Friday, August 10, 2012
Stoughton transportation improvements approved by Governor Patrick in the state's Transportation Bond Bill. The final bill signed by the governor contains train station aid and funding for two additional projects in town.
If the town decides to purchase the Stoughton Train Station, which has recently been put up for sale by the MBTA, it will receive some financial assistance from the state. Governor Deval Patrick signed the $1.5 billion transportation bond bill on Thursday, August 9, which funds a variety of road, bridge and rail projects across the state. This includes $175,000 in matching grant funds to the Town of Stoughton for the purpose of purchasing or refurbishing the old MBTA Stoughton Railroad Station on Wyman Street, if the town decides it would like to retain control of the property. In essence, the bill gives Stoughton the right of first refusal for the 6,100-square foot property, which also includes 30 adjacent parking spaces. Also included in…
Friday, August 3, 2012
Anyone that registers a car in Mass. must now hold a license, social security number, or other proof of legal residence. This comes about a month after a Stoughton illegal immigrant was charged for her role in a fatal crash.
The Massachusetts State Senate and House overwhelmingly voted earlier this week to override Governor Deval Patrick’s veto of legislation that prevents illegal immigrants from registering or operating motor vehicles. The legislation, which was initially passed as an amendment, requires any person that registers a car in Massachusetts show a license, social security number, or other proof of legal residence. Currently the Registry of Motor Vehicles only requires applicants to include their name, address, proof of insurance, and date of birth on the application to secure a so-called “X” registration. This amendment to the state budget received additional attention after Auricelli Braga, a 32-year-old unlicensed illegal immigrant from …
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The much-debated bill limits parole eligibility for convicted violent repeat offenders.
Governor Deval Patrick on Tuesday ended speculation that he might not sign the mandatory sentencing bill he had objected to but the Legislature supported. Calling the bill "a good start," Patrick said he would sign it but wants to see changes made to it in the next legislative session. "I still believe there is a necessary role for judicial discretion when it comes to sentencing and many of the advocates of this bill have pledged to support that next year," he wrote in a statement on Tuesday. "The Senate President and the Speaker have pledged to return to the subject of mandatory minimum sentencing early in the next session. I take them at their word." As it stands, the so-called "three strikes" bill, also dubbed "Melissa's Law" after a …
Monday, July 30, 2012
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 …
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Governor Patrick heard from Youth Council members and alumni at the first statewide Youth Council reunion on July 9.
- GOVERNMENT
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Wednesday, July 11, 2012
The following is a press release from the office of Governor Deval Patrick: Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick hosted members and alumni of the Governor’s Youth Council Monday, July 9 in the State House at the first statewide Youth Council reunion. The youth shared what they have accomplished as a Youth Council member as well as their goals going forward. Danisha Dumornay and Jose Rodrigues, both from Stoughton, were among the 30 youth participants at Monday's reunion conference. “I continue to be impressed with these amazing young leaders. Their commitment to civic engagement make them incredible role models for the next generation,” Governor Patrick said. “I look forward to continuing to work with them to focus on the issues that are …
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
However, Governor Deval Patrick softened language for a law requiring proof of residency in order to register a car, prompting Republican leaders in the State Legislature to seek an override.
Part of the $32.5 billion Fiscal Year 2013 state budget, signed by Governor Deval Patrick on July 8, includes stricter penalties for driving without a license, but the Governor softened language for a law requiring proof of residency in order to register a car. As a result, Republican lawmakers are asking their peers on Beacon Hill for an override. These amendments to the state budget received additional attention after Auricelli Braga, a 32-year-old unlicensed illegal immigrant from Stoughton, was charged for her role in a fatal car crash two weeks ago. Braga was charged with motor-vehicle homicide, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and driving without a license following a two-car crash on Turnpike St. in Canton on June 24 which …
Monday, July 9, 2012
A bill brought forward by Representative Louis L. Kafka (D-Stoughton) and Senator James E. Timilty (D-Walpole) that would establish penalties for trafficking meth into the state was signed into law.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has signed into law a methamphetamines (meth) trafficking bill presented by one of Stoughton's state legislatures. The law closes "a glaring loophole" in Massachusetts' drug trafficking laws by creating penalties for methamphetamines trafficking, state Rep. Louis Kafka (D-Stoughton) said in a press release on Monday, July 9. According to the release, "the language provides that methamphetamines, a Class B substance, will now be included in the list of drugs eligible for prosecution under the Commonwealth’s trafficking laws." "Up until now, law enforcement was unable to bring sufficient charges against people who were bringing large quantities of meth into the Commonwealth. Having the Attorney General …
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
A tax on cigarettes and junk food aims to raise money for state and make residents healthier.
Under a proposal by Gov. Deval Patrick, "sin taxes" on cigarettes will increase and new sales taxes on candy and soda will be put into place. Patrick is proposing the increase as a way to raise $260 million in new revenues for the state budget, according to an Associated Press article. Under the plan, the cigarette tax will be increased from $2.51 per pack to $3.01 per pack — an increase of 50 cents. The plan will also ask to impose the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax on candy and soda — both items are currently exempt from the tax — and expand the state’s bottle deposit law to include bottled water, sports drinks and other beverages, the Associated Press reported. The plan would also double the taxes paid on other tobacco products such …
Monday, January 30, 2012
Stoughton High students and faculty took part in an anti-bullying initiative last Friday.
Dozens of Stoughton High students and faculty wore black to school on Friday, taking part in the school’s efforts to “black out bullying.” The initiative was sponsored by the school’s Peer Mediation and S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) groups. “It’s our statement that we do not tolerate bullying in this building,” Stoughton High principal Matt Colantonio said. Schools across the state held similar events last week as part of Governor Deval Patrick’s anti-bullying awareness campaign. The Governor had declared last Wednesday as “No Name Calling Day.” Peer Mediation coordinator Terri Croghan said about 60 students from SHS also attended “Stand Up 2011,” a rally against bullying, held in December. It’s events like these and …
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray previews Patrick-Murray Administration's budget investments at Massachusetts Municipal Association meeting.
- GOVERNMENT
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Saturday, January 21, 2012
The following is a press release from the office of Governor Deval Patrick: Delivering Friday’s 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. “Massachusetts is leading the nation out of the global economic recession thanks to our targeted investments and strong partnerships with cities and towns,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray. “Governor Patrick and I are proud to support our municipal partners with these…
Scott M
6:49 am on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
How anyone ever voted for this Governor is mind blowing. more ›