiting at a traffic light or walking through a parking lot when you saw the Whale Tail license plate and thought to yourself, “I really ought to get one of those.” Then maybe you thought it would be a hassle, or too expensive, or that the funds wouldn’t go to a good cause.
The Attorney General’s Office began an investigation into the production and sale of illegal MBTA passes in March 2011, after an alert conductor noticed a pass that appeared different in color purportedly purchased by a rider on Craigslist. Further investigation showed that, while the ticket was authentic, the MBTA database had no record of it being activated and the MBTA had not received payment for it. The MBTA then discovered that more than 400 of these fraudulent passes, worth more than $70,000, were being used by passengers in March of 2011 alone.
The Patrick-Murray Administration announced that data from a new study published by researchers at George Washington University show that every dollar MassHealth spends helping its members quit smoking saves the Commonwealth $3.12 in expenses for hospitalizations due to acute cardiovascular conditions.
DOR released the December revenue report and the story is all about income tax cash estimated payments, or the lack thereof.
The New England Center for Homelessness and the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) unveiled the Statewide Housing Advocacy for Reintegration and Prevention (SHARP) initiative, a new federally-funded pilot program that will serve chronically homeless veterans in the Boston Metro area.
The Patrick Murray Administration joined officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness to announce a new report showing homelessness among veterans in Massachusetts has dropped 21 percent since January 2011, nearly twice the rate of reduction nationally.
Massachusetts is a leader in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, workforce development, and job creation. By working in partnership with government, academia, and industry, we are leveraging resources in a joint effort to encourage more and more students to study STEM fields to prepare themselves for future careers in Massachusetts’ innovation economy.
MassDOT released proposed fare increase and service reduction plans for the MBTA aimed at closing a projected $161 million budget gap for fiscal year 2013.
Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. announced $514,359 in grants to nine nonprofit organizations to preserve 409 acres of open space across Massachusetts.
It’s the start of the New Year, and many of us are being inundated by an avalanche of New Year’s resolutions. We are warned to start exercising regularly; address weight concerns; stop smoking; give up carbohydrates; give up sugar; give up fried food. It’s hard not to equate resolutions with depriving yourself of many of life’s pleasures. At the same time, we know that taking charge of one’s life and habits will give us a major dividend: better health and longer life.
When the Wachusett Reservoir was constructed at the turn of the last century, the earthen dams - or dikes - were intended to remain free of trees and shrubs in order to ensure their integrity. However, since the 1930s, trees have become established on the north and south dikes of the reservoir.
The Patrick-Murray Administration announced an additional $21.8 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), increasing the maximum benefit to help low-income residents in Massachusetts heat their homes this winter. The additional funding, bringing the total Massachusetts allocation to $99.5 million, follows continued advocacy by the Administration for maximum funding for the program this year.
DOR has released its final report on the 2011 sales tax holiday weekend that occurred on August 13-14, estimating that the amount of sales tax revenue foregone was approximately $20.98 million, exceeding the estimate of $19.9 million from the 2010 sales tax holiday weekend.
The Patrick-Murray Administration's Division of Insurance announced it has certified the first two organizations as group purchasing cooperatives, creating another potential avenue for small businesses and individuals to save on health insurance rates.
The Legislature's site is now reporting the bill changing the effective date of the Mass. Uniform Probate Code to March 31, 2012 (St.2011, c.224) was signed by the Governor on December 30, 2011.
Last week we were happy to announce ChopChop, a new monthly newsletter featuring a free recipe that parents and children can make together. Having children help in the kitchen is a good way to get your child to try new foods, develop cooking skills and eating habits, and spend quality time together as a family.
From the Mass Department of Agricultural Resources.
The Land Court is pleased to announce the availability of publicly available case information via the internet.
DOR announced earlier this month a drop in the personal income tax rate effective for tax years beginning on or after Jan. 1 from 5.3 percent to 5.25. This reduction extends to gains from investments held for more than a year (gains on investments held for less than a year are still taxable at 12 percent). A second tax reduction also kicks in on Jan. 1, when the corporate tax rate drops from 8.25 percent to 8.0 percent.
Attorney General Martha Coakley's Office unveiled amendments to regulations governing the registration and filing requirements for certain religious organizations that are also public charities. The regulations will simplify which religious organizations are required to register and submit annual filings with the Attorney General’s Office.
Many of us plan to make positive changes in our lives for a fresh start to the year. Make your best effort to stick to one resolution at the top of your list instead of trying to tackle several at a time.
We've added the new Probate and Family Court Rules to our site. Here's what you'll find.
Here are a few cold weather safety tips to keep you safe, warm, and healthy heading into the New Year.
You could spend every day this winter doing something fun and new, and while you might run out of energy, you'd never run out of things to do. Suit up and hit one of our 12 ski resorts, warm up with some hot cocoa at a cozy tavern, explore our many museums, or take a mini tropical vacation at an indoor water park. Scroll over the map for plenty of great ideas all over Massachusetts.
Schedule of festivals, clinics and courses.
On Wednesday, December 21, 2011, the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved 14 projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP). The projects will create over 719 new jobs and retain 2,912 existing jobs, in addition to leveraging over $80 million in private investment and supporting construction projects across the Commonwealth.
MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey has announced that several communities in Berkshire, Bristol, and Franklin Counties will benefit from a Federal Highway Administration grant awarded to MassDOT to cover emergency highway repairs in the wake of damage in August caused by Tropical Storm Irene. The $4.65 million FHWA grant funds repairs restoring roadways to pre-disaster conditions.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR's) Universal Access Program is offering winter activities through March. Designed to make outdoor recreation in Massachusetts more accessible for people with disabilities, their families and their friends, the program sponsors a wide variety of free adaptive cold-weather recreation opportunities at locations across the Commonwealth.
Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that the November seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates were down over-the-month in 19 areas and up in three areas - Tisbury, Nantucket and Barnstable.
The Patrick-Murray Administration announced that toxic mercury air emissions in Massachusetts have fallen by 91 percent since 1996, greatly exceeding the original goal of 75 percent, according to a study released by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
Governor Deval Patrick launched ChopChop, a free monthly newsletter in partnership with ChopChop Magazine that will provide Massachusetts families with healthy, fun and easy-to-make recipes featuring local produce.
Governor Deval Patrick announced that the federal government will renew the Commonwealth’s Medicaid waiver, setting the stage for a new round of innovations that build on the success of health care reform in Massachusetts. The three-year, $26.75 billion agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will help the Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to integrate and improve the quality of health care while controlling costs.
The annual survey of retail scanners at stores across Massachusetts by the Patrick-Murray Administration's Division of Standards found 99.46 percent accuracy, with 12 of the 13 overcharging errors coming in at $1.50 or lower.
City and Town, the twice-monthly publication of the Division of Local Services, has just published its first in-depth review of the local option room occupancy tax since it was raised from 4 percent to 6 percent in the summer of 2009. The article comes with a link that shows the amount of local revenue generated from this tax in each of the 177 cities and towns (50 percent of those in the Commonwealth) that has adopted the optional room occupancy tax, and the additional amounts raised by the 93 cities and towns that have elected to tax at a rate higher than 4 percent.
On December 15, 2011, the Department of Revenue certified that the personal income tax rate will drop from 5.30 percent to 5.25 percent effective January 1, 2012. The savings to taxpayers will vary, but for most taxpayers it will be less than $40 and as little as $5 or $10 for those with smaller taxable incomes.
So-called tax resolution companies continually market themselves as the solution to a taxpayer’s problems. Their pitch is simple: pay our company some money and our tax experts will lower and settle your tax liability. These claims are false. DOR publishes all Offers in Final Settlement in its annual report. None were reached with the help of a tax resolution company; all were negotiated directly between the taxpayer and DOR.
Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray joined state and local officials in Taunton to announce a $3.1 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant to help support the redevelopment of the former Paul A. Dever State School Campus and expansion of the Myles Standish Industrial Park (MSIP). Construction on the infrastructure improvement project will begin in the spring of 2012 and will create approximately 145 construction jobs.
Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray joined federal, state and local officials to announce $5.4 million in funding to support the City of Attleboro’s Downtown Redevelopment and Revitalization Project. The announcement builds on the Patrick-Murray Administration's significant efforts to support brownfields revitalization, neighborhood stabilization and regional transit development plans in the city’s downtown district.
On Thursday, December 15, 2011 the Patrick-Murray Administration announced the release of $14 million toward the costs for cities and towns associated with tornado damage on June 1 in Central and Western Massachusetts, including $3.9 million in MassDOT Highway Division funds to reimburse eight communities for the cost of emergency roadway repairs. MassDOT funds will pay for work completed to remove debris, rebuild roadways, and repair sidewalks and other transportation-related infrastructure.
MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey announced today the six-mile section of Route 2 closed following Tropical Storm Irene has reopened to traffic. The portion of Route 2 connecting North Adams, Florida, Savoy, and Charlemont in northern Berkshire and Franklin counties was closed following the significant damage caused by Irene in late August.
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported on Thursday, December 15, 2011 that preliminary November estimates show an increase of 5,000 jobs in Massachusetts, for a total of 3,245,400 jobs. The total unemployment rate was 7.0 percent, down 0.3 of a percentage point from the October rate of 7.3 percent, and well below the national rate of 8.6 percent. It is the lowest monthly rate since December of 2008.
In an effort to support returning Massachusetts veterans with finding employment following their military service, Attorney General Martha Coakley has partnered with several Massachusetts’ community colleges to create a computer forensics career program for veterans.
The Patrick-Murray Administration announced $11,382,220 in Workforce Training Fund grants to 138 Massachusetts companies. The grants, which support up to two years of training, will create approximately 1,700 new jobs and train a total of 13,000 workers.
Governor Deval Patrick appointed Stephen Crosby as chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. A former CEO, secretary of Administration and Finance and gubernatorial chief of staff, Crosby currently serves as dean of the McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies at UMass Boston.
In Globe Newspaper Co., Inc, Petitioner decided, the SJC clarified procedures for impoundment in criminal cases.
In Comm. v. Aviles, the SJC announced its intention to modify the first complaint doctrine.
During long winter months, it’s tempting to keep the heat on high 24/7 and hibernate. But energy efficiency is about the choices we make each day. Here are some tips on how to save energy and money this winter.
We've added two new pages: Law About Juries and Jury Service, and Law About Jury Selection.
The Mass. Trial Court has issued new and revised forms pursuant to MGL c.209A (Abuse Prevention) effective January 1, 2012.
The Department of Revenue released a statement from Taxpayer Advocate Dennis Buckley warning the public, tax preparers, and those who assist seniors in preparing tax returns of a scam that surfaced last year involving the popular Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit.
Before you buy that exotic animal online, be sure to check out Massachusetts laws on the subject. The best place to start is the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Keeping Captive / Exotic Wildlife, which summarizes the applicable laws. Those wanting more detail should read the following sources of primary law.
Five national banks have been sued in connection with their roles in allegedly pursuing illegal foreclosures on properties in Massachusetts as well as deceptive loan servicing, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced.
You may have heard or read in recent news articles that there is health advisory regarding consumption of some fish due to the potential for mercury contamination. While the advisory includes fish caught in most large water bodies including the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, there is no health concern for the drinking water provided by MWRA.
Governor Deval Patrick signed H.3810, “An Act Relative To Gender Identity," historic legislation to legally protect transgender individuals from discrimination in housing, education, employment and credit. The new law, signed at the State House, also provides additional civil rights and protections from hate crimes.
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development today reported that the October seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates were down over-the-month in 19 areas; unchanged in the Great Barrington area; and up in the Tisbury and Nantucket areas. Statewide, the October seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate was 6.8 percent, down from 7.2 percent in September. The statewide rate was down one percentage point from the 7.8 percent rate recorded for October 2010 and the rates in all twenty-two labor areas were down over the year.
Governor Deval Patrick signed H. 3807, "An Act Establishing Expanded Gaming in the Commonwealth," legislation that will advance job creation and economic development in the Commonwealth by creating the potential for thousands of jobs in the construction, tourism, hospitality, leisure and convention sectors.
After a review of dozens of shipping and handling fee rules for retailers at the onset of the holiday shopping season, the Patrick-Murray Administration's Office of Consumer Affairs has identified some of the most frequent ways retailers use those fees to add to a consumer's bottom line.
Governor Deval Patrick signed into law H. 3808, “An Act Relative to the Commercial Exploitation of People,” which strengthens protections for victims of human trafficking and prostitution and increases the punishment for offenders by carrying a potential life sentence for traffickers of children.
Governor Deval Patrick joined members of the Special Joint Committee on Redistricting to sign House Bill 3798, “An Act Establishing Congressional Districts.”
Governor Deval Patrick unveiled the Administration's latest five-year Capital Investment plan, which builds on the Patrick-Murray Administration's unprecedented efforts to stimulate job creation and support long-term economic growth by calling for record level investments in the Commonwealth’s higher education, transportation, economic development, housing and other infrastructure and assets.
Governor Deval Patrick signed comprehensive pension reform legislation, continuing the Patrick-Murray Administration's efforts to end abuses and close loopholes to create a sustainable public pension system. The bill signed today, S. 2065, “An Act Providing For Pension Reform and Benefit Modernization”, builds on legislation signed during the Governor's first term that eliminated the most egregious abuses in the public retirement system.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Massachusetts Food Association (MFA) today announced that a joint initiative with the grocery and supermarket industry to reduce the number of disposable paper and plastic shopping bags distributed in Massachusetts has achieved excellent results during the first three years - a reduction of 33 percent since 2007.
Balancing your calories is never easy. With a busy schedule, often we find ourselves extremely hungry by the time we finally have a chance to eat. That can easily lead to eating even more calories than we had planned to. So how can we stop ourselves from overeating at meal times? Two words: smart snacking!
Burn safety tips, cooking fire prevention, how to handle kitchen fires, and more.
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported today that preliminary October estimates show an increase of 10,800 jobs in Massachusetts, for a total of 3,239,300 jobs. The total unemployment rate remained at 7.3 percent, well below the national rate of 9.0 percent, and the state's lowest monthly rate since January of 2009.
The Patrick-Murray Administration approved 23 new MassWorks Infrastructure Program grants to advance local development projects across the state. The new grants bring the state’s total investment in MassWorks to nearly $61 million, supporting thousands of jobs in Massachusetts communities. Through these grants, the state will partner with cities and towns to support housing developments, infrastructure investments, road safety and downtown revitalization projects.
Governor Deval Patrick visited Bridgewater State University's Aviation Training Facility located at the New Bedford Regional Airport to announce the results of a comprehensive statewide airport economic impact study that finds Massachusetts public airports generate $11.9 billion in economic activity and support approximately 124,000 jobs. After touring the training facility, Governor Patrick proclaimed the month of November as "General Aviation Month."
The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) announced 101 municipalities across the state have adopted new energy efficiency standards for residential and commercial construction in their communities. With the Stretch Code now adopted in 101 communities, more than 2.9 million people - over 44 percent of the Massachusetts population - reside in communities that have adopted energy efficiency building standards.
Governor Deval Patrick and Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez attended the grand opening of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center in Boston to highlight the importance of supporting minority businesses and entrepreneurs in the Commonwealth.
Governor Deval Patrick sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce John E. Bryson renewing the Commonwealth’s request for $21 million in federal fisheries disaster assistance for Massachusetts fishing communities impacted by the federal “catch shares” program. The Governor’s request is accompanied by two new economic reports that document significant financial losses and dramatic consolidation in the Massachusetts-based groundfish fleet.
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) announced the launch of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)/Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Clean Energy Results Program, an innovative new initiative that will advance the Patrick-Murray Administration's goals for creating sources of renewable energy and encouraging energy efficient development.
Approximately once every ten years, Massachusetts is constitutionally mandated to adjust its state House, Senate, Governor's Council and federal Congressional district boundaries to account for population shifts and provide equal representation to its citizens. These most recent maps divide the Commonwealth into 9 federal Congressional districts and 40 Senatorial, 8 Councillor and 160 Representative districts.
The Patrick-Murray Administration announced $77.6 million in federal funding to provide heating assistance to low income residents in Massachusetts. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding will be distributed to 22 regional agencies across the Commonwealth that will administer the funds to households in need.
MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey outlined steps being taken to clear state roadways during the upcoming winter season in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible. MassDOT is adding new equipment to be used by MassDOT employees, reducing the need for outside crews and vendors.
As part of a statewide effort to advance municipal and state clean energy goals, the Patrick-Murray Administration announced $3.7 million in grants to the state’s newest Green Communities – 21 cities and towns from across the Commonwealth that earned the designation this summer, making them eligible for awards to fund local renewable power and energy efficiency projects.
Winter farmers' markets start soon. Find the bounty of Massachusetts agriculture at your local farmers’ market!
The MBTA works year-round to prepare for harsh winter weather. Our crews work to weatherize equipment and facilities to keep you moving when winter weather occurs. During inclement weather, check MBTA.com regularly for information on service impacts and delays.
We have had a number of recent storms that have caused widespread outages and problems for customers. It is essential that utilities are properly prepared for these storms and are able to quickly respond to outages, all while maintaining strong lines of communication with local officials and customers.
MBTA daily ridership reached what is believed to be its highest level in the modern record-keeping era in September. System-wide average weekday ridership for September totaled 1.349 million unlinked passenger trips per weekday in September, an increase of 4.3 percent compared to September 2010.