Tagged: deval patrick

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, beginning his final two years in office, is proposing an ambitious restructuring of the state’s tax system.  The governor outlined the proposal in his annual State of the Commonwealth Address last night. 

Governor Deval Patrick announced a bold plan that would raise an additional $1.9 billion dollars in taxes annually.

BOSTON (AP) — Lawmakers are giving mixed reviews to Gov. Deval Patrick's call to hike the state's income tax while also cutting the sales tax.

Senate President Therese Murray said she applauded Patrick's ambition but added the "the devil's in the details."

Fellow Democrat, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, said Patrick's proposal gives lawmakers a lot of food for thought, but said he didn't think the proposal could pass or fail based just on what Patrick said.

Republicans lawmakers were more critical.

BOSTON (AP) — Advocates for people with developmental disabilities are hailing a decision by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to sign a bill easing IQ eligibility restrictions for services.

The new law will prevent the state Department of Developmental Services from automatically denying eligibility to people scoring above 70 on IQ tests.

BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Deval Patrick plans to recommend sweeping reforms in health care benefits for retired state and municipal employees, changes that are estimated to save up to $20 billion over the next 30 years.

The recommendations stem from a report due to be released Friday by a special commission that studied the soaring costs of retiree health care.