What Do You Think About Gov. Patrick’s Travel Ban?

Do you agree with the governor's decision or was it too drastic?

All non-emergency drivers were ordered off the roads on Friday when Gov. Deval Patrick issued an executive order banning travel during the blizzard. (Editor's note: The ban is lifted statewide as of 4 p.m. Saturday.) Patrick's executive order is being praised by some and bashed by others, reported The Boston Globe. While former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, who was in charge of the commonwealth during the Blizzard of ’78, praised the governor’s move, others called the order “tyrannical” and say the strict ban and hefty fines were too much, according to The Globe. Those caught violating the ban would face up to a year in jail and a $500 fine. What do you think? Do you agree with the governor’s decision or do you think the travel ban …

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Patrick: We Need to Increase Income Tax to Invest in Our Future

Tell us: do you think we need to increase taxes to strengthen education and transportation?

In his State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday night, Gov. Deval Patrick proposed raising the state's income tax by 1 percentage point and lowering the sales tax to pay for $2 billion in transportation improvements and early childhood education programs.  "There is no good time to raise taxes. I know how tough the times have been on the people and families of the Commonwealth. And though the worst of the recession is over, many, many families still face tough decisions and have deep anxiety about the future. I would not ask if I did not believe in my heart that investing meaningfully today in education and transportation will significantly improve our economic tomorrows," Patrick said. Patrick said he wanted a more fair and …

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Ken B.

1:00 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013

Ayca/MC, So the best you got is a claim that since SC is corrupt we should throw more money down the demotax rathole under the guise of improving education and transportation ? Where's your proof that it will ?.....oh, nevermind, you said so, so it must be true. (Sound of buzzer) Dissss-missed !   more ›

Governor Proclaims November Family Literacy Month

The month of November has been declared family literacy month to build on reading at home.

The Patrick-Murray Administration has proclaimed November to be the Commonwealth's 16th annual Family Literacy Month in recognition of the pivotal role that parents and family members play in the educational success of their children. "We know that children who can read by third grade have a better chance to succeed in their adult lives," said Governor Deval Patrick. "Family engagement is a critical part of developing those literacy skills which is why we are committed to partnering with parents and families to provide the best chance for our children to succeed in the 21st century global economy." In celebration of Family Literacy Month, communities across the state will host activities throughout November in support of literacy, lifelong…

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TELL US: Did NStar, National Grid Perform Well During Hurricane Sandy?

The two utility companies have had complaints in recent storms—Hurricane Irene and Snowtober—but say they stepped it up for Sandy.

Hurricane Sandy blew out of the region earlier this week, but not without causing massive power outages, some of which have yet to be fixed.  Both National Grid and NStar say they did a better, faster job in fixing power outages than in previous storms, according to WBUR. Not everyone agrees, however. According to the story, Newton Mayor Setti Warren said NStar was faster, but there's still work to be done. Gov. Deval Patrick also told WBUR the companies worked faster, but said a "total victory" can't be declared. Do you agree? Have they improved since the last storm? Or is there still work to be done? Tell us in the comments.

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Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week in Massachusetts

Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill proclaiming the third week in October as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

Men get it, too. That's the message of The Blue Wave, a group created to spread awareness about breast cancer in men, and the message that will be sent the week of Oct. 21-27 in Massachusetts after Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill proclaiming the third week in October as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week.  Last month, Patrick signed the bill that says the week aims "to raise awareness of the occurrence of breast cancer in men and to encourage regular testing for breast cancer amongst all citizens of the Commonwealth." According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure, one of the most well-known breast cancer awareness groups, breast cancer in men is rare but still happens: The overall ratio of female to male breast cancer in the U.S…

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What Would You Ask Gov. Patrick?

Gov. Deval Patrick speaks with Patch readers live at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Which questions do you want him to answer?

If you could ask Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick one question, what would it be? Patrick will join Patch Thursday at 1:30 p.m. for a live chat with readers. Now isyour chance to ask the executive of the commonwealth your question about casinos, the economy, elections or whatever else you want to know. Can't make it to the live chat? Leave your questions for Patrick in the comments to have them considered for the live Q&A session. We'll be sure to ask about the most popular topics when we chat Thursday. To join our chat, head on over to our homepage from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Thursday.  

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Brazilian President to Visit Massachusetts Tuesday

Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff is making two stops in the United States, Tuesday to Massachusetts and one to Washington D.C. to meet with President Barack Obama today.

Governor Deval Patrick will welcome President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff to the State House tomorrow, April 10. The President’s visit is a direct result of Governor's 2011 trade mission to Brazil. President Rousseff’s only other stop in the United States will be to Washington, D.C. today, where part of her itinerary includes meeting with President Barack Obama. While in Massachusetts, Rousseff will make a visit to Harvard University but will not stop in Marlborough. “I look forward to welcoming President Rousseff to the State House,” said Patrick in a press release. “As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Brazil is an important commercial and cultural partner for Massachusetts and we are honored that the President will make …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need To Know Today: Feb. 27

Marlborough schools recently got a boost from a state-issued grant, and at least two residents will be running for cancer research in the upcoming Boston Marathon.

1. Do you represent or own a Marlborough business? If so, look it up on Marlborough Patch and claim the listing. It's a great way to let everyone know what you have going on! Also, if you know of a great local business that isn't yet in our directory, email josh.gray@patch.com with the name of the business and I'll get it in the works. Also, you can check out this great one minute video on the claiming process.  2. Pete Binkewicz and Meghan Lipcon, of Marlborough, will be running in the 116th Boston Marathon to help conquer cancer as members of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team. These Marlborough residents, along with Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge teammates from across the United States and around the world, will run Massachusetts’ …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 5

One local bank did the right thing this holiday season, and Marlborough Police still need your help on a couple of cases.

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1. The residents at Bolton Manor Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Marlborough had some gifts to unwrap under the Christmas tree this holiday season thanks to some generous donations from employees of Marlborough Savings Bank. The staff at Marlborough Savings Bank helped the Activity Department at Bolton Manor complete the residents’ wish list through a Giving Quilt. Bank employees purchased gifts based on tags from the quilt. As a result of their kindness, all residents at the facility received a present this year. Way to go! 2. The Pro Musica Youth Chorus is …

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